A wood burning outdoor sauna is an outstanding way to relax and unwind, delivering a traditional and effective heating experience. Many homeowners are opting for outdoor sauna wood burning models due to their authenticity, sustainability, and health benefits. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about selecting, installing, and maintaining a wood burning sauna outdoor to ensure the best sauna experience.
The charm of a wood burning sauna lies in its ability to create a peaceful and natural setting that encourages relaxation and rejuvenation. The soothing sound of crackling wood and the gentle scent it releases enhance the sensory experience, making it a perfect escape from the everyday hustle and bustle. Whether you're looking for a quiet moment alone or a shared experience with family and friends, a wood burning sauna provides a welcoming space to unwind and enjoy the health benefits of regular sauna use.
When considering a wood burning sauna, it's crucial to understand the various components that contribute to its effectiveness. From the quality of the wood used in its construction to the design of the stove and chimney system, each element plays a vital role in ensuring optimal performance and safety. Proper installation and maintenance are also key to maximizing your sauna's lifespan and efficiency, allowing you to reap its benefits for years to come.
For those new to the sauna world, choosing between a wood burning and an electric model can be challenging. While electric saunas offer convenience and rapid heating, wood burning saunas provide a more authentic and eco-friendly experience. The choice ultimately depends on personal preferences, available resources, and the desired sauna experience.
As you explore the potential of adding a wood burning sauna to your outdoor space, consider the wide range of styles and sizes available. From compact barrel saunas perfect for small gardens to larger, custom-built structures designed for group use, there's a solution to suit every need and aesthetic. Embrace the opportunity to create a personal oasis that not only enhances your well-being but also adds value to your home.
Benefits of a Wood Burning Outdoor Sauna
Health Benefits
A wood burning sauna promotes deep sweating, detoxification, and improved circulation. Regular sessions in a wood fired sauna boost cardiovascular health, relieve stress, and improve muscle recovery.
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Heating
Unlike electric saunas, outdoor wood fired saunas operate on renewable firewood, making them an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly choice.
Traditional Sauna Experience
A wood fired sauna delivers deep, penetrating heat, enhanced by the natural aroma of burning wood, providing an authentic sauna experience.
Key Features to Consider When Buying a Wood Burning Sauna
Choosing the Right Sauna Wood Material
Selecting the best wood impacts durability and heat retention. Popular options include:
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Cedar: Naturally resistant to moisture and insects, cedar is a favorite for its aromatic qualities and ability to maintain a comfortable temperature, making it perfect for a relaxing sauna experience.
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Spruce: Affordable and provides excellent insulation, spruce is ideal for those looking for a cost-effective option without sacrificing quality. Its light color and smooth texture also contribute to a serene environment.
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Thermowood: Heat-treated for maximum durability, thermowood offers superior resistance to warping and decay, ensuring your sauna remains a long-lasting retreat.
Size and Capacity Considerations
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Solo or Couple: Small, personal-use models are perfect for those seeking solitude or intimate relaxation sessions. These compact saunas fit well in limited outdoor spaces.
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Family & Group Use: Larger models for social sauna experiences allow multiple users to enjoy the health benefits simultaneously, making them ideal for family gatherings or social events.
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Custom-Built: Tailored designs to fit specific needs offer flexibility in size and style, ensuring that your sauna complements your outdoor space and personal preferences.
Heating Efficiency and Insulation
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Sauna Heater Quality: Look for adjustable airflow control for temperature regulation, as this allows you to customize your sauna experience to your liking, whether you prefer a gentle warmth or a more intense heat.
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Proper Insulation: Retains heat and improves performance, ensuring that your sauna heats up quickly and maintains a consistent temperature throughout your session.
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Adequate Ventilation: Ensures safety and enhances steam production, creating the perfect balance of heat and humidity for a truly rejuvenating sauna experience.
Choosing the Best Outdoor Sauna Wood Burning Model
Budget Considerations
Options vary based on price and features:
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DIY Sauna Kits for affordability.
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Luxury Pre-Built Models for superior craftsmanship.
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Custom-Built Saunas for personalized design.
Installation and Maintenance Factors
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DIY Installation: Requires assembly but saves costs.
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Professional Installation: Ensures safety and proper setup.
Best Outdoor Wood Burning Sauna Brands in 2025
When choosing the perfect wood burning outdoor sauna, consider top brands renowned for their quality and features. Here are some of the best brands to look for:
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Empire Saunas: Known for their premium craftsmanship, Empire Saunas offers a diverse selection of saunas made from high-quality cedar, spruce, and thermowood. They provide excellent warranty protection and exceptional customer service.
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Nordic Heat: This brand is celebrated for its durable materials and innovative designs, ensuring a traditional sauna experience with modern efficiency.
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Sunrise Saunas: Offering high ratings and eco-friendly options, Sunrise Saunas focuses on sustainability and energy efficiency, making them a great choice for environmentally conscious buyers.
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ThermoLux Saunas: Known for their advanced insulation and heating efficiency, ThermoLux Saunas provide a comfortable and energy-efficient sauna experience.
Look for brands offering warranty protection, high ratings, and durable materials to ensure a satisfying and
Best Wood Burning Outdoor Saunas in 2025
When considering the best wood burning outdoor saunas in 2025, it's essential to compare top models based on price, material quality, heating efficiency, and user ratings. Here's a look at some standout products from leading brands, including their approximate prices and features:
Empire Saunas
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Empire Cedar Deluxe: Known for its premium cedar wood construction, this model offers excellent durability and a traditional sauna experience. It features a high-efficiency stove for optimal heating and an ergonomic seating arrangement for maximum comfort.
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Empire ThermoLux: With advanced insulation and a sleek design, this sauna is perfect for those seeking both style and performance. It includes a digital temperature control system for precise heating and ambient LED lighting for a relaxing atmosphere.
Nordic Heat
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Nordic Classic: Combining durable materials with innovative design, this sauna provides a robust and authentic experience. It features a quick-heating stove and a built-in audio system for an enhanced sauna experience.
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Nordic Eco-Friendly: Focused on sustainability, this model uses eco-friendly materials and efficient heating systems. It also includes solar-powered ventilation and a water-saving steam generator.
Sunrise Saunas
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Sunrise Eco Deluxe: Rated highly for its energy efficiency and eco-friendly design, this sauna is ideal for environmentally conscious users. It offers a dual-layer insulation system and a customizable aroma therapy feature.
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Sunrise Compact: Perfect for smaller spaces, it offers a compact design without compromising on quality or performance. It includes foldable benches for space-saving and a rapid heat-up time.
ThermoLux Saunas
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ThermoLux Premium: Known for its superior insulation and heating efficiency, this model ensures a comfortable and energy-efficient sauna experience. It comes with a smart control panel and a panoramic glass door for a modern touch.
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ThermoLux Family: Designed for larger groups, offering ample space and robust heating capabilities. It features multiple seating levels and a powerful steam generator for an authentic sauna experience.
When choosing the right sauna, consider your budget, space, and specific needs to ensure you select the perfect model for your
Step-by-Step Guide to Sauna Installation
Selecting the Right Location
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Choose a flat and stable surface. This ensures that the structure remains secure and prevents any potential shifting or settling that could compromise the sauna's integrity.
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Maintain distance from buildings for safety. Positioning your sauna away from other structures reduces the risk of fire hazards and allows for better air circulation.
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Ensure proper ventilation and drainage. Adequate airflow is crucial for maintaining a comfortable environment inside the sauna, while effective drainage helps prevent water accumulation and potential damage.
Installation Steps
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Prepare the Foundation – Use concrete or a wooden deck. A solid foundation is essential for stability and longevity, providing a level base that supports the entire structure.
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Assemble the Sauna Structure – Follow manufacturer guidelines. Carefully following the instructions ensures that all components fit together correctly, leading to a safe and functional sauna.
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Install the Wood Stove – Position for maximum heat efficiency. The stove should be placed in a location that allows for even heat distribution, enhancing the sauna experience.
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Insulate and Seal – Prevent heat loss and optimize performance. Proper insulation keeps the heat contained, making the sauna more energy-efficient and comfortable.
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Safety Check – Verify chimney function and fire safety measures. Regular inspections of the chimney and other safety features help prevent accidents and ensure compliance with safety standards.
Maintenance and Care Tips
Wood Burning Sauna Cleaning and Preservation
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Wipe down interior wood surfaces regularly. This prevents the buildup of sweat and dirt, maintaining a clean and hygienic environment.
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Apply sauna-safe wood treatments to prolong durability. These treatments protect the wood from moisture and heat, extending the life of your sauna.
Preventing Mold and Moisture Issues
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Keep the sauna well-ventilated. Good ventilation helps control humidity levels, reducing the risk of mold growth.
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Dry thoroughly after each session. Allowing the sauna to dry completely prevents moisture from lingering, which can lead to mold and mildew.
Fire Safety Precautions
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Use only dry firewood for clean burning. Dry wood burns more efficiently and produces less smoke, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable sauna experience.
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Maintain safe clearance around the heater. Keeping flammable materials away from the heater minimizes the risk of fire.
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Keep a fire extinguisher nearby. Having a fire extinguisher on hand provides peace of mind and readiness in case of an emergency.
Wood Burning Sauna vs. Electric Sauna – Which One is Better?
Pros and Cons Comparison
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Wood Burning Sauna: Provides an authentic and eco-friendly experience but requires regular firewood maintenance.
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Electric Sauna: Offers quick and effortless heating but depends on electricity consumption.
Hybrid Sauna Systems
Hybrid outdoor saunas combine wood-burning and electric heating for flexibility and convenience.
Conclusion – Invest in the Best Outdoor Wood Burning Sauna Today!
A wood burning outdoor sauna is a fantastic investment in health, relaxation, and eco-friendly wellness. Whether you want a traditional wood fired sauna or a modern hybrid system, the right sauna will enhance your lifestyle.
Find the Best Sauna for Your Home!
Explore our top-rated wood burning outdoor saunas at Empire Saunas and choose the ideal model for your needs. Upgrade your outdoor relaxation space today!
Why Empire Saunas is the Best Choice for Your Wood Burning Outdoor Sauna
If you're looking for the best outdoor wood burning sauna, Empire Saunas offers premium craftsmanship, superior materials, and top-notch customer service.
Why Choose Empire Saunas?
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High-Quality Materials: We use the finest cedar, spruce, and thermowood.
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Expert Craftsmanship: Our saunas are designed for long-term durability and efficiency.
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Diverse Selection: Whether you need a compact wood fired sauna or a large outdoor woodfired sauna, we have the perfect option.
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Customer Satisfaction Guarantee: We offer warranty coverage and exceptional support.
Get the Best Deals on Outdoor Wood Fired Saunas
At Empire Saunas, we make finding the perfect sauna easy. Browse our collection and elevate your sauna experience with a high-quality wood burning sauna today. and call us + 1 (800) 949-9904 or email support@empiresaunas.com
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a wood burning sauna take to heat up?
A wood burning sauna typically heats up within 30-60 minutes, depending on size and insulation.
What type of wood is best for burning?
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Hardwoods like oak, maple, and birch burn longer and provide consistent heat.
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Avoid softwoods, which produce excess smoke.
Do you need a permit to install an outdoor sauna?
Regulations vary by region, so check with local authorities before installation.