Indoor vs Outdoor Sauna | What’s the Difference Between Them? – Elite Vitality

Indoor vs Outdoor Sauna: What’s the Difference Between an Indoor and Outdoor Sauna?

January 08, 2025By Inbound Pursuit

From deep relaxation to detoxification support, improved circulation, and more - the benefits of sauna therapy are vast. It’s no wonder more and more health-conscious homeowners are rushing to bring the benefits into their own homes!

Maybe you’re on the journey yourself but have come to a crossroads: choosing between an indoor vs outdoor sauna. Don’t sweat it, we’re here to help. So, what’s the difference between an indoor and outdoor sauna?

Really, the only difference comes down to the materials used. Outdoor saunas need to be crafted from weather-resistant lumber like cedar since they have to withstand moisture, pests, and sunlight. There’s a bit more flexibility with indoor saunas.

As far as which is right for you between an outdoor vs indoor sauna, though, only you can answer that. What we can help with is unpacking the factors you need to consider.

How much space do you have indoors or in the backyard, and which makes more sense?

What sort of budget did you have in mind for this investment in your health and happiness?

What climate do you deal with in your area, and how will that impact heating times during winter?

These are just a few of the many questions to ask yourself along the way. But your best bet is to simply get in touch with our expert customer service team here at Elite Vitality, your one-stop shop for indoor saunas for sale and outdoor saunas for sale alike!

We’ll discuss your needs one-on-one and help you weigh your options. Connect with us today to make your sauna vision a reality. Or, learn more about the indoor vs outdoor sauna differences below.

What’s the Difference Between an Indoor and Outdoor Sauna?

In general, indoor and outdoor saunas are fairly similar. The obvious difference is just in where they’re installed. However they still serve the same purpose of providing targeted heat therapy, leading to an array of therapeutic effects - like relaxation, detoxification, and better circulation.

So what’s the difference between an indoor and outdoor sauna exactly? Let’s take a closer look before comparing and contrasting them side by side.

Indoor Saunas

Saunas installed inside the home are a great choice for homeowners with ample space - be it a spare bedroom, garage, bathroom, closet, basement, or anywhere else you have a corner not being utilized that you’re eager to transform into your personal oasis.

Because of space constraints indoor saunas tend to be smaller than their outdoor counterparts, but you can technically find large ones that accommodate 5 or more people at once. It’s just a matter of what you can fit in your home.

Indoor saunas are far more convenient since you don’t have to go outside, even if the alternative is just around the corner in your backyard. Trust us, this makes a big difference in some climates during winter. You don’t have to brave a snowstorm to get your sweat on.

On that note, indoor saunas tend to heat up faster and be more affordable to operate since they aren’t situated in freezing conditions during winter months. They also require minimal modifications if installed near existing plumbing or electrical outlets.

The biggest downfall is the ventilation work needed to make the sauna a safe addition to your home. This is especially true if you intend to create steam in your sauna, as that moisture needs to evaporate outside of the home safely.

Outdoor Saunas

On the other end of the outdoor vs indoor sauna debate, this style lives in the great outdoors. This is how sauna therapy was originally done back in Finland, after all.

These are typically going to be barrel saunas, though outdoor cabin saunas exist as well. Either way, these bring a rustic charm and flexibility that indoor models can’t replicate. They can blend seamlessly with gardens, patios, or other outdoor spaces.

Outdoor saunas tend to be must larger in size since space isn’t an issue. But this distinctive experience comes at a cost.

Outdoor saunas must be carefully crafted from weatherproof materials to avoid premature rotting or decay. Insects are a concern as well. Thankfully, materials like cedar are resilient against all these naturally.

You’ll have to pay more for outdoor saunas, though. There can also be complexities associated with electrical hookups outdoors. Moreover, the costs of operation can be really high during winter, as can the time it takes for the sauna to reach the desired temperature.

That’s not to mention having to go outside to use the sauna, although it’s a minor inconvenience and not something that should deter you if this is your only option.

But if you’re fortunate enough to have the flexibility to choose between either an indoor vs outdoor sauna, which is right for you?

Indoor vs Outdoor Sauna: Which is Right For You?

Just like with our comparison of the infrared vs steam sauna, we want to preface this outdoor vs indoor sauna comparison by saying that there are no right or wrong answers to how you harness the power of sauna therapy as long as it works for you.

Your home, budget, and preferences are unique, and what matters most is you’re consistently using a sauna to reap all the benefits it has to offer. That being said, let’s walk you through choosing between an indoor vs outdoor sauna below.

Space and Location Considerations

Most of the time you can rule out one or the other simply by thinking about where you can actually fit the sauna. If the space you have inside your home isn’t going to accomodate a sauna but you have a corner of your backyard sitting vacant, there’s your answer!

Indoor saunas need plenty of interior space, so you’ll need a spare bedroom, basement, or large bathroom. We’ve also seen smaller saunas installed in large closets. If you have one of these available and don’t have room outdoors, then you’ll be best suited with an indoor sauna.

In contrast, outdoor saunas are a great way to use up a backyard that’s currently being wasted. You can create a personal retreat in the corner of your yard or alongside your house on the patio.

Think about what matters most to you. Is it convenience and accessibility? Stick with an indoor sauna. But if you want to keep your indoor space free for other purposes and have plenty of room outside, an outdoor sauna makes more sense.

Cost and Installation Requirements

You may be wondering, how much does a sauna cost? Much of it depends on the location it’s installed in. Remember, indoor saunas are more cost-effective to install since they can leverage existing infrastructure, like electrical outlets and ventilation.

Plus, they don’t have to be made from more expensive weather-resistant materials. If you need to hire an expert to handle the ventilation side of things, though, you should keep this in mind.

In general, though, outdoor saunas are going to cost more. This is not only because of their weatherproof materials but also foundations and potentially running utilities to the sauna. Think about the costs of running your sauna during the winter as well, as this can skyrocket in freezing conditions.

Personal Preferences and Lifestyle

If you’re still not sure whether an indoor vs outdoor sauna makes the most sense for you, think about how you envision using it. Indoor saunas are best if you value privacy, quick access, and ease of maintenance.

On the other hand, outdoor saunas are great if you want a separate corner of your yard dedicated to wellness and don’t mind the short walk in potentially adverse conditions - or waiting for the sauna to heat up. You can create a retreat-like experience right outside your bedroom!

More Things to Consider in Choosing a Sauna

Hopefully you have a better understanding of whether an outdoor vs indoor sauna is more aligned with your goals, budget, and space. This is just one of the many things to account for in choosing a sauna, though. Here are some other things to keep in mind:

Heating Mechanism: Infrared saunas provide gentler heat and energy efficiency, while traditional saunas offer high temperatures and a classic experience. Learn more about the types of sauna heaters in our blog.
Size and Capacity: Decide if you need a compact sauna for personal use or a larger model for family and friends. To a certain extent your choice between an indoor vs outdoor sauna will dictate this.
Aesthetic Appeal: Outdoor saunas often double as design statements in your yard, while indoor saunas focus on blending seamlessly with your interior. Indoors you’ll be limited to square cabin-style saunas, but the barrel sauna outdoors is a work of art.
Maintenance: Indoor saunas are easier to maintain due to controlled environments, while outdoor saunas require weatherproof materials and upkeep.

Above all else, you should make sure you’re buying a sauna from a company you can trust to have your back during and after the purchase process. You need to do your due diligence and ensure you’re investing in quality that can stand the test of time.

Clearly, there’s a lot that goes into picking the perfect sauna. That’s why we so many homeowners end up getting stuck in analysis paralysis and never actually buying one. Don’t let that happen to you. Get in touch with Elite Vitality to take the next step today.

Whether You Want an Indoor or Outdoor Sauna, Elite Vitality Has You Covered!

Elite Vitality has the premier selection of both indoor and outdoor luxury saunas for sale from the most respected brands in the industry, including Saunum, Harvia, HUUM, and many more.

From compact indoor models designed for convenience to larger outdoor saunas with rustic charm, each product combines functionality with elegance. You can narrow your search based on size below:

Many of these include smart controls, Bluetooth capabilities, ergonomic seating, and LED lighting so you can tailor your sauna experience to your needs.

What really sets us apart, though, is our commitment to personalized service. Our knowledgeable team is here to guide you through the selection process, helping you navigate options like heating mechanisms, capacity, and design.

And yes - we can help you choose between an outdoor vs indoor sauna. We even offer bespoke saunas if you’re looking to make your unique vision a reality!

It all starts with a conversation, so what are you waiting for? Connect today and let’s work together to bring the benefits of sauna therapy to your home.

Bringing Our Outdoor vs Indoor Sauna Comparison to a Close

Deciding between an indoor vs outdoor sauna depends on your space, lifestyle, and wellness goals. We hope this thorough comparison has left you with complete clarity as to which is right for you.

Indoor saunas offer convenience, controlled environments, and easy integration into your home, while outdoor saunas provide a retreat-like experience and blend beautifully with nature.

Both types deliver relaxation, health benefits, and lasting value. You can’t go wrong either way, it’s just a matter of figuring out what makes the most sense for your home, budget, and goals.

From traditional saunas for sale to infrared saunas for sale, Elite Vitality is your trusted choice for all things sauna therapy online. Don’t settle for less than the best when it comes to your home, health, and happiness. Browse our catalog or reach out to our team today!