Indoor vs. Outdoor Sauna Types

If you have been looking at installing an indoor sauna for home, you might want to evaluate your options first. Learning more about indoor and outdoor traditional sauna options can help ensure you choose the right sauna.

If you are thinking about installing a traditional outdoor sauna or a luxury indoor sauna you should know first and foremost that there is no wrong option. There are a lot of benefits that come from any type of sauna, and we are sure that you will enjoy your sauna immensely once it is installed. However, when deciding between an indoor sauna kit or an outdoor traditional sauna you have to remember that there is a large degree of personal preference involved in the final decision.

The same way that you wouldn't paint your home or renovate your kitchen the exact way that someone else would, you need to put some thought into the experience you want to have in your sauna whether you opt for an easy install sauna kit or a traditional outdoor sauna. While an indoor sauna is certainly more accessible, it is not the logical choice for everyone.

Once you choose between an outdoor and indoor sauna you still have to sort through dozens of style and design options. To help you get there, this guide takes a quick look at the benefits and disadvantages of both outdoor and indoor saunas so that you can see what will fit best into your space. Take a minute to ponder each of these points so that you can make your final decision and move onto some of the funner aspects of installing an indoor sauna kit - like plotting theme, color, and ambience.

What is a Traditional Outdoor Sauna?

There are a lot of benefits that come with the installation of a traditional outdoor sauna. To begin, because you are building them outdoors you have a lot more room when it comes to size and scope. This means that you can pack an outdoor traditional sauna full of features and make it large enough to fit your entire friend group if you like. Usually you will want to build the traditional outdoor sauna near a part of your property that has great natural lighting. Plus, you don't have to worry much about draining or proper ventilation since the sauna is sitting outdoors, which is why a lot of people new to the sauna life are drawn towards a traditional outdoor sauna.

Benefits of an Outdoor Traditional Sauna

Of course, all of that freedom does not come without a few drawbacks. One of the largest issues with an outdoor traditional sauna is that you will need to have a large amount of insulation and paneling on any external sauna to protect it from the weather. If you live in a location that experiences harsh seasonal weather, you will need to essentially reinforce your sauna much like you would any household room. This can quickly kick up the cost versus looking at a simple indoor sauna kit.

In addition, just because you opt for an outdoor traditional sauna does not mean that you escape building code rules and regulations. As an external structure you will need to build a solid foundation and run wiring that is completely up to code. This alone is one reason why a lot of people start to look at an indoor sauna, because in most cases, wiring hookups are already nearby. However, if you don't have the space to create a luxury indoor sauna, then an outdoor traditional sauna is still a very great option.

What is an Indoor Sauna?

As the name implies, an indoor sauna is a room that is built within your home to house a sauna. Some people add-on a room to their home to be used for a luxury indoor sauna, but most people use an indoor sauna kit to turn an existing room into a sauna. This is usually a much more cost-effective choice when compared to building a traditional outdoor sauna.

Benefits of Investing in a Luxury Indoor Sauna

Without thinking about anything else, the number one benefit of an indoor sauna is that it is accessible. If you live in a seasonal area, this is even more important since you might not always feel compelled to trek through snow to relax in the nude in your sauna. Many people use an indoor sauna kit to install a sauna room near their bathroom which makes using it on a regular basis extremely simple.

As mentioned, it is usually easier to access electricity when you are working within a room that is already constructed in your home. This helps keep the installation costs of an indoor sauna for home nice and low. You also won't have to worry about insulation or anything else since the structure is already in place.

That is not to say that there are some downsides of opting for a luxury indoor sauna. An indoor sauna will require space in your home and may mean that you have to sacrifice the space of an entire home. You also have to make sure that there is proper ventilation which can be a challenge if the only room you have available is an interior room. A sauna also requires constant water drainage which can be a challenge even if you use an indoor sauna kit.

Comparing Outdoor and Indoor Sauna for Home Options

When it comes down to it, the major differences between a traditional outdoor sauna and an indoor sauna come down to accessibility and costs. If you want to construct an elaborate sauna then it may be better to opt for an outdoor traditional sauna. However, if you want a sauna that is easily accessible, a luxury indoor sauna is going to be the best choice for your home.