Outdoor saunas are having a bit of a moment, and it is not hard to see why. More people are thinking differently about the backyard now. It is no longer just somewhere to mow the lawn or store the barbecue. For many households, it has become a place to properly switch off, entertain, and build a space that feels good to spend time in.
An outdoor sauna can be a big part of that. It adds a sense of ritual to the week, gives you another reason to head outside, and can make the garden feel more like a retreat than an afterthought. Still, if you are new to the idea, the options can seem a little daunting. This guide breaks down the essentials so you can choose with confidence.
Why outdoor saunas are becoming so popular
Part of the appeal is simple. People want outdoor spaces that feel more usable and more enjoyable year-round. A sauna adds warmth, comfort and a slightly luxurious feel without needing a huge backyard makeover.
They also work nicely as part of a bigger outdoor setup. A sauna can sit alongside fire pits for cosy evenings, or near gazebos if you are creating a more defined entertaining area. If you like the idea of a backyard that feels calm, practical and a little more considered, a sauna makes a lot of sense.
Why people keep coming back to sauna therapy
For many people, the appeal goes beyond the atmosphere. Sauna use is often associated with a mix of physical and mental wellbeing benefits, especially when it becomes part of a regular routine.
While everyone’s experience is different, these are some of the reasons people often build sauna use into their weekly routine.
Circulation support
The heat can help encourage circulation, which is one reason many people find sauna sessions so restorative.
Stress relief
The warmth, quiet and sense of routine can help the body relax, which is a big reason many people use saunas to unwind mentally.
Better wind-down time
Many people find sauna sessions useful in the evening, as the warm-up and cool-down cycle can help them feel calmer and more ready for sleep.
Post-exercise recovery
Sauna use is also popular with active people who enjoy the feeling of loosening up after training or simply taking a little time to recover.
Sauna use may not suit everyone, especially if you have certain medical conditions, so it is always sensible to check with your healthcare professional if you are unsure.
“The best outdoor sauna setups are the ones that feel easy to use. If it is positioned well, heats up without fuss and suits the way you already spend time outside, it quickly becomes part of your normal routine.”
Infrared saunas vs traditional saunas
Not all outdoor saunas feel the same in use, and this is usually the first big distinction shoppers come across. In simple terms, the choice is between infrared saunas and traditional saunas.
Infrared saunas tend to feel gentler, simpler and easier to use regularly, while traditional saunas deliver a hotter, more classic room-heating experience. Both have their place, but for many backyards and lifestyles, infrared is often the more practical option.
| Type | How it works | What it feels like | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infrared sauna | Uses infrared heaters to warm the body more directly | A gentler, more targeted warmth that feels easy to settle into | People wanting a simpler, more energy-conscious sauna experience that works well for regular use |
| Traditional sauna | Heats the air in the whole room, usually to a higher temperature | A hotter, more intense sauna experience with a more classic feel | Buyers who want the most traditional sauna atmosphere and do not mind longer heat-up times |
For many households, infrared tends to be the easier option to live with. It usually heats up faster, does not demand quite as much from the setup, and is generally much easier to use. That is a big part of why the current range at The Best Backyard focuses on outdoor infrared saunas. If you're looking for an outdoor sauna that is practical, straightforward and easy to use regularly, infrared is often the better fit.
What to look for before you buy
Before you get too caught up in the look of a sauna, it helps to think through the practical side first. These are the main things worth checking before you choose.
Size and capacity
Think honestly about how many people will use it at once. A 2-person model suits couples or smaller spaces, while 3- and 4-person options give you more room and flexibility.
Heating style
If ease and regular use matter most, infrared is often the more approachable option. It tends to feel simpler, gentler and easier to fit into a weekly routine.
Materials and finish
Timber finish matters more than people think. It affects both the overall look of the sauna and how naturally it sits within the rest of the backyard.
Placement
You will need a flat, stable base and enough surrounding room for access, airflow and comfortable use. Think about how it will sit within the wider backyard too.
Power requirements
Always check what the sauna needs before buying, especially if the installation spot is a fair distance from the house or existing power supply.
Maintenance
Outdoor saunas are designed for long-term use, but they still benefit from sensible positioning, regular care and a little thought about how they will be protected from the elements.
Editor’s Tip: If you are torn between two sizes, it is often worth leaning slightly larger if you have the room. A sauna that feels comfortable to sit in will usually get used more often than one that feels just a touch too tight.
Featured products
If you are browsing the range and want a simple place to start, these two ReGen8 models give a good sense of the options available. One is better suited to smaller spaces and everyday use, while the other is a stronger choice if you want more room and more of a backyard feature.
ReGen8 Duo Outdoor 2 Person Infrared Sauna
A great option for couples, smaller households or anyone working with a more compact backyard. The Duo feels like an easy starting point if you want the outdoor sauna experience without committing too much space.
| Best for | Smaller spaces, couples, regular solo use |
| Why it stands out | Compact, approachable and easy to picture in an everyday backyard setup |
- A sensible choice for those wanting a sauna that is easy to use regularly
- Well suited to backyards where space is more limited
- Ideal if you want the benefits of infrared heat in a more compact footprint
ReGen8 Quadro Outdoor 4 Person Infrared Sauna
If you have the room and want more of a statement piece, the Quadro is the stronger choice. It gives you more internal space and feels better suited to larger households or anyone designing a more complete backyard retreat.
| Best for | Larger backyards, more capacity, a fuller wellness setup |
| Why it stands out | More room inside and a stronger visual presence in the backyard |
- A better fit if you'd like your sauna to feel like a proper backyard feature
- Offers more flexibility for households wanting extra room
- Works particularly well in larger outdoor wellness or entertaining spaces
Editor’s Tip:
“If you already know the sauna will be part of your weekly routine, it is usually worth buying the model you’ll feel comfortable using long term, not just the smallest one you can fit.”
How to choose the right sauna for your space and lifestyle
The best sauna is not necessarily the biggest or the most expensive one. It is the one that fits naturally into the way you live.
If you'd prefer something easy to use a few times a week, a compact 2-person model can be a very smart buy. If you are creating more of a backyard retreat, a larger 3- or 4-person sauna may make more sense. Think about how often you will use it, who with, and whether you want it to feel tucked away and private or more integrated into an entertaining zone.
It can also help to think about the setup around it. A sauna near gazebos or sheltered seating can make the whole space feel more complete. If you like to keep towels, covers or accessories close by, practical storage from the outdoor storage boxes collection could be useful too.
Final thoughts
Outdoor saunas can seem like a specialist purchase at first, but the basics are fairly straightforward once you know what to focus on. Start with size, placement and how you actually want to use it, then narrow things down from there.
For a helpful place to begin, browse the full range of outdoor saunas and compare the current ReGen8 options side by side. A good sauna should feel like it belongs in your backyard, not like an awkward extra, and when you get that right, it can become one of the best-used parts of the space.
If you need any help choosing the right outdoor sauna for your space, please do not hesitate to email us at hello@thebestbackyard.com.au and one of our team will be happy to help.
Outdoor Sauna FAQs
A few quick answers to common questions buyers often have before choosing an outdoor sauna.
Do outdoor saunas need a special base?
They need a flat, stable base. Paving, concrete, compacted gravel or a properly prepared deck are all common options, as long as the surface is level and suitable for the sauna model you choose.
Are infrared outdoor saunas easier to live with?
For many buyers, yes. They tend to feel simpler and more approachable for regular use, especially if you want a gentler heat and a quicker warm-up time.
How much space should I leave around the sauna?
Enough for safe access, ventilation and comfortable use. It is worth planning not just for the footprint of the sauna itself, but also for how you will walk around it and use the surrounding area.
Can an outdoor sauna be part of a bigger backyard retreat?
Absolutely. Outdoor saunas work especially well alongside calming, practical features like fire pits, sheltered seating areas and well-planned storage, helping the backyard feel more like a place to properly unwind.
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