A sauna in the garden turns cold, dark evenings into something you look forward to. But the best outdoor sauna is not one model. It is the one that fits your garden, your budget, and how you want it heated. Here is how to choose, then the range we supply and fit ourselves. We install and service saunas, so this is a fitter’s guide, not a list copied off other sites.

How to choose an outdoor sauna

Three things decide it.

The wood, which matters most outdoors. Thermowood is timber heat-treated to resist rot, insects and moisture, so it lasts through UK rain and frost where untreated softwood warps. It does need oiling after installation, then once a year, to hold its colour.

The heat source. An electric Harvia heater is simplest: fast, controllable, no chimney, though it needs its own supply wired in. Wood-fired runs off-grid but needs a flue. Infrared warms you at a lower air temperature, a gentler and different experience from true steam.

The base and fit. You need a level base ready first, concrete, slabs or a solid deck, plus an electrician for the heater. A supplier who installs for you takes that off your plate.

Why we chose Yakia

We looked at a lot of saunas before picking a supplier, and Yakia won on what matters outdoors. Every model is built from 40mm Thermowood walls with a 28mm floor, so it stands up to British weather. Each ships with a genuine Harvia heater, the Finnish brand most trusted in saunas. The benches and backrests are thermo-aspen, comfortable at heat. And the cube design with a full glass frontage spreads heat evenly, so you sit in the warm and watch the garden. We handle the installation, so you get a working sauna without the stress.

The Yakia range

200 Series, best for smaller gardens

The compact, modern option. The 200 Series has a sleek curved roofline and a glazed frontage that pulls in natural light, so it suits a smaller garden without feeling boxed in. Same Thermowood build and Harvia heater as the bigger models.

400 Series, best for families

The step up for families and hosting. The 400 Series adds a fully-glazed frontage and an integrated balcony area, with enhanced insulation and premium finishes. Room for the whole family, on the same Harvia heating.

Ultima Series, best premium pick

Yakia’s flagship. The Ultima pairs Thermowood construction with a striking glazed frontage and powerful Harvia heating, built as a statement piece for a proper garden retreat.

What is included and what to plan for

Every Yakia arrives with its Harvia heater and controls, and we install it for you. Plan for two things before delivery: a firm, level base, and an electrician to wire the heater to its own supply. One note on Thermowood: it comes untreated, so oil it within a few weeks of fitting, then once a year.

FAQ

What is the best outdoor sauna? For most UK gardens, a Thermowood cube with an electric Harvia heater. Thermowood resists British weather, the cube gives good headroom and a big window, and an electric heater needs no chimney.

How much does an outdoor sauna cost? Quality outdoor saunas run from a few thousand pounds up, depending on size, wood and heater. Cheaper models often use untreated softwood that does not last outdoors like Thermowood.

Do I need planning permission for a garden sauna? Usually not. A garden sauna under 2.5 metres tall normally falls under permitted development. If you are in a conservation area or a listed property, check with your local planning authority first.

What base does an outdoor sauna need? A firm, level base: concrete, paving slabs or a solid deck. We check this as part of your pre-delivery survey.

Electric or wood-fired? Electric is simpler for most people: fast, controllable and no chimney, though it needs an electrician. Wood-fired runs off-grid but needs a flue and more effort.

See the saunas

Tell us your garden size and we will help you choose. Browse our outdoor saunas, or get in touch and we will talk you through the base, heater and fit.