You've decided to buy an infrared sauna. Now comes the placement question: inside your home or out in the backyard?
For more details, check out our guide on Portable vs Cabin: Which Shoul.Both options work. Both have devoted fans. The right choice depends on your space, climate, lifestyle, and preferences.
Let's break down everything you need to consider.
The Key Differences
Indoor Infrared Saunas
Location: Bedroom, basement, spare room, garage, bathroom
Construction: Standard infrared sauna cabin—not weather-sealed
Climate control: Operates in climate-controlled indoor environment
Access: Walk through your house to use
Privacy: Within your home
Outdoor Infrared Saunas
Location: Backyard, patio, deck, pool area
Construction: Weather-resistant exterior, reinforced construction
Climate control: Must handle temperature extremes
Access: Step outside to use
Privacy: Depends on yard setup, may need fencing/screening
Advantages of Indoor Saunas
1. Year-Round Comfort
Indoor saunas operate in controlled temperatures. No trudging through snow or scorching summer heat to get to your sauna.
2. No Weather Concerns
Rain, humidity, extreme cold, extreme heat—none of these affect an indoor sauna. It's protected by your home.
3. Lower Cost
Indoor saunas don't need weather-resistant construction, which means: - Lower purchase price (typically $500-$1,500 less than comparable outdoor) - Standard materials work fine - No weatherproofing maintenance
For a detailed look at how outdoor vs indoor affects your total investment, see our infrared sauna price guide.
4. Convenience
Your sauna is steps away from your shower, bedroom, or living space: - Easy to use daily (consistency!) - Quick access without getting dressed - Simple integration into morning/evening routines
5. Simpler Installation
Indoor installation is straightforward: - Level floor, adequate ceiling height, electrical outlet - No foundation, weatherproofing, or external electrical runs - Move-in ready in under an hour
6. Privacy
Use your sauna in complete privacy without concern about neighbors seeing you.
7. No Additional Costs
No need for: - Concrete pad or deck - Outdoor electrical installation - Landscaping modifications - Cover or enclosure
Advantages of Outdoor Saunas
1. Space Preservation
Don't sacrifice indoor square footage. Outdoor placement keeps your home interior intact while adding a wellness amenity.
2. The Outdoor Experience
Many people prefer the connection to nature: - Fresh air when you open the door - Views of garden, trees, sky - Stars overhead during evening sessions - A sense of "escape" from the house
3. Heat Dissipation
Outdoor saunas release heat outside rather than into your home—helpful in warm climates where you don't want extra indoor heat.
4. Contrast Therapy Options
Outdoor placement enables: - Cold plunge right outside the sauna - Jump in the pool after sauna - Roll in snow (if you're hardcore) - Natural cooling in fresh air
5. Larger Capacity
Backyard space often allows for larger saunas than indoor spaces permit—4-6 person models become viable.
6. Social Element
Outdoor saunas can become social gathering spaces: - Entertainment area integration - Part of backyard entertaining - Guest-friendly without entering your home
7. Property Value
A quality outdoor sauna can enhance backyard appeal and potentially increase property value.
Disadvantages of Each
Indoor Sauna Drawbacks
Space usage: Takes 15-25 square feet of interior living space
Heat in summer: Adds heat to your home (though minimal with infrared)
Humidity: Sweating adds some humidity to indoor air
Aesthetics: May not fit all room aesthetics
Size limitations: Often limited to 1-3 person by indoor space constraints
Outdoor Sauna Drawbacks
Higher cost: Weather-resistant construction adds $500-$2,000
Installation complexity: May need: - Concrete pad or leveled surface - Outdoor electrical work (potentially expensive) - Building permits in some areas
Weather exposure: Even weather-resistant saunas require maintenance
Seasonal considerations: Less convenient in extreme weather
Security: Outdoor placement may be a theft concern
Heating efficiency: Takes longer to heat in cold weather; may not reach target temp in extreme cold
Bugs/pests: Insects can be an issue in some climates
Climate Considerations
Hot Climates (Southwest, Southeast)
Indoor: May add unwanted heat to home; place in garage or well-ventilated space Outdoor: Works great—no cold weather concerns; evening use is pleasant
Recommendation: Either works; outdoor if you want to preserve indoor AC efficiency
Cold Climates (Northeast, Midwest, Mountain)
Indoor: Ideal—warm, convenient, protected from elements Outdoor: Usable but requires weather-rated model; longer warmup times in winter; connection to house recommended
Recommendation: Indoor is typically better unless you specifically want the outdoor experience
Moderate Climates (Pacific Northwest, Mid-Atlantic)
Indoor: Works well year-round Outdoor: Works well with proper weatherproofing; rain resistance important
Recommendation: Either works equally well; choose based on space and preference
Humid Climates (Gulf Coast, Southeast)
Indoor: Better humidity control Outdoor: Requires ventilation consideration; mold/mildew monitoring needed
Recommendation: Indoor tends to be lower maintenance
Space Requirements
Indoor Space Needs
1-person sauna: ~36"x36" (9 sq ft) + access space 2-person sauna: ~48"x42" (14 sq ft) + access space 3-person sauna: ~60"x48" (20 sq ft) + access space
Total room needed: Sauna + 2-3 feet on access sides
Best indoor locations: - Master bedroom corner - Basement/finished basement - Spare bedroom - Large bathroom - Garage (climate-controlled)
Outdoor Space Needs
Foundation: Sauna footprint + 2" overhang minimum Access: 3-4 feet on door side minimum Clearance: 6-12 inches from structures Electrical: Run from panel to sauna location
Best outdoor locations: - Patio or deck (must support weight) - Concrete pad in backyard - Near pool/hot tub area - Private corner of yard - Under covered porch or pergola
Cost Comparison
Indoor Sauna Total Cost
| Item | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Sauna (2-person) | $3,000-$5,000 |
| Electrical (if needed) | $0-$200 |
| Flooring protection | $0-$100 |
| Total | $3,000-$5,300 |
Outdoor Sauna Total Cost
| Item | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Sauna (2-person outdoor) | $4,000-$6,500 |
| Concrete pad/foundation | $500-$2,000 |
| Outdoor electrical run | $300-$1,500 |
| Permit (if required) | $0-$300 |
| Landscaping modifications | $0-$500 |
| Total | $4,800-$10,800 |
Outdoor installation typically costs $1,500-$5,000+ more than indoor when all factors are included.
Installation Complexity
Indoor Installation
Difficulty: Easy (DIY) Time: 45-60 minutes Professionals needed: Usually none Permits: Rarely required
Outdoor Installation
Difficulty: Moderate to complex Time: 1-3 days (including foundation) Professionals needed: Often—electrician, possibly concrete work Permits: Check local codes; often required
Maintenance Comparison
Indoor Sauna Maintenance
- Wipe down benches after use
- Occasional deep clean
- Check controls annually
- Very low maintenance
Outdoor Sauna Maintenance
- All indoor maintenance plus:
- Exterior inspection for weather damage
- Seal/stain wood exterior periodically
- Clear debris from roof/vents
- Monitor for pests/insects
- Check weatherstripping
- Moderate maintenance
Making the Decision
Choose Indoor If:
✅ You have suitable indoor space ✅ You want maximum convenience for daily use ✅ You live in a cold or extreme climate ✅ Budget is a primary concern ✅ You prefer privacy ✅ You want the simplest installation ✅ Low maintenance is important ✅ You're renting or may move
Choose Outdoor If:
✅ Indoor space is limited or nonexistent ✅ You want to preserve interior square footage ✅ You value the outdoor/nature experience ✅ You plan contrast therapy (cold plunge, pool) ✅ You have ideal backyard space ✅ You're in a moderate-to-warm climate ✅ Budget allows for additional installation costs ✅ You own your home long-term
Our Recommendation
For most buyers: Indoor placement is the practical choice. It's less expensive, easier to install, lower maintenance, and more convenient for regular use. Convenience drives consistency, and consistency drives results.
Consider outdoor if: You have a specific vision for an outdoor wellness space, limited indoor room, or simply love the idea of stepping outside to sauna. Just be prepared for higher upfront costs and ongoing maintenance.
Peak Saunas offers both: - Indoor full-spectrum saunas for convenient home placement - Outdoor weather-resistant models for backyard installation
Take the Next Step
Not sure which is right for you? Our Sauna Selector Quiz considers your space, climate, and preferences to recommend the ideal setup.
Want to discuss your specific situation? Contact us—we'll help you think through the indoor vs. outdoor decision.
Once you've decided on placement, our complete infrared sauna buying guide will walk you through every other feature to consider.
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