The short answer
The main choices are a traditional sauna with a stove (hotter, closest to the research, usually needs its own electrical circuit) or an infrared cabin (cooler, quicker to warm, often plugs in). Garden saunas usually count as outbuildings under planning rules. Running costs depend on heater size and how long you use it.
On this page
Which type should you choose?
| Traditional sauna | Infrared cabin | |
|---|---|---|
| Heat | 70–100°C air, steam from the stones | 40–60°C air, heats your body directly |
| Warm-up time | Usually 30–60 minutes | Usually 10–20 minutes |
| Power | Heater typically several kilowatts, usually on its own circuit | Often lower; some plug into a normal socket |
| Space | Indoor cabin, barrel or garden cabin | Small indoor cabins for 1–3 people |
| Research | The type used in the long Finnish studies | Small studies only |
Infrared vs traditional explains the differences in more detail.
Indoor or garden?
- Indoor saunas need space, good ventilation and a floor that can cope with occasional water. A bathroom or basement is common.
- Garden saunas, including the popular barrel shape, need a level, firm base, a weatherproof roof and a power supply run out from the house. Wood-fired stoves avoid the electrics but need a flue and care with sparks and neighbours.
Electrics
A traditional electric sauna heater draws a lot of power, so most need a dedicated circuit from your consumer unit. In England and Wales, adding a new circuit is notifiable building work, so use a registered electrician who can certify it. Saunas have their own section in the UK wiring regulations, BS 7671, covering where heaters, switches and cables can go. Don’t run a sauna heater from an extension lead.
Planning permission
Garden saunas usually count as outbuildings, which in England can often be built without planning permission under permitted development if they:
- are single storey and not used as living accommodation,
- are no more than 2.5 metres high if within 2 metres of a boundary,
- don’t sit forward of the front of the house, and
- with other outbuildings, cover no more than half the garden.
Different rules apply to listed buildings, flats and maisonettes, and in conservation areas and national parks. Check the Planning Portal and your council before you buy.
What does it cost to run?
A heater uses its rated power while it’s heating, then cycles on and off to hold the temperature. As a rough worst case, multiply the heater’s kilowatts by the hours it’s switched on and your price per kilowatt-hour. For example, a 6 kW heater on full for an hour at 25p per kWh would cost £1.50; in practice it uses less once it’s up to temperature. Infrared cabins usually draw less power and heat up faster, so each session costs less.
Safety at home
- Fit a thermometer and a timer, and use the heater’s guard rail.
- Never use a sauna alone if you have a condition that could make you collapse, and never after drinking.
- Keep children and pets out unless supervised.
- Follow the general safety advice for every session.
Guides in this section
In this section
- Infrared sauna blankets: do they work?
What infrared sauna blankets are, how they compare with a real sauna, what the evidence shows (very little) and how to use one safely.
Common questions
Do I need planning permission for a garden sauna?
Often not. Garden buildings usually fall under permitted development if they meet the size, height and position limits on the Planning Portal, such as staying under 2.5 metres high within 2 metres of a boundary. Rules differ for listed buildings, flats and designated land, so check with your council.
Does a home sauna need an electrician?
A traditional sauna heater usually needs a dedicated circuit, which should be installed by a registered electrician and is notifiable building work in England and Wales. Saunas are a special location in the UK wiring regulations. Some small infrared cabins plug into a normal socket, but check the manufacturer's requirements.
Is an infrared or traditional sauna better for home?
Infrared cabins are usually cheaper to buy and run and warm up faster. Traditional saunas give the hotter, steamy experience used in the long-term Finnish research. If you want the evidence-based option and have the space and power, choose traditional.
References
- Planning Portal. Outbuildings: permitted development.planningportal.co.uk
- Electrical Safety First.electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk
- Laukkanen JA, Laukkanen T, Kunutsor SK. Cardiovascular and other health benefits of sauna bathing: a review of the evidence. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 2018.pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
First published 4 November 2026. Spotted an error? Tell us and we'll correct it. Read our editorial policy.