LionessHeart Posted January 9 Posted January 9 Hello - we want to install an electric outdoor sauna on a 3.5m x 3.5m level composite decking platform. The sauna will be 2m x 2m with a timber door and a single large (1500x1500mm) plate glass window. Please see attached hand-sketch and the finished look we'd like. Research on the net suggests a wide range of prices, but mostly £5K+. Our budget is closer to £3K. Would anyone know of an experienced local builder (near Langton Green/Tunbridge Wells/Kent) who might be able to build an outdoor sauna for us? We'll have equipped the sauna platform with single phase electricity and water source (for a cold, outdoor rustic shower). Any and all pointers will be most useful. Many thanks!
SteamyTea Posted January 9 Posted January 9 I used to make saunas, you are going to struggle at the price you are thinking of.
LionessHeart Posted January 9 Author Posted January 9 Thanks for your prompt reply @SteamyTea. I should have mentioned the budget of £3K was without installation and the cost of utility connections.... What would be a reasonable budget for a 2x2m sauna? And, can you recommend an installer near TN3 (if we were to buy a modular/flat-packed one)?
SteamyTea Posted January 9 Posted January 9 I can't recommend anyone these days. We used to make out own log saunas because of the high price of getting them imported. You can look at getting a log shed, and then modifying it. Probably your best bet.
saveasteading Posted January 9 Posted January 9 On 09/01/2025 at 19:04, SteamyTea said: getting a log shed, and then modifying it. Expand Does this small shed not lend itself to 'stick build'? Any decent builder or diy'er could do it and it would be customised and probably sturdier.
JamesP Posted January 9 Posted January 9 (edited) From my recent enquiries about building a sauna at home the internal material costs alone for a 2100 x 2100 are £2600.00 from here : https://www.saunashop.co.uk/product-range/details/2100-x-2100/377/ That price excludes all timber framing for walls , floor, roof, double glazing and any labour. I would expect a sauna in the above image to cost between 7.5 - 10K. Edited January 9 by JamesP
SBMS Posted January 9 Posted January 9 What about one of these for 3900 https://www.fonteyn.co.uk/barrel-sauna-rustic-6-feet
LionessHeart Posted January 9 Author Posted January 9 I understand the rounded ceiling of Barrel Saunas make them a less effective shape than a cube shape - @SteamyTea would you have an opinion on this given your experience? It also seems that the Polhus quote of £5.5K + installation for a 2x2m sauna might not be too much...
LionessHeart Posted January 9 Author Posted January 9 thank you for this useful resource, @JamesP - I'll have a close look.
SteamyTea Posted January 10 Posted January 10 On 09/01/2025 at 19:54, LionessHeart said: I understand the rounded ceiling of Barrel Saunas make them a less effective shape than a cube shape Expand Other way around. A dome has less surface area than a cube.
LionessHeart Posted January 10 Author Posted January 10 On 10/01/2025 at 05:11, SteamyTea said: Other way around. A dome has less surface area than a cube. Expand True, but I understand the shape of the barrel, because it doesn't allow for 2nd/high tier seating, reduces the efficient use of the hot air that accumulates near the ceiling. Seems like I need to read up on this! Thanks for your input.
saveasteading Posted January 10 Posted January 10 I suggest first establish what geometry is best. There is no point in having an unpleasant space. Then we look at the best way to build it. Lots of insulation for sure, and draught free.
SteamyTea Posted January 10 Posted January 10 On 10/01/2025 at 11:41, saveasteading said: and draught free Expand No. Saunas, because of the high temperatures , and associated convection, need proper ventilation. People worry about the off-gassing of foam insulation that is behind a VCL, but don't give too hoots for the VOCs coming off timber.
saveasteading Posted January 10 Posted January 10 No. You know better than that. Controlled ventilation requires an absence of draughts. Airtight first, ventilation second. Unless the occupants are wearing warm clothing.
SteamyTea Posted January 10 Posted January 10 On 10/01/2025 at 12:49, saveasteading said: You know better than that Expand I do, but with a sauna, which is a relatively flimsy timber structure, that is thermally cycled, with ΔT of 80K, uncontrolled ventilation becomes a fact or life, so embrace it. Just make sure that there is a controllable vent on the roof.
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