Which sauna suits your available space, group size and preferences?

Three questions matter when choosing a garden sauna: how much permanent space is available? How many people will normally use it together? And do you prefer the traditional round barrel shape or a modern outdoor sauna with straight walls and extensive glazing?

A compact model can be ideal for couples or smaller gardens. If you regularly use a sauna with family or friends, consider circulation space, bench length and comfortable access as well as the footprint. On a larger property, a sauna with a terrace or resting area can become the centre of a private wellness space.

For an initial choice, focus on available space, preferred layout and construction style.

Compact outdoor sauna

Elma S, S 140 and HC150 work particularly well where space is limited and take up only a small part of the garden.

Thermowood barrel sauna

The largest model group combines the classic round barrel form with heat-treated timber and is available in several lengths.

Modern garden sauna

Elma S, Elma L and Sana combine clean-lined architecture with timber finishes.

Sauna with terrace

The Osa 350 combines a large sauna area with a terrace for generously planned garden wellness spaces.

Barrel saunas from 1.93 to 6.89 m²

Barrel saunas make up the largest part of our sauna range. Their distinctive rounded form feels natural and suits timber decks, holiday homes, rural properties and leafy gardens especially well. At the same time, the shape is compact and uses the interior efficiently.

Available series include S, HC, HCF, LC, LCF and N. The range extends from exceptionally space-saving versions to longer barrel saunas with a substantially larger footprint. Internal height and layout also differ, so compare the complete dimensions rather than model length alone.

The barrel sauna with an anteroom available is the N 210 . Its separate entrance area provides space for towels and robes, creating a sheltered transition between the sauna room and garden.

Even limited space can be enough for a private outdoor sauna

Anyone looking for a small garden sauna or a sauna for two people can find a suitable model even in a limited area. The essential point is matching the sauna to the available space and how it will actually be used.

The S 140 has the smallest stated footprint in the range, at 1.93 m². The Elma S is a modern alternative for up to two people, combining compact dimensions with a large glazed front and clean-lined architecture. The HC150 is also among the most space-saving barrel saunas at 2.97 m².

Still allow sufficient space around the sauna for assembly, care, door opening, services and easy access. The product footprint alone is therefore not the installation area you will need.

Elma and Sana suit modern homes and gardens especially well

A clean-lined garden sauna creates a distinctly different effect from a traditional barrel sauna. Simple forms, large glazed fronts and timber surfaces can be coordinated with the home, deck and garden.

The Elma S is designed for up to two people. The larger Elma L accommodates up to four people. Both models feature 60-mm CLT construction, thermo-aspen inside, thermo-spruce outside and a generous glazed front.

The Sana is another modern option with 4.97 m². It suits outdoor areas where a calm, timeless form and visual coordination with the house and deck are important.

Match sauna size to the number of users and intended use

A larger sauna is not automatically the better choice. If one or two people will mainly use it, a compact model may be entirely sufficient. For families or regular sauna sessions with friends, bench length, internal height and freedom of movement become more important.

Do not compare square metres alone. Internal heights also differ between barrel saunas: depending on the model group, they are approximately 175, 195 or 210 cm. For taller users or a more open feeling, this difference may matter more than extra external length.

Among the barrel saunas, HCF 300 and LCF 300 provide particularly generous area. If a spacious outdoor zone is also part of the plan, consider the Osa 350 with terrace.

Include the heating choice in site planning before ordering

Several barrel saunas can be configured with electric or wood-fired heating, depending on model and configuration. An electric heater is convenient where the required electrical supply can be professionally installed at the site.

A wood-fired heater offers a more traditional sauna experience through the visible fire. Ask your council and installer to assess chimney design, heat protection, clearances and any site-specific fire or air-quality requirements before installation.

Check what is included with your chosen configuration. Heater, controls, sauna stones, chimney and protective components may vary by selection. Have electrical components assessed and installed by a licensed electrical professional in accordance with manufacturer documentation and local requirements.

Osa 350 combines sauna room and terrace in a spacious wellness setting

If you have ample space and want the sauna to be a central garden feature, a larger solution with terrace may be worth considering. The Osa 350 has a 12.25 m² footprint and combines modern design with a panoramic full-glass front and integrated LED ambient lighting.

A terrace beside the sauna provides room to cool down and rest between sessions. With an outdoor shower, cold-water plunge, loungers or sheltered seating, it can become a connected wellness zone.

For larger models, plan the site particularly carefully: foundation, access route, technical connections, privacy, the direction of glazed surfaces and sufficient clear space in front of the sauna will shape everyday use later.

Keep your outdoor sauna comfortable through every season

For a garden sauna used year-round site, base, water drainage, timber care, ventilation and technical installation should be coordinated from the outset.

In winter, short routes between the home and sauna are especially welcome. An anteroom can add comfort by keeping towels and robes protected. In summer, the surroundings take on greater importance: a shaded resting place, outdoor shower or cold-water area can make intervals between sauna sessions more enjoyable.

Inspect the timber construction regularly in spring and autumn. Remove dirt, check fixings and ensure rainwater can drain reliably. A permanently dry, well-ventilated substructure supports long-term outdoor-sauna use.

Always follow the care and inspection steps in the documentation for your selected model.

Which product details should I compare before ordering?

Compare external dimensions, internal height, floor area, construction, materials and the stated scope of supply. The details for the exact selected model and configuration always apply.

How do I clean an outdoor sauna’s glazed surfaces?

Use a cleaner suited to the particular glass surface and a soft, non-abrasive cloth. Clean only once the surfaces have cooled, and follow the model’s care instructions.

Where should towels and robes be stored?

Keep textiles dry and away from the heater. An anteroom offers sheltered storage; without one, use a dry storage option outside the heated cabin.

Which documents should I keep after assembly?

Keep the assembly manual, operating instructions and documentation for the heater and controls readily available. These contain the relevant instructions for commissioning, operation, ventilation and care of your chosen version.

How can I tell that water is not draining correctly at the site?

Standing water, persistently damp areas beneath the structure or recurring splash-water dirt are clear signs. Correct the cause so timber and the substructure are not exposed to ongoing moisture.

What can I do about uneven colour changes in thermowood?

First check whether some exterior surfaces receive more sun or weather exposure. Then clean and maintain all surfaces consistently in line with the manufacturer’s instructions. Natural colour changes in exterior timber cannot be fully avoided.

What should I check if a sauna door is difficult to open?

Check whether hinges or fixings are visibly loose and whether the door rubs anywhere as it opens. Make adjustments only in accordance with the assembly and care instructions for that model.

How do I clean the interior after using the sauna?

Remove damp textiles and loose items. Wipe soiled surfaces with a product permitted by the care instructions, then allow the interior to dry completely.

How can residual moisture be released after sauna use?

After the final sauna session, allow heat and residual moisture to escape fully . Use the intended ventilation options in accordance with the operating manual and remove wet textiles from the interior.

What should I consider during longer breaks in use?

Remove all perishable or moisture-retaining items, clean and dry the interior, and check water drainage. Take technical components out of service in line with the relevant operating instructions.

What to check before first use

Check the fully assembled sauna against the assembly manual. Doors must move freely, visible connections must be correctly completed and intended ventilation paths must remain clear. Also check that rainwater drains away from the structure and that the underside remains adequately ventilated.

Do not commission an electric heater until a licensed electrical professional has completed or approved the installation. For a wood-fired version, complete the council and installer checks for the chimney, heat protection and site-specific clearances before use. Keep operating documentation accessible for correct heater and control use.

Before first use, learn how the controls, door and ventilation work, and follow the operating instructions during heating. If you notice unusual noises, smells or visible changes, follow the manufacturer’s guidance. Do not alter the heater, electrical installation or flue system yourself.

For an overview of all available forms and models, see our sauna catalogue.

Compare your preferred model’s product details carefully

Individual model pages provide information on construction, dimensions, materials, scope of supply and selectable versions.

Compare available models directly in the Bloomcabin range of garden, outdoor and barrel saunas.

Checklist before ordering

✓ Allow space for the footprint, assembly, care and door opening

✓ Consider usual user numbers and preferred bench length

✓ Choose between barrel and clean-lined construction

✓ Compare floor area, internal height and bench arrangement

✓ Weigh up the value of a changing area for daily use

✓ Check heater options and scope of supply on the model page

✓ Plan a load-bearing base, drainage and connections

✓ Check access, unloading point and route to the installation site