Find the Best Saunas in the UK: A Shopper’s Guide to Home & Garden Relaxation

Why a Sauna Could Be the Best Home Upgrade You Ever Make

If you’ve ever stepped out of a sauna and felt like you’d been reset, you know the appeal: heat, quiet, and that immediate sense of calm. Adding a sauna to your home or garden is like installing a mini-retreat that’s available whenever you need it. Whether you want a classic wood-burning Finnish experience or a modern infrared unit, buying a sauna is an investment in wellbeing — and in your home’s enjoyment.

Types of Saunas: Which One Fits Your Lifestyle?

Not all saunas are created equal. The main types to consider are traditional (steam or dry), infrared, barrel, and modular garden saunas. Each has its personality — traditional saunas build steam and high heat, infrared saunas warm you directly at lower temperatures, and barrel saunas combine rustic charm with efficient heating. Think of them like cars: some are sporty, some are practical, and some are pure luxury.

Traditional Finnish Saunas

Traditional saunas use stones heated by an electric or wood-burning stove to create hot, dry air that can be turned steamy with water. Temperatures often reach 160–190°F, and the experience is intense and communal — perfect for people who love that classic ritual.

Infrared Saunas

Infrared units use radiant heaters to warm your body directly, not the air. Because the ambient temperature is lower — often around 110–140°F — infrared saunas feel gentler but still sweat-inducing. They’re a good pick if you want shorter heat-up times and easier installation indoors.

Barrel and Garden Saunas

Barrel saunas are popular for garden installations because their round shape reduces the amount of wood needed while circulating air well. Garden saunas often come as pre-built units or kits that sit outside and become an instant focal point for relaxation and entertaining.

Where to Buy Saunas in the UK: Top Retailers to Check Out

You’ve got options, from big-box retailers with quick delivery to specialist suppliers who live and breathe saunas. Here are the most commonly shopped places across the UK, each with its own strengths.

Argos

Argos is great if you want wide selection and fast shipping. You can find compact infrared cabins and portable sauna tents that are budget-friendly and suit flat-living or renters. Argos is a good starting point if you’re testing the waters before committing to a larger build.

Wayfair UK

Wayfair offers a broad range, including wooden cabins, infrared models, and complete spa furniture bundles. The product variety makes it a convenient place to compare styles, materials, and price points in one place, and customer reviews help you vet quality before buying.

B&Q

B&Q appeals to DIYers who might install a garden sauna themselves. They often stock timber panels, flooring, and sometimes sauna heaters and accessories. If you enjoy hands-on projects, B&Q can be part of a cost-effective route to a bespoke sauna.

Homebase

Similar to B&Q, Homebase provides materials and occasionally pre-built options for outdoor saunas. It’s a useful stop for garden landscaping ideas and the fittings you’ll need to integrate a sauna into your outdoor space.

The Range

The Range is a good middle ground for stylish cabins and smaller infrared units. If you want something that looks good in the garden but doesn’t require specialist installation, browse the Range for attractive options at accessible prices.

Dunelm

Dunelm ticks the box for home wellness accessories — think sauna benches, towels, and lighting — alongside smaller cabin options. It’s useful when you’re putting together a comfortable, spa-like interior for your sauna space.

Amazon UK

Amazon is convenient for both portable saunas and parts. You’ll find everything from infrared panels to sauna heaters and accessories. The marketplace model means you can compare many brands quickly, but check reviews carefully to avoid poor-quality offerings.

Specialist Sauna Brands & Suppliers

If you want expertise and tailored solutions, look to specialist brands that serve the UK, such as Harvia, TylöHelo, and Huum. These companies focus on heaters, wellness tech, and traditional craftsmanship; they’re the go-to when you want a high-quality, long-lasting installation.

How to Choose the Right Sauna for Your Space

Choosing a sauna is about balancing size, style, budget, and function. Start by measuring your intended space in feet and inches. Indoor home units can be compact — think 4 ft by 6 ft — while a garden cabin might need 7–10 ft of depth to fit benches and a stove comfortably.

Measure Twice, Buy Once

Measure the footprint available in your home or garden, including clearance around doors. If you’re installing a garden cabin, give yourself at least 2–3 ft of clearance on all sides for maintenance and ventilation. Planning ahead saves surprises on delivery day.

Consider Power and Ventilation

Electric saunas need an appropriate electrical supply, and wood-burning stoves need chimney clearance and positioning. Infrared cabins are often simpler electrically but still require a safe plug and ventilation. Think like a builder: safety first, comfort second.

Materials, Build Quality, and Aesthetics

Wood choice affects both looks and durability. Cedar, spruce, and hemlock are common; cedar resists rot and smells great, while spruce is budget-friendly. Thermally modified timber, such as that used by Thermory, can be an upgrade for longevity in outdoor units.

Benches and Interior Finishes

Bench height and depth matter. Standard bench heights are often around 18–22 inches, with depths of 18–24 inches for comfortable lounging. Think about tiered benches if you want a traditional sauna experience with hotter upper levels and cooler lower seats.

Lighting and Accessories

Subtle lighting and ergonomic backrests make a big difference. Accessories like ladles, thermometer/hygrometer sets, and essential oil diffusers add to the ritual. Small touches turn a functional room into a place you actually want to spend time in.

Price Ranges & Budgeting for Your Sauna Purchase

Sauna prices vary widely. Portable infrared saunas and small cabin kits can start under £300, while high-end bespoke garden saunas with top-tier heaters and timber can run well into the several thousands. Think of pricing like buying a car: basic models get you there, luxury gives you the experience.

Entry-Level Options

For budget buyers, look at portable tents and small infrared cabins between £200–£800. These are perfect if you want the health benefits without a major home project. They’re compact, plug-and-play, and usually ship quickly.

Mid-Range and Premium Builds

Mid-range wooden cabins and barrel saunas typically fall between £1,000–£4,000, depending on size and heating system. Premium, fully fitted garden saunas from specialist makers can cost £5,000–£10,000 or more, especially when you add bespoke timber, high-end heaters, and electrical work.

Installation and Practical Considerations

Some saunas are delivered flat-packed for DIY assembly, while others come fully pre-built and require a truck and a clear installation area. If you’re not comfortable with wiring or chimney work, hiring a professional is a smart move — it keeps things safe and compliant with building rules.

Foundations and Floor Choices

Garden saunas sit best on a level platform, such as a concrete slab or timber base. Even a gravel base can work if properly prepared, but a solid foundation helps prevent shifting and improves insulation. Size your foundation a couple of inches wider than the sauna footprint for ease of installation.

Maintenance and Longevity

Wood needs care: occasional oiling, prompt cleaning of sweat-stained areas, and inspection of the heater. For wood-burning stoves, chimney sweeps are a must. With reasonable care, a well-built sauna can last many years and become a beloved part of your home.

Benefits of Regular Sauna Use

Beyond relaxation, regular sauna sessions can support circulation, aid recovery after workouts, and help reduce stress. Many people report better sleep and a clearer head after a weekly sauna ritual. It’s like having a small wellness clinic in your back garden.

Wellness Routines You Can Try

Try alternating heat sessions with a cool rinse, or sit for 10–15 minutes and follow with a cold shower to boost circulation. Many users build a ritual: heat, rest, hydrate, repeat. Find what feels restorative for you and stick to it.

Tips for Shopping Smart: Questions to Ask Retailers

Before you click buy, ask about heater brand and warranty, timber provenance, delivery method, and whether the unit is suitable for year-round outdoor use. If the store lists installation services or local contractors, that can save you time and headaches.

Check Reviews and Ask for Photos

Customer photos and reviews reveal real-life fit and finish in a way spec sheets can’t. If a product has sparse feedback, that’s a flag to dig deeper or opt for a more established model.

Eco and Energy Considerations

If sustainability matters, consider infrared saunas for lower energy use, or choose sustainably sourced timber for garden cabins. Efficient heaters and good insulation reduce running costs, so an initially pricier unit may be cheaper over time.

Final Thoughts Before You Buy

Buying a sauna is more than a purchase — it’s creating a ritual space. Whether you pick an affordable infrared cabin from a general retailer or commission a handcrafted garden sauna from a specialist, think about how you’ll use it day-to-day. Comfort, safety, and sustainability should guide your choice, and a little research pays off in long-term enjoyment.

Ready to begin? Start by measuring your space in feet and inches, set a realistic budget, and shortlist stores that match your level of service — from quick-delivery retailers like Argos or Amazon UK to specialist suppliers such as Harvia, TylöHelo, and Huum. That way you’ll find a sauna that fits both your lifestyle and your outdoor or indoor space.

Remember: a sauna is an investment in wellbeing. With the right planning, you’ll be stepping into warmth and calm for years to come.

Conclusion: Choosing the right sauna in the UK is about matching style, size, and function to your home and habits. Whether you go budget or bespoke, take time to measure, compare retailers, and prioritise quality. Your perfect sauna is out there — and with a bit of homework, it’ll be a daily retreat that’s worth every penny.