Are you thinking of getting a sauna for your home? When it comes to relaxation and health, few things can compare to the benefits of a good sauna session. It can be difficult to choose the right sauna design and type, however. There are a whole host of different sauna types and designs available today.

Saunas come in all shapes and sizes and there are even differences in the way they work but don’t fret, Garden House 24 got you covered. In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of saunas available and how to choose the right one for your needs. Let’s get started.

Traditional Finnish Sauna

One of the best outdoor sauna designs is the traditional Finnish sauna. Traditional saunas are usually outdoor rooms with a wood-burning stove that generates heat to create steam. The heat from the wood is used to heat up rocks that are strategically placed in the sauna room. To create steam, water is then poured over the rocks. 

This type of sauna uses very little water to create steam. For this reason, it’s considered to be a dry sauna. Even though you’ll only be using a small amount of water, you’ll still need to air out and properly dry the sauna after every use. Failure to do so can lead to problems such as mould growth and rotting wooden seats and walls. 

If you don’t want to feel like you’re drowning, but also hate the feeling of being in a desert, then this sauna is for you. It creates a warm, humid environment, but not to the point of suffocation. This is also the best choice for an outdoor sauna. 

Dry Cedar Sauna

Cedar outdoor saunas are a type of sauna made from cedar wood. This type of sauna is extremely durable and can be set up in a variety of ways. You can choose to create a dry cedar sauna by using a heater or wood-burning stove to heat up rocks. This way you’ll be using minimal water to create steam. 

You can also set up an infrared cedar sauna. Infrared saunas are completely dry. You won’t be needing any water for this type of sauna. That makes this type of sauna very easy to maintain and clean. No matter the type of heating mechanism you use, cedar is a great wood for the structure. It is rot-resistant, warp-resistant and beautiful to look at. 

This sauna is for you if you want something classy that is easy to maintain and clean. Keep in mind that the wood will need resealing every once in a while to keep it looking great. Cedar saunas usually come as barrel saunas, but you can also find cedar sauna rooms. 

Infrared Sauna

Infrared outdoor saunas are dry saunas that use electricity to power heaters to recreate the heat that would normally come from steam. These saunas don’t use any water to create steam which makes them super easy to clean and maintain. The risk of mould growth is significantly lower as well due to the lack of moisture in the air. 

If you’re looking for something a bit more convenient and don’t mind going steamless, then this sauna type is a great choice. Even though this type of sauna is usually recommended for indoor use, you can also find them in a variety of shapes and sizes from barrel saunas to large outdoor garden sauna rooms.

This sauna type is definitely for you if you want all the benefits that go with having your very own sauna, but hate the cleaning up process that follows the use of a traditional or wet sauna.  

So Which is the Right Sauna for Me?

Honestly, all types of saunas have their own benefits and drawbacks. Which sauna type you choose will depend on your preferences. If you prefer an easy-to-use sauna with minimal cleanup afterwards, then an infrared sauna is the way to go. If you like the steam, but don’t want to feel like drowning, go with the traditional sauna. A wet sauna is the messiest of them all. This sauna uses a lot of water to create steam which leads to very high humidity that can be uncomfortable to some. 

Also, make sure you know how to use a sauna safely. The different kinds of saunas will have different risks, so make sure you’re aware of them. Also, keep in mind that the maximum time spent in a sauna should be around 10-15 minutes. More than that can lead to serious dehydration and heatstroke. Drink lots of water and take a break between sessions. Don’t do more than 2 sessions per day either. Saunas will only improve your health if used correctly.  

Final Thoughts

When choosing a type of sauna, make sure you know the difference between a dry sauna, infrared sauna and wet sauna. All of these have different benefits and drawbacks you should now be aware of. 

If you need help with choosing the best sauna for you, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Garden House 24. Our professional garden room experts will be happy to help you.