Can you put an Indoor Sauna in the Outdoors?

Infrared saunas come in many shapes and sizes, designed to suit different homes and lifestyles. The type of sauna you choose should reflect your space, wellness goals, and daily routine. Two of the most common questions we receive are:, “How big should my sauna be?” and “Where should I place my sauna?”.

While the answers vary from person to person, one key consideration underlies both questions: do you want an indoor infrared sauna or an outdoor sauna?

In this article, we’ll explore the differences between indoor and outdoor saunas, and answer the burning question, “Can I put an indoor sauna outside?”.

Indoor Sauna Vs Outdoor Sauna: What's the Difference?

It may sound obvious, but the primary difference between an indoor and outdoor sauna is in how they’re built. Indoor saunas are designed to sit within a protected space, while outdoor saunas are constructed to withstand the elements throughout the year.

This distinction significantly influences both the quality and the build of a sauna. Regardless of brand, the difference between cheap sauna vs an expensive sauna often comes down to whether it can endure outdoor conditions or not.

This distinction has several practical impacts on the design and performance of the sauna:

Cabin size – outdoor models often require additional waterproofing and insulation, which can influence their overall dimensions.
Cost – the use of extra materials generally makes outdoor saunas more expensive to build. However, the electricity cost of an infrared sauna typically remains the same.
Weight – larger size and heavier construction materials increase the overall weight of an outdoor sauna.
Materials – weather-resistant timbers and finishes are used to ensure durability and long-term protection against the elements.

These differences matter because infrared saunas rely on electrical heating elements; moisture in wiring or heating components can cause short circuits and irreparable damage. Clearlight Saunas utilise patented technology to reduce electromagnetic-field (EMF) emissions, but even ultra-low EMF saunas remain vulnerable to water ingress if not properly sited and maintained.

The best outdoor saunas are built with enhanced resilience. They incorporate additional waterproofing and sealing to protect against wind, sun, salt, rain, and hail. Many still benefit from a protective cover, which helps prevent both aesthetic wear and technical damage over time.

Outdoor saunas also tend to be slightly larger than indoor models. This is partly to accommodate multiple users more comfortably, but also because the protective layers and structural reinforcements required for weather resistance add extra bulk to the design.

Clearlight® Saunas have an Outdoor Full Spectrum Infrared Sauna that utilises an external Cedartech® Shell. Not only does this shell look aesthetically pleasing and continue to resemble the timber features adored by Clearlight owners, but it also is tough and durable, allowing protection from rain, sun, wind, hail, and sea breeze.

As with all natural materials, the outer shell of a sauna is not impervious, and nature ultimately prevails. For this reason, we provide and recommend using an outdoor sauna cover whenever the sauna is not in use or during periods of heavy weather.

Every Clearlight® Outdoor Sauna comes with a complimentary Clearlight® Water-Resistant Sauna Cover to help protect it when not in use. To ensure your warranty remains valid, one of the following conditions must be met:

Your sauna is always protected by the provided Clearlight® Water-Resistant Sauna Cover, or
Your sauna is housed under adequate shelter or a weatherproof structure.

For more guidance on protecting your sauna and prolonging its life, see our Outdoor Sauna Care Guide.

Can I put an Indoor Sauna Outside?

Waterproofing a sauna is essential for placing it outside. Like most things, the best solution is usually a preventative one.

Indoor saunas aren’t designed with outdoor challenges in mind - and for good reason. By removing the need for heavy waterproofing and structural reinforcements, they can instead focus on refined design, lighter materials, and elegant features that enhance the experience.

For example, Clearlight® Sanctuary Saunas showcase delicate accent lighting, a glass ceiling, and okoume finishes on the exterior. These elements are crafted for beauty and comfort within a protected environment, rather than resilience against harsh weather. Even with a cover, the aesthetic and technical details that make indoor saunas so appealing are best preserved when kept indoors.

We strongly do not recommend placing an indoor sauna outdoors. Attempting to waterproof one yourself can void warranties and compromise both safety and longevity.

That’s why we developed our Clearlight® Outdoor Sauna range. These saunas are purpose-built to endure the elements while maintaining the same high-quality materials, finishes, and health benefits you expect. With over 22 years of experience designing infrared saunas for outdoor use, our saunas provide reliable protection from weather — no additional waterproofing or structural modifications are needed.

By choosing an outdoor-specific sauna, you get the best of both worlds: a safe, durable product designed for your environment, and a luxurious, health-enhancing experience that lasts for years.

Can You Place an Indoor Sauna in a Shed or Garage?

Yes - provided the sauna is fully protected from moisture, including rain, dew, or hail, and shielded from strong winds, direct sunlight, and debris.

The floor should be level, stable, and free from drainage points underneath the sauna. Additionally, humidity and moisture from surrounding surfaces must be controlled to prevent damage to the sauna’s structure and electrical components.

Where is the Best Place to Place an Infrared Sauna?

The ideal location for an infrared sauna depends on your lifestyle, needs, and personal preferences. Both indoor and outdoor placements offer unique benefits — the choice ultimately comes down to the experience you want to create.

Outdoor Placement

Outdoors provides flexibility and space, allowing your sauna to complement gardens, entertainment areas, or scenic views. Outdoor saunas that are specifically designed and fully waterproof can become a striking focal point, especially when illuminated at night. Beyond aesthetics, placing your sauna outdoors allows you to combine the health benefits of infrared heat with the restorative effects of spending time in nature. Exposure to fresh air, natural light, and greenery can enhance relaxation, reduce stress, and improve overall wellbeing. When planning outdoor placement, consider themes of nature, flow, and openness to create a harmonious and rejuvenating environment.

Indoor Placement

Indoors opens up an entirely different set of possibilities. Modern wellness design increasingly embraces at-home spaces tailored for relaxation, recovery, and personal rejuvenation. A dedicated room can combine your sauna with other wellness features - an ice bath, workout equipment, or meditation space - for a holistic experience. Thoughtful interior touches, such as aroma, cushions, or ambient lighting, can transform the space into a calming sanctuary. Even a luxurious bathroom with a feature bath and a view can serve as the perfect backdrop for a sauna, blending wellness with indulgence.

Ultimately, indoor placement offers complete creative freedom, while outdoor placement maximises space and connection with nature. The best choice is the one that aligns with your lifestyle, design vision, and wellness goals.

Explore our range of Clearlight® saunas, including full-spectrum, far-infrared, and outdoor models, to find the perfect fit for your space.