Any wood sauna can get mildew if it stays damp, but a sauna that dries out after each session stays clean. Prop the door and vent open after use, set the sauna on a level, well-drained base, keep a roof over it, and leave the interior wood unsealed so it can breathe.
Why a sauna gets damp
Sweat and ladled water add moisture during a session. Heat drives most of it off, and what is left needs airflow to leave. Problems start when a sauna sits closed and cool with moisture inside, or when its base holds water against the wood.
Does an outdoor sauna need a drain?
A traditional sauna uses a ladle of water at a time on the stones, so a backyard sauna usually does not need a plumbed drain. What it needs is a base that sheds water: compacted gravel, pavers or a concrete pad, level and a little above the surrounding ground. See foundation and electrical.
Does it need a cover?
It needs a roof, not a tarp. Blazin kit saunas list a black metal roof kit in their options, which sheds rain over the Sugi cedar shell. See black metal roof saunas. A tarp can trap moisture against the wood.
After-session routine
- Wipe or towel the benches.
- Open the vent and prop the door for a while so the room dries.
- Empty the bucket.
- Keep leaves and debris clear of the base and walls.
Care for the wood
Leave the inside unsealed and unpainted. Care for the exterior on a schedule, as covered in cedar sauna maintenance and winter prep. Every Blazin sauna is handmade in East Idaho and carries a 3-year limited warranty.
How much does an outdoor sauna weigh?
Approximate shipping weights by size: about 1,100 lbs for a 1 person sauna, 1,200 lbs for 2 person, 1,400 lbs for 4 person, 1,600 lbs for 6 person and 1,800 lbs for the Timberline. Plan a base that is level, drained and solid enough for that weight plus the people inside. Walls are 1 5/8-inch Sugi cedar on the pods, barrels, cubes and the Timberline.
Questions? Call (208) 520-6612 or (208) 270-5860, or find us on Instagram at @blazinsaunas.
Questions
Do outdoor saunas get moldy?
Any wood sauna can get mildew if it stays damp. Prop the door and vent open after each session so the room dries, keep the base drained and off bare soil, and leave the interior wood unsealed.
Does an outdoor sauna need a drain?
A traditional sauna uses a ladle of water at a time on the stones, so a backyard sauna usually does not need a plumbed drain. Set it on a level, well-drained base such as gravel, pavers or concrete.
Does an outdoor sauna need a cover?
It needs a roof rather than a tarp. Blazin kit saunas list a black metal roof kit in their options. A tarp can trap moisture against the wood.
Should I seal the inside of a cedar sauna?
No. Leave the interior wood unsealed and unpainted so it can breathe and dry.
How do I dry a sauna after use?
Wipe the benches, empty the bucket, and open the vent and door for a while so the room can dry.
How much does an outdoor sauna weigh?
Approximate shipping weights: about 1,100 lbs for 1 person, 1,200 lbs for 2 person, 1,400 lbs for 4 person, 1,600 lbs for 6 person and 1,800 lbs for the Timberline.