Installation
How to Position an Outdoor Sauna in Your Garden
A guide to positioning an outdoor sauna in your garden — orientation, privacy, access, drainage, and how to integrate the sauna into your garden design.
By Wellness One Lifestyle · Published 2026-08-02 · Updated 2026-08-02
Positioning Your Wellness One Outdoor Sauna
The position of your sauna in the garden affects the experience, the practicality, and the aesthetics. A little planning before installation makes a significant difference.
Orientation
Entrance orientation: A south or west-facing entrance maximises natural light and warmth when entering and exiting the sauna. This is particularly pleasant in the evening — the setting sun through the door is a beautiful feature.
Privacy: Consider the sightlines from neighbouring properties. A sauna positioned behind a fence, hedge, or garden structure provides privacy without requiring additional screening.
Views: If your garden has a pleasant view, position the sauna to take advantage of it. The large windows in Wellness One saunas are designed to frame the garden — a view of trees, a pond, or open countryside enhances the experience significantly.
Practical Considerations
Access to the house: A path between the house and the sauna makes the journey comfortable in bare feet. Consider lighting the path for evening use.
Electrical supply: The sauna requires an electrical supply run from the house. The shorter the cable run, the lower the installation cost. Position the sauna within a reasonable distance of the consumer unit.
Drainage: The sauna does not produce significant water runoff, but the area around the sauna should drain well to prevent waterlogging.
Wind: Position the sauna away from prevailing winds if possible. Wind chill during the transition between the sauna and the cold shower is part of the Nordic experience, but a sheltered position is more comfortable for most users.
Integration with Garden Design
A Wellness One sauna is a premium garden feature. Consider:
- Landscaping around the base with gravel, paving, or planting
- A deck or terrace adjacent to the sauna for cooling down and relaxing
- Outdoor lighting to create atmosphere in the evening
- Planting for privacy and screening
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I position an outdoor sauna in my garden?
Position the sauna on a level, load-bearing base with good drainage. Consider privacy from neighbours, access to the house, and orientation — a south or west-facing entrance maximises natural light and warmth.
How close to the boundary can I put a sauna?
Under permitted development rules, outbuildings must be at least 2m from the property boundary if they exceed 2.5m in height. Most Wellness One models are within this height limit. Check with your local planning authority if you are unsure.