Most people improve their gardens with new furniture, fresh planting, or a coat of paint on the fence. A rare few do something that stops people mid-conversation at a dinner party. If you want to make the neighbours jealous in the most satisfying way possible, an outdoor sauna is the single most talked-about garden addition available to UK homeowners right now - and Cedar's on-site partners, Thermalux have working examples you can experience for yourself.
The Garden Feature Nobody Else Has (Yet)
Outdoor kitchens are becoming familiar. Fire pits are everywhere. Garden rooms have moved firmly into the mainstream. But an outdoor sauna? That is still the preserve of the genuinely ahead-of-the-curve homeowner - and that gap will not stay open for long.
Beyond the social cachet, there is a compelling wellness case. A sauna session supports circulation, eases muscle tension, and offers a quality of mental reset that is hard to find elsewhere. Used year-round - and these structures are absolutely built for year-round use in the UK climate - an outdoor sauna becomes part of your routine rather than an occasional treat. There is something particularly satisfying about stepping into a warm, cedar-scented space on a cold January evening, looking out at a frost-touched garden.
Fire pits, outdoor kitchens, and beautifully designed decking all contribute to a remarkable outdoor space. But the sauna is the centrepiece. It is the feature that makes guests ask, "How did you find this?" Be the one with the answer.
Built to Last, Designed to Impress
Not all outdoor saunas are equal. The range available through Cedar's partners is built from thermowood - a thermally modified timber that sits among the finest materials available for outdoor sauna construction. The modification process makes the wood exceptionally resistant to moisture, decay, and the kind of weathering that shortens the life of lesser structures. Crucially, thermowood improves with age, developing a beautiful silver-grey patina that looks entirely at home in a considered garden setting.
These are not flat-pack compromises. Each unit is a solid, insulated structure - a proper building that happens to sit in your garden. There are six models in the range, with hundreds of available finishes, accommodating anywhere from one to eight people. Whether your garden is a compact urban courtyard or a generous country plot, there is a configuration that fits.
The practical details are equally impressive:
- Up to temperature within 30 minutes - ready when you are, without a lengthy preparation ritual
- App control as standard - every model can be operated via smartphone, so you can pre-heat your sauna before you leave the office and arrive home to a ready session
- Five-year warranty - a clear signal of the manufacturer's confidence in what they have built
- Optional showers and changing rooms - extend the specification and create a proper outdoor wellness retreat
This is a product engineered for real life, not just for the brochure photograph.
What You Need to Know Before You Buy
The practical requirements are straightforward, and worth understanding before you begin planning.
Surface: Your sauna needs to sit on a solid, level outdoor surface - an existing patio, decking, or a concrete base all work well. It cannot be installed on grass or artificial turf. If you do not already have a suitable surface, this is a natural opportunity to combine the sauna project with a decking or paving upgrade.
Electrical supply: A dedicated electrical supply is required, with an isolator switch. Depending on the model you choose, this will be between 16 and 40 amps. Your electrician will handle this as a straightforward, one-time preparation - it is not a complication, simply a step in the process.
Investment: An outdoor sauna of this calibre is a meaningful investment in your home and your lifestyle. It is worth approaching it as such - a considered spend that adds lasting value to your property and daily enjoyment to your life. The five-year warranty, the quality of thermowood, and the longevity of the construction all support that framing. This is not a purchase you will need to revisit in a few years.
Come and See a Working Example at Cedar
Reading about a sauna is one thing. Standing inside one, feeling the warmth and understanding the quality of the build, is quite another. Cedar's on-site partners have working examples available to view and experience at our Cobham site - a genuine rarity when it comes to this category of product.
This is not a showroom browse. Call Matt or Kenny to arrange a personal appointment and you will get a proper consultation with people who know the product inside out. They can talk you through the range, discuss your garden's specific requirements, and help you identify the right model and finish for your space. Our team and partners are here to make the process feel like a pleasure, not a sales exercise.
Cedar has long been a destination for serious outdoor living inspiration in Surrey, and this is one more reason to make the journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an outdoor sauna be used all year round in the UK?
Yes, absolutely. These saunas are insulated and built specifically for outdoor installation in the UK climate. With a warm-up time of around 30 minutes, they are as practical in winter as in summer - and many owners find the contrast of a warm sauna against cold winter air to be one of the most enjoyable aspects of ownership.
What surface does an outdoor sauna need to be installed on?
Your sauna must be installed on a solid, level surface such as a patio, decking, or concrete base. It is not suitable for installation on grass or artificial turf. If you need a new base, this can be planned as part of the wider project.
Do I need an electrician to install an outdoor sauna?
Yes. A dedicated electrical supply with an isolator switch is required, rated between 16 and 40 amps depending on the model. This is a straightforward, one-time preparation that a qualified electrician can arrange, and it is not something that should put you off the project.
How many people can an outdoor sauna accommodate?
The range includes six models, with configurations that comfortably accommodate between one and eight people. Whether you are looking for a personal retreat or a sociable space for entertaining, there is a model to suit.
Can I control my outdoor sauna remotely?
Yes. All models in this range are compatible with a smartphone app, allowing you to pre-heat your sauna remotely. You can start the warm-up cycle before you leave the office and step straight in when you arrive home.
The best outdoor spaces are the ones people talk about long after the evening ends. An outdoor sauna is not simply a garden feature - it is the start of a conversation, a reason to invite people over, and a daily pleasure that rewards the decision to invest in it. If you are ready to genuinely make the neighbours jealous, get in touch with Matt or Kenny at Cedar and arrange a visit to see one for yourself. You can also read what other customers have said about their experiences on our reviews page, or explore more inspiration on the Cedar journal.