Outdoor saunas

Don't know what a sauna is? I'll let you find out here.

As far as outdoor garden saunas are concerned, these are wooden cabins installed on a plot of land or terrace. They are powered either by electricity or wood.

They are most often built from wood such as spruce or red cedar, for their excellent resistance to heat and humidity. Outdoor saunas can be enhanced with a small patio and personalized with a variety of decorations and accessories.

To withstand the elements, it's imperative to cover the roof with bituminous coating, tavaillon or steel sheeting, to protect the structure from snow, storms and rain.

In short, the outdoor sauna cabin can be installed in any garden and guarantees perspiration and sweating for all!

It's ideal for homeowners who want to add value to their garden while enjoying the body and mind benefits of this oasis of relaxation.

The advantages of a garden sauna include the fact that it doesn't take up any living space, offers a view of the surrounding area and can be fitted with a wood-burning stove to give it a very charming atmosphere.

Outdoor saunas are also a major asset for professionals in the hotel and tourism industries, keen to enhance the comfort of their customers and increase the appeal of their establishments. In short, outdoor saunas are the perfect solution for anyone looking to relax, recharge their batteries and enjoy a unique wellness experience, whether in a private or professional setting.

We provide you with the essential accessories to ensure your sauna sessions run smoothly.
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That is, a thermometer and hygrometer to monitor temperature and humidity, to ensure an optimal environment. An hourglass is also included, allowing you to effectively manage the duration of your sauna sessions. Volcanic stones ensure harmonious heat and steam diffusion.

We also recommend having a shower or cold bath nearby to ease the transition between sauna sessions and moments of refreshment, contributing to a perfect, relaxing wellness experience.

As far as equipment is concerned, please note that our products are equipped with interior and exterior lights, and that we supply the chimney flue for your wood-burning stove.

It's essential to find out about the regulations in force in your commune, and any planning taxes that may apply to the installation of an outdoor sauna on your property. In France, planning regulations vary according to the size and location of your project.

If your outdoor sauna exceeds 20 m², planning permission is required. For saunas smaller than 20 m², a "déclaration préalable de travaux" is generally sufficient. Nevertheless, it is advisable to consult your local Plan Local d'Urbanisme (PLU) to find out about the specific rules applicable to your area.
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As far as development tax is concerned, this applies to new constructions and building extensions. The amount of this tax varies according to the sauna's floor area and the rates set by local authorities. We recommend that you contact your local council for precise information on the regulations and taxes applicable to your outdoor sauna project.

Depending on whether you're using your sauna for private or professional use, there are two main options.

For private use, there are two types of stove to choose from: wood-burning or electric.
Wood-burning stoves offer the advantage of being a cheaper source of energy, and can easily keep your sauna warm for several hours.

For intensive, professional use, you'll need to opt for electric or wood-burning stoves designed for this intensive, prolonged use, to guarantee optimum durability of the stove.

The choice between a wood-burning stove and an electric stove depends on your preferences and constraints. A wood-burning stove offers a warm, authentic atmosphere, with gentle heat and the pleasant smell of burning wood. However, it requires a supply of wood, regular maintenance and it's not possible to set the temperature to the exact degree. You can opt for either inside or outside loading.
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The electric stove, meanwhile, is practical and easy to use, with precise temperature control and quiet operation. However, it consumes electricity and doesn't offer the same sensory experience as a wood-burning stove. Weigh the pros and cons against your expectations and lifestyle to make the choice that's right for you.

The Combi heater is an innovative solution for those who want to enjoy the benefits of a steam sauna.
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It integrates a steam generator and an electric heater into a single unit, making it easy to switch from dry sauna to wet steam. Temperature and humidity are precisely controllable, guaranteeing a tailor-made sauna experience to suit your preferences.

The Combi heater is ideal for those who want a complete wellness experience, combining the relaxing, detoxifying virtues of the dry sauna with the soothing humidity of the steam sauna.

The electric stoves installed in our saunas and Nordic baths have a power rating of 9kW. They are connected to a 380V three-phase supply.

A 6.6kW electric heater can be installed on request. In our experience, we recommend 9kW.

All the connections for the lighting fixtures are already in place. All that remains is to connect them to the mains and position the switch at the sauna entrance.

To avoid any problems when using your sauna with electric heater, ask your supplier for the current wattage of your installation, and make sure you adapt it to use your heater without tripping the installation.

Installing a sauna doesn't require any earthwork. If you already have a terraced area to lay it out, all the better!
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In reality, it's enough to lay out your wooden sauna on concrete blocks so as to isolate it from the ground. Make sure that the installation is straight. To do this, use a level.

Depending on the model selected, the sauna can be delivered pre-assembled or in kit form. In all cases, you'll be responsible for unloading. If the sauna is delivered in kit form, you'll be responsible for assembling it.

If you're the DIY type, you can assemble the sauna kit yourself. If you prefer, you can also call in a craftsman.

A printed manual and our video tutorials will take you through all the assembly steps, from A to Z.

We deliver your sauna anywhere in France.

If you opt for a sauna delivered assembled, our team will take care of transport to your home, guaranteeing safe delivery. The customer is responsible for unloading and setting up the sauna on the terrace or other chosen location. To do this, you'll need to have reserved an unloading vehicle for the day of delivery, so that you can finalize the installation of your sauna in the desired location.
You can rely on our team to give you the best possible advice.

In the case of a kit delivery, as the non-standard dimensions do not allow the use of a platform and pallet truck, you will also be responsible for unloading the product. Our delivery driver will help you with this.

Our team will send you all the components you need to assemble the unit yourself, along with clear, detailed instructions. In this way, Rêves & Bois can offer you a solution tailored to your preferences and the accessibility of the sauna's final location.

All that's left to do is to have your sauna connected to the electrical network by an electrician.

To maximize the lifespan of your wooden sauna, maintenance involves applying coats of woodstain once a year.

Read our dedicated article.

When it comes to choosing a location for your outdoor sauna, there are several factors to consider. It's important to select a location offering easy access, a flat, stable surface, and ideally, some privacy.
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Think about proximity to your home for ease of travel and connection to necessary services, while ensuring that the aesthetics of your garden are preserved. A good view or a soothing natural setting are also assets that will make your outdoor sauna experience even more pleasant and relaxing.
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It's important that the sauna's location is horizontal. This may be the case with a wooden deck or concrete slab. In the case of barrel saunas, you can position them on cobblestones or very large wooden planks. The sauna must not be in direct contact with the ground. Basically, if you already have a terrace ready, this is the ideal location.
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If you position your sauna directly on your terrace and use a wood-burning stove, make sure you maintain a sufficiently large distance from your house.

1) Be sure to level the ground on which you intend to install the fixture. Grading is not always necessary.
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2) Prepare the electricity connection for the lighting fixtures and also in the case of the use of an electric heater.
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3) Make sure to reserve an unloading machine for the D-day in the case of an already assembled sauna or Nordic bath.

The sauna, with wood-burning or electric stove, takes about 30 minutes to reach temperature.

An outdoor sauna delivered in kit form by Rêves et Bois includes:
- feet for the structure,
- wooden planks to assemble the structure,
- doors and glass depending on the model chosen,
- a wood-burning or electric stove,
- volcanic stones,
- benches or benches,
- indoor and outdoor lighting,
- sauna accessories (sauna stones, wooden bucket, ladle, thermometer, hygrometer).

The steps involved in building an outdoor sauna are as follows:
- choose a flat location,
- level blocks horizontally,
- place the sauna legs where you want them,
- assemble the initial structure,
- position the front and rear walls,
- place the boards to close off the sauna,
- place the benches and heater,
- assemble the door.

You'll find more detailed instructions in our step-by-step outdoor sauna assembly video .

Perfectly suited wood species are spruce and red cedar for the structure.

It's important to use boards with a minimum thickness of 40 mm to ensure the sauna's resistance over time.
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It's also essential to choose quality wood that will withstand the heat.

The sauna must be ventilated, with the air inlet and outlet positioned in two different places.

The air inlet under the bench, the air outlet high up.

This ensures air circulation in the sauna.

It takes 6 hours and two people to assemble a sauna tonneau kit.

The cost of an outdoor sauna can vary considerably depending on a number of factors, such as size, quality of materials used and thickness of boards, options and accessories chosen, as well as the type of heating (electric or wood-fired).

Smaller, entry-level outdoor saunas with basic equipment can start from a few thousand euros. However, for top-of-the-range models, with top-quality finishes, options such as a combi stove or additional features (like a relaxation area or changing room), the price can rise to several tens of thousands of euros.

At Rêves & Bois, we offer top-quality wood for your sauna design. It's important to note that the initial investment in an outdoor sauna isn't the only cost to consider. You'll also need to factor in installation and unloading costs for a sauna delivered assembled, as well as maintenance and operating costs (energy consumption for heating, for example).

Nevertheless, owning an outdoor sauna at home is an investment that can considerably improve your quality of life and bring many health benefits, both physical and mental.

Can you already see yourself relaxing in your new patio area? To make this dream come true, make sure you define your purchasing criteria carefully. When purchasing your sauna, it's essential to take several criteria into account to guarantee the best possible experience.

First and foremost, the quality of the wood used is paramount. The thickness of the wood is also a key factor in ensuring good insulation and heat retention inside the sauna. Also consider the length of the sauna, especially if you want to be able to lie down comfortably inside.

If your sauna is to be installed on a terrace, make sure the chosen location is suitable and stable enough to accommodate your new wellness space.