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About Our Home Saunas
We stock 7 home saunas from two manufacturers: Palmako and Lichfield. Palmako build their saunas in Estonia from slow-grown Nordic spruce with 42-56mm interlocking log walls. Lichfield produce the Crown Elegant, a premium cabin sauna at £29,000. Every model includes an electric heater as standard — Harvia stoves in Palmako models and Huum heaters in selected cabins.
The range splits into two types. Barrel saunas (Anita and Anette models) heat faster because the cylindrical shape circulates air efficiently. They suit gardens where space is tight. Cabin saunas (Grace and Eva models) provide more usable floor area and often include a separate changing room or veranda. The Lichfield Crown at £29,000 is a full-size sauna cabin with premium finishes.
For insulated year-round buildings, see our insulated garden rooms. Browse our small garden rooms for compact pods and cabins. Our Palmako garden buildings range includes garages and log cabins from the same manufacturer.
Why We Chose This Range
"We avoid thin-walled flat-pack saunas. A sauna needs thermal mass to work properly. That is why we stock Palmako models with 42mm to 56mm log walls. The thick timber absorbs heat from the stove and radiates it back gently, giving you that soft enveloping warmth rather than harsh dry heat. I have used the Anette 3.0 after a long day fitting greenhouses and it makes a real difference to recovery."
— Matt, Greenhouse Stores
Home Sauna Comparison
| Model | Type | Log Thickness | Heater | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anita 0.9 | Barrel sauna | 42mm | Harvia | £2,325 |
| Anita 1.3 | Barrel sauna | 42mm | Harvia | £3,450 |
| Anita 1.6 | Barrel sauna | 42mm | Harvia | £3,899 |
| Anette 3.0 (Matt's Pick) | Barrel sauna | 42mm | Harvia | £4,899 |
| Grace 5.3 | Cabin sauna | 44mm | Harvia | £6,599 |
| Grace 8.2 | Cabin sauna | 44mm | Harvia | £8,799 |
| Lichfield Crown | Premium cabin | 56mm+ | Huum | £29,000 |
Matt's Installation Tip
You cannot plug a garden sauna into a standard 13-amp socket. A 6kW or 9kW heater draws 30-40 amps and needs a dedicated armoured cable from your house consumer unit. Budget £500-1,000 for an electrician depending on cable run distance. The sauna itself does not come with cable attached — your electrician connects the stove directly to the new supply. Also site the sauna at least 1m from any fence or boundary. The external surface reaches 50-60 degrees during use and you need clearance for maintenance access.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much does it cost to run a home sauna?
A typical 6kW electric heater costs £1.50-2.50 per hour to run. Most sauna sessions last 30-60 minutes, making a typical session cost around £1-2. Our Palmako saunas with 42-56mm log walls retain heat efficiently, so the heater cycles on and off rather than running constantly. Weekly use adds roughly £5-10 to your electricity bill.
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Do I need planning permission for a garden sauna?
Most garden saunas fall under permitted development. The building must be single-storey, under 2.5m at the eaves if within 2m of a boundary, and not cover more than half the garden. Barrel saunas are well under this height limit. Cabin saunas should be checked against the ridge height. Conservation areas and listed properties have stricter rules.
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What base does a home sauna need?
A level concrete slab or compacted paving at least 100mm thick. Barrel saunas sit on timber cradles that distribute the weight evenly, but the cradles need a flat surface underneath. Cabin saunas include a timber floor and need a solid, level base. Always include drainage clearance so water from the sauna and rain runoff does not pool against the base.
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What is the best wood for a home sauna?
Slow-grown Nordic spruce is the standard for sauna construction. The tight grain resists warping under repeated heating and cooling cycles. It produces a subtle natural scent when heated. Thermowood (heat-treated timber) is used on some barrel models for extra durability. Avoid softwoods like pine that can release excess resin at sauna temperatures.
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Can I install a home sauna myself?
Yes, the timber structure is designed for DIY assembly. Barrel saunas typically take two people 4-6 hours. Cabin saunas take a full day. The interlocking log walls stack without specialist tools. However, the electrical connection to the heater must be done by a qualified Part P electrician. This is a legal requirement, not optional.