October 15, 2025
Category: Sauna & Steam
Thinking about a wood-fired sauna for your garden? If you’re researching wood fired saunas, here’s what to know: the UK rules that shape your choice, the flue and safety basics, and realistic buying and running costs. Many homeowners search for a wood‑burning sauna, but UK smoke‑control rules and flue requirements often guide the decision. You’ll also get a siting checklist for small gardens and a quick chooser for when wood makes sense versus electric.
Tip: Check your postcode for smoke‑control, then book a home visit to confirm compliance.
Can you run a wood‑fired sauna in a smoke‑control area?
Many UK councils designate Smoke Control Areas (SCAs). If you’re considering wood-fired sauna heaters, start here. In an SCA, you must avoid emitting smoke from a chimney unless you use authorised fuel or a DEFRA‑exempt appliance. Most wood‑burning sauna stoves don’t appear on the exempt list, so wood‑fired is often unsuitable in SCAs. If you’re in an SCA, consider an electric heater to get a comparable heat experience without the restrictions.
Quick checks
- Look up your council’s smoke‑control information for your street.
- Confirm whether your chosen stove appears on the current DEFRA exempt‑appliance list (essential for wood fired saunas in SCAs).
- If you cannot meet SCA rules, select electric and proceed with the same room layout and ventilation plan.
If your stove flues through a garden building roof, SCA rules still apply.
Live in a smoke‑control area? Check your postcode, then request a compliance check and we’ll confirm the rules for your address, plan a compliant flue route, and give you a costed plan.
Do you need planning permission for the sauna or the flue?
Most garden sauna cabins fall within permitted development in England if you meet height, placement, and outbuilding rules. Local constraints can change that, especially listed buildings, conservation areas, and raised platforms. The building may be permitted, but the flue position or height may still need attention. This is especially relevant for wood fired saunas. We’ll check this on a home visit and let you know if you should speak to your local planning team.
Practical approach
- Site the cabin out of main sightlines, away from boundaries where possible.
- Plan an external flue route with a safe termination point for wood fired saunas.
What flue and safety rules apply to wood‑fired sauna stoves?
Solid‑fuel appliances fall under Building Regulations Part J in England. Plan adequate air supply and safe discharge of combustion products. Keep clearances to combustibles and specify a suitable hearth and enclosure. Fit an audible carbon‑monoxide alarm in the same room as the heater. Position it as Part J sets out and test it regularly. Use a competent installer. These requirements apply to wood fired saunas in cabins or outbuildings.
Safety checklist
- Air supply sized for the stove output
- Correct flue diameter and height with safe termination
- Clearances and non‑combustible finishes around the heater
- CO alarm in the room, tested and serviced
Why it matters: Clean burns and a safe flue keep neighbours happy and make sweeping faster.
Should you choose a wood‑fired or electric heater for a UK garden sauna?
Choose wood‑fired if you live outside a Smoke Control Area and want the ritual with dry log storage. Choose electric if you are in an SCA or prefer timer control, predictable costs, and flexible siting. Both heat well. Compliance and site constraints decide the best option.
Purchase and install
- Wood‑fired stove: extra spend on flue components, weathering, and labour. Budget for a CO alarm.
- Electric heater: simpler install with a dedicated supply and local isolator by a qualified electrician.
Running and upkeep
- Wood: fuel storage under cover, dry logs, ash management, regular chimney sweeping.
- Electric: predictable running, timer control, minimal upkeep.
Siting
- Wood‑fired: plan wind direction, neighbour proximity, and flue termination. Avoid SCAs unless you have an exempt appliance.
- Electric: flexible siting, easier in dense streets and terraces.
Need help deciding? See our guide to electric versus traditional sauna heating, then compare models in the showroom.
Where should you place a wood‑fired sauna in a small garden?
When siting wood fired saunas in small gardens, keep access simple, allow a straight approach for delivery, and set a level reinforced base. Give the flue a clear, safe termination path. Light the path and use non‑slip surfacing for evening use. If prevailing wind blows towards a neighbour, move the cabin, adjust the flue height, or switch to electric.
Siting checklist
- Level base and drainage away from the cabin
- Flue route and termination clear of overhangs
- Clear delivery route and door width
How much do wood fired saunas cost to buy and run?
Prices vary by cabin size, heater output, and site work.
Typical guide points
- Outdoor sauna cabins: from around £4,500 for simpler units. Higher‑spec models cost more.
- Wood‑fired heater and flue pack: allow for quality flue components and labour
- Running: wood costs depend on supply, storage, and season, while electric costs depend on tariff and schedule
Ask for a model‑specific, costed plan for your garden. We can run a like‑for‑like comparison with electric, so you see total ownership clearly.
Which size wood‑fired barrel sauna is right for your garden?
Small (180 × 220 cm, 3–4 persons) suits compact patios. Medium (220 × 220 cm, 4–6 persons) adds seating. Large (240 × 220 cm, 5–8 persons) fits families or hosting. Measure your base and leave a straight delivery route before you choose.
Outdoor Barrel Sauna Wood Fire – Small: 3–4 persons, 180 × 220 cm, two benches, £7,995 inc VAT.
Outdoor Barrel Sauna Wood Fire – Medium: 4–6 persons, 220 × 220 cm, two benches, £8,495 inc VAT.
Outdoor Barrel Sauna Wood Fire – Large: 5–8 persons, 240 × 220 cm, two benches — £8,750 inc VAT.
Installed by our in‑house team. Finance available, subject to status.
How do you get a costed plan for your garden sauna?
Book a site assessment. Our team checks Smoke Control status and plans a compliant flue route. We confirm siting and leave you with a detailed quote, a layout sketch, and a provisional install date. Prefer to feel the heat first? Visit our Sidcup (Ruxley Manor) or Gillingham (Dobbies) showrooms to book a wet test. You can also browse our outdoor saunas, including our wood fired saunas, and current sales offers, or review finance options (subject to status).
