Written by the Elite Bio Performance recovery team
The short version: A great outdoor sauna comes down to four things — genuine red cedar (weather + rot resistance), a properly sized heater for the cabin volume, the right capacity for how you'll actually use it, and a power setup your home can support. Below: what matters, and the two cedar saunas we carry and stand behind.
What we carry & recommend
The Auris outdoor cedar line — hand-built natural red cedar, electric or wood-burning, 5-year warranty:
What Actually Matters in an Outdoor Sauna
1. Wood Species
Natural red cedar is the gold standard for outdoor saunas: naturally resistant to moisture, rot, and insects, dimensionally stable through freeze-thaw cycles, and it carries the unmistakable cedar aroma. Cheaper outdoor builds use spruce or pine, which warp, check, and gray within a couple of seasons of weather exposure. Both Auris models are built from genuine red cedar.
2. Heater Sizing
Heater output has to match cabin volume. As a rule of thumb, you need roughly 1 kW per 50 cubic feet of sauna space. Under-size it and the sauna never reaches a true 175–195°F; over-size it and you waste energy. The Auris Two offers 9KW heater options (HomeCraft Revive or the wifi-controlled Huum Drop) sized for a 3–4 person cabin; the Auris One pairs with a 4.5KW Harvia for its smaller footprint.
3. Electric vs. Wood-Burning
Electric is the practical default — push a button, no chimney, precise control (the Huum Drop even runs from your phone). Wood-burning delivers the traditional ritual and works off-grid, but requires a chimney, clearances, and more upkeep. Both Auris models support electric out of the box; wood-burning is available on request with custom configuration.
4. Power & Installation
Larger outdoor saunas typically need a dedicated 240V circuit (a licensed electrician, usually a few hundred dollars). Confirm your panel capacity before you buy — our specialists will walk you through it. Professional installation is available as an add-on.
The Outdoor Saunas We Carry: The Auris Line
Auris One — 1–2 Person
A private cedar retreat sized for one or two. Hand-built red cedar, a complete wooden bucket kit included, and a 4.5KW Harvia heater option. The right call for couples, small yards, and anyone who wants the real outdoor-sauna ritual without a large footprint. $19,999, 5-year warranty, free curbside delivery. View the Auris One →
Auris Two — 3–4 Person
The centerpiece build. Seats 3–4, with your choice of 9KW heater (HomeCraft Revive or the wifi + remote Huum Drop) and flexible power configurations. For families, gatherings, or anyone who wants the full backyard wellness suite. $25,999, 5-year warranty, free curbside delivery. View the Auris Two →
Frequently Asked Questions
How hot does an outdoor cedar sauna get?
A properly sized heater brings a cedar cabin to a traditional 175–195°F. Cedar's natural insulation helps it hold heat efficiently even in cold weather.
Do I need a foundation?
A level, load-bearing surface — a concrete pad, paver base, or reinforced deck. We'll confirm requirements for your specific model before delivery.
Electric or wood-burning for a backyard?
Electric for most homes (simplest, precise, no chimney). Wood-burning if you want the off-grid traditional experience and can accommodate a chimney and clearances.
How long does a cedar sauna last?
Genuine red cedar, properly maintained, lasts well over a decade outdoors. Both Auris models include a 5-year warranty.
Talk to a Specialist Before You Buy
We'll match the right cedar sauna to your space, power, and how you'll use it — by phone, video, or email. No pressure, no spam.
Book a Free Consultation → or call (949) 867-3964
Shop all outdoor saunas → | Prefer indoor? See our infrared saunas →
Elite Bio Performance is an authorized Orivon dealer. Every unit includes a full manufacturer warranty.