Outdoor Electric Sauna in South Lake Tahoe

8x8 backyard sauna with redwood benches, cedar paneling, and under-bench LED lighting.

This is an 8x8 outdoor sauna we designed in the Myers neighborhood of South Lake Tahoe. The structure has 7.5-foot interior ceilings with a single-pitch shed-style roof. We went with redwood for the benches on this one, which is a little less common than cedar but gives the interior a warmer, richer look and holds up really well in a high-heat environment. We put LED strips under the benches so there's no lighting fixtures up in the heat zone where they'd take a beating. Cedar paneling on the walls and ceiling, two small windows sized for privacy while still getting some views of the adjacent mountain. No drain on this sauna — it keeps the build simpler and costs down since it's designed for dry use, not bathing.

Location: South Lake Tahoe, California

Size: 8x8 ft (7.5 ft ceilings)

Heater: Electric

“The collaboration with Tahoe Sauna Company was stellar. I really appreciated their leadership in designing the sauna and connecting me with a great builder. The attention to detail in the bench layout and lighting made all the difference.”

Boris GuenebautGoogle Review

Design Goals

Keep it straightforward — a well-built outdoor sauna without overcomplicating things.
Use redwood benches for a different look than cedar and good durability in high heat.
Size and place the windows so the owner gets partial mountain views without the neighbors seeing in.

Key Specs

Stove: Electric heater sized for the 8x8 space.
Benches: Redwood — holds up well in high heat and looks great.
Lighting: LED strips under the benches. No fixtures in the heat zone.
Interior: Cedar paneling on walls and ceiling.
Windows: Two small windows — placed for privacy with partial mountain views.
Flooring: No drain. Designed for dry sauna use.
Exterior: Single-pitch shed roof, cedar siding.

Budget

Estimated material cost: ~$4,100 (not including labor). Total design/build range: $8–12k depending on contractor rates and site conditions. This is a planning range only; your contractor provides the final price.

Get the Full Plan for This Project

Includes the layout, materials list, heater sizing, bench dimensions, and design notes — everything you need to use this project as a reference for your own build.

8x8 Outdoor Electric Sauna Plan — $49

Your plan package will be delivered to your email within 24 hours of purchase.

Planning an Outdoor Sauna?

We can help you design one that works for your property and your budget.

Start the Design Process

Tahoe Sauna Company provides design and consulting services only. Construction was performed by an independent, properly licensed contractor hired directly by the client under a separate agreement.

Tahoe Sauna Company