8x8 backyard sauna with redwood benches, cedar paneling, and under-bench LED lighting.
This is a custom 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 built for Tahoe snow loads. 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 sauna environment. The electric sauna heater is sized for the 480-cubic-foot room and runs on a 240V dedicated circuit. We put under-bench LED strips for ambient lighting so there are no fixtures up in the heat zone where they'd take a beating. Cedar paneling on the walls and ceiling with fiberglass insulation and aluminum vapor barrier behind it. Two small windows sized for privacy while still getting partial mountain views. No floor drain on this sauna — it keeps the backyard sauna build simpler since it's designed for dry sauna use, not bathing.
“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.”
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.
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.
We design custom outdoor saunas — electric or wood-fired — tailored to your property, climate, and budget.
Start the Design ProcessTahoe 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.
12 decisions that determine how well your sauna performs — insulation, bench height, heater sizing, ventilation, and more. Get them right before you build.
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We'll learn about your space, goals, and timeline — and recommend the right next step for your project.