FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Choosing a sauna

Barrel or Quadro: what is the difference?
Both are built from Scandinavian spruce for the garden. A Barrel sauna has the classic rounded shape, a curved roof that sheds rain and a smaller air volume that heats up quickly. A Quadro sauna is square and cabin-style, with straight walls, more bench space and a more modern look, with the option of full glass doors.

What size do I need?
Our 145 cm models suit 2–3 people, 175 cm suits 2–4 and 200–240 cm suits 4–6. If you plan to lie down or have guests regularly, go a size up. Browse by size: 2–3 person, 2–4 person, 4–6 person.

What is included with the sauna?
The cabin itself: walls, roof, door, benches and fixings, with full assembly instructions. Heaters, stones and accessories are sold separately, or choose a Sauna Bundle with everything included.

Do I need planning permission?
In most UK gardens an outdoor sauna counts as an outbuilding under permitted development, so no planning permission is needed, provided it is under 2.5 m tall near a boundary and does not cover more than half the garden. Listed buildings and conservation areas have extra rules, so check with your local council if unsure.

Heaters

Electric or wood-burning?
Electric heaters are simple: set the time and temperature and the sauna heats itself, and Wi-Fi models can be started from your phone. Wood-burning stoves need no electricity and give the traditional soft heat and crackle of a real fire. See our heater guide for a side-by-side comparison.

What size heater do I need?
Roughly 1 kW per cubic metre of sauna. A 6 kW heater suits our 145–175 cm saunas; 8–9 kW suits the 200–240 cm models. Each heater listing shows its recommended cabin size.

Can I install the heater myself?
You can mount the heater and load the stones yourself, but the final connection to the mains must be made by a qualified electrician. Most electric heaters need a dedicated circuit.

Are stones included?
Most of our heaters come with stones; the listing says so in the title. Stones should be replaced every 1–2 years depending on use. Shop sauna stones.

Delivery and assembly

How quickly can I get my sauna?
In-stock saunas in our Fast Delivery collection are delivered within 10 working days. Full details on our Delivery page.

Can you build it for me?
Yes. Our Assembly Service covers unloading, full assembly, heater fitting and a walkthrough, usually in a single day.

What base does the sauna need?
A flat, level, solid base: concrete, paving slabs or sturdy decking. Grass or soil is not suitable. If you are unsure, send us a photo and we will advise.

How long does self-assembly take?
Most customers build a Dakam sauna over a weekend with two people. Every sauna ships with step-by-step instructions.

Looking after your sauna

Does the timber need treating?
The outside should be treated with a wood preservative or oil within the first few weeks and then once a year. Leave the inside untreated; bare spruce is what you want to sit on in the heat.

Can I paint it?
Yes, the outside can be painted or stained any colour to suit your garden.

What about returns?
You can cancel a standard, in-stock order within 14 days of receiving it. Full details on our Warranty & Returns page.

Still have a question? Contact us and we will come back to you.