Before Your Sauna Arrives

Getting your garden ready before delivery saves time and avoids delays. There are three things to arrange: the base, the electrical supply, and the positioning.

Base Requirements

Your hybrid sauna must sit on a completely flat, level, solid surface capable of supporting the cabin weight (approximately 300 to 500kg depending on model, plus the weight of the occupants). Suitable bases include a concrete pad (minimum 75mm thick), paving slabs on a compacted sub base, solid timber decking (structurally rated for the weight), or resin bound surface on a concrete foundation.

The base should extend at least 100mm beyond the sauna footprint on all sides. Use bearers or shed mats underneath the sauna to prevent moisture transfer from the ground into the timber floor panels.

Not suitable: Grass, gravel, loose paving, soft ground, or any surface that may shift or settle under load. If you are unsure whether your existing surface is adequate, send us a photo at support@nuovoluxury.co.uk and we will advise.

Positioning

Place the sauna with adequate clearance from fences, walls, and other structures. We recommend at least 300mm clearance on all sides for airflow and maintenance access. Position the sauna with the glass door facing away from prevailing wind direction if possible, as this reduces heat loss when opening the door during sessions.

Consider proximity to your house for the electrical connection. The closer the sauna is to your consumer unit, the shorter the cable run and the lower the electrician cost.

Also think about the journey from the sauna to any cold water facility you plan to use. If you have an ice bath, position it close to the sauna exit for convenient contrast therapy.

Electrical Requirements

Both hybrid sauna models require a dedicated electrical supply connected by a qualified electrician. This is a legal requirement in the UK.

2 Person Model: 240V single phase supply. Total power rating 5,792W. A dedicated 32A circuit from your consumer unit is typically sufficient.

4 Person V2 Model: Available in 380V three phase or 240V single phase (dedicated supply required). Total power rating 8,100W. Discuss with your electrician which option suits your existing electrical setup.

Budget £150 to £400 for the electrical connection depending on the cable run distance and your existing consumer unit capacity. Your electrician will install an RCD protected circuit with an isolator switch near the sauna for safety.

Planning Permission

In most UK residential situations, an outdoor sauna does not require planning permission under permitted development rights. The same rules apply as for garden buildings: it must be at the rear of your property, not exceed certain height limits near boundaries, and not cover more than 50% of your garden. Exceptions apply for listed buildings and conservation areas.

Read our detailed sauna planning permission guide for the full rules.

Assembly Day

If you chose self assembly, plan for 1 to 2 days with two people. Have your base ready, lay out all panels in order before starting, and follow the manual step by step. The tongue and groove panels interlock in a specific sequence.

If you chose professional assembly, our 3 person team will arrive within 2 to 3 weeks of delivery. They will assemble the full cabin, install all heating elements, fit the glass door, and test the lighting and audio systems. The only thing remaining will be the electrical connection by your electrician.

After Installation

• Have your electrician connect and test the power supply
• Run the Finnish stove empty (no water on stones) for 30 minutes on first use to burn off any manufacturing residue
• Apply exterior wood treatment to the 2 person model (the V2 4 person has aluminium cladding and does not need treatment)
• Allow 24 hours for the cabin to settle before your first full session