How to Choose Barrel Sauna: Ultimate Guide

What Is A Barrel Sauna?

As simple as it is named, a barrel sauna is a type of outdoor sauna that is shaped like a barrel. These saunas are cylinder-shaped with the use of long staves, which are long pieces of wood with chamfered edges that fit together and form the barrel shape.

The sauna is assembled by wrapping straps tightly around the circumference to keep the staves in place. Some barrel saunas are straight, while others bulge slightly in the middle, which defines the barrel as we commonly know it.

A barrel sauna is a perfect way to enjoy the outdoor sauna experience. As it is made of wood, a barrel sauna has a natural look and scent that fits in perfectly with any outdoor setting! (They can also be used indoors, of course.)

Barrel Sauna Design

Most Barrel Sauna designs come in a pre-fabricated kit that needs DIY assembly. A barrel sauna kit comes with partially pre-assembled parts and wooden panels, benches, an electric sauna stove or wood-burning heater, and windows and doors.

Complementary accessories such as sauna stones, headrests, clothing hooks, water buckets, ladles, and wooden footrests are also sometimes included.

The barrel shape of the sauna helps it to resist water damage and pests, making it a low-maintenance option. The barrel sauna also comes with support cradles made from a high-grade polymer that serves as the base and is placed on any flat surface. This makes it versatile for different types of locations such as your backyard, patio, or deck.

The wood selection for barrel saunas fares well as a sauna material as they are good heat insulators. Particularly, cedar wood is a popular wood for barrel saunas as it has superior resistance to water and insects. All these features make the barrel sauna a great choice for anyone looking for an easy-to-use and low-maintenance option.

As compared to traditional saunas, a barrel sauna is designed with a single-element structure, making it much simpler and more affordable. Traditional saunas have a multiple element structure: external cladding, frame, internal cladding, insulation, and even vapor barrier. This makes them more complex and expensive to build than barrel saunas.

How Does Barrel Sauna Work?

A barrel sauna works like a traditional sauna but has added features and benefits. Its unique shape and curvature help to evenly distribute the heat, making it more comfortable than a traditional sauna. By allowing the upper heat to be pushed down the sides and back into the sauna, it ensures that the higher temperatures are brought lower into the sauna. This way, the heat flows more evenly, making for a more comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Additionally, the barrel sauna can retain heat better than traditional saunas due to its superior insulation properties, meaning that you can enjoy the benefits of the sauna for longer.

When it comes to choosing a sauna, the barrel sauna is an excellent option for those who want to enjoy a more evenly distributed and comfortable heat.

How Long Does A Barrel Sauna Last and How to Protect It?

Barrel saunas are built to last, and can typically last from 15 to 20 years. But if you take good care of it and perform maintenance on a schedule, your barrel sauna could endure more years.