Barrel Saunas
Barrel Saunas
At Select Saunas, we're proud to offer the best barrel sauna kit options from top-tier brands in the sauna world, such as Almost Heaven Saunas, Dundalk Leisurecraft, SaunaLife, and more.
The outdoor barrel saunas we offer are of the highest quality and come in a variety of different locally sourced wood types such as hemlock, Western red cedar, spruce, and various thermally modified lumbers.
Within our wide range of sizes and modifications, you're bound to find the outdoor barrel sauna to perfectly fit your space. Browse our selection and choose the perfect barrel sauna for your home.
The Beauty and Benefits of Having Your Very Own Barrel Sauna
A barrel sauna stands out as a stunning addition to any garden or backyard. With their unique rounded design, this outdoor sauna not only offers an immersive relaxation experience but also adds a touch of charm to your outdoor space.
The beauty of these outdoor saunas is that you can customize yours entirely to your liking and assemble it within hours in the comfort of your backyard—and it will stand firm and provide an enjoyable sauna experience for years to come!
The benefits of a sauna kit are numerous, from reducing stress and improving circulation to relieving sore muscles and promoting relaxation. With our barrel saunas, you can enjoy all of these benefits and more, right in the comfort of your own backyard.
Advantages of a Barrel Sauna
Barrel saunas may be known for their charming look, as they make a wonderful addition to any garden or backyard, but did you know that the barrel shape is one of the most energy-efficient sauna shapes?
The barrel design of these saunas promotes better air circulation, meaning the heat generated by the sauna stove circulates evenly throughout the sauna, providing a consistent temperature. This ensures a more comfortable and enjoyable sauna session.
How to Choose a Barrel Sauna
Whether you have a spruce or cedar barrel sauna, there are a few things we consider absolutely necessary to have an enjoyable sauna experience. These are the bucket and ladle as well as a thermo-hygrometer (to read the temperature and humidity and figure out what your preferences are.) Below is a list of options and additions to consider.
Size
Consider first the number of people you will have in the sauna each session. If it's just you and a partner, our smaller two-person barrel saunas will be a perfect fit. If you plan on using the sauna for business use or having parties and gatherings with friends and family, consider our six-person models.
Sauna Heater
One of the most important options. You can opt for a wood-burning or electric heater for your traditional sauna. When choosing, consider your preferred sauna experience first and foremost. Also keep in mind your energy source availability, and the installation process when making your choice.
An electric sauna has to be hard-wired with the help of an electrician. Wood-burning stoves are easier to install. On the product page of your desired barrel sauna, you will find a list of heater options. Every sauna heater listed on that page is the perfect size for that specific barrel sauna.
Room Configuration
Consider if you want to add a porch, floor kit, and/or changing room to your barrel. A barrel sauna with a porch can provide a space to cool down before and after your session. A changing room will provide privacy and extra space for clothes, cold beverages, and more. For a large barrel, adding a floor kit is a great addition making it easier to move around in the sauna room.
Windows
Windows in a barrel sauna can enhance your experience by connecting you to the outdoors. If you're placing your sauna in a private spot with a good view, a window is a great addition. However, if you're concerned about privacy or if the surroundings aren't appealing, it might be best to opt for a smaller window, like the Vista or Port Window on Almost Heaven Saunas. Ensure that if you do choose a window, you consider its size to maintain both the view and privacy.
Most of the barrel sauna brands we carry have a glass door as well, so you can still see your surroundings if you prefer a sauna with a solid wall.
Shop Everything Sauna at Select Saunas
For first-time sauna buyers, figuring out what you need can be challenging. Whether you want cedar barrel saunas that fit 6 people or cozy 2-person indoor saunas, we're here to help you find the perfect sauna kit. Call, chat, or email us and we'll help you out with a free consultation. Reach out and let's make your sauna dream a reality!
Frequently asked questions about Barrel Saunas
Having your very own backyard barrel sauna will make it easy to step out and enjoy a sauna session anytime you'd like. Here are the main reasons you need one.
- Massive health benefits.
- Charming and valuable addition to your backyard/home.
- Great heat distribution due to the round shape - provides comfortable, even heat.
- Quick and easy to assemble, disassemble and transport. Assembly generally takes 2-6 hours depending on handyman skills.
- You also don't need any building permits in most cases. Always double-check your city/state laws to make sure.
Our barrel saunas are very easy to assemble and can generally be built by two people in only a few hours. All our barrel saunas come with sections partially assembled (such as walls and windows), so you just need to fit the staves and individual parts in place.
Typically, barrel saunas will heat to 165°F in 15–30 minutes and to 190°F in less than 45 minutes. Our heaters offer a standard heat up time of 45-60 minutes and will reach 170°-185°F+.
However, the time it takes the barrel sauna to heat up depends on the heater size and type, as well as the temperature surrounding the sauna. For example, if you have an outdoor barrel sauna and you live in a northern climate and it’s the middle of winter, give your sauna a little more time to heat up. If you live in the mountains the thinner air will cause the heater to take slightly longer to heat up. Furthermore, some people like their sauna hot and some like it blazing - that’s a factor that will influence heat-up time too.
Yes. Barrel saunas can weigh around 500-1000 lbs and need to be placed on a hard surface, and not directly on grass or dirt because they will sink in over time.
Make sure the surface is somewhat level. It does not have to be perfectly level but try to get it as close as you can.
Below are some good options for foundations:
- Concrete slab, may be “excessive”, but it is a great option.
- Wooden deck that can support the weight of the barrel sauna.
- Treated wood placed directly on the ground. Gravel is still
recommended under the treated wood. - Gravel of any type. If you are using only gravel and not anything on top, it should be
at least 4 inches. - Put pea shingle or gravel down 2-4 inches, then use pavers or bricks on top of the gravel. You can just use pavers and not gravel underneath, but we do recommend at least 2-4 inches of gravel under the pavers. You can buy bricks or pavers at any Home Depot or Lowes.
You only need to provide support under the cradles to hold the weight, but some of our customers do it under the entire sauna. Our top tip is to consider aesthetics when building your foundation.
Electric Heaters
When it comes to convenience, electric heaters are the ideal choice. By simply flipping a
switch or tapping a button on a mobile app, an electric heater can efficiently and swiftly warm up your sauna. Many electric heaters have the choice of WiFi compatibility, meaning you can use your phone remotely to schedule your sauna to be up to temperature at a specific time.
What you need for an electric heater
To operate electric heaters, a power supply of 220 volts and 30-40 amps is necessary,
depending on the heater's size. It is recommended to consult with a licensed electrician who
will handle the connection and hard-wiring of the heater.
Wood-Burning Stoves
For those who appreciate the lovely crackle of a real fire and a truly authentic sauna
experience, wood-burning heaters are the perfect choice. They excel at heating larger areas and are particularly suitable for spacious saunas, such as 6-person saunas (84") or larger.
What you need for a wood-burning stove
To operate wood-burning stoves, a chimney kit is necessary. It's important to note that these
stoves are designed exclusively for outdoor use.
