Almost Heaven Saunas
Dynamic Saunas
Dynamic Saunas
A sauna kit has numerous health benefits, 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.
In addition to being visually striking, barrel saunas are highly functional, energy-efficient, and built to perform in tough outdoor conditions. They boast fast heat-up times and superior airflow, and the barrel shape offers other unique advantages you won’t find in other sauna designs.
The curved walls of a barrel sauna serve a practical purpose. The cylindrical design promotes natural convection, which allows hot air to move more efficiently within the space:
Even Heat Distribution: Warm air circulates continuously, reducing cold spots and delivering a balanced sauna session.
Faster Heat-Up Times: Compared to square or rectangular cabins of similar size, barrel saunas typically heat up 15–25% faster, depending on the type of heater used.
Heat Retention: The smaller internal cubic volume, combined with tight-sealing doors and wood staves, helps maintain high temperatures with less energy output.
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Fun fact: Despite the hate they get, barrel saunas were first designed and built by Finnish water tower builders. The design appealed to them due its ease of assembly and disassembly, making it highly portable. The barrel sauna has since become a cherished part of Finnish sauna culture. |
Barrel saunas are specifically engineered to thrive in outdoor environments—rain, snow, or shine. When designed and built well, they offer exceptional weather resistance compared to other types of outdoor saunas.
Rounded roofline: The curved top prevents water pooling and promotes natural runoff, reducing the risk of leaks or wood damage.
Thermowood and cedar construction: Our high-end barrel saunas are built using Thermowood, Western Red Cedar, or Canadian Hemlock—woods known for their natural resistance to rot, mildew, and insects.
Stainless steel fixtures: Barrel saunas are held together by adjustable steel bands, which keep the structure tight and secure as the wood naturally expands and contracts with temperature and humidity changes.
Properly maintained, a quality barrel sauna can last 20+ years outdoors with minimal upkeep. This can be increased further with a shingle roof kit—models such as the SaunaLife E6 come with these included.
Thanks to their shape and smaller volume, barrel saunas are some of the most energy-efficient traditional sauna models on the market:
Lower cubic volume: Less space to heat means less energy is required. A 6 kW electric heater is typically sufficient for a 4-person unit.
Tight seals: With precision joinery and quality door fittings, heat loss is minimized—even in colder climates.
Fast recovery time: If you open the door mid-session, the space regains heat quickly due to efficient airflow and reduced dead space.
This makes barrel saunas an excellent choice for off-grid or eco-conscious users who want lower operating costs.
Barrel saunas strike a great balance between exterior size and interior comfort. Their efficient layout allows the benches to follow the curvature of the wall, maximizing floor space while maintaining ergonomic seating.
The round shape also reduces unused corners, which are common in square cabins and don’t contribute much to usable seating. Some barrel saunas also come with porches, panoramic back windows, or changing rooms, giving you flexibility in how you use and configure your sauna.
Barrel saunas are compatible with both electric and wood-burning heaters, so you can choose the experience that fits your lifestyle:
Electric heaters: Convenient and precise, with options like Harvia or HUUM ranging from 4.5 kW to 9 kW, depending on sauna size.
Wood-burning heaters: Perfect for off-grid setups or traditionalists. Models like the Harvia M3 add a rustic charm while delivering high heat output and a soft, natural steam.
Even a 6-foot barrel can comfortably seat 2–4 people, while larger 8-foot models can fit 6+ users depending on the layout.
Let’s not forget looks. The barrel design is iconic for a reason, and their architectural character easily complements cabins, lakeside homes, and modern backyards alike.
With the option of custom finishes, you can choose from clear or knotty wood, add tinted windows, or upgrade to a panoramic acrylic dome for a view that’s as relaxing as the sauna itself. The right barrel sauna adds real curb appeal to your property.
Barrel saunas are pretty standard in their design, but they can vary in terms of materials used, size, heat source, and build quality. Here are some of the factors to watch out for to make sure you get the right one.
Start by considering how many people will typically use the sauna at once.
2–4 Person Models are perfect for couples or solo use with extra legroom, such as the Almost Heaven Salem
6–8 Person Units offer a social experience, great for families or entertaining guests; a popular model is the Almost Heaven Lewisburg
Barrel saunas tend to feel more spacious than they look, but check the interior bench length, diameter (typically 6' or 7'), and total length to make sure it fits your comfort and your backyard.
The wood used in your sauna determines not just aesthetics, but longevity and performance.
Western Red Cedar is naturally aromatic, resistant to decay, and handles temperature swings very well.
Thermowood (Thermally Modified Spruce) is eco-friendly, low maintenance, and extremely stable—resisting warping and cracking in harsh climates.
Hemlock or Nordic Spruce are also popular, though they may need more upkeep in humid or wet areas.
Look for thick staves (1.5" or more) for better insulation and structural strength, and stainless steel barrel bands for durability over time.
Your heat source plays a big role in the sauna experience and where you can install it. Electric Heaters (like Harvia 6 kW or 8 kW) are plug-and-play, clean, and low maintenance. They are ideal if you can hardwire the unit to 240V power.
In comparison, wood-burning heaters offer a traditional feel and can be used off-grid. They heat slower than an electric heater, but generally can produce higher heat. Wood-burning heaters require a chimney and larger clearances.
Some models even support chimney-through-wall or chimney-through-roof configurations depending on your space.
Barrel saunas are known for easy assembly, but you’ll still need:
A flat, level base—gravel pads, paver stones, or concrete work best.
At least 12" of clearance around the sauna for airflow and maintenance.
Access to power (if using electric heat) and proximity to water if you want to add cold plunges or rinse-off areas.
Most kits come pre-cut with hardware and detailed instructions. Two people can typically assemble one in a day.
You can customize your barrel sauna to match your lifestyle and climate:
Rear panoramic windows for views and natural light.
Porch extensions or changing rooms for added functionality.
Interior lighting, Bluetooth audio, or thermometers for a more luxurious experience.
Roof kits or shingles for added protection in areas with snow or heavy rain.
Some brands even offer insulated covers for harsh winters, helping retain heat and prevent snow buildup.
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Pro Tip: Barrel saunas don’t need synthetic insulation, so you only need to ensure doors and glass fixtures have tight seals. For best performance, ensure the sauna has ventilation vents, weather seals, and a properly sized heater (around 1 kW per 45–50 cubic feet of space). |
Barrel saunas may share the same signature shape, but they come in a variety of configurations designed for different experiences, space requirements, and climates.
Here are the most common types you'll find at Select Saunas.
A porch adds both function and style to your barrel sauna. A typical porch length is 1.5' to 2’ of the total sauna length. Although it adds to the cost, a porch is a nice spot to cool down, hang towels, or sit between rounds.
If this is what you’re looking for, check out the popular Almost Heaven Audra.
These models feature a full acrylic back window for dramatic views and extra natural light. They offer visual impact, especially if you have a clear view of the forest, lake, or mountains. A panoramic sauna turns your sauna session into a full sensory retreat.
To maintain insulation and durability, windows should be made of high-strength, weather-resistant acrylic domes that can withstand extreme temperatures. While slightly more expensive, panoramic saunas are a favorite for homeowners seeking that “wow” factor.
The Golden Designs Zurich is a perfect example of a panoramic barrel sauna.
Designed for tighter spaces or solo users, these models retain the curved design but scale everything down. They’re usually under 6 feet in length and as narrow as 5', designed to fit 1–2 people max.
Compact barrels heat up even faster and are often used in urban patios, small yards, or off-grid hideaways. Our most popular compact barrel sauna is the Almost Heaven Salem, with a physical footprint of only 72″W x 47″D x 77″H (6ft long by 4ft wide by 6.4ft high).
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Sauna Model |
Capacity |
Heater Type |
Dimensions |
Notable Features |
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2–4 Person |
6 kW Electric |
72"D x 59"L |
Compact size, vista rear window, made in USA |
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2–4 Person |
6 kW Electric |
72"D x 77"L |
Canopy porch, American-made, smooth staves for easy assembly |
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8 kW Electric |
79"D x 91"L |
Panoramic glass front, ergonomic benches, Thermo-Spruce build, full shingle roof |
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8 kW Electric |
75"D x 60"L |
Pacific Premium Cedar, accent lighting, 5-year limited warranty |
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2–6 Person |
Harvia 8 kW or Wood-Burning Stove |
78"D x 94"L |
Front porch, optional chimney kit, 100% Canadian red cedar |
Investing in a sauna is an investment in your long-term wellness, and we’re here to make it more accessible. Select Saunas offers flexible financing options so you can bring home the health benefits of a sauna without putting strain on your budget.
With Bread Pay, you can split your purchase into manageable monthly payments. No hidden fees, no surprises—just a straightforward way to pay over time. Simply select “Bread Pay” at checkout and get approved in seconds.
Additionally, if your sauna purchase qualifies as a medical need, you may be able to use HSA or FSA funds. Through our partner Truemed, we can help you obtain a Letter of Medical Necessity from your doctor, making your sauna an eligible health expense.
Consider the available space, the number of users, and your budget. We offer a range of sizes to accommodate different needs.
Yes, barrel saunas with electric heaters require a dedicated electrical circuit. Check the specific requirements for the model you choose.
We offer both electric and wood-burning heaters. Electric heaters are more convenient, while wood-burning heaters provide a traditional experience. Electric heaters are more difficult to install, as they require installation by a certified electrician, but they are more convenient while in use. Wood-burning heaters get really hot, and are easy to install, but can take a while to heat up, and will naturally require a supply of firewood.
Our barrel saunas are designed for year-round use, including in cold as well as hot and humid climates.
Check the heater connections, settings, and placement of the temperature sensor. If problems persist, contact our customer service for assistance.
Most barrel saunas come with built-in thermometers. You can also use an external thermometer for accuracy.
Our barrel saunas use electric heaters or wood-burning stoves, depending on the model and your preference.
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.
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:
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.
The sauna itself and the customer service deserves a five star rating, the directions are the only reason I gave it a 4. They were a bit of a challenge, but in the end I could not be more happy with the quality and the overall look. We went with the teak stain. I have received some many compliments on it.
Was alot of work to put together but instructions were clear for the most part. Some issues around the door installation but was able to eventually figure it out but instructions were not clear even after figuring it out. I wonder if the door seal could be more substantial. There is a challenge getting temp consistant across the unit even with a 9kw heater. Feel as if a lot of heat is lost right at the door. I would recommend this product as it looks great and enjoying having it up and running.
Took me about 10 tries before it was able to connect to my network, even though I had a strong signal from my phone. Was eventually able to make the connection work and now it works well. I wish the app was able to do more regular scheduling vs. one time in the future and then after that time you need to set it up again. Also wish the unit was waterproof and able to be put on the inside of your sauna vs. having to buy another waterproof box to put it on the outside of the sauna. My sauna is an outdoor sauna so it would be ideal to be able to put it inside the sauna.
The sauna took two days to build. Read the instructions carefully. Then read them again. You will be fine putting this together with two able - bodied people. Delivery was curbside-only in my area. Over 1100 lbs total, but no single part in excess of ~ 60 lbs, if I had to guess.
Okay now to the good part: this sauna is GREAT. With the base heater offering (Harvia 80B), it takes about an hour to heat from 65F to 160F. It easily goes up to 200F and that’s when we turn it off. From there it holds over 180 for another 35 - 40 minutes. I love the design. I am 5’5, my husband is 5’8, we both fit comfortably laying down on the top bench (minimal contact). If one of us props up on the backrest, then no contact. There’s about a 30 degree F temp difference from the top to bottom bench. The bottom bench is a great relief when it’s too hot on top and allows a third person to lay flat. We immediately sealed the sauna with oil to give it a protective coat and a lovely cedar smell. I could not be happier!!
What a lovely review, Anisa – thank you for sharing! We wish you years and years of rejuvenating sauna use!
