A Quick Guide to Buying a Barrel Sauna

Barrel saunas offer a perfect combination of comfort and affordability. Homeowners love the idea of having a sauna in their backyard. It gives people an easy way to relax and unwind after a long day. Furthermore, there are several health benefits of having a hot, steamy sauna bath anytime they want without sharing the space with other people.

Buying and installing a barrel sauna at home is now easier than ever. Quality sauna kits are available online specifically designed for residential use, offering an easy option for quick rejuvenation. These kits make it easier to get a sauna up and running. When contemplating a barrel sauna installation, the most challenging part is to make the correct selection and decide which one is perfect for the home. 

Here are a few key factors to consider when buying a barrel sauna:

Size

The right sauna size depends on the available space and the intended use. Barrel saunas come in various sizes for easy installation in small, medium-sized, or extensive gardens. Usually, it is mentioned on the kit how many people the sauna can comfortably seat, the interior dimension, and the technical drawings. It makes it easier to pick the perfect barrel sauna based on an individual’s specific requirements.

Wall log thickness

Thickness is an essential aspect of a new outdoor sauna purchase decision. The thicker the wall logs are, the better insulation they provide. Along with the wall logs, consider the material thickness of the front and back walls. 

Wood type

Choosing the right wood type is essential as it determines the cost, barrel sauna design, and how well it absorbs heat. Cedar is the most popular and widely used wood due to its easy availability, durability, resistance to rot, decay, termites, and insects. It can withstand extreme weather conditions without shrinking or swelling. Hemlock is another popular choice due to its superior quality and longer lifespan. Spruce, plywood, and pine are cost-effective barrel sauna wood options. Other factors to consider while selecting wood type are whether the wood is scented or unscented, how sustainable and eco-friendly it is, and if it is fine grain or kiln-dried.

Heater

The choice of heater comes down to personal taste and functionality. A wood-burning stove is the traditional heater type. However, it is not ideal for smaller saunas as it produces too much heat for the small space. Wood-fired heaters provide a great ambiance, are easy to install, and are suitable for saunas larger than 6 feet x 6 feet. Electric heaters are perfect for smaller saunas. They are easy to maintain and offer greater control but require a licensed electrician for installation. 

Accessories

Some essential customization considerations for a wholesome sauna experience include a change room for storing things, changing clothes, or relaxing and enjoying a break, roof protection for enhanced longevity, durability, and security in a more humid environment, lighting, bands, bench dimensions, support legs, and doors.

Permission requirements

Some regions may require a building permit if the outdoor sauna exceeds a particular size. Do some research to determine the specific requirements for a sauna installation based on building requirements in your location. 

When it’s time to consider owning a barrel sauna

Owning an outdoor sauna comes with many aesthetic and functional benefits. Consider these factors before buying that perfect barrel sauna for unparalleled relaxation.