The barrel sauna is generally made of red or white cedar or redwood and assembled under steam pressure, which facilitates bending of the wood staves. The natural wood components offer resistance to stains and odor absorption. The barrel sauna is also easy to clean and maintain.
A ball-and-socket design with stainless steel bands is generally used in constructing the core barrel. Structurally, the barrel shape is considered strong and the joints well sealed. Barrel saunas are usually at least 6 feet tall and from 4 to 8 feet wide, with a wooden or glass door positioned at the front of the barrel. Smaller saunas can accommodate 2 people, and larger saunas can accommodate up to 8.
Most manufacturers also build wood or polyethylene portable cradles that stabilize the barrel and make transporting it easy. Alternately, the barrel can be positioned and secured on a low support stand.
Advantages of the Barrel Design
The cylindrical shape of the barrel sauna allows for greater air exchange and is considered more efficient than saunas with square corners. According to the manufacturers of the Sisu Barrel Sauna, barrel saunas have 23 percent less cubic feet of air than square rooms of a comparable size. Thus, barrel saunas can heat up faster and have lower operating costs. In addition, the wooden floor of the barrel sauna distributes heat and moisture more evenly than saunas with cement floors.
The barrel sauna’s bowed shape allows water to naturally flow toward a drain positioned in the center of the floor. There is ample room in a barrel sauna to add a shower or water spigot if desired. Most barrel saunas come equipped with heat sources, lights, benches, buckets, ladles, towel racks, sauna rocks and temperature gauges.
Heat Sources
- A wood sauna heater can be used to provide wet steam
- An electric sauna heater can be used to provide a dry sauna
- A wood stove can be used to provide heat and moistened rocks can be added to provide moisture
The Advantages
Barrel saunas are separate structures. Portable, they can be installed indoors although they’re usually installed outdoors. In the home setting, barrel saunas are often found on decks and patios or in yards. Barrel saunas can also be found at destination spa resorts and are often used as sweat lodges.
Saunas offer many health benefits, including improved respiration and circulation. Saunas also reduce stress, aid in detoxification, relieve arthritic pain and provide relaxation.
Located outdoors, the barrel sauna blends in with the natural environment. Created of natural materials, the barrel sauna is in perfect harmony with nature.
Resources
- Superior Cooperage Barrel Sauna
- Sisu Saunas
- Callaway Woodworks
- Almost Heaven Saunas
- Cedar Barrel Saunas
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