What is a Barrel Sauna?

Hey there, sauna enthusiast! Let us guess, you’ve landed here because you’re curious to learn the answer to this question - what is a barrel sauna?

Well, buckle up because we’re about to dive into the world of barrel saunas. Get ready for a wild ride through the history of saunas, the design, materials and more - all the details you need to know about barrel saunas are coming your way!

The History of a Sauna

Did you know saunas have been a part of various cultures for over 2,000 years?

It was the Native Americans who were known to use heated stones in an enclosed area for spiritual and cultural purification, healing benefits, connection to nature as well as community bonding.

Then there’s the strong ties to Scandinavian cultures, particularly in Finland with the Finnish sauna being THE most iconic.

In fact, the word ‘sauna‘ is Finnish for bath house and is the only Finnish word used in the English language. How’s that for a bit of trivia!

Moving on to more recent years, a particular type of sauna started to gain popularity for its distinctive design and efficient functionality - yep, you guessed it, the barrel sauna.

The Design of a Barrel Sauna

The barrel sauna stands out from the more traditional rectangular saunas due to its unique cylindrical shape, resembling a wooden barrel. Anyone up for sweating it out in a sauna that's shaped like a wine barrel?

Even though we know the shape looks great (wine or no wine), it also serves a functional purpose with the curved design allowing for better heat circulation and distribution - creating a more comfortable and efficient sauna experience.

Not only are they a great design but they are also energy efficient, keeping the heat in and the sauna vibes just right

Construction Materials

Barrel saunas are typically constructed using high quality wood, such as cedar or redwood.

Heavenly Saunas Barrel Saunas are constructed using rustic Western Red Cedar known for its longevity and the high quality timber it produces. It’s also known for its natural insect repellent qualities, (yep termites hate it), durability, resistance to decay, and natural aroma, which enhances the overall sauna experience.

The use of wood in building these barrel saunas isn't just practical – it's like throwing a cosy, rustic party inside.

Heating Systems

Like traditional saunas, barrel saunas use various heating systems to generate the desired temperature. Common options include traditional wood burning stoves, electric heaters, or infrared heating elements.

Click here to learn more about the options of heating systems offered by Heavenly Saunas.

How much does a Barrel Sauna weigh?

Barrel Saunas range in weight from 245kg for a 2 to 3 person size sauna to 430kg for an 8 person size.

But don't let the weight throw you off – it's not about the kgs; it's about the sauna magic waiting to unfold! We're about to spill the secrets on how easy it is to assemble below.

Installation and Maintenance

It’s thanks to the clever design that makes our Barrel saunas relatively easy to install. Believe it or not, you will most likely have all the tools ready to go. Click here for building tools to build a Heavenly Saunas Barrel Sauna.

And don’t panic, Heavenly Saunas has your back with a 12 minute easy peasy, follow along video. It's like having a sauna savvy buddy right in your living room, guiding you through the setup.

In addition to the video, we can provide an installation manual in advance so you can be a good student and get your homework done well before it’s due!

But hold back on your scrubbing brush because maintaining these saunas is also easy peasy. A simple post sauna wipedown and a regular dust check to keep things spick and span. The high temperature acts like an autoclave – so saunas are great for those who put cleaning down on the bottom of the to do list!!

How long does a Barrel Sauna last?

Ready to dive into the riveting world of construction? Here goes....

Our barrel saunas are constructed from a series of jointed staves (think timber planks), fitted tightly together under stainless steel bands and utilising a minimal amount of fasteners.

This design allows the wood to expand in humid environments and contract in dry ones.
It’s thanks to the ability of the wood to expand and contract plus the single thick layer of staves that makes a barrel sauna dependable in structural integrity.

But wait there’s more.

Our barrel saunas are on cradles that protect it from direct contact with the ground. The added benefit of the cradles is the sauna can sit on virtually any flat surface - deck, packed gravel or paving stones.

Put it all together and you have a perfect sustainable sauna.

Is a Barrel Sauna Worth It?

The call on whether a barrel sauna is your ticket to bliss is like a Choose Your Own Adventure – your needs, preferences, and life circumstances hold the golden key.

Here’s what the team at Heavenly Saunas recommends to think about when deciding if a barrel sauna is worth the investment, because let’s face it, it is an investment.

Space and Aesthetics

If you appreciate the quirky charm of a barrel sauna and you have the space, it could very well be a style statement for your property.

Durability and Quality

When it comes to a barrel sauna, quality is the name of the game. Higher quality materials = durability and a longer lifespan.

Health Benefits

Imagine a world of relaxation, stress relief, improved circulation, and detoxification. If that sounds like your kind of paradise, guess what? A sauna is where the health vibes are at!

Frequency of Use

How often are you planning to turn up the heat? Will you be a daily sauna superstar or a weekend warrior because how often you’ll use a sauna is food for thought.

Budget

Time to play the budget match up game. So, take a deep breath, envision your dream sauna features, and ask yourself - Does the price tag match the sauna you're after?

Conclusion

The journey is complete, and now, the moment of truth has arrived: have we answered - What is a Barrel Sauna?

Let us finish with this. It's not just a sauna - it's a lifestyle upgrade, a statement piece in your quest for wellness. It’s where your home becomes the ultimate sanctuary!

But hey, if you still have questions, don't hesitate to ring us on (03) 9100 3500. Our team is waiting to tackle any burning questions you toss their way!

Let the barrel magic unfold!

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