Barrel vs Cabin Outdoor Sauna Kits: Pros, Cons, and Costs

When you’re ready to add an outdoor sauna to your backyard, one of the first decisions you’ll face is choosing between a barrel or cabin design. In my experience, the main difference between them is how they function. 

For instance, barrel saunas are cylindrical, which makes them heat up more quickly. Cabin saunas, on the other hand, have a rectangular shape that may take longer to heat up, but retains heat more efficiently.  

In this article, I’ll share the differences between barrel and cabin saunas to help you make an informed decision based on your actual needs rather than marketing claims.

Let’s get started! 

Overview of Barrel Saunas

Barrel saunas are exactly what they sound like: cylindrical structures that resemble oversized wine barrels laid on their side. This design emerged from North American sauna builders looking to maximize heat efficiency in compact outdoor installations. 

The curved walls create a self-supporting structure that requires fewer internal braces, and the circular footprint naturally concentrates heat near the center where bathers sit.

Here’s how it looks: 

The SaunaLife Model E7W Sauna Barrel 

Barrel saunas are compact and portable so you can place them anywhere in your backyard. They come as DIY kits with pre-cut pieces that snap together like Lego blocks. 

Before diving into the specific comparison, it's worth exploring the broader landscape of available options. Our comprehensive guide to the best home sauna kits in 2025 covers the top-rated models across all design types, helping you understand what's currently available in the market.

How a barrel sauna works

Barrel saunas function through a principle I call “cylindrical thermal advantage.” Since hot air is denser than cold, it rises to the top of the sauna, leaving the lower parts of the room cold. But the curved walls inside the barrel sauna prevents the hot air from stagnating overhead. 

When you throw water on the rocks for löyly, the hot air (steam) rises along the curved ceiling and gently descends back towards the sides and back of the lower part of the room as the new heat rises from the heater. The circular air flow pattern creates a uniform heat experience from the top bench to the lower seating. 

And because of the compact volume and efficient shape, barrel saunas heat up in 30 minutes, faster than cabin saunas.

Pros of barrel saunas

• They are easy to build 
• Their compact footprint maximizes small outdoor spaces.  

Cons of barrel saunas

• The curved ceiling might be a limit for tall sauna goers  
• It’s not ergonomic 
• Its design is difficult to insulate

Overview of Cabin Saunas

A cabin sauna is a box-shaped structure that closely resembles a small wooden cabin or shed. It’s the most traditional sauna layout and offers more interior space, better insulation, and a customizable layout compared to a barrel sauna. 

Here’s how it looks: 

The Loyly Original 

Because of its rectangular design, a cabin sauna provides greater flexibility in interior planning. You can add multi-tier benches, larger heaters, or even a separate changing area. The solid walls also support thicker insulation layers, which makes them excellent for year-round use, especially in colder climates where heat retention is critical.

How a cabin sauna works

A cabin sauna operates on the same basic principle as all traditional saunas by heating the air inside an enclosed space until it reaches a temperature that induces deep sweating and relaxation. What sets it apart is how it manages and retains that heat.

The sauna’s insulated wooden walls and roof trap warmth generated by a heater, which can be electric, wood-burning, or infrared. The heater warms a pile of sauna stones, and when water is poured over them, it creates a burst of steam that raises humidity and intensifies the heat. This steam, called loyly, creates the authentic sauna experience. 

Inside the Heritage Lux Eleganza Outdoor Sauna Cabin 

Because heat naturally rises, the air near the ceiling becomes the hottest part of the room, while cooler air stays closer to the floor. In a square or rectangular sauna, this often leads to heat stratification, that is, there’s a noticeable difference in temperature between the top and bottom levels. The upper benches feel much hotter, while the lower benches can feel cooler. This is convenient, in that some sauna goers prefer a milder temperature while others enjoy a hotter sauna. 

Benefits of cabin saunas

• Superior insulation performance for cold climates 
• The full standing height throughout the interior eliminates the cramped feeling some bathers experience in barrel saunas. 
• It has flexible customization and design options.  

You can explore our range of SaunaLife cabin saunas.

Barrel vs Cabin Sauna: Head-to-Head Comparison

1. Shape

The most glaring difference between them is their shape, and this affects how they function. Barrel saunas use a cylindrical design that creates an inherently efficient shape for heat containment. 

So, there are no corners for air to stagnate, and the curved surface naturally promotes circular air flow. This compact form maximizes interior volume relative to surface area, reducing heat loss through the walls.

Inside view of the SaunaLife Model EE8G Sauna Barrel

Cabin saunas use traditional rectangular construction with squared corners and straight walls. This creates more usable floor space and gives you more options on placement. You can customize the seating arrangements, choose where to put your heater, etc. 

2. Heat distribution

Barrel saunas achieve a more uniform heat distribution due to their circular interiors. Heat rises from the stove, follows the curved ceiling, and descends evenly throughout the space. There are no dead zones or corners where heat accumulates unevenly.  

Cabin saunas, on the other hand, develop heat stratification, with hotter air collecting near the ceiling and cooler zones near the floor. The rectangular shape can create corner hot spots or areas where heat circulation stalls, especially without proper ventilation. 

Inside view of the Auroom Natura Modern Outdoor Sauna

However, this temperature layering can be an advantage for experienced bathers who want to fine-tune their heat exposure by moving between bench levels or different areas of the room.

3. Comfort

Comfort in a barrel sauna is defined by the curved bench seating and tapered headroom. The benches follow the barrel’s contour, which some find comfortable and others find restrictive. 

This is how it looks: 

You have full headroom only at the barrel’s centerline. So, if you’re tall, be mindful of head clearance when sitting near the walls or moving around the space. 

Depending on the size of the barrell, there are compact interiors that offer space for up to three people, but there are other barrel saunas that are suited for larger groups. Cabin saunas also offer more spacious interiors with flat benches and consistent headroom. You can stretch out fully, add deeper bench seating, and configure backrests for supported lounging. 

Here’s how the interiors of the Loyly Original look:

The rectangular space feels more open and accommodating for groups, and the straight walls allow you to position yourself however you prefer without the constraints of curved surfaces. 

4. Durability

Both designs can last 15-25+ years with proper maintenance, but they face different durability challenges. 

Barrel saunas benefit from natural water runoff, which prevents moisture accumulation on the roof and reduces rot risk. However, the metal bands that hold the barrel together need periodic tightening as the wood expands and contracts with seasonal changes in humidity.  

Cabin saunas use thicker walls and traditional construction methods that create a more robust structure, especially in harsh weather. Although, the flat or peaked roof requires more maintenance, as water can pool in low spots or seep through poorly sealed seams. 

5. Aesthetic appeal

Barrel saunas, however, are aesthetically pleasing. The cylindrical shape stands out and fits perfectly in modern, minimalist landscapes or rustic settings where the barrel becomes a sculptural focal point. 

Cabin saunas blend more naturally into any backyard design. The rectangular structure echoes sheds, studios, or pool houses, creating visual coherence with other outdoor buildings. 

You also have more flexibility in exterior finishes. You can add horizontal siding, vertical boards, or even match it to your home’s exterior aesthetic. For homeowners concerned about neighborhood harmony or resale considerations, the cabin’s traditional appearance tends to be a safer, more universally appealing choice.

For those seeking premium aesthetics and high-end features, our guide to luxury outdoor sauna kits for your backyard spa showcases upscale options in both barrel and cabin configurations, complete with designer finishes and spa-grade components.

6. Installation complexity

Barrel saunas arrive as pre-assembled kits with pre-cut tongue-and-groove staves that assemble in a specific sequence. The curved structure is self-supporting once the metal bands are in place, and most manufacturers design their kits for DIY assembly by two people over a weekend.

Cabin saunas, however, require more complex construction because of  the wall framing, roof assembly, and leveling requirements. While still manageable as a DIY project for experienced builders, it’s best to opt for professional installation to ensure proper structural integrity and weatherproofing.  

How to Choose Between a Barrel and Cabin Sauna

1. Assess your climate  

You can use cabin saunas in cold and hot climates, but most especially cold climates. The cabin saunas have thicker walls, better insulation, and greater thermal mass help maintain stable temperatures when you’re fighting against harsh conditions. 

Barrel saunas can work in cold climates, but you’ll likely need a more powerful heater and will experience higher heat loss during sessions, especially on windy days.

For moderate climates (lows above 30°F), either design works well.  

2. Match sauna type to wellness goals

If you’re building a social sauna experience for 4-6 people, cabin designs provide more comfortable seating and interior space. The ability to configure benches in L-shapes or facing arrangements creates better group dynamics than the linear bench setup in most barrel saunas. 

The extra room also matters if you add sauna rituals such as gentle stretching, meditation, or extended cool-down periods within the structure.

3. Consider your energy source

Electric heaters work well in both designs. And if you want to go with wood-burning heaters, great! But you also need to be aware of the challenges they bring. 

Barrel saunas need chimney routing through the curved roof, and you’ll have less interior space to position the stove away from the curved walls safely. 

Cabin saunas offer greater flexibility for wood stove placement and chimney routing within conventional roof structures.  

4. Longevity and maintenance

Both designs require similar maintenance fundamentals: annual cleaning, inspection of door seals and hinges, treatment of exterior wood (if desired), and heater rock replacement every few years. 

Barrel saunas need additional attention to the metal bands that hold the structure together. These should be checked and, if necessary, tightened annually as the wood expands and contracts with seasonal humidity changes. 

For cabin saunas, focus on roof maintenance. The flat or peaked roof needs periodic inspection for water pooling, seal integrity, and potential snow load issues in winter. Also, check around any roof penetrations (chimneys, vents) and make sure gutters or drip edges are functioning.  

5. Warranty coverage

Read the warranty terms carefully to understand the coverage. A good sauna warranty should protect you against defects in the heater, control panel, and cabin materials. 

Check how long each component is covered. Also, confirm whether the warranty includes replacement parts, labor, or only repairs, and if it’s valid for outdoor use, since exposure to the elements can affect durability.

Final Verdict

When you should choose a barrel sauna 

• You have a small backyard or limited outdoor space 
• You want DIY installation 
• You prefer the cylindrical shape  
• You plan to use the sauna alone or with your loved one

When you should choose a cabin sauna 

• You want more interior space and layout flexibility
• You often sauna with family or larger groups
• You live in a cold or harsh climate where insulation matters
• You prefer a traditional, rectangular sauna design
• You want a structure that integrates naturally with your home or backyard
• You can add built-in features, expand seating, or customize ventilation later.

Summary table: Which sauna fits your lifestyle best