How Much Is a Barrel Sauna?

If you want the coziest, most comfortable, and relaxing sauna experience, a barrel sauna is the way to go. Shaped like barrels, as the name implies, these saunas bring a whole bunch of advantages to the table. It’s no wonder they’re among the most popular backyard saunas on the market today.

But how much is a barrel sauna? And what can you expect from this specific sauna type compared to other home sauna kits? Read on for all the answers.

What Is a Barrel Sauna?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of how much is a barrel sauna, let’s first start with the basics.

Design and Structure

A barrel-shaped sauna looks like a big barrel rolled on its side. Due to its size and shape, it has a distinct, cylindrical form, and typically exists as an outdoor sauna, rather than an indoor sauna.

That shape isn’t just for fun or aesthetic reasons. It has a genuine functional advantage, helping the sauna’s interior heat up super-fast, so you can enjoy all the soothing benefits that much sooner.

Structure-wise, the walls of the barrel sauna tend to be made of a single layer of wooden staves, held in place with metal bands, just like a regular barrel.

Inside, you’ll find benches and seats, a sauna heater, and a door leading in and out. Some also have small exterior porch spaces where you can sit, relax, and get dressed when you leave.

Commonly-Used Materials

A classic barrel sauna is made up of Cedar, Aspen, or Pine staves, held in place by solid steel bands that wrap around the outside.

A Cedar barrel is the most common choice. Cedar is a fantastic insulator, locking in heat and keeping the sauna nice and toasty for your comfort.

Pine has the benefit of being cheaper, but a little less long-lasting, while Aspen boasts great natural resistance to mold and decay, but may splinter more easily than cedar.

Why Barrel Saunas Are So Popular for Home Use

That’s the basics out of the way. Now, what is it about the outdoor barrel sauna that sets it apart from so many other options? Here are some of the biggest benefits of a premium barrel sauna:

Health Benefits

If you’ve ever spent time in a traditional sauna, you’ll know how incredible it feels. That wonderful warmth, that cozy sensation soaking your whole body in a cradle of calming heat.

There’s nothing quite like it, and it doesn’t just feel nice; it brings a whole bunch of benefits for mind, body, and soul.

Indeed, studies have found that regular sauna use is linked to improved blood circulation, reduced stress, detoxification of the body, and other game-changing benefits.

These benefits are felt even more with a barrel sauna kit, because the barrel-like shape helps them heat ultra-fast and hold onto that heat for the most effective sauna sessions.

What’s more, the curving shape of the barrel walls helps to cradle your back. So you’ll feel completely comfortable while warming your worries away.

Space Efficiency

Beyond the many health benefits, another reason to browse barrel saunas and invest in one of your own is how efficient they are.

The compact design of the barrel shape means that these saunas don’t take up nearly as much room as other sorts of pod sauna.

Plus, you can pick and choose a size that suits you best, from a small and simple 2-person barrel sauna all the way up to a massive 6-person unit.

Space isn’t all you’ll save. Since these units heat so fast, they also use less energy overall, so you can keep the electric heater running without worrying about the costs.

Aesthetic Appeal

Last but certainly not least, barrel saunas rank among the most attractive and visually pleasant types of wood burning sauna.

Their curvy form helps them fit seamlessly in all sorts of backyards, from small patio spaces to large grassy areas.

Wherever they’re installed, they always seem to add something to their surroundings, bringing beauty and elegance for all to enjoy.

You can even make them more attractive by decorating the outside of the sauna with plants, eco-friendly lighting, or other sauna accessories.

Factors Affecting the Cost of a Barrel Sauna

Now, let’s return to our titular question: how much is a barrel sauna?

As you might have imagined, there’s no single answer to that question. Barrel saunas can have quite a broad range of prices, depending on numerous factors, like their size, construction, and design.

Sauna Size

Naturally, size is one of the biggest influences on a barrel sauna’s price tag.

As discussed above, you can get small barrel saunas, fit for a single user or a couple. Or you can get much larger ones, capable of housing a whole family or group of friends.

Larger saunas demand more materials and more labor to piece together and install. Thus, they cost more. A 6-person model might cost almost twice as much as a 3-person barrel sauna, for instance.

Small Saunas

Small saunas (for two to four people) tend to be the cheapest, ranging from $3,000 to $5,000, on average.

Medium Saunas

A medium sauna (for four to six people) will cost more, with an average cost from $4,000 to $8,000.

Large Saunas

The biggest saunas (for up to eight people) cost anywhere from $6,000 to $10,000 or even higher.

If you want to learn more about sauna heater, read our sauna heater buying guide which details everything from types, brands, features and more

Materials Used in Construction

Size isn’t the only thing that matters when working out how much is a barrel sauna. Materials and construction matter, too, with some materials costing considerably more than others.

Types of Wood

Barrel saunas are invariably made of wood, but some woods are costlier than others.

In general, Cedar is the most highly prized option. It lasts the longest and offers the best insulation and protection against the elements. But you’ll have to pay a bit more for those benefits.

As you explore saunas collection, you may find that pine and redwood options are slightly cheaper but may not last as long. So, it’s wise to weigh up the long-term value compared to the initial expense.

Insulation and Durability

Many barrel saunas consist of a single layer of wood staves that make up the body and walls.

However, a premium barrel sauna heaters product range may include options with additional layers of wood or Thermowood insulation, designed to secure the heat inside more efficiently.

Such insulated barrel saunas are often the best picks for particularly cold regions or those with harsh climates. However, you’ll obviously have to pay a higher price for a stronger, longer-lasting sauna.

Additional Features

Some barrel saunas are pretty barebones, consisting of nothing more than the barrel body itself. Others are more comprehensive, with additional features and add-ons to enhance the experience.

Windows and Lighting

With windows, you can sit back, relax, and admire the view as you soak your troubles away in the sauna. In-built lighting also helps to enhance the mood and make the space safer to move around in.

However, these add-ons come at a cost, and you may have to spend several hundred dollars more if you want them in your barrel sauna.

Seating Arrangements

Barrel saunas usually come with at least some sort of built-in bench or seating option. However, premium models may offer cozier and more comfortable seating, for a higher price.

Heating Systems

If you’re buying a barrel sauna with a heater included, you need to consider the type of heater you opt for.

Wood-burning heaters tend to be the cheapest but may cost more to run as you need a steady supply of firewood. Electric heaters are a cost-effective alternative.

Finally, you could opt for an infrared (IR) heater, which offers a deeper heating experience and potential bonus benefits, but at a higher price.

Average Cost of a Barrel Sauna

As you can see, there’s a lot that goes into calculating the cost of a barrel sauna.

But if you just want a rough idea of what you can expect to pay, let’s look at some typical ranges.

Price Ranges for Different Types of Barrel Sauna

We’ll start with a look at average costs for entry-level, mid, and top-tier barrel saunas.

Entry-Level Models

If you just want a simple barrel sauna with no frills or extras, it’s attainable for around $3,000 to $5,000.

Mid-Range Models

For more of a mid-range experience, with a few fancy add-ons, like windows, lighting, or an IR heater, expect to pay between $4,000 and $7,000.

High-End Models

For the most high-end barrel saunas, you’ll be looking at price tags from $5,000 to $10,000 or higher.

Comparison of Prices Between Different Manufacturers

Many different brands are making and selling barrel saunas. Some brands specialize in more luxurious, sophisticated models that last for years. Others keep things simpler, with more affordable and accessible choices.

SaunaLife

SaunaLife makes its barrel saunas in Estonia using Finnish woods, like spruce and aspen. They come in multiple sizes and a broad range of prices, from as low as $3,700 up to around $8,000.

Leisurecraft

Leisurecraft is a Canadian brand, using Canadian cedar to construct its saunas. They feature attractive designs and a range of optional extras, like extended seating, windows, and more. Typical prices range from $4,000 to $7,000.

Scandia

Last up, Scandia barrel saunas use electric heaters and U.S. cedar construction. They’re more on the luxurious side compared to other brands, with prices ranging from $4,000 up to $10,000+.

Ways to Save Money on Your Barrel Sauna

Want to own your very own barrel sauna without breaking the bank? Here are some handy tips to help you get the best barrel sauna for less:

Buy a DIY Kit and Assemble it Yourself

When you buy a barrel sauna, you don’t just have to think about the cost of the sauna itself, but also the cost of installation.

This can add hundreds of dollars onto the final bill, if not more, as experienced pros have to spend time setting up your sauna, bit by bit.

You can save a small fortune by doing the work yourself, if you feel able. Many saunas are sold in DIY assembly kits, with detailed instructions for you to follow.

Benefits of DIY Kits

•         Much cheaper in the long run compared to professional installation
•         Helpful instructions to guide you through the process
•         A rewarding experience of building your own sauna

Assembly Tips

•         Follow the instructions with great care
•         Call in the pros if you don’t feel confident
•         Work with friends or family for extra support

Looking for Sales or Discounts

Many big sauna stores will host seasonal sales or offer discount codes and promos throughout the year, letting you snap up a cut-price sauna for a fraction of the usual cost.

Seasonal Sales

Check your favorite sauna stores and websites around major holidays, like Christmas, New Year, and Black Friday, to get the best deals.

Discounts and Outlets

Before buying any sauna, scan the web to see if the same product is available cheaper elsewhere, and look for discounts or promo codes that could slice a few bucks off the cost.

Alternatively, check out sauna outlet sites and stores where big-brand saunas are sold for less than their usual retail rates.

Conclusion: The Cost of a Barrel Sauna

We started with a simple question: how much is a barrel sauna? Well, as you’ve seen throughout this guide, the answer can vary massively, depending on the type, make, model, and size of sauna you choose to buy.

Many factors affect the final cost, including size, materials, and features. The bigger, fancier, and more durable the sauna, the higher its price tag. But, if you’re willing to compromise on size and features (and make the most of sales) you can secure your own sauna for a fair, reasonable price.

Is it worth it? Absolutely! The benefits of owning your own sauna are incredible. Imagine being able to step out into your backyard and warm your body in your own private sauna space. It’s the kind of luxury many people dream of, and it could be yours sooner than you think.