Getting a sauna is something you will never regret, as far as improving your health and the quality of your life is concerned. For thousands of years, people have been enjoying the several advantages of sauna sessions all over the world. This is more so in the case of the Finns, whose ancient saunas have been adopted to be the prototype of the traditional saunas of the world.

You can select quite a number of models to install in your own house these days. One such design is a barrel sauna design, which has existed over the years and is currently gaining popularity all over the world. However, you should better know the advantages and choices that you have to make because in this way, you will be able to derive maximum pleasure out of your new sauna.

What is a Barrel Sauna?

A barrel sauna is a barrel-shaped outdoor sauna lying on its side, and carries all the curves usually present in a barrel. The inside, too, is a barrel, being shaped of long cedar planks, which fit round the angles of the circles.

A Dundalk barrel sauna is not the only one that can be found in the market. The raindrop-shaped Pod sauna and Luna sauna, a square with slightly rounded corners, are examples of the other best outdoor saunas.

The barrel shape of the sauna has some significant contrasts with the more traditional or classic shapes, no matter what kind of wood is used: cedar or pine.

The Differences Between a Barrel Sauna and a Traditional One

A wood barrel sauna is also a variant of the traditional ones, although the barrel form also possesses some unique benefits over more traditional constructions.

To begin with, the shape of the barrel will alter the shape of the interior of your sauna. These warm much quicker than hard-angle saunas since the interior of the round shape has no corners. Nevertheless, there is no difference in the ceiling height and the overall square area of the interior. What you can say is that you are not giving up anything to gain the benefit of the shorter heat-up time.

The other enormous advantage is that it is so easy to relocate barrel saunas. This sauna is easy to crane and transfer and only requires lifting and transferring without any dismantling. The ability to carry it fully assembled means that you can even make it an indoor sauna, provided that the diameter can fit through your door. Even in case you are changing your home anytime in the future, a wood barrel sauna will simplify your life.

In terms of the health benefits of saunas, you will get the positive effects regardless of the shape you get in. Among the numerous health benefits you can enjoy are weight loss, reduction of stress, and cardiovascular health.

Why Cedar Wood is Best for Barrel Saunas?

The type of wood for a sauna does matter to a certain extent since it must work under a particular set of circumstances. At first, most people simply think about how the wood appears, whether it is comfortable to sit on, and whether it is appropriate or not.

However, that is just the tip of the iceberg in choosing wood to be used in a canopy barrel sauna. You have to consider what occurs inside your sauna: extreme temperature changes and humidity, which are not usually the friend of wood. Some types of wood will severely swell, bend, and melt in the hot and humid ambience of the room.

A barrel sauna made of cedar wood is strong and sustainable. Cedar is generally the most energy-efficient and environmentally friendly kind of wood that is currently on the market. Cedar does not decay or rot, is a very good insulator, and it absorbs sound.

In the case of a cedar sauna, you have to choose between red and white variants. The two types of cedar have all the above-mentioned benefits, yet there are a few minor distinctions:

• Red cedar costs more when bought, but it needs the least amount of care and maintenance. 
• White cedar is cheaper initially, yet it might have to be slightly maintained over time. 
• Anyhow, your barrel sauna with either of these should not need much maintenance, and you will use it for years to come.

Which Size of Barrel Sauna is Right for You?

The size that actually suits you will differ with the number of people in your family and the number of guests who come regularly, but most times you find it good to opt for a sauna that is a little larger than what you anticipate at that time.

Suppose then that you and another individual will be sharing the sauna at the same time. You will want space to have for yourself in this 2 person sauna, even when you are married to this individual. The further you can stretch your arms, lie, and generally relax, the better is going to be your sauna sessions.

Addition of the Sauna Change Room

Imagine what it will be like walking from your home to the new outdoor sauna. What is the distance you need to cover? Is the weather often cold in your place or not? Imagine you are going to do the walk in your bare feet or flip-flops, how are you going to wash your feet prior to starting your electric heated sauna session?

To the majority of individuals, the solution is easy, and that is the introduction of a change room. This will enable you to be well-dressed in your brief walk and have a chance to change privately. It also prevents the movement of any unwanted dirt or debris into the sauna. The kit can be considered a great addition to the interior space of the wood or electric heater saunas, adding 3.5 to 4 feet to the space.

Conclusion

The kind of barrel sauna kit that best fits you is based on your way of life and which features you consider the most valuable, since many of them come with upgrades and customizations. To determine which will be the best option for your needs, the simplest method would be to list out the features that are the most vital to you, as well as pet peeves, or things that have the potential to annoy you.

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