One of the best investments you can make in your home, health, and happiness is a luxury sauna. Anyone can benefit from this addition to their wellness routine, be it for something as simple as relaxation and detoxification or for managing pain, sleep issues, stress, and more.

However, there are so many things to consider when trying to bring the benefits of sauna therapy into your home. Even something as seemingly innocuous as the shape of the sauna influences the experience you’ll have in it.

That’s why we want to help you narrow it down between a barrel vs square sauna here in this guide. Each has its place, but only one if right for you.

Barrel saunas are the classic style found traditionally in Finland. They bring an unmistakable rustic charm to the backyard, as they’re typically placed outdoors due to their larger footprint. The design supports quicker heating time and superior energy efficiency.

However, a square sauna - or cabin sauna - makes more sense for indoor use given its more compact size. These have a more modern aesthetic and are typically equipped with more advanced features like ambient lighting, Bluetooth capabilities, and infrared heating.

The truth is you can’t go wrong either way, and whether you prefer a barrel vs cabin sauna, Elite Vitality has you covered. Shop for a cabin sauna or barrel sauna for sale today, or get in touch with our customer service team for one-on-one guidance making this decision!

What is a Barrel Sauna?

As the name suggests this type of sauna is characterized by its cylindrical design, resembling a large wooden barrel turned on its side. It’s an ode to the traditional sauna experience in Finland where barrel saunas are found everywhere. 

But beyond its visually appealing aesthetic, the design enhances the overall sauna experience. The rounded structure improves heat circulation by minimizing corners where air can stagnate. This allows for faster, more consistent heating.

Since these are typically installed outdoors given their larger stature, they’ll be crafted from weather-resistant woods such as cedar or hemlock. However, these can technically be installed indoors if you have the space for them, say in a spare bedroom or basement.

There are often benches placed on both sides to maximize the use of interior space while keeping the footprint compact. However, the space inside is fairly limited despite the larger overall footprint. So while these are energy efficient, they’re not quite as space efficient.

You’ll also have less flexibility for customization, such as additional benches or built-in features like sound systems with Bluetooth connectivity. That being said, let’s take a closer look at the other half of the barrel vs square sauna comparison.

What is a Square Sauna (Cabin Sauna)?

Also known as a cabin sauna, these structures feature four distinct walls and a peaked or flat roof. Rectangular saunas will technically fall under this umbrella as well.

Regardless, these tend to be more space-efficient which is why they’re commonly used indoors where a compact footprint is the priority. They can be installed in the corner of a spare bedroom, bathroom, garage, or basement - we’ve even seem them squeezed into large closets.

Since they’re used indoors cabin saunas are typically more affordable, too. They don’t need to be crafted from the same weather-resistant materials that outdoor saunas do. 

However, this space efficiency and affordability comes at the cost of energy efficiency. The sauna may take a bit longer to heat as well compared to its barrel sauna counterpart. It’s also worth noting that cabin saunas are often installed outdoors as well, they’re more versatile.

Nevertheless, cabin saunas have their place. They’re often more modern in their design and can be installed with large windows, ergonomic seating, and integrated lighting systems for a contemporary flair. These can also accommodate sound systems with Bluetooth connectivity. 

Barrel vs Square Sauna: Which Style is Right For You?

You might already be leaning towards one or the other based on the differences between a barrel vs cabin sauna alone. But if you’re still not sure which best suits your situation, we’ll compare and contrast the barrel vs square sauna design below.

Remember, though, that personalized guidance is just a click or call away at Elite Vitality. There’s no need to stress or play the guessing game on a decision as significant as this one. Let us point you in the right direction!

Heat Efficiency and Experience

Square saunas typically take longer to heat because of their larger interior volume and flat walls. This creates more corners where air can stagnate. But since they’re often installed indoors in a climate-controlled environment, the difference may be negligible.

Still, barrel saunas are known for their optimal heat efficiency - meaning they not only reach the target temperature faster, but they cost less to operate over the course of time. This is all thanks to the cylindrical shape.

The rounded walls create better airflow and consistent heat distribution for a more uniform experience, too. That doesn’t mean cabin saunas fall short in this regard - just that barrel saunas have a slight edge here.

Space and Capacity

You can often narrow down your decision between a barrel vs square sauna simply by assessing the amount of space you have available for the structure.

The larger footprint of a barrel sauna relative to their indoor space means they take up more space while accommodating fewer people. So, they’re best for smaller groups or personal use.

That is, unless you have a spare bedroom you don’t mind using, or you’re willing to install the sauna outdoors where space is less of a concern. It’s also important to remember that there’s not nearly as much standing room in a barrel sauna, especially for taller people.

On the other hand, square saunas are all about space efficiency. They’re a perfect choice for making use of a wasted corner in a bathroom, bedroom, basement, garage, or even a large closet. 

Despite taking up a lot less space than their barrel sauna counterpart, cabin saunas can fit more people inside comfortably. They also fit in more benches and support standing and stretching. You’ll find them in a wide variety of sizes, including:

• 1 person traditional saunas
• 2 person traditional sauna
• 3 person traditional saunas
• 4 person traditional sauna
• 5 person traditional sauna

Installation Considerations

Given the fact that barrel saunas are more commonly installed outdoors, they can come with a bit more hurdles. This includes creating a level foundation for the sauna, weatherproofing the structure, and hooking up electrical work.

However, barrel saunas themselves are typically pre-fabricated kits so the actual process of piecing the structure together is straightforward. 

Since square saunas tend to be installed indoors there’s no need to stress about the foundation or weatherproofing. The only issue is ventilation, especially for steam-style saunas. That being said, these come in easy-to-assemble kits as well.

Aesthetic Preferences

If you’re still not sure whether a barrel vs cabin sauna is right for you and are considering flipping a coin, take a look at some of the options we have here at Elite Vitality - which aesthetic do you prefer?

There’s nothing like the rustic charm of a barrel sauna. These can blend beautifully into natural outdoor settings like gardens or backyards. They take you back to a simpler time in Finland.

In contrast, square saunas tend to be more modern in their appearance. They’re sleek and contemporary most of the time but you can find them a variety of styles to fit your home’s architecture.

More Things to Consider Beyond Sauna Shape 

Hopefully you have a clear understanding of whether a barrel vs square sauna is right for you at this point - but just as we explained in our comparison of the infrared vs steam sauna, there’s a lot more that goes into picking the perfect sauna. Here are some other things to consider.

Heating Mechanisms

Perhaps the most important thing to consider is the types of sauna heaters that align with your preferences and budget. You’ll have four options, each of which creates a very different vibe and experience: 

• Electric Heaters: Convenient, consistent performance with precise temperature control. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor saunas.
• Wood-Burning Stoves: A traditional experience with natural heat and ambiance but require more maintenance and are typically used in outdoor saunas.
• Infrared Panels: Heat the body directly at lower operating temperatures rather than the air around you. Better energy efficiency, ideal for gentle heat and deep body penetration.
• Hybrid Systems: The best of both worlds with traditional electric heaters and infrared technology in one solution, offering flexibility for users who want both options.

Just know that whether you want traditional saunas for sale powered by electric sauna heaters or infrared saunas for sale, Elite Vitality has you covered.

Materials and Build Quality

While this is much more important for outdoor saunas given their exposure to harsh elements, you want to make sure the sauna you’re buying is built to last. 

Cedar, hemlock, or spruce are all great options, with cedar being our recommendation for outdoor saunas for its natural resistance to rot and decay. Just know it costs more. Proper insulation is important too as it affects heat retention and energy efficiency.

Features and Customization

Modern saunas come with a range of features that enhance the experience. You may not have access to all of these in a barrel sauna, but the possibilities are endless in a cabin sauna:

• Seating Options: Dual-level benches, ergonomic seating, and foldable options.
• Lighting: LED lighting, chromotherapy options, and natural light through panoramic windows.
• Controls: Smart controls for temperature and time settings, as well as remote or app-based control systems.
• Add-Ons: Built-in sound systems, towel racks, cup holders, and aromatherapy diffusers.

Cost Considerations

Your budget will dictate what type of sauna is best for you. So, how much does a sauna cost? Our barrel saunas start at lower price points as they’re simpler in design with fewer sophisticated features. Square saunas tend to cost more upfront.

As we touched on throughout this comparison of the barrel vs cabin sauna, the former supports more energy-efficient heating as well. However, the ongoing costs of operation will be largely dependent on the type of heater you choose and where your sauna is installed. 

Infrared saunas are generally the most energy-efficient, while wood-burning stoves may have ongoing fuel expenses. Electric heaters provide a balance between efficiency and performance.

The Best Barrel and Square Saunas are Just a Click or Call Away at Elite Vitality!

There’s clearly a lot that goes into choosing the perfect sauna. The good news is you don’t have to figure it out on your own. With world-class customer service just a click or call away, why not let our experts at Elite Vitality guide you through this process one-on-one?

We’re your trusted choice for indoor saunas for sale and outdoor saunas for sale alike, featuring the industry’s most trusted manufacturers including Saunum, Harvia, HUUM, and many others.

Whether you’re seeking the rustic charm of a barrel sauna or the versatility and spaciousness of a square sauna, we provide options to suit every preference, space, and lifestyle. 

You can also create a custom sauna through our personalized service if you aren’t seeing something that resonates with your vision. Our knowledgeable team is ready to talk goals, space requirements, and budget to help you weigh your options.

From selection to installation, we’re here to support you every step of the way. So, get in touch today to invest in a sauna that blends style, functionality, and relaxation!

Wrapping Up Our Barrel vs Cabin Sauna Comparison 

There you have it, everything you need to know about the barrel vs square sauna differences and which best suits your needs, preferences, and budget. 

Each is capable of delivering the benefits of sauna therapy, but the shape influences the overall experience, costs of installation and operation, and where the sauna can be installed.

Barrel saunas have an edge in heating efficiency and outdoor aesthetics, while cabin saunas provide more interior space, customization options, and versatile placement. The choice is yours, but remember that we’re here to help you make the right decision.

Take the next step to bring wellness into your home or backyard today. Your ideal sauna is waiting to be discovered at Elite Vitality!