Is It Worth Building a Barrel Sauna? A Spa World™ Expert Review

The idea of building your own barrel sauna is undeniably appealing. It’s a satisfying DIY project, looks great in your backyard, and promises that signature sauna experience,without the price tag of a fully built unit.

At Spa World™, we’ve spent over 40 years helping people across Australia and New Zealand improve their homes and wellness spaces. While we don’t sell barrel saunas, we’ve spoken to hundreds of people who’ve built, bought, or upgraded from them,and we've seen the good, the bad, and everything in between.

So what should you know before diving into a barrel sauna build?

Let’s break down the key pros and cons based on our industry insights and real user feedback.

The Appeal of DIY Barrel Saunas

There’s no doubt barrel saunas offer several attractive features for hands-on homeowners and DIYers:

• Cost-effective: Often cheaper than pre-built saunas
• Simple construction: Most are sold as ready-to-assemble kits
• Rustic aesthetic: That curved timber look fits well into many outdoor spaces
• Portable: Can be disassembled and moved if needed
• Fast heat-up times: Especially when using a wood-fired stove

For many people, especially renters or first-time sauna owners, these benefits are enough to give it a go.

But as we often hear from customers, the initial excitement can give way to practical frustrations once the sauna is up and running.

Because hot air rises, the absence of upper-tier seating often results in a less immersive and less comfortable session.

2. Lack of Ventilation

Ventilation is often overlooked by DIY builders,but it’s vital for oxygen flow, heat circulation, and overall comfort.

Without a proper air intake near the heater and a lower exhaust vent, many DIY saunas feel stale and stuffy after just 10–15 minutes.

Customers often report they can’t stay in for long or feel fatigued quickly,not because of the heat itself, but due to poor airflow design.

3. Insulation and Heat Retention Challenges

Most barrel saunas are built using single-layer wood panels (often around 1.5 inches thick). While this helps them heat up quickly, the downside is rapid heat loss,especially in colder weather.

Some DIYers try to retrofit insulation, but unless done properly (with vapour barriers and air gaps), it doesn’t significantly improve performance. In short, if you’re building a barrel sauna expecting it to retain heat like a cabin sauna,you may be disappointed.

4. Comfort and Ergonomics

The curved walls of a barrel sauna, while visually striking, can limit comfort inside:

• Harder to sit upright, especially near the ends
• Limited space for backrests or adjustable seating
• Less flexibility for multiple users

Some DIY builders widen the benches or add custom supports, but the core shape still restricts usability compared to traditional rectangular designs.

5. Durability and Exposure

Because many barrel kits are sold without roof protection (like shingles), exposure to rain, sun and wind can lead to issues like:

• Wood swelling or warping
• Water ingress through knot holes
• General weather-related wear and tear

We’ve heard from multiple customers who’ve had to reseal, recoat, or rebuild sections within a year or two,especially in wet or coastal areas.

Can a DIY Barrel Sauna Be Built Well?

Yes,but it takes more than just a kit and a free weekend. If you want a DIY barrel sauna to perform well, you’ll need to consider:

• Larger diameter (85 inches or more) to allow for bench height
• Two-tier benching to help your body stay in the warmest air
• Insulation and vapour barriers,not just wood
• Proper ventilation (intake near heater, exhaust below benches)
• Weather protection like roofing, flashing and drainage
• Quality materials to handle heat and moisture cycles over time

Most entry-level kits don’t come with these features by default,and customising them can add significant time and cost.

What We Recommend (and What We Don’t)

We’re not here to discourage DIY altogether. In fact, many of our customers love the process of building their own sauna,and walk away with something they’re proud of.

But it’s important to go in with the right expectations.

If you’re building a barrel sauna:

• Do your research on airflow, heat layering and weatherproofing
• Don’t cut corners on bench height, insulation, or timber quality
• Plan for maintenance, especially if outdoors

And most of all,understand that not all saunas are created equal. The goal isn’t just to build a hot room. It’s to create a space that delivers true comfort, health benefits, and longevity.

Final Thoughts from Spa World

If you’re a capable DIYer and enjoy hands-on projects, building a barrel sauna can be a rewarding challenge.

But based on decades of customer conversations and industry experience, we’ve found that most DIY barrel saunas don’t match the comfort, efficiency, or durability of professionally designed alternatives.

Need Help Deciding?

• Speak with a Spa World™ sauna expert
• Get advice on layout, ventilation, and performance
• Explore options for kits, custom builds, or ready-to-install models