What is a barrel sauna?
As you can tell by the name, a barrel sauna is a sauna that is shaped like a barrel.
They are usually made out of wood, such as western red cedar or Finnish aspen. The most important thing is that the wood is treated so that it can withstand high temperatures and moisture.
Most barrels saunas are traditional saunas that use a wood-fired sauna heater to heat up the rocks inside. This type of sauna is popular in Finland, where they have a long history of using saunas.
What are outdoor barrel sauna kits?
Barrel sauna kits are a great way to get all the materials you need to build your own sauna. These kits usually include the wood, door, hardware, and instructions on how to assemble everything.
Some kits even come with a pre-fabricated steam room that you can just assemble on site. This is a great option if you want to save on time and labor.
You can buy a DIY sauna kit that includes DIY barrel sauna plans so you can easily build your own.
According to your preference, you can get a panoramic barrel sauna kit or a portable sauna kit. It depends on your budget and how often you plan on using the sauna.
Benefits of an outdoor sauna
Let’s find out how outdoor saunas can help you think-longer, faster, stronger:
1. Saunas can improve your cardiovascular health
Saunas can help improve your cardiovascular health by increasing your heart rate and blood flow. Because when we get exposed to heat and sweat, our body temperature rises and our heart rate increases. This leads to an increase in blood flow and oxygen to the muscles.
2. Saunas can help you lose weight
Saunas are hugely popular for people who are trying to lose weight. The reason is that when we sweat, we are actually losing water weight. In fact, a recent study showed that just one 30-minute sauna session can burn up to 600 calories! Even doctors are now recommending saunas as a weight loss treatment.
3. Saunas can help relieve pain
If you suffer from muscle aches and pains, a sauna can be a great way to relieve the pain. The heat helps to increase blood flow and relax the muscles. This can lead to reduced inflammation and pain relief. If you are an athlete or have an active lifestyle, saunas can also help prevent injuries by keeping the muscles warm and flexible.
4. Saunas can improve your skin
Saunas can do wonders for your skin. The steam and heat help to open up the pores and remove impurities from the skin. This can leave you with softer, smoother, and more radiant skin.
5. Saunas can help improve your sleep
If you have trouble sleeping, a sauna can help. The heat helps to relax the body and mind, which can lead to improved sleep quality. In fact, one study showed that people who used a sauna before bed slept better and longer than those who didn’t.
6. Saunas can help reduce stress
We all know how good it feels to relax in a sauna after a long day. The heat and steam help to release tension in the body and mind, which can lead to reduced stress levels. One study showed that just 20 minutes in a sauna can significantly reduce stress levels.
How to build a DIY barrel sauna?
So now that we know one or two things about barrel saunas, let’s get into how you can easily build your own.
1. Choose a location
First, you need to choose a location for your sauna. It should be in an area that is away from any trees or other buildings. This will help to ensure that your sauna gets enough sunlight and ventilation.
2. Get a sauna kit
Once you’ve chosen a location, the next step is to get a sauna kit. These kits usually come with everything you need to build your own sauna, including the wood, door, hardware, and instructions. Make sure to consider your budget and type of heater when choosing a kit.
3. Assemble your sauna
After you’ve got your kit, it’s time to start assembling your sauna. This process will vary depending on the type of kit you have, but most kits should be relatively easy to assemble. Just make sure to follow the instructions carefully.
4. Install your walls
Some of the key aspects of installing walls are the tongue and groove joints. You have to make sure that these are properly sealed in order to avoid any leaks. Also, you have to keep in mind the bead and cove joint so that the walls are properly supported.
5. Install your ceiling
When installing your ceiling, make sure to use the proper support system. This will ensure that your ceiling doesn’t collapse. Also, make sure that the insulation is properly installed so that your sauna stays warm. If you are working with a wood-fired heater, you also need to make sure that the chimney stays away from the walls and ceiling.
6. Install the door
The door is one of the most important parts of your sauna. It needs to be properly insulated and airtight in order to prevent any heat from escaping. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully when installing the door.
7. Install your heater
The type of heater you use will determine how you install it. If you are using an electric heater, you need to make sure that it is properly grounded. If you are using a wood-fired heater, you need to make sure that the chimney is properly installed.
8. Install the accessories
If have plans to install a hot tub, lights, or other accessories, now is the time to do it. Most accessories come with instructions so make sure to follow them carefully. In a Finnish sauna, the most common accessory is a bucket and ladle for water. This is used to pour water over the hot rocks to create steam.
9. Test and enjoy!
And lastly, once you’ve finished assembling and installing your DIY project, it’s time to test it out. Make sure that everything is working properly and that there are no leaks. The barrel shape makes the sauna very efficient so you should be able to get it up to temperature relatively quickly. Once it’s ready, turn on the heater and enjoy your new sauna!
Conclusion
There you have it! Now you know how to build a DIY barrel sauna. Just follow the steps above and you’ll be relaxing in your own sauna in no time. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment below. And if you found this article helpful, please share it with your friends!