Luxury Barrel Saunas: Modern Style with Traditional Finish

Both barrel saunas and traditional outdoor saunas offer an authentic way to unwind – but they bring a different feel, both in form and function.

Barrel saunas are defined by their curved, cylindrical design. This shape helps circulate heat evenly, warms up quickly, and holds that warmth efficiently. At Finnmark, our barrel saunas are built from Nordic thermo-spruce, a weather-resistant timber chosen for its long-term performance and natural beauty. Compact yet characterful, they bring a sculptural presence to any outdoor space, and offer a deeply personal sauna experience.

Traditional outdoor saunas typically follow a boxier, cabin-style layout. While they may take a little longer to heat, they deliver that familiar, spacious feel with two tiers of benching many associate with classic sauna culture. Built from a range of durable timbers, they blend easily into all kinds of gardens and retreats – offering a timeless take on outdoor wellness.

In short: a wooden barrel sauna offers warmth with efficiency and character; traditional saunas offer space with heritage and simplicity. Both are built to last, the choice comes down to how you like to switch off.

Absolutely, wooden barrel saunas are built to be enjoyed in every season. At Finnmark, our barrel saunas UK range is crafted from Nordic thermo-spruce, a timber chosen for its resilience, weather resistance, and natural insulating properties.

However, it’s important to note that the heat-up times can vary between seasons. It can take longer for the sauna to reach the desired temperature during the colder winter months. The sauna’s location can also affect its performance. If installed in a coastal, exposed, or particularly windy area, the heat-up time and overall thermal retention may vary. Additionally, the specific heater model you choose will also influence how quickly your sauna reaches the desired temperature.

Barrel saunas combine performance, wellness, and design in one compact, carefully engineered space.

Their curved, enclosed shape promotes fast heat-up times and efficient heat retention, so you spend less time waiting and more time relaxing. The steady, even warmth helps ease muscle tension, calm the nervous system, and improve sleep – making each session a restorative ritual for both body and mind.

Crafted from Nordic thermo-spruce, Finnmark barrel saunas are built to endure year-round outdoor use. Their clean design adds quiet luxury to any garden, patio, or retreat.

Barrel saunas are built to last and designed for everyday use, but regular care is essential to keep them looking and performing their best. Always use seat covers or towels in the sauna to protect the benches. After each use, wipe down the interior to prevent dirt and moisture build-up. We recommend cleaning the interior of the sauna every 1-2 weeks. For more information, read our complete guide on cleaning your sauna. 

The frequency of treating your sauna’s exterior and interior depends on how often you use it and where it’s located. If your sauna is exposed to harsh weather, such as coastal conditions or strong winds, you may need to treat the exterior more frequently. As a general guideline, apply a quality wood stain or a similar outdoor wood treatment to the exterior at least once a year to protect it from the elements.

For the interior, we recommend treating the wood with sauna paraffin oil every 6 to 12 months. This nourishes and protects the timber while preserving its natural finish.

With regular care tailored to your usage and environment, your barrel sauna will remain inviting and durable for years to come.