Barrel Sauna vs. Traditional Sauna: Which Is Right for You?

Saunas represent different things to different people. They can serve as places of relaxation after a long day or a way to ease the strain of a vigorous workout. Thought to have originated in Finland over 2000 years ago, they came from humble beginnings.  

We’ve come a long way from their origins as simple log structures. Saunas come in many different styles, but we will focus today on two common forms for home use. If you’re looking for square or barrel saunas in Calgary, this guide will help you decide which is right for you.

Barrel Sauna and Square Saunas: Shape Makes a Difference

Beyond simple shape and aesthetic concerns, the shape of your sauna impacts the whole experience. It impacts how fast it heats, its interior space, and how you feel while using it. Barrel saunas and square saunas are both popular styles. Knowing their benefits is important when deciding on a sauna for your home.

Barrel Shaped Saunas

As their name suggests, these saunas are rounded, making them a distinctive addition to your home. Their shape helps them circulate internal air efficiently, which, combined with reduced internal space, allows them to heat quickly. Part of this reduced space comes from a low ceiling, which can be a concern for taller users. 

• Large Footprint: The barrel shape results in a larger overall footprint.
• Interior Space: Despite the above, it has less interior space, creating a cozier experience.
• Energy Efficient: The curved shape helps these units heat up faster than their square counterparts.
• Rustic Appearance: Barrel saunas bring with them a more rustic appearance.

They’re perfect for climates that also get a lot of rain and snow. Barrel saunas allow them to flow easily off the surface. This feature protects the structure, improves its durability, and reduces its maintenance needs. You’ll find the majority of barrel saunas in Calgary are designed to work with wood or electric stoves.

Square Shaped Saunas

Cabin-style saunas have a traditional design that is familiar to any experienced sauna user. Due to their efficient use of space, they are a favourite in homes and public gyms. They can be built to accommodate multi-level seating and typically provide more headroom than barrel saunas.

• Space Efficiency: The square shape reduces the overall footprint of the unit.
• Roomy Interior: The internal space offered is greater relative to its external footprint.
• Heats Slowly: The square shape can impact air circulation, and greater internal space means more air to heat.
• Traditional Design: Cabin-style saunas represent a design that has been in use for centuries all over the world.

A major benefit of this style is its ability to be customized. Without the curved surfaces of the barrel sauna, it’s easier to add additional features. Altering the placement of doors and windows and even implementing additional layouts is just easier with a square design. 

Tips For Choosing Between Barrel and Square Saunas

While your own personal tastes are going to have a major influence, there are some practical considerations in sauna selection. We’ve put together a short list for you to consider when trying to decide between square and barrel saunas in Calgary.

• How Much Space Is Available?: A major contributing factor is the space you have for your sauna. Square saunas come in a wide range of sizes, with some taking up the same space as a small closet. This makes it possible to place them almost anywhere your heart desires without dominating the space they’re in. That makes them a perfect selection for interior spaces where space is a concern. Outdoor spaces are perfect choices for barrel saunas due to their increased use of space.
• Overall Efficiency: When investing in a sauna, it’s important to consider the ongoing cost of the unit. Despite their initial investment potentially being significant, the unit’s energy efficiency can help over time. Barrel saunas are notably more efficient than square saunas. They heat up quickly due to improved air circulation and less internal space. Additionally, they lose that heat more slowly. Square saunas can improve efficiency with infrared heaters and additional insulation, but these also increase the initial investment.
• Aesthetic Preferences:  Both designs bring a unique aesthetic, which will contribute to your decision. Barrel saunas will blend seamlessly into the environment if you’re designing a rustic outdoor space. On the other hand, square saunas are generally best suited for indoor spaces where versatility and space are a concern.
• Comfort and Interior Space: We’ve discussed footprint vs. internal space and how they relate to the shape of your sauna. Barrel saunas have less overall height and internal space despite their larger footprint. Some users may find them cramped, and this reduced space limits their availability for group use. Square saunas accommodate these situations handily due to their greater internal space.
• Budgeting: While barrel saunas bring greater benefits in terms of long-term costs, they tend to cost more upfront. In general, the initial investment is often 20% or more above that of the square sauna. However, the ongoing costs of a square sauna are higher due to reduced efficiency. 

These concerns will play a major role in deciding which style of sauna best fits your needs and your space. There are a lot of factors to consider, and balancing them against each other can be tricky. Thankfully, you can reach out to the experts on cabin-style and barrel saunas in Calgary, Backyard Canada. 

Get The Right Sauna With Backyard Canada

Are you ready to make an important investment in your health and comfort by getting a new sauna? Our team of experts has improved the lives of hundreds of Calgary residents with the benefits of an at-home sauna. You can be next in the line of people who have discovered how having a sauna at home improves their lives. Reach out to our team, and we’ll discuss all the details of planning your purchase. When you select your sauna, you’ll have the confidence that you did it with the help of the foremost experts on barrel saunas in Calgary.