How to Choose Between an Outdoor Barrel Sauna and a Cabin Sauna
Posted on 01 October 2025
Outdoor saunas are becoming increasingly popular because they offer the convenience of an at-home sauna without having to compromise precious square footage inside your home. The two most popular outdoor sauna styles include cabin saunas and barrel sauna kits. While both clearly vary in terms of their shape, one may be a more functional investment than the other, depending on your needs and desires. Overall, the best outdoor sauna for you will be the one that offers ultimate comfort, convenience, and aesthetics. If you are looking to invest in a top-quality sauna in Toronto, look no further than SaunaFin. Browse our many outdoor sauna styles today!
Here is a guide to choosing between a barrel sauna and a cabin sauna.
Design and Aesthetic Appeal
While saunas are more of a functional piece of equipment, their appearance and aesthetic appeal matter greatly, especially when they are going to be placed in your backyard for everyone to see, both cabin saunas and barrel saunas are made of cedar wood, giving them a beautiful finish that is sure to integrate seamlessly into the outdoors. The shape is what really makes the visual difference.
A cabin sauna is a simple box/house shape, with some having flat roofs while others have peaked ones. This offers a solid and timeless appearance that looks good without drawing too much attention, making it perfect for those who want to keep their sauna tucked away in a corner.
A barrel sauna, on the other hand, offers a very unique cylindrical shape and will definitely act as a focal point that attracts the attention of guests. If you want a statement piece for your backyard, this would be the better option.
Space and Size Considerations
Space is a major limiting factor when it comes to backyard saunas. You will need to ensure that you have enough floor space to support either a barrel or a cabin sauna. Although barrel saunas generally take up more space, they actually require a smaller footprint because of their rounded edges. This makes it ideal for those working with limited floorspace. Cabin saunas require a larger footprint but are actually very space-efficient since they can support a second row of seating. This can help you maximize capacity for the square footage.
Comfort and User Experience
Your comfort inside your barrel sauna is of utmost importance. While both barrel and cabin saunas offer superior comfort, one may be preferable over the other depending on your needs. Barrel saunas tend to feel more cozy since they are shorter in height, and users are usually sitting directly next to one another. This makes it great for those who want to use their sauna for family bonding. However, this can get a bit uncomfortable for those who are very tall. If you want more headroom and flexible seating options in your sauna, a cabin sauna may be better.
Choose the Best Outdoor Sauna from SaunaFin
Choosing between a barrel sauna and a cabin sauna ultimately comes down to your personal preferences, available space, and lifestyle needs. Whether you’re drawn to the rustic charm and size of a barrel sauna or the spacious comfort and traditional design of a cabin sauna, both options can elevate your wellness routine. For premium barrel sauna kits and expert guidance on saunas in Toronto, reach out to SaunaFin. Explore our outdoor sauna styles today and find the perfect fit for your backyard retreat.
