If you thought sauna culture was reserved for northern US states like Minnesota and Wisconsin, think again. Across the US, health-savvy Americans and those who simply enjoy life’s luxuries are upgrading their homes with saunas. This includes the Eastern Seaboard states, and Sea Home residents are finding that barrel saunas, in particular, are an upgrade that brings a range of benefits and even adds curb appeal to the home.
What is a barrel sauna?
A barrel sauna is exactly what the name suggests – a sauna shaped like a giant barrel lying on its side. It is typically constructed from cedar wood, with long planks measuring six to eight feet joining two circular ends, each of six to seven feet in diameter.
Barrel saunas have a contemporary look that is a world away from the traditional Finnish-style saunas that are usually square and look a little like a garden shed. That sort of subtlety is ideal for some, but a barrel sauna is perfect for those who want their home upgrade to be a real statement piece.
It’s not just about appearances, however. The barrel sauna design was born through practicality. Its shape facilitates better air circulation, so the temperature in the sauna stays even. It is also more than 20 percent smaller than a square sauna on the same footprint, meaning less internal volume to heat up and superior energy efficiency.
Where to choose a barrel sauna
Finding a range of barrel saunas to choose from is easier than you might think in today's US sauna market. The sauna boom has really gathered pace over the past five years, with web searches rising by more than 30 percent year on year since 2021. Sales are also growing at about seven percent – quite an astonishing statistic for a high value luxury product, especially during challenging economic times.
In other words, there is growing demand, and that means plenty of sauna businesses competing for market share. It all spells good news for consumers, and there is a great choice to be had online, for all requirements and every budget.
Prebuilt kits make barrel saunas affordable
That question of budget is an important one. After all, having a sauna in the back garden sounds great in theory, but as we have already mentioned, times are hard for many. The point is, soaring property prices in New Jersey and escalating mortgage rates combine to mean that upgrading your existing home in Sea Isle might be preferable to upsizing.
And a barrel sauna does not have to cost as much as you might think. That competitive market we mentioned means that prebuilt sauna companies have barrel sauna kits available with price tags starting at less than $5,000. Sure, it is still a lot of money, but New Jersey households spend ten times as much on having a pool installed, and might only use it three months of the year, while a sauna can be enjoyed every day in all weathers.
Wellness benefits of a home sauna
We have mentioned that a home sauna appeals from a healthy living perspective and is not solely a place to luxuriate. Of course, the very fact that it is so relaxing has health benefits in terms of relieving stress and reducing the risk of conditions like hypertension, insomnia and even cardiac disease.
But taking a sauna also has direct physiological benefits. The steam opens up the arteries, improving blood flow and easing aches and pains. It can also help alleviate conditions like arthritis and stiff joints, along with common respiratory conditions including asthma.
In other words, there is far more to having a barrel sauna in your back yard than keeping up with the neighbors, fun though that might be. It’s a great way to ease away the stresses of the modern world, and can deliver other health benefits besides.
