Barrel vs. Cube: Which Outdoor Sauna Design is Right for You?

Shopping for a home sauna and can’t decide between a barrel and a cube design? You're not alone. Both styles have their merits, and which one is best depends on your space, style, and sauna goals. Let’s break down the key differences to help you choose the sauna that’s perfect for your lifestyle.

1. Aesthetic Appeal: Rustic Charm or Modern Minimalism?

Barrel saunas offer timeless, rustic appeal. Their curved shape blends naturally into wooded settings and cabin-style homes. Think “Nordic retreat in your backyard.”

Cube saunas, like the SaunaLife CL-Series, exude contemporary elegance with clean lines and a full-glass front. They fit seamlessly with modern architecture and upscale outdoor designs.

🧠 Pro Tip: If you want your sauna to be a design centerpiece, the Cube wins. If you prefer a cozy, classic vibe, go Barrel.

2. Space & Seating: Inside the Experience

Because of their rounded shape, barrel saunas have slightly reduced headroom and can feel more enclosed—great for heat efficiency but limiting if you're tall or enjoy stretching out.

Cube saunas offer vertical walls and flat ceilings, which translate into more usable space, ergonomic seating, and higher comfort during long sessions.

📏 Need the specs? SaunaLife’s CL3G, for example, boasts over 6 feet of headroom and room for two in comfort.

3. Heat Efficiency & Performance

The barrel shape naturally circulates heat, allowing these saunas to warm up quickly and evenly. Their curved design minimizes unused space, making them incredibly efficient.

Cube saunas take a bit longer to heat due to their boxy volume but offer better air circulation, especially with added vents and ergonomic backrests designed for airflow.

🔥 Bottom line: Barrels win slightly on speed. Cubes win on sustained, even comfort.

4. Assembly & Placement

Barrel saunas are relatively easy to assemble and can be placed on level surfaces like decks or gravel pads. Their rounded roof also sheds water naturally—minimal maintenance required.

Cube saunas are more complex to assemble but come with benefits like full shingle kits, integrated cradles, and advanced insulation.

🚧 Tip: For long-term durability in rough weather, the Cube’s robust roof and wall system is worth it.

5. The Extras: Features That Matter

Most barrel saunas come with basic features and optional upgrades (like rear windows or floor kits).

Cube saunas like those in SaunaLife’s CL-Series are pre-packaged with dotless LED lighting, bronze-tinted tempered glass, ergonomic Thermo-Aspen benches, and a complete roof system. Some even include Wi-Fi-enabled lighting control!

💡 Luxury seekers? Cube is the hands-down winner.

Conclusion: Choose What Fits Your Life

Feature	Barrel Sauna	Cube Sauna
Design Style	Rustic, classic	Modern, sleek
Heat-Up Time	Fast	Moderate
Interior Space	Cozy	Spacious
Assembly	Easier	More robust
Luxury Features	Optional	Often included

 

Still torn? Here’s the kicker: both sauna types offer incredible wellness benefits. Your final decision should reflect your space, design preferences, and how you plan to use your sauna.

👉 Explore the full SaunaLife collection to find your perfect match.