We encourage you to explore discussions on Quora and Reddit to hear firsthand experiences from those who have purchased barrel saunas. To be fair, not all experiences are negative—especially in warm, dry climates. However, common issues frequently mentioned include: limited space and headroom due to the curved interior, making seating uncomfortable; single-walled construction with poor insulation; low bench placement that prevents the proper “feet above the stones” position and diminishes the löyly experience; leaks; and a shorter lifespan, often requiring replacement sooner than expected.

Cedar – Popular in the U.S. but you’ll not see it used for saunas in Finland, Sweden or other European countries. Cedar can be too fragrant for many people and for a few it’s a direct respiratory or skin irritant. The smell of cedar can detract from the sauna experience. Cedar can also conflict with other oils/fragrances for those who want them. With cedar that’s the smell you’ll always have. With low fragrant woods you can freely use whatever you want (Eucalyptus is overwhelmingly the most popular). Contrary to popular belief, mold and bacteria do grow in cedar. The only way that I know of to control/kill mold and bacteria is heat – 65°c for 20 minutes. Toping the list of negatives is potential toxicity. The primary concern is likely the chemical Thujone which is a neurotoxin and possibly a carcinogen. A secondary concern is the substance Cadinene. When you walk in to a cedar closet or cedar sauna and ‘smell the cedar’ you are breathing in Thujone and Cadinene. The big question is one of dose. Are you breathing in enough over time to cause health problems? In my very limited research the answer for us and our sauna is more than likely. Spruce was a much better and safer choice for us. Cedar wood and cedar oil are used for storage closets and chests because they are an insecticide and repel, likely due to the aerosol emission of Thujone, many animals including insects. While cedar dust is one of the more toxic in woodworking (and one that comes with numerous warnings to always wear a good respirator), I do not know how this plays out as an aerosol in a hot sauna. There is speculation/evidence that cedar, yew or hemlock in a sauna may contribute to eczema flareups and other skin irritations. Neurotoxins and carcinogens like these are often very slow acting and build up in our bodies slowly over time – dose. It can take years or decades for the harmful effects to become apparent as cancer, respiratory disease or other ailments. So be cautious of anyone who says that they’ve used a cedar sauna for years with no ill effects. They do not and cannot know. Perhaps the primary reason that you don’t see cedar used in Finland is that it doesn’t grow there. However, some Finns and Swedes have commented ‘why would you want to use something with such strong smell in a sauna?’ Note that some ‘cedar’ products such as fence posts and pickets are actually made from Juniper which may be more toxic to humans than cedar. Finally, sauna is a social activity. While you may prefer cedar for yourself, your guests may not like the smell or may be allergic to it. Personally I would avoid cedar. For me the negatives more than outweigh any benefits. If you want to use it I would suggest doing some more research first. It may be a totally OK option for you, or not. Trumpkins Sauna Notes

Traditional saunas work by heating the air around you, which in turn warms your body, while infrared saunas operate at lower temperatures and use infrared rays to heat the body directly. With a history spanning thousands of years, traditional saunas have extensive research backing their effectiveness. In contrast, infrared saunas have only been in use for about 60 years and have less scientific evidence supporting their safety and benefits. While both can promote wellness, studies suggest that traditional saunas provide greater benefits for cardiovascular health, pain relief, and detoxification.

The electric heater offers convenience and easy control of temperature with its built in thermostat, while the wood-fired heater provides a traditional sauna experience with the aroma and ambiance of burning wood. The wood heaters come with 60kg of rock and the electric 40kg.

Electric heaters require minimal maintenance beyond occasional cleaning, while wood-fired heaters need regular ash removal and chimney cleaning to ensure efficient operation.

Correct bench height refers to positioning the benches high enough so that your feet are above the sauna heater's rocks. This is crucial in maintaining proper heat distribution throughout the sauna. In many saunas, if the benches are too low, the upper body experiences intense heat while the lower body remains cooler, leading to an uneven and less enjoyable sauna session. By ensuring the correct bench height, we provide a more comfortable and consistent heat experience, as intended in traditional Finnish saunas.

Löyly is a Finnish term that refers to the steam and heat created when water is poured over the hot rocks of a sauna heater. This steam increases humidity, making the heat feel more intense and enveloping. Löyly is considered an essential part of the authentic sauna experience, enhancing relaxation and promoting deeper sweating. The amount of rocks in the heater determines how much löyly can be produced, and our saunas are equipped with heaters that hold 40 to 60 kg of rocks for a truly immersive löyly

Sisu is a unique Finnish concept that represents resilience, determination, and the courage to push through even the toughest challenges. It’s more than just physical strength; Sisu is about mental fortitude and the ability to persist when others might give up. Deeply ingrained in Finnish culture, Sisu reflects the spirit of endurance and inner resolve. When taking a sauna, embracing Sisu can help clear the mind, reduce stress, and improve mental health, offering a sense of calm and renewal. At Sisu Sauna, we’ve embraced this philosophy, bringing the strength and authenticity of Sisu into every sauna we create, building spaces that embody Finnish tradition and craftsmanship.

Each sauna is handcrafted to order in our workshop near Ballarat, Victoria. We take pride in building every sauna by hand, ensuring quality craftsmanship and attention to detail in every piece we create.

We can usually build a sauna in 3 weeks. This is from the start of the build date.

We use pine for the entire interior of our saunas, just as the Finnish have traditionally done for centuries. Pine is durable, handles high heat and humidity well, and its light, natural aroma enhances the relaxation experience without being overpowering. While some saunas use cedar or other expensive woods, cedar has a very strong scent that can be overpowering for some and may interfere with the sauna process, distracting from the heat and steam experience. We believe in prioritizing function over fashion, and using pine not only provides the necessary durability but also keeps costs more affordable, ensuring a high-quality sauna experience without unnecessary expense.

At the moment, we are only able to deliver and install our saunas within driving distance of Ballarat, Victoria. Delivery fees will apply based on your location. We personally handle each installation to ensure your sauna is set up correctly and meets our high standards.

Yes, you'll need to provide a flat and level area for the sauna to be placed on. This is essential for both stability and proper installation. If you choose the electric heater option, we recommend placing the sauna close to your home, as it will need to be wired directly to the mains power by a qualified electrician—standard electrical outlets are not suitable for powering the sauna.

Yes, you can choose the colour of both the sauna and the roofing, as long as the color is available in the materials or paint we use. We're happy to work with you to find the perfect color that matches your preference and complements your space.

Yes, you can place the electric sauna indoors. If you choose to do so, we can customize the sauna with a timber roof, as it won’t need to be waterproof like an outdoor sauna. This allows for a more natural, aesthetic finish suited to indoor spaces.

No, we do not use any toxic materials such as glue or solvents in the construction of our saunas. We prioritize the health and safety of our customers by only using natural, non-toxic materials that are safe for high heat and humidity environments.

Yes, you will need to hire a qualified electrician to connect the electric heater or a professional installer for the wood-fired heater flue. Having a local fitter not only ensures that the installation meets safety standards and regulations but also provides the advantage of addressing any issues or adjustments that may arise during the fitting process.