FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What type of wood is used for the sauna, and why does it matter?

A: Every SaunaSpa barrel sauna is built with kiln-dried Western Red Cedar — the benchmark material for high-quality outdoor saunas. Kiln-drying removes excess moisture from the wood before construction, which means less warping, cracking, and shrinkage once the sauna begins going through heat-and-cool cycles.

Cedar brings three key advantages over other woods:

Natural resistance to rot and decay — essential for a structure that faces rain, snow, and humidity year-round
Low thermal conductivity — the wood stays cool enough to touch even at high temperatures, so benches and walls never burn skin
Aromatic warmth — heated cedar releases a naturally pleasant scent that adds to the sauna experience

The base frame uses pine, which offers greater structural density to bear the full weight of the sauna. Pine is never used on interior surfaces.

Kiln-dried cedar also holds finishes better and is less prone to the resin bleed that can occur with green or unseasoned wood.

Q: Is the barrel sauna stained?

A: Exterior staining: yes, and we recommend it. We can stain the exterior of your barrel upon request. A UV-inhibiting exterior wood stain protects the cedar from sun bleaching and surface moisture, keeping your sauna looking rich and natural for longer. If you pressure-wash the exterior at any point, re-apply stain afterward to restore protection.

Interior staining: never. The interior cedar must remain completely untreated. Here’s why: the wood needs to naturally expand and contract with heat and humidity to form a tight seal between staves. Staining or painting the interior can block this process — and more critically, synthetic finishes release toxic fumes when exposed to high sauna temperatures.

If you want to preserve the interior wood, use only a natural oil or wax specifically formulated for saunas. Standard deck oils, paints, and varnishes are not safe for interior use.

Q: What base needs to be prepared for the barrel sauna?

A: The simplest and most popular option is a row of cement slabs. The base should be 4 feet wide and match the length of your chosen barrel model. Whatever material you use, the foundation must meet three requirements:

Level — even a slight tilt causes the barrel staves to shift unevenly over time
Stable — the base must not shift, heave, or sink through seasonal freeze-thaw cycles (critical in Québec)
Elevated and draining — keep the sauna base off bare soil to allow airflow underneath and prevent moisture from wicking into the frame

Alternatives to poured concrete include compacted crushed stone or gravel pads, which also provide good drainage at a lower cost. Decking is possible but requires adequate structural support for the weight.

Have your foundation fully cured and level before your delivery date — our saunas arrive pre-assembled and go straight into position.

Q: Do you accept all methods of payment?

A: We accept all major payment methods, including Visa, Mastercard, cheque, and e-transfer.

The payment process is straightforward:

Deposit — required before we confirm your build and shipping date
Balance — due upon delivery, once your sauna arrives and you’ve had a chance to inspect it

If you have questions about custom orders, lead times, or financing, reach out to us directly at

(514) 447-9990 or info@saunaspa.ca — we’re happy to walk you through the process.

Q: Is the barrel waterproof?

A: Barrel saunas are highly weather-resistant, but not absolutely waterproof. Even with our standard metal roof, some water infiltration is possible during heavy or prolonged rain — minor water spots inside are a normal characteristic of solid wood construction, not a defect.

The good news: the curved barrel shape naturally sheds rain and snow far better than flat-roofed structures, and Western Red Cedar’s natural oils provide built-in moisture resistance that improves as the wood ages.

To minimize water penetration, keep up with two simple habits:

Check the metal straps seasonally — tight straps press the staves together, reducing gaps where water can enter
Re-apply exterior varnish or UV stain every 1–2 years — this is the single most effective way to protect the wood surface and reduce moisture absorption

Any water that does get inside will evaporate quickly once you run a session — the heat and ventilation dry out the interior naturally.