What Size Barrel Sauna Do You Need?

The most common mistake when buying is choosing the sauna too big, “just in case”. A bigger sauna takes longer to heat and costs more every time you use it, even when only two people are in it, which is the large majority of evenings.

How many people really fit

2 m barrel sauna: two people comfortably, a third fits but it is tight. You cannot lie down; the bench is shorter than an adult.

3 m barrel sauna: four people sit without bumping elbows; one person can stretch out.

3 m barrel sauna with changing room: part of the length goes to the changing room, but the hot area is protected from the weather.

The rule that saves money for years

Plan for the number of people who use it most often, not for how often guests come in a year.

If guests come three times a year, it is more sensible to buy the sauna for everyday use and take two rounds on those evenings.

How much space you need

Add to the sauna’s outside dimensions one metre in front of the door and 40–50 cm on the other sides. As a rule of thumb: sauna length plus about 1.5 m, width plus about 1 m.

With a wood stove, also allow distance from fence, house wall and planting on the flue side.

Check access before choosing the size

The kit arrives on a pallet of about 240 × 120 × 120 cm, and two people carry the elements to the site. Measure your gate and side passage, and check steps, tight gaps and low branches. This is the most common reason an assembly does not go to plan on the agreed day.

When a changing room is worth it

If the sauna is used all year round: the changing room works as an air lock, so cold air does not blow straight onto the benches.

If the sauna is a long way from the house: towels and clothes stay dry.

If you heat with wood: the log store needs a covered place.

The most common choice

The 3 m barrel sauna: the smallest you can lie down in, and the largest you can fire up after work without planning the whole evening around it. If you are unsure, it is the safest choice.