So you've been searching for Barrel Sauna and a friend told you to check out the ones from Costco? Now, you're wondering if they are any good?
The lowdown on Costco’s new Barrel Saunas
Costco offers several models of barrel saunas through their Golden Designs line, including the St. Moritz (2-person), Arosa (4-person), and Klosters (6-person). These saunas are crafted from Canadian Hemlock wood, known for its durability and aromatic properties. Each model features a high-efficiency heater (6 kW for the St. Moritz and Arosa, 8 kW for the Klosters), ergonomic benches, tempered glass doors, and LED lighting, providing a balance of luxury and functionality at an affordable price point.
Note: If you are in the US, the brand distributed for these saunas is the Almost Heaven brand, while In Canada it's the Golden Designs brand.
What’s nice?
The price point, of course. Many users appreciate the cost-effectiveness of Costco's barrel saunas, citing the reasonable price for perceived quality of materials and heaters.
What’s not?
They are simplified saunas, missing awesome amenities such as flat floor kits and porches if required. Notable that the quality of the wood is not as refined as it should be in a sauna and may require sanding or additional work to get it to the quality of finish most would expect.
Common Concerns with Costco Saunas
Material Quality
The Costco lines are red cedar used in the Golden Designs saunas, has mixed reviews. While praised for its pleasant aroma and natural resistance to decay, some users say that its tendency to expand and contract with temperature changes, potentially causing alignment issues with doors and panels. Some users have reported needing to adjust the door frames after a few months due to wood movement. This is a common problem with these barrel saunas, especially in fluctuating climates.
Heating Efficiency
The standard 6 kW and 8 kW heaters are generally well-received, but users in colder climates might want a more powerful heater to maintain consistent temperatures.
Maintenance and Durability
Regular maintenance, such as treating the wood and checking for leaks, is advised to extend the sauna's lifespan. You’ll need to do periodic checks and adjustments to ensure the sauna remains in good condition.
Customizability
For many sauna enthusiasts lack of customization options on key features is a real concern. It’s not possible to customize roof, flooring, and heaters with Costco Saunas.
- Lack of included roof kits for weather protection (we think this is pretty crucial)
- Cannot customize the interior flooring for added comfort
- No ability to upgrade the heater
Customisation is a huge benefit, but you cannot get this with Costco Barrel Saunas.
And this leads up nicely into a comparison against Fireplaces by Cameron’s line of Barrel Saunas.
How do they stack up against our Saunas?
Fireplaces By Cameron is proud to stock the Backcountry Recreation Line of Barrel Saunas. Built in Scandinavia, the homeland of the traditional sauna, these saunas are a testament to the region's longstanding heritage of superior craftsmanship and quality.
Each Backcountry Scandinavian barrel sauna kit can be paired with either a wood-fired or electric heater of your choice and includes a wooden water bucket and ladle, sauna rocks, a combination thermometer/hydrometer gauge, interior seating benches, and lighting.(lighting is only in the ceder saunas.) flat floor kit in all saunas.
Saunas with the Thermowood product is made in Finland and is a great option for a tougher thicker product. The Red Cedar saunas are manufactured in the lower mainland with Canadian cedar. Each wood option is great own merits, it really depends on your particular situation and needs.
Lack of any roof kits with Costco Barrel Saunas is huge - for most barrel sauna queries with get, one of the main questions is about weather protection. With the Costco Sauna, there is no option for protection from the elements.
Lastly, if you didn't know it already, the brands we stock here at Fireplaces By Cameron are all local family owned companies. Local family company representing products of a local family company. By purchasing saunas from us, you're helping to support local businesses.
This also means we're on call to help with your service needs. If there are any questions with assembly or the products we are right here to answer phones and walk you through it. We can do everything needed to get a sauna built and delivered locally.
Don't want the hassle of installing it yourself? Leave it to the contracting profs who've already built a ton of them in our custom homes.
SAUNA DESIGN
The Scandinavian sauna is held in place by sturdy stainless steel components and minimal fasteners (see photos). This system allows the lumber staves to expand and contract to form a tight seal.. The Scandinavian sauna design is noted for its efficiency, even distribution of heat, and visual appeal.
Wooden Barrel Saunas are available in various sizes, in Canadian Red Cedar or Thermowood, and with or without a porch.
The door hinges, heater, fasteners, and bands are stainless steel. In addition, the sauna comes with a tempered and tinted full-glass door with self-closing hinges.
The 5 FT - Scenic View Barrel Sauna 2-4 person Extra Wide
Transform your home into a haven of health and relaxation with the 5.5' Scandinavian Thermowood Barrel Sauna. Dive into a delightful sauna experience and emerge rejuvenated, refreshed, and ready to enjoy life’s moments.
The 5ft extra wide barrel sauna is crafted from top-quality Thermowood, renowned for its durability and weather resistance properties, this sauna is designed to be a stunning and functional centerpiece in your outdoor space.
Proudly made from Scandinavian Thermowood!
Thermowood is created by heat-treating Scandinavian softwood to temperatures ranging from 180 – 230° in special chamber kilns for up to 96 hours. Steam is a protective gas that helps prevent the wood from splitting and becoming damaged during treatment. In addition, wood that has been heat-treated is much more porous than untreated wood, vastly improving its insulating properties. This process makes the perfect material for saunas!
Easy Installation - Your sauna comes with everything needed for assembly, including clear instructions. Optional professional installation is also available to ensure everything is set up perfectly for you, from Naniamo to Campbell River, or Port Alberni, we can take care of you.
8 FT - Classic Red Cedar Barrel Sauna with Porch 4-6 Person
These cedar saunas are made from 100% Canadian Western Red Cedar. We exclusively use premium Canadian Western Red Cedar for our saunas, renowned for its natural resistance and aesthetic appeal.
The door hinges, heater, fasteners, and bands are made of stainless steel. In addition, the sauna has a tempered, tinted full glass door with self-closing hinges.
This 8 FT Barrel Sauna suitable for 4-6 Person features a charming porch for added relaxation. This sauna is designed to be a stunning and functional centerpiece in your outdoor space.
- Customizable Heating Options - Choose from a variety of heating options to suit your personal preferences. Whether you opt for an electric heater for efficiency or a traditional wood-burning heater for that authentic sauna experience, we have you covered.
- Enhanced with Modern Technology - Enhance your sauna experience with our state-of-the-art Wi-Fi controllable features. Adjust temperature settings, set timers, and more, all from the convenience of your smartphone.
- Optional Protective Shingles - To further protect your investment and extend the lifespan of your sauna, consider adding our high-quality shingles. They provide extra shielding against the elements, ensuring your sauna stays in pristine condition year after year.
8 FT Thermowood Scenic View Barrel Sauna - 6 Person (Extra Wide)
This 8 FT Thermowood Barrel Sauna is a masterpiece, known as the "king sauna" this barrel sauna boasts a full tempered glass front wall and half moon glass back wall. This sauna is designed to make every sauna experience unforgettable. This new design is a must-have for properties surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery.
This best selling barrel sauna features a Pre-cut and grooved lumber, 1.5” thickness, 100% Scandinavian Thermowood, with Full front glass front wall & half moon back wall.
A Scandinavian Tradition
Built with Thermowood, the preferred wood type in Finland, birthplace of sauna, enjoy a classic sauna look, with a wood that is built to last.
Crafted from high-quality Scandinavian thermowood, renowned for its exceptional durability and captivating appeal, this sauna is a testament to both timeless elegance and long-lasting performance. The superior craftsmanship ensures that every detail is meticulously taken care of, promising an unmatched level of comfort and style.
Personalize your sauna experience
Choose between the enchanting crackle of a wood-burning stove or the convenience of an electric heater. Whichever option you select, prepare to be embraced by the gentle warmth that permeates the air, easing your tension and soothing your senses.
Embrace the blissful retreat offered by this best-selling Barrel Sauna, where luxury, functionality, and breathtaking design converge to create an unparalleled sanctuary for relaxation. Indulge in the purest form of self-care as you immerse yourself in this remarkable haven of tranquility.
The Verdict?
The consensus is that Costco Golden Designs barrel saunas offer a decent value for the price, making them a good choice for beginners. With some concerns regarding wood expansion, flooring, and roofing, sauna enthusiasts might prefer models and brands with more customizable features and higher-end materials, to provide the true Scandinavian Experience.
For those willing to make the jump to invest in a better quality and established Sauna brand, we guarantee it’ll be worth it.
With over 7,500 Happy Customers, these Saunas are tried and true. This is the full experience of the Scandinavian sauna tradition.
Shop our full collection Barrel Saunas
Products mentioned in this post
8 FT Thermowood Scenic View Barrel Sauna - 6 Person (Extra Wide
5 FT - Scenic View Barrel Sauna 2-4 person Extra Wide
8 FT - Classic Red Cedar Barrel Sauna with Porch 4-6 Person