We have built this collection around Almost Heaven Saunas, a premier American manufacturer known for their signature ball-and-socket lumber construction and high-performance Harvia heating systems. Whether you are looking for a space-saving Logan indoor unit for an apartment or a massive 10-foot Shenandoah barrel for social gatherings, we prioritize these kits for their DIY-friendly assembly and long-term durability. By utilizing rustic cedar, Nordic spruce, and unique rotocast cradles, Almost Heaven provides a reliable, weather-ready wellness solution handcrafted right here in the USA.
- Ball-and-Socket Joinery: We utilize 1-3/8" thick staves that are designed to expand and contract, creating a natural, watertight seal without the need for toxic glues or complex fasteners.
- Rotocast Support Cradles: Almost Heaven is unique for including weather-resistant plastic cradles that elevate the sauna, preventing soil moisture from rotting the lumber and extending the unit's lifespan.
- Harvia Heating Performance: We equip these units with best-in-class 6kW to 8kW Harvia heaters, capable of reaching 180°F to 195°F in under an hour for a deeply immersive session.
- Versatile Hybrid Options: Our collection includes traditional steam saunas with optional infrared panel upgrades, allowing you to choose the heat type that fits your daily recovery routine.
- Himalayan Salt Therapy: Models like the Himalaya feature integrated, backlit pink salt walls, combining high-heat benefits with holistic respiratory support and mood-enhancing chromotherapy.
- DIY-Ready Assembly: We provide these as pre-engineered kits that two adults can typically assemble in 3–5 hours, making a professional-grade home spa accessible to the weekend enthusiast.
Most Common Questions About Almost Heaven Saunas
Owning an Almost Heaven sauna involves specific maintenance and site-prep requirements unique to their barrel and cabin designs. The FAQs below clarify electrical needs, wood behavior, and the differences between our premium kits and big-box store versions.
Do Almost Heaven saunas require a 240V hookup?
Yes. Most Almost Heaven traditional electric models—including the Rainelle, Madison, and Pinnacle—require a dedicated 240V circuit. We typically specify a 30-amp breaker for 6kW units and a 40-amp or 50-amp breaker for 8kW units. This ensures the Harvia heater has the consistent power needed to reach therapeutic temperatures above 180°F.
Can we install an Almost Heaven sauna on a standard 120V outlet?
No. While our interior LED lighting often uses a standard 110V/120V plug-in, the traditional heaters are high-power devices. We require that a licensed electrician hardwires the heater to a 240V line to ensure safety and performance.
What is the typical heat-up time for an Almost Heaven barrel sauna?
On average, we see heat-up times between 45 and 60 minutes to reach 175°F to 185°F. This time can vary based on your ambient outdoor temperature and whether you have added a roof kit or rain jacket to improve the unit's thermal insulation.
Does an Almost Heaven barrel sauna leak in the rain?
The ball-and-socket staves are engineered to swell when wet, creating a natural seal. However, we recommend adding an optional rain canopy or shingle kit if you live in an area with sustained, heavy rainfall. This prevents "weeping" (minor leaking) and keeps the interior wood pristine.
Why does Almost Heaven use Western Red Cedar?
We prioritize Western Red Cedar for its natural resistance to rot, moisture, and insects. It also possesses a classic aromatic scent and a low density that allows it to stay cool to the touch, making it the ideal material for high-heat environments where skin contact is constant.
What are the "plastic cradles" on Almost Heaven barrel saunas?
Almost Heaven is the only major manufacturer to use rotocast plastic cradles. These serve to lift the wood structure completely off the ground. This prevents moisture from concrete pads or soil from wicking into the lumber, which significantly reduces the risk of floor rot and extends the life of your sauna.
How hard is it to assemble an Almost Heaven sauna kit?
We designed these specifically for DIY assembly. Two adults can typically complete a barrel sauna in 3 to 5 hours. Many sections, such as the ends, come partially pre-assembled, so your task is primarily fitting the staves around the circular ends and tightening the stainless steel bands.
What sort of site preparation is needed for an Almost Heaven outdoor sauna?
We only require a firm, level surface. You do not need a permanent foundation; suitable bases include concrete pads, existing wooden decks, paver stones, or a well-compacted gravel bed. The plastic cradles ensure the unit remains stable on any of these surfaces.
Should we treat the wood on our Almost Heaven sauna?
Only on the exterior. We strongly advise that you never paint, stain, or varnish the interior wood, as it needs to breathe and should not release chemicals when heated. However, applying a UV-inhibited stain to the exterior once a year will prevent the cedar or spruce from turning gray due to sun exposure.
Is the "Costco version" of Almost Heaven saunas different?
Yes. Big-box models (like the Bluestone or Morgan) are often "value-engineered" with thinner staves or lower-output 4.5kW heaters. When you buy through our premium collection, we provide the full 1-3/8" thickness and upgraded 6.0kW or 8.0kW heaters, which are essential for reaching true Finnish temperatures in outdoor settings.
Why can I see daylight through the staves of my Almost Heaven barrel?
This is completely normal during the first few weeks after assembly. The wood is kiln-dried and needs time to expand. After a few high-heat sessions or the first rainstorm, the wood will swell and those "daylight" gaps will disappear permanently as the ball-and-socket joints seat themselves.
Do Almost Heaven barrel saunas need a roof kit?
We highly recommend one. While the wood is naturally rot-resistant, "weeping" can occur during heavy US storms. Adding a rain canopy or shingle kit not only ensures the interior stays dry but also adds an extra layer of thermal insulation, helping your heater run more efficiently.
How often should we tighten the stainless steel bands?
We recommend checking them twice a year. As the seasons change from humid to dry, the wood will naturally shrink and expand. You should tighten the bands in the dry summer months and loosen them slightly in the humid winter months to prevent the wood staves from buckling under too much pressure.