Cabin Saunas — Outdoor Rectangular Sauna Kits

A cabin sauna is a traditional rectangular outdoor sauna with flat walls, a peaked or flat roof, and enough interior space for proper two-tier bench seating. It's the shape most people picture when they think of a standalone backyard sauna — and for good reason. Cabin saunas offer more usable floor space than barrel or pod saunas of similar footprints, flat walls that make it easier to install heaters and accessories, and the structural flexibility to add changerooms, covered porches, and full glass fronts. The cabin saunas on this page ship as DIY kits or pre-assembled units from Dundalk LeisureCraft, Auroom, SaunaLife, True North, and Golden Designs. Free shipping on every order, 0% APR financing available.

Not sure which shape is right for you? Read our barrel vs. cabin vs. pod sauna comparison to see how each design performs on heating efficiency, interior space, and installation requirements.

Why Choose a Cabin Sauna Over a Barrel or Pod?

More usable interior space — Flat walls and a flat or peaked ceiling mean every square foot of a cabin sauna's footprint is usable. Barrel saunas lose space to curved walls (you can't sit upright near the edges), and pod saunas split the difference. A 6-person cabin sauna gives you a genuine 6-person experience with full two-tier benching, room to stretch out, and space for a proper heater with a large stone capacity.

Easier to customize and accessorize — Flat interior walls accept wall-mounted heaters, lighting, speakers, backrests, Himalayan salt panels, and red light therapy panels without special brackets or modifications. If you're planning to build out your sauna with accessories over time, a cabin layout makes that straightforward.

Add-on options — Cabin saunas are the only shape that readily accommodates a changeroom (a separate entry room for undressing and cooling down) or a covered front porch. Several Dundalk and Auroom models offer these as built-in options. You won't find changeroom or porch configurations on barrel or pod saunas.

Traditional look — Cabin saunas look like a small building and blend naturally into residential landscapes. They complement existing architecture — sheds, garages, guest houses — in a way that the more distinctive barrel and pod shapes don't always.

The tradeoff: cabin saunas don't heat as quickly as barrel saunas (curved walls create natural convection that speeds heat-up), and they typically cost more at equivalent person capacities due to more complex construction. They also require a more robust foundation since the weight is distributed over flat surfaces rather than staves. Read our outdoor sauna foundation guide for pad and base options.

Brands & Models

Dundalk LeisureCraft — The most popular cabin saunas we sell. Dundalk builds their Canadian Timber Collection in Melancthon, Ontario from sustainably sourced Eastern White Cedar — a naturally rot-resistant, insect-resistant softwood with a 30+ year lifespan outdoors. All Dundalk cabin saunas ship as DIY kits with pre-cut components and dovetail corner joinery that assembles without specialized tools. Key models include:

The Georgian (CTC88W) is a 6-person cabin sauna with 8'×8' interior space, two-tier benching, a black steel roof, and front windows with bronze tempered glass. It's Dundalk's flagship cabin model and the most popular cabin sauna we sell overall. The Georgian is also available with a covered porch (CTC88PW) for a dedicated cooling area, or with a changeroom (CTC88CW) that adds a separate entry vestibule. Both upgraded configurations ship as a single expanded kit.

The Granby (CTC66W) is a 2–3 person cabin sauna — Dundalk's most compact cabin option at 6'×6'. It features the same Eastern White Cedar construction, two-tier seating, and bronze glass front window as the Georgian, just in a smaller footprint. Ideal for couples, small backyards, or properties where a 6-person sauna is more space than you need.

Dundalk cabin saunas can be configured with either an electric heater or a wood-burning stove at the time of purchase. We carry all major heater brands that fit these saunas — if you see a heater you prefer, we can swap it in. Shop all Dundalk LeisureCraft.

Auroom — Premium Estonian-made cabin saunas with contemporary European design and thermo-treated wood construction. Auroom saunas are a step up in finish quality and aesthetics, with full glass walls, designer interiors, and options for both flat-pack kit and fully pre-assembled delivery. Key models:

The Arti is a 5-person cabin sauna with a striking black exterior, covered front porch, and full glass front wall. The Mira (4–5 person) features a full glass front wall showcasing the thermo-aspen interior. The Garda (4–6 person) has a clean minimalist design. The Terra (5–6 person) is a spacious model with a universally styled exterior. The Natura (5-person) includes a built-in changeroom vestibule and an integrated porch. All Auroom outdoor saunas are available as flat-pack kits or pre-assembled (pre-assembled requires a forklift or crane for placement). Shop all Auroom saunas.

True North — Handmade in Ontario, Canada, the True North 5-Person Cabin Sauna is built for harsh outdoor conditions and can be configured with either a wood stove or electric heater. Multiple window options available. A solid mid-range option for buyers who want Canadian-made quality without the premium Auroom price point. Shop all True North saunas.

SaunaLife — The Model G4 is a 6-person outdoor cabin sauna with Scandinavian design. SaunaLife also offers the Model G6, a 5-person pre-assembled cabin that ships fully built — no assembly required, just place it and connect. The SaunaLife Cube series (CL4G, CL5G, CL7G) are compact modern cabin-style saunas in 3–6 person sizes with a clean, geometric aesthetic. Shop all SaunaLife saunas.

Golden Designs — The Drammen is a 3-person cedar outdoor cabin sauna that includes a Harvia electric heater kit. The Gargellen is a 5-person hybrid cabin sauna with both full-spectrum infrared panels and a Harvia traditional electric heater, letting you switch between heat types. Shop all Golden Designs saunas.

Choosing the Right Size

2–3 person — The Dundalk Granby (CTC66W) and SaunaLife Cube CL4G. Best for couples, solo users who want room to stretch out, or tight backyard spaces. Footprint is roughly 6'×6'.

4–5 person — The Auroom Mira, Arti, and Garda, True North 5-Person, SaunaLife Cube CL5G and CL7G, and Golden Designs Drammen. The sweet spot for most homeowners — enough room for a family or small group without dominating the yard.

6+ person — The Dundalk Georgian (CTC88W/CTC88CW/CTC88PW), SaunaLife G4, and Golden Designs Gargellen. Spacious two-tier interiors that comfortably fit larger groups. The Georgian with porch or changeroom creates a complete outdoor sauna experience with a dedicated transition space.

Heater Selection

Most cabin saunas on this page either include a heater or let you choose one at the time of purchase. For cabin saunas, the most common options are:

Electric heaters — The easiest option. A 6–9kW wall-mounted or floor-standing electric heater is standard for most residential cabin saunas. Requires a dedicated 240V circuit. Use our heater sizing calculator to match heater output to your sauna's cubic footage.

Wood-burning stoves — Popular for cabin saunas at off-grid locations or for buyers who want the traditional fire experience. Dundalk and True North cabins can be configured with a wood-burning stove. See our wood-burning sauna kits collection or our electric vs. wood-burning comparison guide.

Gas heaters — A less common but viable option for cabin saunas. Scandia gas heaters can be installed in any cabin sauna with proper thru-wall mounting and professional venting. See our outdoor gas sauna kits.

Site Planning & Installation

Foundation — Cabin saunas distribute their weight across a flat footprint, so they need a level, solid base. Gravel pads (compacted with a flat surface) and concrete pads are the most common choices. Deck-mounted installations work too, but verify that the deck's load capacity can handle the sauna's weight. Our foundation guide covers all options in detail.

Placement and setbacks — Check local codes for required clearances from property lines, fences, structures, and overhead wires. Most jurisdictions require at least a few feet of clearance. If your area has an HOA, read our HOA rules and approval guide.

DIY assembly — Dundalk, SaunaLife, True North, and Golden Designs cabin saunas ship as flat-pack kits with assembly instructions. Most can be assembled by two people with basic tools in a day or weekend, depending on the model. Auroom and SaunaLife also offer pre-assembled options that ship fully built — these require a forklift or crane to move into position but eliminate the assembly step entirely.

Wood maintenance — Outdoor cedar and thermo-treated wood hold up well in weather, but periodic treatment extends the lifespan and keeps the exterior looking sharp. See our outdoor sauna staining guide for recommended products and schedules.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a cabin sauna and a barrel sauna?

Shape, space, and heating efficiency. Cabin saunas have flat walls and a rectangular footprint, giving you more usable interior space, proper two-tier benching, and room for accessories, changerooms, and porches. Barrel saunas have a rounded profile that heats faster (natural convection) and typically costs less at the same person capacity, but the curved walls limit usable space. Read our full shape comparison guide.

Can I convert a shed into a sauna instead of buying a cabin sauna kit?

Yes — shed-to-sauna conversions are one of the most popular DIY sauna projects. You'll need to add proper insulation, vapor barrier, sauna wood cladding, a heater, ventilation, and bench framing. It's more work than assembling a pre-cut kit, but it can be cost-effective if you already have a suitable shed. Read our complete shed-to-sauna conversion guide — it's one of our most popular resources. If you go the DIY route, we carry all the individual components: sauna wood, doors, windows, heaters, and vapor barrier.

Do cabin saunas need a permit?

Requirements vary by municipality. Many areas treat a small outdoor sauna like a shed — no permit needed below a certain square footage. Others require a building permit, especially if the structure includes electrical work. Always check with your local building department before purchasing. Our HOA and permit guide covers common regulations.

How long do outdoor cabin saunas last?

With proper site prep and basic maintenance, outdoor cedar cabin saunas last 20–30+ years. Eastern White Cedar (used by Dundalk and True North) is naturally resistant to rot, insects, and moisture. Thermo-treated wood (used by Auroom and SaunaLife) is kiln-dried at extreme temperatures to further enhance decay resistance and dimensional stability. Periodic exterior treatment with UV-protective oil or stain extends the lifespan and prevents graying.

What are the best cabin saunas for cold climates?

Cabin saunas perform well in cold climates because their flat-wall construction allows for thicker insulation than barrel saunas. The Dundalk Georgian, True North Cabin, and Auroom Terra are all popular in northern climates and built to withstand snow, ice, and sub-zero temperatures. Read our best outdoor saunas for cold climates and winterizing guide for cold-weather tips.

Learn More

Our barrel vs. cabin vs. pod comparison breaks down each shape's pros and cons. For off-grid cabin installations, see our off-grid sauna heater guide. Questions about which model fits your property? Call or text us at (360) 233-2867.

Shop more: Barrel Saunas · Cube Saunas · Pod Saunas · All Outdoor Traditional Saunas · Wood-Burning Sauna Kits · DIY Outdoor Sauna Kits · Pre-Assembled Saunas