A wood-burning sauna is the ultimate winter indulgence.
While hot tubs offer unmistakable health benefits and simple pleasures, their close cousin—the sauna—deserves equal attention for the restorative experience it provides.
I grew up around dads who loved saunas and had them installed at home. This barrel-style wood-burning sauna in the Berkshires raises that tradition to a new level.
Many people prefer wood-burning saunas for their classic look and authentic feel, making this an ideal complement to a rustic cabin setting.
Mark Bollman, founder of Ball and Buck, created a welcoming retreat in the Berkshires called Partridge Hill Lodge. Located about three hours from Boston or New York, the property sits on 40 acres and features a custom log home, a wood-burning hot tub, and now a wood-burning sauna—an ideal getaway from city life.
Here’s how the build came together.
Select Size and Type
To maintain the rustic aesthetic, Mark chose a barrel-style wood-burning sauna from Almost Heaven Saunas. These saunas typically ship as kits, making them approachable for a hands-on build. With the right tools and a partner, assembly can often be completed in a day or two.
Choose the Location
Because saunas aren’t easy to move once installed, carefully select the site and orientation beforehand. Consider access to power and water and the distance from your house when deciding where to place the unit.
Tools Needed
Essential tools for this project include an impact driver, drill driver, jigsaw, rubber mallet, box wrenches, a level, and a laser level. Familiarity with these tools will make assembly smoother and safer.
Building the Foundation
A level concrete slab that has fully cured is an ideal foundation. A well-supported, raised wood deck can also work, provided it’s elevated to prevent water damage and rot. Composite decking is often a durable choice for a sauna base.
Build the Barrel
Constructing the barrel is straightforward: secure the base to the platform, then attach the staves one by one until both sides are formed. Proper alignment and secure fastening ensure a tight, weatherproof shell.
Build and Install the Ends
After the staves are in place, construct each end piece and secure them to complete the barrel. This model includes a small front bench and porch that require separate assembly.
Installing the Wood-Burning Stove
Electric heaters are convenient, but a wood-burning stove delivers a traditional, intense heat and a satisfying ritual of stoking the fire. Installing a wood-burning stove requires cutting a vent hole in the roof or top of the sauna—usually done with a template and a jigsaw—then sealing and fitting the flue and any required heat shields according to the stove manufacturer’s instructions and local codes.
Ensure proper clearances around the stove and use appropriate materials to protect the sauna’s structure from excessive heat.
Installing Benches and Accessories
The final step is fitting benches and installing accessories such as a sand timer, fire extinguisher, robe hooks, and any lighting chosen for safe, low-heat operation. Functional, simple fixtures maintain the sauna’s rustic character while ensuring comfort and safety.
Test the Sauna
Before the first full session, test the stove, confirm that exhaust and venting are properly sealed, and verify all clearances and safety components are in place. A careful test run ensures reliable performance and reduces the risk of issues when in use.
Enjoy the Heat
Invite friends for the inaugural session, stoke the fire, and enjoy the enveloping warmth. A wood-burning sauna provides a timeless, social, and restorative experience that complements a countryside retreat.
Thanks to Mark Bollman for sharing this build—Partridge Hill Lodge’s sauna is a beautiful example of how traditional design and hands-on craftsmanship can transform a property into a restorative escape.