A wood burning sauna is heated by a wood stove instead of an electric heater, so it needs no electrical service at all. First you light a fire, then the stove heats a load of stones, and finally you throw water on them for steam. In our range, every Canadian Timber barrel, cabin and the MiniPOD takes the TimberGlow 14 wood stove (from $2,339). As a result, a complete wood fired outdoor sauna starts at about $8,296 before the chimney and installation.
This guide covers which models work with wood, what the stove needs, the trade-offs, and the full cost.
Why choose a wood burning sauna?
People choose wood for two reasons: there is no power at the sauna spot, or they want the fire itself. In practice, a wood fired sauna works off-grid, skips the electrician, and gives you the sound and smell of a real fire behind the steam.
- No electrical work. The TimberGlow 14 needs no electrical connection, so you skip the 240V circuit an electric heater needs.
- Works off-grid. It suits cabins, lake lots and rural yards far from the panel.
- The experience. Besides, many owners simply prefer a crackling fire to a switch.
What are the downsides of a wood stove sauna?
A wood stove takes more time and care than an electric heater. For example, you light and tend the fire before and during the session, store dry firewood, empty the ash, and keep the chimney clean.
In addition, some towns limit wood burning, so check your local rules before you order. However, if you want a sauna ready at the push of a button, an electric heater is the simpler choice. Compare both in wood-fired vs electric heat.
Which outdoor saunas work with a wood stove?
All Canadian Timber barrels, cabins and the MiniPOD accept a wood-burning heater. The Luna is the exception: it runs on an electric heater only. So here is what each model costs with the TimberGlow 14:
| Sauna | Seats | Sauna price | With TimberGlow 14 (from $2,339) |
|---|---|---|---|
| MiniPOD | 4 | $5,956.50 | $8,295.50 |
| Harmony barrel | 4 | $5,976.50 | $8,315.50 |
| Granby cabin | see product page | $6,136.50 | $8,475.50 |
| Serenity barrel | 5 | $6,157.50 | $8,496.50 |
| Tranquility barrel | 6 | $6,513.50 | $8,852.50 |
| Elation barrel | 4, flat floor | $6,975.50 | $9,314.50 |
| Avalon cabin | 3 to 4 | $11,344.50 | $13,683.50 |
| Luna | 4 | $7,391.50 | electric only |
Prices are for the sauna kit and stove only. However, the chimney parts and installation come on top. Freight is free curbside in the lower 48.
What is the TimberGlow 14 wood stove?
The TimberGlow 14 is LeisureCraft's own wood-burning sauna stove, made for their saunas. It has a 3/16-inch steel firebox that takes full 16-inch logs and holds 200 lbs of rock for soft, lasting steam.
Because the same maker builds the saunas, it matches the Canadian Timber layouts by design. Even so, tell us which model you are building, and we will confirm the stove position and chimney details before you order. For sizing, stones and chimney, read how to choose a wood burning sauna stove. See the TimberGlow 14 or compare it with electric options in the best heater for a barrel sauna.
Barrel or cabin for a wood fired sauna?
Both work. On the one hand, a barrel has less air to heat and the lowest price, while a cabin gives standing height and a real roof. With a wood stove, you should also think about where the chimney exits and how you will reach the firewood.
- Barrel (Harmony, Serenity, Tranquility, Elation): the classic wood-fired look and the lowest total price.
- MiniPOD: the smallest footprint, with a shingled roof.
- Cabin (Granby, Palmer, Georgian, Avalon): more headroom, and the Avalon adds three bench tiers.
Compare the shapes in barrel vs cabin sauna.
What does a wood stove need to be installed safely?
A wood stove needs a chimney run and the clearances listed in its manual, to the walls, the benches and the roof pass-through. Those numbers are the rule, so a guard or shield does not replace them unless the manual says so.
- Chimney: plan the pipe, the pass-through and the distance to wood with the manual.
- Base: set the sauna on a level, non-combustible pad such as gravel, pavers or concrete. Read where to put a barrel sauna.
- Spot: keep it away from overhanging branches and the house wall.
- Permits: ask your building department about the chimney and any burn rules.
Our outdoor sauna fire safety guide covers the habits that prevent most fires.
How do you use a wood burning sauna?
Light the fire with dry, seasoned wood, let the stones heat through, then add water for steam. Then keep the firebox door closed while it burns, and never leave the fire unattended.
- Firewood: store it dry and away from the stove. The Narvi firewood basket ($116) keeps a few logs by the door.
- Ash: put it in a metal can with a lid, outdoors and away from the sauna.
- Steam: a bucket and ladle make the steam easy to control.
- After the session: let the sauna dry with the door open once the fire is out.
What does a wood burning sauna cost in total?
In our range, the sauna and stove together cost $8,295.50 to $13,683.50. On top of that, budget for the chimney parts, a base, and installation help if you need it. In other words, you save the electrician, but you buy firewood instead.
For the full budget, read what an outdoor sauna costs and barrel sauna cost.
Wood burning sauna FAQ
Can you put a wood stove in any outdoor sauna?
Not every model. Our Canadian Timber barrels, cabins and the MiniPOD accept the TimberGlow 14, but the Luna is electric only.
Does a wood burning sauna need electricity?
No. The TimberGlow 14 needs no electrical connection. You only need power if you want lights in the sauna.
Is a wood burning sauna kit hard to assemble?
The Canadian Timber kits come pre-cut with assembly videos and PDFs, and two people usually build a barrel over a weekend. After that, the stove and chimney follow their own manual. Read barrel sauna kit vs DIY.
Is wood or electric better for a sauna?
In short, neither is better for everyone. Wood suits off-grid spots and people who love the fire; electric suits people who want convenience. See traditional sauna: wood vs electric.
Plan your wood fired sauna
Browse outdoor saunas and sauna heaters, or call +1 (307) 309-8328. Tell us your model and site, and we will confirm the stove, chimney and total price.