Wood fired hot tub cost comes in three parts: the tub, the one-time setup, and the firewood and upkeep you pay every year. We carry two: the Starlight wood-burning hot tub at $5,505 with a white plastic liner or $7,423.50 with an aluminum liner, and the Mande MWT4 at $5,490. Both ship free to the curb in the lower 48. This guide walks through each cost so you can build a realistic budget. See both tubs in our wood-fired hot tubs collection.
Key Takeaways
- The Starlight costs $5,505 (white plastic liner) or $7,423.50 (aluminum liner). Freight to the curb is free in the lower 48.
- It holds 233 US gallons and reaches soaking temperature in under three hours, with no electricity hookup.
- The Mande MWT4 costs $5,490, holds about 317 gallons, seats up to four and arrives fully assembled.
- One-time setup costs: a level base of at least 44 by 84 inches, moving the crate from the curb, and any permit your town requires.
- Yearly costs: firewood, water for refills, water-care supplies and chimney cleaning. These depend on your region and how often you soak.
- Keep one-time and yearly costs separate, and get local quotes for firewood and base work.
What a wood-fired hot tub costs to buy
The Starlight is handcrafted in Ontario by Dundalk LeisureCraft with white cedar skirting that matches the Canadian Timber saunas. It heats from an internal wood stove, so it works anywhere a pump and heater would be a problem: off-grid cabins, remote corners of the property, or any spot without power.
| Starlight wood-burning hot tub | Detail |
|---|---|
| Price, white plastic liner | $5,505 |
| Price, aluminum liner | $7,423.50 |
| Water capacity | 233 US gal (885 L) |
| Heat-up time | Under 3 hours to soaking temperature, depending on water and weather |
| Exterior (L × W) | 83.75" × 35.75" |
| Height | 29.25" tub, 110" with chimney |
| Interior (L × W × H) | 66.75" × 33" × 24.25" |
| Crate weight | About 701 lbs |
| Base | Level, minimum 44" × 84" |
| Electricity | None required |
| Warranty | 5-year residential limited |
| Shipping | Free curbside freight, lower 48 |
Prices are current listed prices on the Starlight product page and can change.
The Mande MWT4
The Mande MWT4 is handcrafted in Lithuania and ships from the Mande Spa USA warehouse in Illinois. It is round, with a fiberglass insert, a ThermoWood exterior and a wood-fired side stove.
| Mande MWT4 | Detail |
|---|---|
| Price | $5,490 |
| Water capacity | About 317 US gal |
| Seats | Up to 4 people |
| Diameter | About 5' 11" |
| Heat-up time | 40°F to 95°F in about 1.5 to 2 hours (manufacturer figure) |
| Stove | Wood-fired side stove, no pump |
| Electricity | None required |
| Delivery | Fully assembled, curbside freight with liftgate, free in the lower 48 |
| Warranty | 5-year limited structural |
Which liner should you choose?
The $1,918.50 difference between the two Starlight versions is the liner. You pick aluminum or white plastic as an option on the product page. Both use the same cedar exterior and the same internal stove. If you plan to use the tub year-round in a cold climate, ask us about the liner before you order.
One-time costs beyond the tub price
Delivery from the curb to the site
Freight is free, but it is curbside. The crate weighs about 701 lbs, so plan how it gets from the street to the pad. Two or three helpers and a dolly usually do it. A narrow gate, steps or a slope can mean hiring a mover. Measure the route before ordering. Our freight delivery guide explains what to expect on delivery day.
A level base
The filled tub weighs far more than the crate: 233 gallons of water alone is about 1,940 lbs, plus the tub and the people in it. The MWT4 holds about 317 gallons, or about 2,640 lbs of water. For the Starlight, the manufacturer calls for a level base of at least 44 by 84 inches; the MWT4 needs a level, solid base with room around the stove and chimney. Gravel with pavers, a concrete pad or a reinforced deck all work. Price this locally; it ranges from a weekend of DIY gravel work to a contractor-poured slab.
Chimney clearances and permits
The chimney tops out at 110 inches. Keep it clear of roof overhangs, fences and trees. Some towns treat a wood-burning appliance like an outdoor fireplace and ask for a permit; check with your building department before you pour a base.
Firewood and heating costs
Firewood is the main running cost, and it depends on four things: how cold the water starts, the outdoor temperature and wind, how hot you like the water, and how often you soak. There is no honest single number for every household, so track your own use for the first few sessions.
How to estimate your firewood budget
- Note how much dry, seasoned wood one heat-up takes in your climate.
- Multiply by the number of soaks you expect per month.
- Price seasoned firewood locally by the cord (128 cubic feet) or face cord, and check delivery fees.
- Store wood dry and off the ground; wet wood burns slowly and smokes.
Cold weather and wind raise the wood use per session. A fitted cover and a sheltered spot cut heat loss while the tub warms and between soaks.
Wood or electric?
Wood heating means storing fuel and tending a fire. An electric tub needs a power connection and pays a monthly bill instead. Neither wins everywhere: local firewood and electricity prices decide it. Our guide to electric vs wood-fired hot tubs compares both.
Upkeep and recurring expenses
Water and water care
Each refill is 233 gallons for the Starlight and about 317 gallons for the MWT4. Neither tub has a pump or filter, so water care means draining and refilling. Budget water by the number of changes you expect. Water-care supplies depend on the approach you choose; follow the tub's instructions.
Chimney and stove cleaning
Like any wood stove, the Starlight's firebox and chimney need regular cleaning to stay safe and efficient. Follow the manufacturer's schedule. If you prefer a chimney sweep, get a local quote and add it to the yearly budget.
Cedar care
White cedar weathers to silver outdoors and is naturally resistant to rot. Rinse off dirt and let it breathe. A cover protects the water from leaves and slows heat loss; add one to your first-year budget if it is not included in your order.
Sample budget: first year versus later years
| Cost | First year | Later years |
|---|---|---|
| Tub | Starlight $5,505 or $7,423.50; MWT4 $5,490 | None |
| Freight | Free to the curb, lower 48 | None |
| Base, moving, permit, cover | Local quotes | None |
| Firewood | Local price × your sessions | Same |
| Water, water care, chimney cleaning | Local prices | Same |
Only the tub price and the freight are fixed. Everything else depends on your site and your habits, so fill in the local numbers before you decide.
Which wood-fired hot tub should you buy?
- Choose the Starlight with aluminum liner ($7,423.50) if you want the standard, durable version for year-round use.
- Choose the Starlight with white plastic liner ($5,505) if you want the lowest entry price.
- Choose the Mande MWT4 ($5,490) if you want a round tub for up to four that arrives fully assembled.
- Choose an electric hot tub instead if you have power at the site and would rather not store and burn firewood.
Conclusion
A wood-fired hot tub costs more than the sticker price once you add the base, moving the crate, firewood and water. Start with the Starlight's listed price, gather local quotes for the base and firewood, and keep the yearly costs in a separate column. See the Starlight in our wood-fired hot tubs collection, or contact us with questions about siting or winter use. Thinking of building one yourself? Read our DIY wood-fired hot tub guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a wood-fired hot tub cost?
The Starlight is listed at $5,505 with a white plastic liner or $7,423.50 with an aluminum liner. The Mande MWT4 is $5,490. Both ship free to the curb in the lower 48. Add the base, moving the tub to the site and any permit.
How much firewood does a wood-fired hot tub use?
It depends on starting water temperature, weather and how often you soak. Track one or two heat-ups in your climate, then multiply by your monthly sessions.
How long does the Starlight take to heat?
Under three hours to soaking temperature for its 233 gallons, depending on water temperature and weather.
Does a wood-fired hot tub need electricity?
Neither of ours does. The Starlight heats from an internal wood stove, the MWT4 from a side stove, and neither has a pump or electric heater.
What base does it need?
A level base that carries the filled weight. For the Starlight, that is at least 44 by 84 inches; see the base diagram in the product gallery.
Is a wood-fired hot tub cheaper to run than an electric one?
Only local firewood and electricity prices can answer that. Wood costs you fuel and time; electric costs you a monthly bill.