If you’re looking for a well-crafted and reliable outdoor sauna, the Redwood Outdoors Thermowood Cabin Sauna provides a high-quality solution. Built from thermally modified Scandinavian Thermowood, it’s designed for durability while maintaining a sleek, modern aesthetic with large tempered glass windows. With an electric heater capable of reaching up to 195°F, it delivers a spa-like experience in the comfort of your own backyard. Whether you’re seeking a personal wellness retreat or a space to share with friends and family, this sauna provides a luxurious, at-home escape.
In this review, our team of experts will examines the Thermowood Cabin Sauna’s standout features, installation process, and overall performance to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your outdoor setup.
Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider.
Key product features
What you should know
With its Scandinavian Thermowood construction and easy assembly, the Redwood Outdoors Cabin Sauna can accommodate up to four people. It features tempered glass doors and two-level seating, allowing you to switch between low and high heat quickly.
- We love that this traditional Scandinavian-style sauna comes with three top-notch Finnish heater options, so you can modernize your sauna session while still getting that traditional sauna experience.
- At $6,799 (which includes the backrest, sauna rocks, and light fixtures), this high-end sauna is priced in the middle of the pack compared to similar models, with financing options available.
- The Redwood Outdoors Sauna is great for someone looking for traditional Finnish sauna design elements with a modern touch.
Redwood Outdoors Thermowood Cabin Outdoor Sauna overview
The four-person Redwood Thermowood sauna combines the best traditional sauna elements with modern amenities, making it an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy the benefits of sauna therapy right in their own backyard.
Crafted from durable Scandinavian Thermowood, this sauna is built to last and offers the option of three different high-quality heaters: the Harvia KIP, Harvia Spirit, or HUUM DROP. Which heater you choose is really just up to personal preference. However, it’s worth noting that the Harvia Spirit adds $1,700 to the price compared to the KIP, while the HUUM DROP increases the cost by $2,900. The Harvia Spirit stands out with its ability to hold 130 pounds of sauna stones and comes equipped with remote WiFi control, blending modern technology with traditional sauna heating methods. It’s particularly effective for creating steam, while the Harvia KIP provides a drier sauna experience, holding 40 pounds of sauna stones. The KIP’s stainless steel exterior may not appeal to those who prefer a more rustic look.
Then there’s the HUUM DROP heater, an Estonian design inspired by the shape of a water drop. It’s both visually striking and compact, holding 120 pounds of sauna stones. This heater heats up quickly, reaching 195°F and creating a more humid environment than the KIP; it also features WiFi control.
As for design, the Thermowood Cabin successfully blends rustic charm with modern functionality. Scandinavian Thermowood is known for its stability and resistance to cracking, making it an ideal material for saunas. The Thermowood treatment further enhances the wood’s durability and stability, ensuring it can withstand the demands of outdoor use and high temperatures. (1) This construction element combined with the sauna’s tempered glass window ensures a well-insulated, durable and sleek design.
Sauna enthusiasts will appreciate this model for its effectiveness and style, while those new to sauna use will find it incredibly user-friendly.
Redwood Outdoors Sauna assembly
One of the standout features of Redwood Outdoors products is that they’re relatively easy to assemble. Despite the Thermowood Cabin’s durable, high-quality construction, its design is simple enough for those without advanced construction skills to manage. Most customers report that it takes around three to six hours to assemble with two people. The assembly kit includes clear, step-by-step instructions and pre-cut wood pieces. Just be sure to have a solid, level surface ready for the sauna, and note that some parts can weigh up to 150 pounds—having a third person available to help might be worth considering.
Delivery can take three to five weeks, so you’ll have plenty of time to plan out the assembly process.
Materials
As mentioned, the Thermowood Cabin is crafted from Scandinavian Thermowood, a wood renowned for its durability, heat resistance, and low risk of warping or splitting. This makes it perfect for long-term use in various weather conditions. The tempered glass windows not only add a modern aesthetic but also serve a practical purpose by helping the sauna retain heat. These windows and the glass door allow you to enjoy the outdoor view while staying warm and cozy inside, no matter the weather.
Heaters
This particular sauna is equipped with an electric Finnish-made Harvia heater, making it a great option for users who prefer the ease of flipping a switch rather than managing a wood-burning stove. As mentioned earlier, there are three different heaters you can choose from when placing your order: Harvia KIP, Harvia Spirit, and HUUM DROP. They all produce a steady and effective heat.
Electric heaters allow you to manually (or using wi-fi, in this case) adjust your heat settings, allowing you to really customize your experience to suit your personal preferences. In the case of the Thermowood Cabin, the Harvia Spirit and the HUUM have a more visual appeal, showcasing beautiful sauna stones. Additionally, the tempered glass windows add to the sleek design and provide excellent insulation, helping maintain consistent internal temperatures during use.
Design
The interior of the Thermowood Cabin is spacious enough to seat four adults, but you’ll be more comfortable if there are just two or three of you. The bi-level bench seating is designed for comfort, and the inside layout ensures everyone has enough room to sit and enjoy the view.
If you’re curious how the sauna will look in your space, a QR code on the website allows you to play around and visualize it right in front of you—a nice touch, considering choosing the proper sauna is an investment you want to feel confident about. That said, if you’re looking for a design you can lay down in, you probably won’t be able to fit. This sauna is best for those looking to sit up throughout their session.
Price and value
Priced at $6,799 (if selecting the Harvia KIP heater), the Thermowood Cabin Outdoor Sauna offers excellent value for its construction, design, and features. While it’s not the most affordable sauna on the market, it’s also not the most expensive. Its durability and thoughtful design make it a worthwhile investment for those serious about creating an outdoor wellness retreat in their backyard. The high-quality materials, user-friendly assembly, and modern features make it competitive with other saunas in this price range.
Specs
| Price | $6,799 base |
| Capacity | Up to 4 people |
| Wood type | Scandinavian Thermowood |
| Porch | Not included |
| Electrical requirements | 110V for lighting, 240V for heater |
| Assembly time | 4 hours |
| Warranty | 1-year limited |
How to use a Redwood Outdoors sauna
Using a Redwood Outdoors sauna is relatively straightforward, but here is our step-by-step guide to help you get started.
- Assembly: Before starting, ensure your sauna is properly assembled and placed on a level surface.
- Preheat: Begin by preheating the sauna. To do this, turn on the electric heater and set it to your desired temperature. You can do this using a remote WiFi control or manually on the heater. Most saunas take 30–40 minutes to heat up, with optimal temperatures ranging between 150°F and 190°F depending on your preference. During this time, you can prepare by hydrating and bringing any sauna essentials like towels or aromatherapy oils.
- Step in: Once the sauna reaches your desired temperature, enter and take a seat on one of the benches. You may want to place a towel between your skin and the wood.
- Relax: A typical sauna session can last between 15 and 30 minutes. (2) You can increase the humidity by pouring water over the sauna stones if using a compatible heater, creating steam for a more intense experience. Make sure to monitor your body’s reaction to the heat, taking breaks or exiting if needed to cool down.
- Cool off: After your sauna session, cool off with a cold shower or simply step outside to let your body gradually return to its normal temperature. Be sure to hydrate again to replace any fluids lost through sweating. Saunas are regularly used to promote relaxation, improve circulation, and support recovery. (3)
We’ve featured Redwood Outdoors Sauna in:
Compare Redwood Outdoors Sauna to other saunas
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| Redwood Outdoors Thermowood Cabin Outdoor Sauna | Sun Home Saunas Luminar Outdoor 2-Person Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna | Plunge Sauna | SweatTent Portable Outdoor Sauna | Almost Heaven Timberline 6-Person Cabin Sauna | |
| Rating | |||||
| Price | $6,799 | $9,899 | $11,990 | $1,599.99 | $8,858.99 |
| Dimensions | 78 ¾” D x 59” W x 96 ¾” H | 51.5” D x 57” W x 82.7” H | 71” D x 68” W x 95” H | 72” D x 72” W x 84” H | 112″ D x 128″ W x 107″ H |
| Weight | 800 lbs | 870 lbs | 1,400 lbs | 30 lbs tent + 65 lbs sauna stove | 1,750 lbs |
| Capacity | 4 people | 2 people | 4-5 people | 4 people | 6 people |
How we test recovery products
Recovery is essential for anyone looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Heat therapy in a sauna can significantly enhance your recovery process, but weeding through the various sauna options can prove to be tiring. That’s why our team has created a comprehensive evaluation to help you find the sauna that best meets your needs.
You can read our full recovery product testing methodology here.
Performance (recovery effectiveness)—30%
A high-quality sauna should deliver on its promise of aiding your recovery process. Our testers analyze certain factors that reflect the functional aspects of the product as well as the user’s recovery experience.
Here’s what we assess:
- Temperature range
- Temperature stability
- Ease of use
- Durability and material quality
- Power demand
Design and safety—30%
Design is paramount for a positive recovery experience. Health and safety elements are also critical, especially for products used in close contact with the body or for therapeutic purposes like saunas. In this category we evaluate:
- Size
- Accessibility features
- Material safety
- Certifications
- Safety features
Value—20%
This category delves into the intersection of quality, performance, durability, and the financial investment required to identify products that offer significant health and wellness returns without the financial burden. Our team balances initial investment against quality, benefits, and ongoing costs associated with its use.
Customer experience—20%
This aspect of our evaluation goes beyond the physical attributes and considers the entirety of the process, including shipping, customer support, assembly, and more.
Our factors in this rating include:
- Shipping
- Assembly
- Warranty
- Customer support
FAQs
How hot do Redwood saunas get?
Redwood Outdoors saunas typically reach temperatures between 150°F and 195°F (65°C to 88°C), depending on the model and user preferences. The electric heaters used in these saunas allow for precise control over the heat, making it easy to adjust to your preferred temperature. Some users may prefer lower heat for a more relaxing experience, while others crank it up for a more intense session, especially when combined with steam from water poured over the sauna stones.
This temperature range is ideal for achieving the therapeutic benefits of a sauna, such as improved circulation, muscle relaxation, and detoxification through sweating. (4)
How do you clean a Redwood sauna?
oil to reduce sweat and dirt absorption. This will prolong the wood’s lifespan. It’s recommended to do this before use and during an annual thorough cleaning. For regular maintenance, wash the interior every 3-4 months with a wood-safe cleanser like Harvia Sauna Cleanser using a soft sponge or brush, and then rinse thoroughly. After each sauna session, run the heater for an extra hour to fully dry out the room, preventing mold growth.
Additional information about how to clean a Redwood sauna is available on the Redwood Outdoors website.
Our experts
Katrina Carter, PT, DPT, FNS
Dr. Carter has been an outpatient physical therapist since 2012 with a passion for wellness and educating patients on proper nutrition for healing. She has her Bachelors in nutrition from UConn and doctorate in physical therapy from Seton Hall. Dr. Carter is also a certified fitness nutrition specialist through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. She enjoys dance, fitness, baking, and traveling the world.
Joana Neziri, M.S., NASM CPT
Joana is a writer, editor, and content strategist focusing on nutrition, fitness, and all things health. After earning a master’s degree in business from the University of North Florida, she began a career in research and digital marketing.
Lily Moe
Lily is a Brooklyn-based writer and editor with over seven years of experience in health media. As a former Fitness Coach, Lily’s editorial prowess has largely focused on fitness, nutrition, and weight management. She has also spent a fair share of time in testing labs, analyzing everything from protein powders to yoga mats. Her work has appeared in Verywell Fit, Verywell Mind, Health, and more.
Kelly Uhler
Kelly has a multifaceted background in elder care, health care, and copywriting. She has worked for organizations such as A Place For Mom and Homecare.com, which gave her the opportunity to work closely with families, providing reliable information to help them make informed decisions about their loved one’s health, safety, and quality of life.
Rachel Tavel, PT, DPT, CSCS
Fortune Recommends Writer
About Author
Rachel Tavel is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (National Strength and Conditioning Association), Forbes Health Advisory Board Member and writer. She earned her BA from Bowdoin College and her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from New York University.
Her writing has appeared in Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Forbes, SELF, Runner’s World, Bicycling, Prevention, Huffington Post and more. In addition, she’s co-authored several travel guidebooks and written a book about stretching. Rachel is a regularly featured fitness expert in the top health and fitness magazines in the country and has appeared as a recurring guest on Sirius XM’s “Doctor Radio.” Rachel is passionate about all things health and wellness. She loves sharing her expertise in ways that help people improve their overall health and wellbeing.
Sources
- Hill, C., Altgen, M. & Rautkari, L. Thermal modification of wood—a review: chemical changes and hygroscopicity. J Mater Sci. 2021. 56, 6581–6614. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-020-05722-z
- Henderson KN, Killen LG, O’Neal EK, Waldman HS. The Cardiometabolic Health Benefits of Sauna Exposure in Individuals with High-Stress Occupations. A Mechanistic Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Jan 27;18(3):1105. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18031105. PMID: 33513711; PMCID: PMC7908414
- Hussain J, Cohen M. Clinical Effects of Regular Dry Sauna Bathing: A Systematic Review. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2018 Apr 24;2018:1857413. doi: 10.1155/2018/1857413
- Podstawski R, Borysławski K, Józefacka NM, Snarska J, Hinca B, Biernat E, Podstawska A. The influence of extreme thermal stress on the physiological and psychological characteristics of young women who sporadically use the sauna: practical implications for the safe use of the sauna. Front Public Health. 2024 Jan 26;11:1303804. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1303804