True North Saunas

True North Sauna Styles: Barrel, Pod, and Cabin

True North Saunas is a Canadian sauna company based in Owen Sound, Ontario, and it builds three core sauna styles in its workshop there. Each ships as a kit with pre-cut staves, hardware, benches, and glass doors included.

Barrel saunas are the classic True North shape. The curved stave-and-hoop design heats fast, sheds snow naturally, and fits comfortably on a deck or dock. Sizes run from a compact 6-foot two-person model up to the 10-foot version with room for eight. An optional porch adds outdoor seating and a place to store towels or firewood. All True North barrel saunas use 1.55"-thick solid wood walls for year-round heat retention.

The Schooner is True North's most versatile barrel. It comes in four lengths and seats anywhere from two to eight people, with the same stave construction and optional front porch as the standard barrel. The Schooner is worth a close look if you want a barrel but aren't sure what size you'll need down the road.

Pod saunas take the rounded shape and stretch it vertically, giving you more headroom and a distinctive silhouette. True North offers both a standard pod and a large pod, each in 8-, 9-, and 10-foot lengths. They seat four to eight people and work well on patios or smaller yards where a full cabin would feel oversized. Start with the True North pod sauna collection to compare dimensions side by side.

The Cabin is a traditional rectangular sauna with flat walls, two-tier seating, and full standing height. It seats five comfortably and gives you the most interior space per footprint of any True North model. The optional porch adds outdoor bench seating, and the flat-roof design accepts an electric heater or wood-burning stove with equal ease. True North also makes the Quattro cabin in White Cedar for buyers who want a slightly more modern profile.

Choosing Your Wood: White Cedar or Red Cedar

True North saunas are offered in two wood options, White Cedar and Red Cedar, both cut to 1.55" thickness (the Quattro cabin is White Cedar only). White Cedar is naturally rot-resistant, lightweight, and aromatic without the premium pricing of Red Cedar. Red Cedar is the top-tier choice for long-term outdoor durability, insect resistance, and that deep, warm scent sauna enthusiasts associate with a high-end build. If you're weighing white against red cedar across brands, compare our white and red cedar saunas from True North, Dundalk, and SunRay.

Both woods are sourced and milled in Canada. The choice comes down to budget and how much maintenance you're willing to do: White Cedar costs less up front, and Red Cedar needs the least upkeep over time.

Heater Compatibility and Electrical Setup

True North saunas don't ship with a heater included, which is actually a good thing. It means you can pair the sauna with the exact heater that fits your space and preferences rather than settling for whatever comes bundled in. An electric heater from Harvia or HUUM gives set-it-and-forget-it convenience. If you want an off-grid setup or prefer the ritual of building a fire, their saunas accept a traditional wood-fired sauna stove with a chimney pass-through.

For electric heaters, you'll need a dedicated 240V circuit installed by a licensed electrician. The specific amperage depends on your heater's kW rating. Each product page on our site lists recommended heater pairings so you don't have to guess at sizing.

Assembly and What Ships With Your Sauna

True North saunas are made to order and ship from Canada as kits. Barrel and pod models use the stave-and-hoop method, which two people can typically handle in a weekend with basic tools. The cabin takes a bit longer due to its panel-and-frame construction, but the included manual walks through each step. Plan on having a level foundation ready before delivery. A compacted gravel pad or concrete slab works for any model. For detailed site prep advice, our backyard sauna planning guide covers foundation options, setback requirements, and drainage.

Every kit includes the structure, benches, glass door, hardware, vent kit, and roof boards. You'll supply the heater, sauna stones, and the electrical connection if going electric. Our team can help you spec the right heater package if you're not sure where to start. Browse our full sauna catalog or the traditional sauna brand comparison to see how True North compares to other Canadian-made brands like Dundalk LeisureCraft, or explore our complete outdoor sauna lineup for more styles.