How to Move a Barrel Sauna

How to Move a Barrel Sauna

Maybe you want to reposition it in the yard. Maybe you are moving to a new house and the sauna is coming with you. Or maybe the delivery crew put it in the wrong spot and you need to shift it 20 feet. Whatever the reason, barrel saunas can be moved - they are just heavy and awkward enough to make you respect the process.

How Much Does a Barrel Sauna Weigh?

This is the first thing to know, because it determines your approach. Barrel sauna weights vary by size:

• 4-foot (2-person): 500-800 pounds
• 6-foot (4-person): 800-1,200 pounds
• 8-foot (6-person): 1,200-1,800 pounds
• 8+ foot with porch: 1,500-2,500 pounds

These are dry weights without the heater and stones. Add 100-200 pounds for a heater setup. This is too heavy for two or three people to just pick up and carry. You need mechanical help or a smart approach.

Moving Within Your Yard (Short Distance)

If you are moving the sauna 10-50 feet to a new spot in the same yard, here are your options from easiest to most involved:

PVC Pipe Rollers

The barrel shape actually works in your favor here. Place 3-4 lengths of PVC pipe (3-4 inch diameter) on the ground perpendicular to the direction of travel. Lift one end of the sauna onto the pipes using a pry bar and blocks, then push. As the sauna rolls forward on the pipes, pick up the pipes from behind and place them in front. Repeat.

This works surprisingly well on flat ground and requires just two or three people. It takes patience but very little muscle.

Furniture Dollies or Moving Rollers

Place heavy-duty furniture dollies under the cradles. With the weight distributed across four dollies, you can push or pull the sauna across flat, hard surfaces like concrete, pavers, or compacted ground. This does not work well on grass or soft soil where the wheels sink.

Tow Strap and Vehicle

For longer moves across the yard, wrap a tow strap around the base of the sauna and use an ATV, riding mower, or truck to slowly pull it to the new location. Place plywood sheets on the ground first to protect the surface and reduce friction. Go very slowly to avoid tipping.

Moving to a Different Property

Relocating a barrel sauna to a new address requires more planning. You have two main approaches:

Move It Assembled (Whole)

If the sauna fits on a trailer, this is the simpler option. You need:

• A flatbed or utility trailer rated for the sauna's weight
• A way to load the sauna onto the trailer (a loading ramp, forklift, or a group of strong people with a ramp)
• Ratchet straps to secure the sauna to the trailer. Strap it in at least four points.
• Slow, careful driving. A barrel sauna on a trailer is top-heavy and shifts during turns and braking.

At the destination, reverse the process. Having the new foundation already prepared makes everything easier.

Disassemble, Move, Reassemble

Most barrel saunas are assembled from staves held together with metal bands and bolts. They can be disassembled into flat boards and hardware, loaded into a truck or van, and reassembled at the new location.

This approach is better when:

• The sauna cannot fit through a gate or access point as a whole unit
• You do not have a trailer large enough
• The move distance is long and you want to save on transport costs

Take detailed photos of the assembly before taking it apart. Label each stave and note the order. The metal bands should be carefully loosened, not cut. Keep all hardware organized in labeled bags.

Removing the Heater and Stones First

Always remove the heater and stones before moving the sauna. The heater adds unnecessary weight, and sauna stones can shift and damage the interior during transport. Disconnect the heater from the electrical supply (turn off the breaker first), remove the stones into buckets, and unbolt or unscrew the heater from its mounting.

Protecting the Sauna During the Move

• Pad contact points - Wherever straps, ropes, or lifting equipment touch the wood, use moving blankets or towels as padding. Cedar dents and scratches easily.
• Remove the door - Sauna doors can swing open during transport and get damaged or cause damage. Remove the door and move it separately, or secure it firmly in the closed position with a strap.
• Cover the chimney opening - If the sauna has a chimney port, cover it to prevent debris from getting inside during the move.
• Check the bands - Make sure all the metal bands around the barrel are tight before moving. Loose bands can let staves shift during transport.

Preparing the New Location

Have the new foundation ready before the sauna arrives. Level ground, gravel pad, concrete piers, or whatever your chosen foundation is should be in place and leveled. Trying to set up a foundation with a barrel sauna sitting on the ground next to you is awkward and makes the whole process harder.

Hiring Help

If this sounds like more than you want to tackle, several types of companies can help:

• Moving companies that handle hot tubs and spas are experienced with heavy, awkward outdoor equipment
• Crane or equipment rental companies can lift the sauna onto a trailer or over a fence if access is limited
• The sauna manufacturer may offer relocation services or recommend local installers who can help

Bottom Line

Moving a barrel sauna is a manageable project if you have the right equipment and enough helpers. For short moves within the yard, PVC pipe rollers or dollies work great. For longer relocations, a trailer move or disassembly-and-reassembly is the way to go. Remove the heater and stones first, protect the wood, and have the new foundation ready before the sauna arrives. Take your time and the sauna will end up in its new home without a scratch.

Browse our barrel sauna collection for models designed with quality assembly and portability in mind.