Redwood Outdoors vs Almost Heaven Sauna (2025)
Updated January 2025 — Backyard Sauna Pro
Two of the most-searched outdoor sauna brands in North America. Almost Heaven dominates on value and availability. Redwood Outdoors leads on material quality. Here is the full comparison so you can decide which matters more for your situation.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Almost Heaven | Redwood Outdoors |
|---|---|---|
| Wood type | Western red cedar | Thermowood (heat-treated) or cedar |
| Entry barrel price | ~$1,599 (Refuge 2-person) | ~$3,500 (cedar), $6,600+ (Thermowood) |
| Warranty | 5 years structural | 1 year |
| Brand history | 30+ years | Newer, fast-growing |
| Amazon availability | Yes — Prime shipping | Direct only |
| Outdoor durability | Good (cedar needs annual treatment) | Excellent (Thermowood low maintenance) |
| Heater included | No (sold separately) | Some models include heater |
| Best for | Value, most budgets, any climate | Premium, wet/cold climates |
Almost Heaven: The Case For It
Almost Heaven has been making barrel saunas since the 1970s. They are the most-reviewed and most-purchased barrel sauna brand in North America, sold on Amazon with Prime shipping. Their Pinnacle 4-Person is the benchmark that every competitor gets compared against.
Western red cedar is a proven sauna wood — it handles heat and humidity well, smells great, and with basic annual treatment (cedar oil or wood sealant) lasts 15-20+ years outdoors. Most Almost Heaven owners never have a structural problem.
The 5-year structural warranty is also a meaningful advantage. Redwood Outdoors' 1-year warranty is short for a product at this price point.
Almost Heaven Pinnacle 4-Person
The most popular residential barrel sauna in North America. Cedar construction, pre-cut panels, ships in about two weeks. Heater sold separately.
Check Price on AmazonRedwood Outdoors: The Case For It
The Thermowood difference is real. Heat-treated Scandinavian wood has lower equilibrium moisture content than cedar, meaning it absorbs and releases moisture more slowly. In climates with heavy rain, salt air, or repeated freeze-thaw cycles, Thermowood holds up better over a 10-20 year period without requiring annual maintenance.
If you live in Seattle, coastal New England, or anywhere that sees 50+ inches of rain per year, the extra cost of Thermowood may be justified by avoided maintenance and a longer effective lifespan. Cedar in a wet climate without regular treatment starts greying and checking within 3-5 years.
The Panorama window model is also a genuine differentiator — no other mainstream brand offers a large panoramic window in a barrel sauna at scale.
Redwood Outdoors Thermowood Barrel
Premium Thermowood construction, better long-term outdoor durability than cedar. $250 off available through our link.
View on Redwood Outdoors ($250 Off)Which Should You Buy?
Buy Almost Heaven if:
- Your budget is under $4,000 total
- You live in a dry or moderate climate
- You want Amazon Prime shipping and easy returns
- You want a longer warranty
- This is your first sauna and you want proven, well-documented product
Buy Redwood Outdoors if:
- Budget is $6,000+ and you want best-in-class materials
- You live in a wet, coastal, or high-precipitation climate
- You want low-maintenance outdoor wood long-term
- The panoramic window model appeals to your setting
- You want to avoid annual cedar maintenance
FAQ
Is Redwood Outdoors or Almost Heaven better?
Almost Heaven for value and warranty. Redwood Outdoors for material quality in wet climates. Both make good saunas — the right choice depends on budget and where you live.
How much more does Redwood Outdoors cost?
Roughly $4,000 more for Thermowood vs Almost Heaven's most popular model. That gap narrows somewhat with Redwood Outdoors' $250 buyer coupon.