~ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can we set up our barrel sauna outside?
A: The Madawaska Millworks barrel sauna is intended for outdoor use. Due to their construction and the materials used, they require no roof or cover, and require only minimal maintenance to keep them sound and beautiful for years to come.
Q: How much energy does it consume?
A: The great thing about saunas is they only consume power when you're using it. The heaters used by Madawaska Millworks are rated at 8kw. This means for every hour the elements are on the heater will consume 8kw of power. At current hydro rates (4.3cents per Kwh ) the sauna heater will use 34.4 cents worth of power for every full hour the heater is active. A 1 hr sauna session with a 1/2 hr heat up will consume no more than 52 cents of hydro.
Q: What do we have to do to winterize our barrel? Do we have to cover it?
A: Just close the door, a cover is not needed. Madawaska Millworks barrel saunas are intended for year round use. Our saunas need no special preparation or consideration for winter and there is no needing be worried about power failure or freeze-up so they are perfect for both home and cottage.
Q: Does it leak?
A: Madawaska Millworks barrel saunas are constructed using the same techniques as actual wine or spirit barrels. Barrels are water tight through a combination of accurate joinery and the expansion of wood. At MM, our White Cedar is milled to exact tolerances and assembled at a kiln-dried moisture content of 6-8%. After assembly, the saunas are relocated outside where the cedar climatizes to the outside air and settles at a moisture content of about 11-14%. During the process of this moisture content change, the cedar swells, and the joints become even tighter. The knots, however, are a different story. Due to the high density of the knots, kiln drying causes the knots to crack and split. The raising of the moisture content has little effect on these "cracks", so we recommend sealing the knots (outside only) with clear silicone if the barrel is to be used as a "bunkie".
Q: Does it come with the heater hooked up?
A: No. The heaters used by Madawaska Millworks are CSA / UL approved for "wet use" when installed following the guidelines provided by the manufacturer and by a qualified electrician. A detailed wiring diagram and instructions are provided to make this process as easy and time efficient as possible for you and your electrician.
Q: How do we prepare the site?
A: Due to the fact that Madawaska Millworks barrel saunas are portable and relatively light, minimal site preparation is required. Basically, all you need is a fairly level spot approximately 6'x6'. We suggest the base be kept off the ground with bricks or patio stones to extend the life of the base.
Q: How much wine/beer does it hold?
A: Odd as it may sound, this is one of the most frequently asked questions, so here it is. The Madawaska Millworks barrel sauna has a capacity of 6,536 liters, or 1,437 gallons.
Q: What is the expected lifespan of my sauna?
A: The Canadian wood Council rates the lifetime of UNTREATED Eastern White Cedar at 27 years. Treated every year with a protective coating, we estimate the lifespan of your sauna to be 50+ years.
Q: Is there a warranty?
A: Madawaska Millworks barrel saunas carry a 1 year limited warranty. The warranty covers materials and workmanship under normal, non-commercial use.
Q: How much does it weigh?
A: The Madawaska Millworks Barrel sauna weighs approximately 800lbs without the heater and rocks.
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