Tall barrel sauna with integrated vestibule
LCF 225 barrel sauna: compact length, generous headroom and an integrated vestibule
The Bloomcabin LCF 225 combines a comparatively short exterior length with a wide, tall barrel shape and an integrated vestibule. This makes it suitable for sites with limited space in front of and behind the sauna, but sufficient room at the sides. The cabin is designed for shared seated sauna use. Its generous internal height makes standing and moving easier, while the vestibule keeps towels, robes and shoes separate from the hot sauna room. When choosing, consider the footprint, usual number of users, preferred seating position, access to the site and preferred heater type. If you regularly want to lie fully stretched out or need a much narrower sauna, compare the LCF 225 with models of other designs.
Find more models in the Bloomcabin sauna range.
Model profile
Which sites and users suit the LCF 225 design
The LCF 225 saves space mainly in length, not width. This is important when selecting a site: on a short but sufficiently wide garden area, it may fit better than a longer sauna model. It is not automatically suitable for very narrow spaces. Allow working room at the sides for assembly and for later inspection and maintenance of the exterior surfaces. Entrance orientation, the view from the house and a safely walkable route to the sauna are equally important. A scale drawing will usually show quickly whether the wider form works at the intended location or restricts paths and garden areas too much.
The greater internal height especially benefits taller users. It makes it easier to enter upright and to stand up or sit down on the benches. Moving between the door, seating and heater area also feels less confined than in lower barrel saunas. The usable layout at floor level remains decisive: the clear passage, distance from the heater area and seating must work sensibly when several people use the sauna at once. A tall cabin provides more headroom, but does not replace realistic planning of circulation space.
Before buying, mark out the external outline at the intended site. Include the swing area of the fully open door, the route to the entrance and areas that must remain accessible for assembly and future maintenance. Also check whether a dry, safe walking surface can be created in front of the door. This helps you identify early whether the short, wide form genuinely suits the space better than a longer or narrower sauna model.
Key points at a glance
What matters when selecting the LCF 225
Assess the following details in relation to site and use. External dimensions determine space requirements, bench layout and occupancy determine seating comfort, internal height affects headroom, and the vestibule separates garden from hot cabin. The chosen heater type must also be professionally feasible at the site.
Up to four adults
The stated capacity refers to shared seated sauna use. For more personal space or additional sauna accessories, the cabin can be used more generously by a smaller group.
Approx. 227 × 229 × 238 cm
These proportions show the model’s distinctive form: the sauna is relatively short, but requires considerably more side and overhead space than a lower, narrower barrel sauna.
Approx. 210 cm internal height
The generous headroom makes entering, standing and moving around the cabin easier, particularly for taller users.
Integrated vestibule
The separate entrance area keeps shoes, robes and other essentials out of the hot cabin. It is intended as a compact transition zone, not an additional living space.
Vestibule
The vestibule as a practical transition between garden and sauna cabin
The integrated vestibule provides a suitable place for towels, robes and shoes that should not be taken into the hot sauna area. This keeps the benches available for sitting and textiles away from the heater. As the entrance area is compact, store only items genuinely needed during a sauna session there. Door leaves and the walking route must remain clear. Place wet shoes and dripping textiles so moisture cannot collect on the wood and as little wetness as possible is carried into the cabin.
In cooler weather, the vestibule forms a useful buffer because the outside door does not open directly into the hot cabin. Less outdoor air enters the sauna room immediately when people go in and out. Both doors must be able to open and close without obstruction. The vestibule itself is not a heated living or storage room. Clothing and moisture-sensitive items should therefore stay there only during the sauna session and be taken away afterwards.
Keep the compact vestibule orderly and easy to walk through. Bulky furniture or casually stored items narrow the passage, obstruct doors and make drying harder. Use only a few stable storage options that do not affect the walkway or structure. Remove wet textiles and dirt after every sauna session, then air and dry the area thoroughly. Check the floor and threshold for remaining moisture as well. This keeps the entrance practical and prevents it becoming a permanently damp storage space.
Benches
Seating benches for shared sauna use rather than long recliners
The LCF 225 bench layout is intended for shared sitting. With several adults, the available space will naturally feel more compact than in a larger cabin. For choosing the model, usual occupancy is therefore more important than the maximum possible number of people. Those who usually sauna alone or as a pair gain more room to move and greater separation. If the cabin will regularly be used by a larger group, also consider body height, preferred seating position and the desired distance from the heater area. This gives a more realistic idea of whether the compact seating arrangement suits your habits.
At approximately 156 cm, the benches are too short for many adults to lie fully stretched out. Bent legs or a briefly reclined posture are not the same as a full lying position. If extended reclining is an essential part of your sauna routine, compare a longer LCF model. Its additional space requirement should be checked at the proposed site alongside the potential comfort benefit.
For safe use, seating must not obstruct the passage to the door or the intended clearance from the heater area. Do not use bench surfaces for storage, so they remain fully available for sitting. Towels must lie completely on the seating surfaces and must not hang into the walkway or near hot components. If you prefer bent legs, change position often or want more distance from others, allow extra movement room for normal occupancy. The LCF 225 therefore remains a solution clearly designed for shared sitting, without the extra footprint of long reclining benches.
Thermowood
Thermowood: material properties and ongoing care
The LCF 225 is made from FSC®-certified thermowood. Thermal treatment improves moisture resistance and dimensional stability, but does not make wood maintenance-free. As a natural material, it can vary in colour and grain and may change in appearance over time. Distinguish these natural variations from actual concerns such as persistent moisture exposure, loose connections or noticeable distortion. Regular visual checks help identify maintenance needs early and allow affected areas to be treated in time.
Because of its height, the sauna is visible from many viewpoints. When planning its orientation, consider not only the available space but also the route from the house, entrance lighting, desired privacy and the direction the entrance faces. A location beneath low branches or within dense planting increases cleaning work. Falling leaves and continually damp vegetation can place greater stress on exterior surfaces, while tight gaps make inspections and care more difficult. An easily accessible location is usually more practical day to day than one where the sauna is completely surrounded by plants.
Routine care includes clean timber surfaces, a properly closing door, correctly fitted barrel bands and intact roof protection. Remove dirt only with products and methods suitable for the relevant material; aggressive cleaners can damage surfaces. Water must not remain permanently beneath the sauna or against individual timber areas. Air the cabin thoroughly after every sauna session and allow damp surfaces to dry completely. Pay particular attention to joints, low-level areas and places where dirt or moisture repeatedly gathers. Follow the product-specific assembly and care instructions for suitable care products and correct procedures.
Foundation
Prepare the base, drainage and access correctly
The external width of approximately 229 cm must fit fully on the prepared site. Side working space is also required for assembly, checking the barrel bands and maintaining exterior surfaces. A gap between a wall and fence that works on paper may therefore be too tight in practice. Draw the footprint and required work area separately. Also allow for projecting components, roof areas and the door swing. The route from the house should remain safely walkable in wet weather, so as little soil and water as possible enters the vestibule.
The base must be level, load-bearing and well drained. A level surface allows correct alignment of the sauna, sufficient bearing capacity helps prevent problematic settlement, and effective drainage keeps rainwater away from the lower timber area. Water must not collect beneath the structure or immediately beside it. Falls and drainage should therefore direct rainfall away from the sauna. The installation must also meet the assembly requirements. Improvised individual supports are not a substitute for a properly prepared base.
When placing the sauna on an existing deck, checking its clear area alone is not enough. The substructure, structural condition, load transfer and drainage must also be suitable for the sauna. If in doubt, have the construction assessed by a qualified professional before assembly. Also identify underground services, adjoining walls and areas that would be difficult to access after installation. A careful check beforehand is much easier than later work on an assembled sauna with a heater installed.
Access and model comparison
LCF 225 or LC 225: more headroom or less external width?
The most obvious comparison for the LCF 225 is the LC 225 . The LC 225 is approximately 194 cm wide and has an internal height of around 175 cm. This makes it easier to place on a narrower property. However, the lower cabin directly affects entering, standing up and moving around, especially for taller users. When comparing both models, give equal weight to the height of regular users and the actual width available at the installation site.
The LCF 225 requires approximately 229 cm of external width and in return offers an internal height of around 210 cm. Its main benefit is not a higher maximum capacity, but added headroom and a more open feeling inside. At the same time, it takes up more room at the sides and has a stronger visual presence in the garden because of its overall height. This form is especially suitable when comfortable standing and upright movement matter more than the narrowest possible footprint.
For a realistic model comparison, mark the widths at your preferred site and show the respective internal heights against a wall or with a batten. Add the fully open door area, assembly access and surfaces that must remain reachable later for inspections and care to your sketch. Then consider the remaining paths and garden space: a model that fits on paper is not very practical if it leaves the entrance or work area too tight. Finally, check whether the requirements of your preferred heater type can be met at the specific site. This creates a well-founded decision based on space, accessibility and use, rather than individual dimensions alone.
Safe heater operation
Plan the right electric or wood-fired heater early
Depending on configuration, the LCF 225 can be fitted with an electric or wood-fired heater. For an electric heater, output, controls, cable routing and protection must suit both the cabin and the existing electrical installation. Planning and connection must be undertaken by a licensed electrical professional. Confirm cable routes before completing the base and access, so drainage, load-bearing areas and walkways do not need later alteration. Temporary extensions or unauthorised modifications to connections are not suitable for permanent sauna operation.
For a wood-fired heater, also consider the flue, heat protection, safety clearances, and fuel and ash handling. The installation must suit the chosen heater, sauna and local requirements. Before ordering, decide where firewood can be stored, whether the heater will be convenient to use and whether it can later be cleaned without blocking walkways. Fuel and ash must not obstruct access or the doors. Handle hot ash safely and keep it away from combustible materials. Follow the heater documentation, and before installation or use ask the council and regional authority which building consent requirements, air-quality rules and current fire restrictions apply.
Whatever the heater type, keep the heater area clear of towels, robes, shoes and other combustible items before heating. Do not place or dry anything on the heater. Before every use, check the visible condition of the heater, protective components and door, as well as the clear route to the exit. Changes to the heater, protective devices or cabin may only be made in line with manufacturer instructions and by suitably qualified people. The documents for the selected heating system always govern heating, ventilation, clearances, operation and shutdown.
Frequently asked questions
FAQ on choosing, installing and using the Bloomcabin LCF 225
Is the LCF 225 suitable for narrow installation spaces despite its short design?
Not necessarily. The LCF 225 saves space mainly in length but requires comparatively generous width. Accessible areas beside the actual footprint must remain clear for assembly, checks and care. On a narrow property, the LC 225 is therefore often the more suitable comparison option.
How can seating comfort be assessed before ordering?
Mark the stated bench length on an existing seat and sit beside the people who will regularly sauna together. This gives a better indication of whether personal spacing and seating posture feel comfortable. If you want to lie fully stretched out, compare a longer model instead.
Is the vestibule part of the heated sauna cabin?
No. The vestibule is a separate transition and storage zone. It neither enlarges the seating benches nor increases the number of places in the hot cabin. Its purpose is to hold needed items outside the sauna room during use.
Can the vestibule be used as permanent storage?
It is not designed for that purpose. Keep only a few immediately needed items there during a sauna session, and leave both doors and the walkway clear. Remove wet textiles and moisture-sensitive items afterwards so the compact area can air and dry fully.
What is often overlooked when checking the delivery route?
Beyond clear path width, consider gates, tight turns, steps, low branches and other pinch points. Check the full route from the unloading point to the prepared site and ensure components can be moved safely around changes of direction. Also allow sufficient room for temporarily setting components down and lifting them again. Walls, planting, paved paths or difficult-to-reach garden areas can complicate transport and should be included in delivery-route planning.
When should the heater type be decided?
Decide before completing site and assembly planning. An electric heater needs suitable cable routes, protection and professional connections. A wood-fired heater requires consideration of the flue, heat protection, clearances and fuel storage. An early decision avoids later changes to the base and access routes.
Which areas must remain accessible after assembly?
The side surfaces, barrel bands, door areas, lower timber section and roof protection should remain accessible. These areas need regular visual checks and maintenance. Drainage routes must also not be covered or narrowed so much that water can collect unnoticed around the sauna.
Bloomcabin LCF 225
Does the LCF 225 suit your property and sauna habits?
The LCF 225 is a suitable choice if you want a tall barrel sauna with a separate vestibule and mostly sauna while seated. It requires a sufficiently wide, properly prepared site and accessible exterior areas for assembly and care. Also check whether the bench arrangement suits the usual number of users and whether your chosen heater type can be professionally installed at the site.
If a narrower cabin, longer reclining benches or a different layout matter more, compare other outdoor saunas and barrel saunas from Bloomcabin. For each model, compare the footprint, bench layout, vestibule and possible heater type with your site plan and sauna habits. This helps identify the design that works in everyday use, without reducing the choice to maximum capacity or one external measurement.
