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 external length with a wide, tall barrel shape and an integrated vestibule. This makes it suitable for properties with limited space in front of and behind the sauna, but enough room at the sides. The cabin is designed for shared seated sauna sessions. Its generous internal height makes standing up and moving around easier, while the vestibule keeps towels, bathrobes and shoes separate from the hot sauna area. When choosing, consider the footprint, usual number of users, preferred seating position, access to the installation site and preferred heating method. If you regularly want to lie fully stretched out or need a much narrower sauna, compare the LCF 225 with models of a different design.
Find further models in the Bloomcabin sauna range.
Model profile
Which properties and users the LCF 225 design suits
The LCF 225 saves space mainly in length, not in width. This is decisive when selecting a site: on a short but adequately wide garden area, it can fit better than a long sauna model. It is not automatically suitable for very narrow spaces. Allow working room at the sides as well as space for the sauna, so components can be assembled and exterior surfaces can later be inspected and maintained. The entrance orientation, view from the house and a comfortably walkable route to the sauna are equally important. A scale drawing usually quickly shows whether the wide design looks right in the intended position or restricts paths and garden areas too much.
The greater internal height particularly benefits taller users. It makes entering the cabin upright, standing up and sitting down on the benches easier. Moving between the door, seating and heater area also feels less confined than in lower barrel saunas. However, the usable layout at floor level remains decisive: the clear passage, distance from the heater area and seating must work sensibly even when several people use the sauna at once. A tall cabin creates more headroom, but does not replace realistic planning of circulation space.
Before buying, mark out the external outline at the proposed site. Include the swing area of the fully opened door, the route to the entrance and areas that must remain accessible for assembly and later maintenance. Also check whether a dry, safely walkable area can be created in front of the door. This helps you identify early whether the short, wide form genuinely fits better than a longer or narrower sauna model.
Key points at a glance
What matters when choosing the LCF 225
Assess the following details in relation to the site and intended use. External dimensions determine space requirements, bench layout and occupancy determine seating comfort, internal height determines headroom, and the vestibule separates the garden from the hot cabin. The chosen heating method must also be professionally achievable 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
The proportions show this model’s distinctive shape: the sauna is relatively short, but requires considerably more side and height clearance than a lower, narrower barrel sauna.
Approx. 210 cm internal height
The generous headroom makes entering, standing up and moving around the cabin easier, especially for taller people.
Integrated vestibule
The separate entrance area keeps shoes, bathrobes and other needed items out of the hot cabin. It is intended as a compact transition zone, not an additional living area.
Vestibule
The vestibule as a practical transition between garden and sauna cabin
The integrated vestibule provides a suitable place for towels, bathrobes and shoes that should not be taken into the hot sauna area. This keeps benches available for seating and textiles away from the heater. As the entrance area is compact, store only items actually needed during the sauna session there. Door leaves and the walkway must remain clear. Place wet shoes and dripping textiles so that moisture does not collect on the timber and as little wetness as possible is carried into the cabin.
In lower outdoor temperatures, the vestibule forms a useful buffer because the outer door does not open directly into the hot cabin. Less outside air therefore enters the sauna room immediately when people enter or leave. Both doors must be able to open and close again without obstruction. The vestibule itself is not a heated living or storage room. Clothing and moisture-sensitive items should therefore remain there only during the sauna session and be taken away afterwards.
The compact vestibule should remain tidy and easy to walk through. Bulky furniture or loosely stored items narrow the passage, obstruct doors and make drying more difficult. Use only a few stable storage options that do not interfere with 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 for everyday use instead of allowing it to become a permanently damp storage area.
Benches
Seating benches for shared sauna sessions rather than long loungers
The LCF 225 bench layout is designed for shared seated use. With several adults, the available space is naturally used more closely than in a larger cabin. For a purchase decision, usual occupancy is therefore more important than the maximum possible number of people. Those who mostly use the sauna alone or as a couple gain more freedom of movement and personal space. If you plan to use the cabin regularly with a larger group, also consider body height, preferred sitting position and the desired distance from the heater area. This provides a more realistic assessment of whether the compact seating layout suits your habits.
At approximately 156 cm, the benches are too short for many adults to lie fully stretched out. Bent legs or briefly reclining are not the same as a full lying position. If longer reclining is an essential part of your sauna routine, comparing a longer LCF model makes sense. Its extra space requirement should be assessed at the proposed site alongside the potential comfort gain.
For safe operation, seating must not obstruct the passage to the door or the specified distance from the heater area. Do not use bench surfaces for storage, so they remain fully available for sitting. Towels must lie entirely on the seating surfaces and must not hang into the walkway or close to hot components. Anyone who prefers bent legs, changes position frequently or wants more distance from others should allow additional movement space at normal occupancy. This keeps the LCF 225 a solution clearly intended for shared seating, 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 timber maintenance-free. As a natural material, it may vary in colour and grain and can change in appearance over time. Distinguish these natural variations from actual issues such as persistent saturation, loose joints or unusual distortion. Regular visual inspections help identify maintenance needs early and allow affected areas to be treated in time.
Because of its height, the sauna is highly visible from many viewpoints. When choosing its orientation, consider not only available space but also the route from the house, entrance lighting, desired privacy and the direction the entrance faces. A location directly beneath low branches or in dense vegetation increases cleaning needs. Falling leaves and constantly damp plants can place greater strain on exterior surfaces, while tight gaps make inspection and care more difficult. In daily use, an easily accessible location is usually more practical 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 on individual timber areas. Air the cabin thoroughly after every sauna session and let damp surfaces dry completely. Pay particular attention to joints, low-level areas and places where dirt or moisture repeatedly collects. The product-specific installation and care instructions are authoritative for suitable care products and the correct procedure.
Foundation
Prepare the base, drainage and access correctly
The external width of approximately 229 cm must fit fully on the prepared installation area. Side working room is also needed to assemble the sauna, inspect the barrel bands and maintain exterior surfaces. A gap between a wall and fence that works on paper can therefore be too narrow in practice. Draw the footprint and required working area separately. Also consider projecting components, roof areas and the door swing. The route from the house should remain easy to walk in wet weather, so that 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, adequate load capacity prevents problematic settlement, and working drainage keeps rainwater away from the lower timber area. Water must not collect beneath or immediately beside the structure. The gradient and drainage route should therefore direct rainwater away from the sauna. The construction must also comply with installation requirements. Makeshift individual supports are no substitute for a properly prepared base.
For installation on an existing patio, checking free floor 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 reach after installation. Careful assessment in advance is much easier than later work on an already assembled sauna with an installed heater.
Access and model comparison
LCF 225 or LC 225: more internal height or less external width?
The obvious comparison option 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 accommodate on a narrower property. However, the lower cabin directly affects entering, standing up and moving around, especially for taller people. When comparing both models, the height of regular users and the actual available width at the installation site should be given equal weight.
The LCF 225 requires approximately 229 cm of external width and provides an internal height of around 210 cm in return. Its key benefit is not a greater maximum capacity, but additional headroom and a more open sense of space. At the same time, it takes up more room at the sides and has a stronger presence in the garden due to its overall height. This design is particularly suitable when comfortable standing and upright movement matter more than the narrowest possible footprint.
For a realistic comparison, mark out the widths at your preferred site and show the respective internal heights against a wall or with a batten. Add the area required with the door fully open, access for assembly and surfaces that must remain reachable for later inspections and maintenance. Then look at the remaining paths and garden areas: a model that fits on paper is not very practical if the entrance or working area becomes too narrow. Finally, check whether the requirements of the preferred heating method can be met at the specific site. This produces an informed decision based on space, access and use rather than individual dimensions alone.
Safe heater operation
Plan the right electric or wood-fired heating method 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 the cabin and existing electrical installation. Use a competent, locally registered electrical contractor to plan and connect it, verify compatibility and protection, perform inspection and testing, and determine the applicable Certificate of Compliance documentation. Decide cable routes before completing the base and access, so drainage, load-bearing areas and walkways need no later alteration. Temporary extension leads or owner-modified connections are unsuitable for permanent sauna use.
A wood-fired heater also requires planning for the flue, heat protection, safety clearances, fuel and ash. The arrangement must suit the selected heater, sauna and site. Before ordering, ask the local building-control or fire authority about the appliance, flue, ventilation, clearances and smoke restrictions. Check where firewood can be stored, whether the heater is easy to operate and whether cleaning can be done without blocking walkways. Fuel and ash must not obstruct access or doors. Handle hot ash correctly and keep it away from combustible materials. Arrange installation and any required inspection or approval in line with that site-specific guidance.
Regardless of heating method, the heater area must be clear of towels, bathrobes, shoes and other combustible objects before heating begins. Nothing may be placed or dried on the heater. Before every use, inspect the visible condition of the heater, protective components and door, as well as the clear route to the exit. Changes to the heater, protective equipment or cabin may only be made in accordance with manufacturer instructions and by appropriately qualified people. The documentation for the specific heating system always governs 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 substantial width. Accessible side areas for assembly, inspection and maintenance must remain free in addition to the actual footprint. 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 side by side with the people who will regularly use the sauna together. This provides a better sense of whether personal space and the seating position are comfortable. For lying 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 increases neither bench space nor the number of places in the hot cabin. Its purpose is to keep needed items outside the sauna room during the sauna session.
Can the vestibule be used as permanent storage?
It is not intended for this. Keep only a few immediately needed items there during a sauna session and leave both doors and the walkway clear. Wet textiles and moisture-sensitive items should be removed afterwards, allowing the compact area to air and dry completely.
What is often overlooked when checking the delivery route?
In addition to simple route width, consider gates, tight turns, steps, low branches and other pinch points. Check the entire route from the unloading point to the prepared installation area and ensure components can be moved safely around changes of direction. Also allow enough space for temporary setting down and picking up again. Walls, planting, paved paths or difficult-to-access garden areas can complicate transport and should therefore be included in delivery-route planning.
When should the heating method be decided?
Decide before finalising 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 installation area and access routes.
Which areas must remain accessible after assembly?
The side surfaces, barrel bands, door areas, lower timber sections and roof protection should remain accessible above all. These areas need regular visual inspection 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 are looking for a tall barrel sauna with a separate vestibule and mainly enjoy sauna sessions seated. It requires an adequately wide, professionally prepared installation area and easily accessible exterior areas for assembly and maintenance. Also check whether the bench arrangement suits the usual number of users and whether the preferred heater type can be professionally implemented at the site.
If a narrower cabin, longer reclining benches or a different layout matter more, compare further outdoor saunas and barrel saunas from Bloomcabin. For each model, compare the footprint, bench layout, vestibule and possible heating method with your site plan and sauna habits. This helps you see which design works in everyday life, without reducing the choice to maximum capacity or a single external dimension.
