Picking between a classic barrel and an oval cedar tub is a big decision for your yard and enjoyment. When you’re looking at wood hot tubs, shape affects space use, comfort, and aesthetics. Northern Lights Cedar Tubs builds both types and offers custom options. We’ll walk you through pros, layout tips, and what fits best for your space.
Barrel Tubs: traditional and compact
The classic barrel cedar tub is round or slightly hexagonal. It’s efficient in use of space. Because it’s symmetrical, you can place it in tighter spots or corners without wasted area. Barrel tubs also tend to have even water depth all around, making for consistent soaking.
Advantages of barrel tubs:
- Easier to install, band, and maintain
- Often lower corner stress on surrounding decks
- Great for communal soaking in a circle
If your yard is narrower or you want a central focal point, a barrel tub works well.
Oval Tubs: stretch out and adapt
Oval cedar tubs give you extra length in one direction. This means more room to stretch your legs or recline. If you plan to soak with someone and want elbow space, oval shape helps.
Some owners say the oval design blends better into long decks or tight rectangular spaces. It avoids awkward unused corners and can make your tub feel more integrated to your patio layout.
Fit to your yard: questions to ask
- Do you have more width or length in your yard? If length is greater than width, oval may suit better.
- Do you want walking space around the tub? Barrel shape gives equal clearance all around; oval may require more clearance on the longer side.
- How many people will use it? Oval may give more legroom side by side.
- What heating or plumbing layout is possible? Some heaters are better placed with certain shapes.
Service & features from Northern Lights Cedar Tubs
Northern Lights Cedar Tubs builds using clear Western Red Cedar with strong stainless steel bands and precision joints. Their specs page shows they offer optional features like adjustable industrial cedar jets, insulated covers, and optional side shelves or skirting.
Whether you pick barrel or oval, you can choose heating mode (electric, gas, wood, hybrid), jet accessories, and control panels. They assemble on site, so even if your yard is tight, they can carry parts through and build it in position.
Maintenance & performance implications
Both shapes behave similarly in terms of insulation and water retention, since the wood quality and cover insulation matter more. But oval tubs might expose more surface area along the long axis, so a good insulated cover is key.
Caring for wooden hot tubs is critical. Barrel and oval both need regular checks on the cedar to prevent leaks or warpage. Experts recommend proper joinery and maintenance to prolong life.
Which shape should you choose?
If your yard is more square or you value symmetry, go for barrel. If your space is long and narrow, or you want stretch room, oval may be better. Either way, you’ll get the charm and experience of a wood hot tub with quality craftsmanship behind it.
Comments
Post a Comment