Short answer: Blazin Saunas ships handmade outdoor saunas to Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, and Ohio, each built for your order by our team of six in Idaho Falls. Pods, barrels, cubes, and the Timberline ship free in the contiguous U.S.; The Blazin Teton Sauna and The Blackwood arrive fully built, with shipping quoted. Minnesota, Wisconsin, or Michigan? See our Upper Midwest guide.
This page covers the central Midwest: cold, gray winters, humid summers, and building rules that change county by county.
Winters that freeze and thaw
From Chicago down to St. Louis, the winter story is less about deep snowpack and more about repeated freezing and thawing. Chicago and Des Moines usually see more snow than Columbus, Indianapolis, or St. Louis, but all five share cold winters and plenty of freeze-thaw swings.
- Build the base for frost and water. Freeze-thaw cycles punish a base that holds water. Ask a local pad installer how deep to go for your soil, and grade the site so meltwater runs away from the cabin. Start with Foundation and electrical.
- Keep the roof and door clear. Brush snow and ice off after storms, and check with your building department on the snow load for your address. Blazin does not publish snow-load ratings. Winter tips: Cold-climate saunas.
- Summer is humid. Leave airflow around the walls and keep sprinklers and downspouts off the cedar. Care: Cedar sauna maintenance.
Building rules across five states
There isn't one Midwest rulebook. Rules for backyard structures differ by state, county, and city, so start with the building department that covers your address. It can tell you which rules apply to your project.
Call your local building department about permits, confirm zoning and setbacks, and get any HOA approval before you place an order. An electric heater usually brings an electrical permit question too. Our Permits and HOA guide has the full list.
Heat: electric, wood, or both
We recommend starting with an electric heater for suburban lots, with a licensed electrician running the circuit. Our pods, cubes, 2 Person Barrel, XL Barrel, and Timberline list 175-230°F for the included heater, and we offer electric and wood-burning heaters plus dual-heater builds. Gas and propane heaters are available by request: call, text or message us to set it up.
If you are thinking about wood heat, know that rules on wood smoke and burning differ by city and county. We don't say wood heat is allowed or approved anywhere in these five states. Check your local rules, then ask us. Wood-burning heat is an option on three kits (4 Person Barrel, XL Barrel, Timberline) and on the fully built Teton and Blackwood, and on the 6 Person Cube on request, ask us. Heater help: Electric vs wood-burning · Heater sizing.
Which model for a Midwest yard
Every kit is Sugi cedar, 1 5/8" thick, screwed together with stainless hardware rather than glued. The fully built Teton and Blackwood are insulated; pick a Sugi cedar, Thermo Spruce, or Thermo Aspen interior, and choose the siding for your build.
- Barrels: 2 Person Barrel, 4 Person Barrel (seats 4), and XL Barrel (seats 6 to 8). The round shape is the traditional sauna look.
- Cubes: 4 Person Cube and 6 Person Cube, with a square interior and a glass front.
- Pods: Pod Mini (seats 1), 2 Person Pod, and 4 Person Pod.
- Larger: Timberline (6 or 8 seats), plus the fully built Teton and Blackwood.
Pods, barrels, cubes, and the Timberline are $1,250 off regular price until we are booked up; the Teton and Blackwood are regular price. Compare shapes in Cube vs barrel.
Freight and assembly
A kit takes about 4-5 weeks to build, then 5-10 business days in transit, and ships free to all five states. Most customers assemble it themselves; pick a dry weekend and have a helper. Professional assembly for pods, barrels, cubes, and the Timberline is optional at $1,250 from our nationwide assembly team, separate from the sale. The Teton and Blackwood arrive fully built, so there is nothing to assemble; we quote their shipping by location and crane needs and confirm lead time with your quote. Let us know about soft ground, fences, or tight alleys. More: What free shipping includes · Assembly.
Ordering from the Midwest
We work by phone and don't do site visits. Send photos of the spot, the way in, and your panel. You can pay in full, finance through Affirm, or pay with HSA/FSA funds if you may qualify through TrueMed. The 3-year limited warranty covers home, rental, commercial, and dealer use. All sales are final. Each sauna is handmade for your order in East Idaho. Defects are covered by our 3-year warranty. Gyms and dealers can schedule a call; dealer pricing has no minimum order.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I buy an outdoor sauna in Illinois, Ohio, or Iowa?
Blazin Saunas sells direct and ships to Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, and Ohio. Each sauna is handmade for your order in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Call (208) 520-6612 or (208) 270-5860.
How long does a sauna take to reach the Midwest?
Count on about 4-5 weeks of shop time for a kit, plus 5-10 business days in transit to Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, or Ohio. For the two fully built cabins, the Teton and Blackwood, lead time is confirmed with your quote.
How should I prepare a base for a Midwest winter?
Use a level, stable base that drains, and ask a local pad installer how deep to go for frost in your soil. Grade the site so meltwater moves away from the cabin.
Do I need a permit for a backyard sauna in Ohio?
Ask your local building department; it decides what your project needs. Zoning, setbacks, electrical work, and HOA rules can also apply.
Can I use a wood-burning heater in the Midwest?
We do not claim wood heat is allowed or approved in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, or Ohio. Rules vary by city and county. Start with electric, check your local rules, and ask us about your address.
Is shipping to the Midwest free?
Yes for pods, barrels, cubes, and the Timberline, which ship free in the contiguous U.S. Teton and Blackwood shipping is quoted.
Talk with us
Call (208) 520-6612 · (208) 270-5860, or email support@blazinsaunas.com. Other regions: Upper Midwest · Northeast · Colorado · Southeast · Kentucky and West Virginia · Oklahoma and Arkansas. All states: U.S. delivery. Shop the collection.