The Complete Lowdown on Redwood Outdoors: A Critical 2023 Review

About Redwood Outdoors

Founded in 2015, Redwood Outdoors was created by a team of nature enthusiasts looking to help people better connect with the calming joy of the outdoors. Based in Tukwila, Washington, the brand offers a range of thoughtfully designed backyard saunas, hot tubs, cold plunge tubs and glamping gear made from premium natural materials.

While beautiful, Redwood Outdoors products don‘t rely on flashy tech features or loud designs. Instead, they aim to create a harmonious experience between person and landscape through clean Scandinavian-inspired aesthetics and responsible production methods.

Over 42,000 Instagram followers would agree there‘s an alluring charm to soaking under the stars or steaming beside snow-covered firs inside one of their cedar-clad tubs. But how does the relaxation promised in their catalogue photos translate in real backyards? What do owners really think after purchase? And where could Redwood Outdoors improve?

I decided to dig deeper and find out.

The Best of Redwood Outdoors

There’s no question the team at Redwood Outdoors knows how to design a visually stunning product. Made from Grade A western red cedar sourced regionally in Canada or Scandinavian thermowood, their hot tubs, saunas, cold plunge tubs and geodesic glamping domes are downright drool-worthy. The premium construction also provides some seriously practical perks:

Superior Durability

Constructed from 100% all-natural woods, Redwood Outdoors products are mold, rot and insect resistant without the use of chemical treatments. Owners can expect a lifespan between 15-20 years for saunas and hot tubs, far outpacing cheaper acrylic or plastic designs.

Energy Efficient

Thermowood, made by heat treating lumber for stability, is an incredibly effective insulation material that excels at retaining warmth. This means fuel costs for wood-burning hot tub and sauna models remain impressively low over years of use.

Quick Assembly

Despite the custom woodwork, Redwood Outdoors products ship as pre-cut kits for streamlined on-site assembly. Most report the process to be simple enough for one reasonably handy person to complete solo over 1-2 days.

Total Design Harmony

Unfinished upon arrival, hot tubs and saunas can be customized with stains and paints to perfectly complement surroundings rather than clash against landscaping. The neutral classics lend themselves well to both rustic mountain and modern desert abode.

Where Redwood Outdoors Falls Short

Of course, no product line is entirely without faults. During my research a few common complaints around the Redwood Outdoors experience came up again and again:

Long Lead Times

Custom-made products understandably take time to produce. However 12+ weeks between order and delivery is longer than many consumers found reasonable for items listed as “in stock” at the time of purchase.

Spotty Communication

Perhaps connected to overwhelmed production teams, some customers reported inconsistent email response from Redwood Outdoors post-purchase. Simple confirmation of shipping awareness would do wonders for buyer confidence and patience.

Improvable Instructions

DIY assembly requires clear visual guidelines. A few owners mentioned vague build diagrams that increased the head-scratching-to-relaxation ratio a bit too high.

Warranty Limitations

Some faults (warping, leaks, etc.) only emerge after months of equipment weathering and use. Redwood’s 1-year warranty leaves owners uncovered for issues cropping up in year 2+ through no fault of their own.

Zero Accessories

Save for a ladle or basic water hose, Redwood Outdoors products arrive unfurnished. Those seeking creature comforts like drink holders, contoured pillows or Bluetooth speakers will need to purchase (often overpriced) add-ons separately.

Top Products from Redwood Outdoors

Enough big picture analysis – let’s dive into specifics around Redwood Outdoors hottest sellers and product lineup. I’ll focus on providing actionable intel around sizing, construction, features and real world performance straight from experienced owner reviews.

Cedar Barrel Sauna Reviews

Far and away the most popular picks from the Redwood Outdoors catalog are the cedar barrel saunas. Available in various sizes and heating options (electric or wood burning), the vertical cylinder design provides a cozy cocoon-like soaking experience.

Owners highlight the ease of heating up a relatively small interior volume quickly, allowing for short-burst steam sessions without wasting excess energy. The rounded walls and wooden bucket/ladle combo deliver satisfying steam effects, while fiberglass-free Canadian cedar construction results in low VOC off-gassing during use.

Downsides to the barrel saunas remain minor – mainly around the cramped quarters for taller users above 6’3”. Some also noted cheaper feeling door latches compared to the sturdy lumber frameworks.

Hot Tub Reviews

For those seeking a social soak to unwind wine glasses and conversation with friends, Redwood Outdoors hot tubs provide an all-natural alternative to garish acrylic designs. Ranging from four person capacity up to party-sized nine person models, they can be customized with wood or electric heating to suit needs and environments.

Owners praised the tubs for effective insulation resulting in low power bills, even in cold winter months. Wood-burning models in particular held heat for up to 72 hours on a single stoking. Easy drain systems also received positive remarks for quick water changes compared to plumbed options.

Criticism centered around the larger units skewing towards cost prohibitive for some buyers. A few also would have preferred built-in seats for ergonomic lounging rather than a flat floor design.

Geodesic Glamping Dome Reviews

Part camping shelter, part modern tiny home, the Redwood Outdoors geodesic dome “glamping” structures provide a portable escape pod for enjoying the outdoors without sacrificing basic comforts.

User reviews confirmed the simple strut framework and interlocking PVC tile shell make DIY assembly very straightforward even for one person. The resulting interior volume amazed owners with spacious headroom and flexibility to customize layouts as needed.

Negative feedback primarily called out the thin shell material as inadequately insulated for true four season use. Condensation inside the upper dome also proved an annoyance for some owners during wetter months.

The Bottom Line

Across all products one truth remained consistent according to owners – Redwood Outdoors manufactures top tier outdoor relaxation equipment with very few equivalents on the market today. Yes, shipping times could improve and instructions tend towards Ikea vagueness…but for most buyers the finished products proved well worth the temporary hassles.

Now that we’ve covered the benefits and drawbacks, let’s move onto everything else you need to know before purchasing.

How Shipping, Delivery & Installation Works

Redwood Outdoors manages its own manufacturing and fulfillment from headquarters in Tukwila, WA. Nearly all products remain in stock for immediate shipment. Customers in the lower 48 states can expect standard curbside freight delivery while Hawaii and Alaska customers must arrange third party transport.

What’s Included?
All saunas, hot tubs and domes ship as pre-cut kits for assembly. This includes:

• All structural lumber panels, flooring and hardware
• Water tubs/shells
• Heating systems (stove or electric)
• Basic accessories like buckets, ladles and drain kits

What’s Not Included?

• Landscaping add-ons like sun shelters or pergolas
• Design extras like drink holders, speakers or mood lighting
• Special delivery (lift gate, residential driveways, etc.)

Timing Expectations

Website orders quote 12-14 week production times for most products prior to shipment. However, multiple owners reported delays extending to 16+ weeks in some cases.

Once shipped, curbside freight delivery is completed by professional carrier companies within 5-7 business days pending weather or geography.

Arrive prepared for a full day or longer installing electric/venting for heating systems then assembling all remaining structures per included manuals. Most saunas and small hot tubs require just one reasonably handy person working solo over 1-2 days.

Special Considerations

• Ensure utility access for electric/water hookups before ordering
• Have helpers available to assist unloading heavy crates
• Prepare a solid foundation ahead of delivery

Maintenance & Durability Realities

Any owner will tell you, maintenance makes or breaks even the highest caliber leisure product. Does soaking in a hot tub lose its luster when you’re constantly battling sanitization or deteriorating equipment?

Thankfully, choosing all-natural wood vessels over plastic or composites pays big dividends when it comes to durability and upkeep. Here‘s the real-world scoop…

Cleaning

Redwood Outdoors owners emphasize there‘s no need for chemical cleaners or sanitizers in their hot tubs or saunas. Simply spraying down interior walls with water and wiping away debris maintains freshness.

For deeper cleaning, a gentle soap scrub works wonders. Yearly application of cedar oil aids water resistance on hot tub interior surfaces.

Water Care

Without jets or pipes, algae and bacteria stand little chance to take hold inside wood vessels. Flushing old water and refilling fresh makes for the easiest hot tub maintenance around.

Weatherproofing

Left untreated, unfinished cedar and pine will naturally lighten to silvery gray patinas in the elements. Owners aiming for prolonged color integrity should budget extra finishing time to properly stain or seal their delivered kit.

Lifespan

Barring improper chemical corrosion, owners report experiencing zero issues with rot, cracking or leaking even after 5+ years of ownership. Thanks to premium lumber grading and joint craftsmanship, most share estimates of 15-20+ years before major overhauls become necessary.

Warranty

All Redwood Outdoors products ship with a 1 year manufacturing warranty covering defects and flaws. Based on customer feedback, the company readily assists with replacement parts or repairs during this short-term coverage period.

Costs, Promotions & Discounts

Given specialty sourcing of top-grade lumber and hand-assembly required, costs for Redwood Outdoor run predictably higher than mass manufactured hot tub or sauna alternatives. However, the difference remains reasonable considering consumers receive bespoke backyard installations unmatched in quality.

Current 2023 Pricing:

• Cedar Barrel Saunas – $6,200 – $8,500
• Hot Tubs – $4,500 – $11,000
• Geodesic Domes – $6,500 – $8,200
• Plunge Pools – $2,500 – $4,500

Redwood Outdoors provides 0% financing programs on all purchases over $2500 when applying through partner Affirm. Approved buyers can split payments over 3-6 months.

Limited Time Discounts:

• Save $250 off any purchase with code HBR250
• Additional 10% savings for military, students and first responders

Considering durable lifespans reaching 20 years for many products, the upfront commitment proves worthwhile for serious backyard relaxation enthusiasts.

Final Verdict

In the world of outdoor leisure, finding harmony with nature often means sacrificing quality craftsmanship for mass manufactured production.

Redwood Outdoors charts a different course – marrying sustainable, small-shop attention-to-detail with crowd-pleasing designs fit for sharing casual conversations or quiet contemplation alike.

For the consumer seeking ultimate residential escapism, look no further than these beautiful cedar sanctuaries. Yes, some rough edges exist around shipping times and post-purchase communication, but ownership feedback confirms the pure relaxation payoff remains well worth it.

Just try taking that first perfect soak under a moonlit sky or snow filled forest…and tell me you aren’t ready to click “Purchase” within minutes!