Heating a wood-fired sauna to suit everyone can be a bit of an art, especially when you have a group of people with varying preferences for heat and humidity.
Heating a wood-fired sauna just right—especially for a group with different heat tastes—is a bit of an art. The secret starts with the wood you use. We stick to dry, seasoned hardwoods like oak, birch, or maple because they burn slow and steady, giving off that perfect, even heat without too much smoke.
And it’s not just what wood you use, but how you prepare it. Smaller pieces catch fire quickly to get things going, while bigger logs keep the fire burning strong for longer. Splitting your wood right means the heat stays consistent and cozy throughout your sauna session.
Getting the fire going is all about patience. We start small, using kindling and small logs stacked in a crisscross pattern so the flames can breathe and grow evenly. Once the fire’s settled, we add larger logs to keep the temperature up without overheating or smothering the flames.
Good airflow is key here—without it, the fire struggles, and your sauna won’t heat properly. That’s why we make sure the fire gets plenty of oxygen while it burns, helping us maintain that perfect sauna warmth for everyone to enjoy.
We never just guess the temperature—we use a thermometer placed near the top bench to monitor the heat. Ideally, we aim for somewhere between 70°C and 90°C (160°F to 195°F), adjusting to suit whoever’s in the sauna.
Heating up the sauna is a slow, steady process that usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. This gradual approach means the stones and air warm evenly, so you don’t get sudden blasts of heat but a comfortable, welcoming environment to relax in.
Want it hotter? That’s where steam, or löyly, comes in. Pouring water over the hot stones adds humidity, making the heat feel more intense without raising the temperature. We start with small amounts so nobody gets a surprise blast of steam—and everyone can find their comfort zone.
Ventilation also plays a big part. Fresh air comes in near the firebox, while vents near the ceiling let excess heat out. Adjusting these vents helps us keep the sauna from getting stuffy or too hot, so whether you’re on the top bench basking in the heat or chilling down low, the sauna stays just right.