For hundreds of years, wood-burning stoves have been used as the heat source for traditional dry saunas. The soothing dry heat from radiating stones warms the sauna room to temperatures between 160-200°F. Wood-fired sauna heaters provide an authentic sauna experience with better airflow and humidity control compared to electric heaters. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about wood sauna stoves from proper installation to heating rocks and enjoying the relaxing dry heat.
What is a Wood Sauna Heater?
A wood sauna heater, also called a wood-burning sauna stove, is a metal box stove that burns wood logs or sauna wood pellets to heat up rocks or ceramic stones stacked on top. Metal grill covers allow airflow. The hot rocks radiate gentle infrared heat and are the core heat source for the sauna room. The stored heat in the rocks can maintain temperature for up to 12 hours after the fire dies out.
How Wood Sauna Stoves Work
Wood sauna stoves contain a combustion chamber that burns the wood at high temperatures up to 1000°F. The fire heats up the large rocks or stones stacked above. The radiating stones spread dry infrared heating evenly throughout the sauna. This type of gentle heating allows for comfortable high temperatures between 150-200°F.
The metal body and design of wood sauna stoves focus the fire’s heat upward into the rocks. Metal grill covers allow airflow from the burning logs upward through the rocks which provides convection heating. Stoves are designed to maximize hot rock surface area which sustains heat radiation long after the fire has gone out.
Types of Wood Sauna Heaters
There are a few varieties of wood sauna stoves to choose from:
Smoke Sauna Stoves
Smoke sauna stoves allow wood smoke to fill the sauna as part of the traditional experience. The smoke is said to provide extra health benefits. A chimney flue is required along with ventilation to clear smoke between sessions. These stoves heat the room through radiation from stones along with convection from the fire and smoke.
Smokeless Sauna Stoves
These modern stoves burn the wood extremely efficiently at high temperatures so minimal smoke is produced. Instead of a chimney, the exhaust gases are vented out through sidewall grilles. Ceramic wool around the firebox contains the smoke. Only radiant heat from the hot rocks fills the sauna room.
Wood Pellet Sauna Stoves
Designed to burn wood pellets instead of logs, these stoves are efficient and convenient. A side hopper holds the pellets which are gravity fed into the firebox. The combustion can be finely controlled for consistent heating.
When selecting a wood sauna heater, look for UL or ETL safety certification and reputable brands known for quality manufacturing.
Benefits of Using a Wood Sauna Stove
Heating your sauna with a traditional wood burning stove provides these advantages:
- Provides gentle, yet intense infrared radiant heat from hot rocks
- Allows air circulation to prevent humidity buildup
- Warms sauna evenly with no cold or hot spots
- Feels more authentic than electric heaters
- Heats up and maintains temperature for hours
- Offers a cost-effective heating option when wood is accessible
- Provides soothing firelight ambience
- Allows the nostalgic smell of burning wood
For a rewarding traditional sauna experience, a wood stove is an excellent option that’s highly customizable.
Wood Sauna Stove Safety Tips
Wood sauna stoves need some caution to operate safely:
- Keep combustible materials away from the stove exterior.
- Allow for ample ventilation in the sauna during use.
- Do not touch hot exterior surfaces, only handles.
- Ensure fire is completely out before leaving sauna unattended.
- Supervise children and pets around the hot stove.
- Use a fire screen in front of open stove fronts for safety.
- Have a fire extinguisher on hand in case of emergency.
- Place stove on an incombustible surface like concrete or stone.
- Locate away from sprinklers, overhead wooden structures, and flammable walls.
Choosing the Right Size Wood Sauna Stove
The size stove required depends on the dimensions of your sauna room along with the desired temperature:
- Small 1-2 person saunas only need a 20-25 kW stove.
- Medium saunas for 4-6 people often use a 30-40 kW stove.
- Large commercial saunas may need stoves up to 60 kW.
Also factor in the insulation level of your sauna walls, ceiling height, and amount of exterior glazing when choosing stove size. A vendor can help you determine the recommended stove power capacity and features.
Ventilation Guidelines for Wood Sauna Stoves
Proper ventilation is crucial when using a wood sauna stove. Consult your local building codes for exact vent requirements, but general guidelines include:
- Having intake wall vents low at floor level to allow fresh air intake.
- Placing exhaust vents high on opposite wall to allow hot air and smoke to escape.
- Leaving vents open while stove is in use and for 1-2 hours after to clear any residual smoke or gases.
- Using an exhaust fan ducted to vents can help efficiently clear air between sessions.
- Cracking the door can aid ventilation but results in heat loss.
Without ventilation, humidity, carbon monoxide, and stale air can build up to unsafe levels.
How to Use a Wood Stove Sauna Heater
Once your wood sauna stove is properly installed, using it involves just a few steps:
1. Load kindling and logs
Use small dry kindling to establish a fast hot fire. Stack split dry logs on top and in back. Hardwoods like eucalyptus, beech, birch, oak and maple stay hot the longest.
2. Ignite the fire
AllowFirestarter blocks are useful to safely start the fire. Keep the front loading door slightly cracked for 15 minutes until the fire gets blazing.
3. Let fire strengthen
Give the fire 30 minutes to spread through the log stack by stacking more wood behind the burning logs. This preheats the stove body.
4. Close the door
Once the fire is strong, close the door fully. The fire will now draft air through the inlet vents to keep burning.
5. Heat up rocks
The fire will heat up the stones for 45-60 minutes until the sauna room reaches desired temperatures between 150-190°F based on preference.
6. Maintain the heat
Add more logs as needed to maintain the hot stones radiating heat. The rocks stay hot for hours after the fire dies out.
7. Ventilate before use
Vent the sauna well before use to remove any smoke or gases from preheating. The venting can then be closed as the sauna is used.
Repeat this process prior to each sauna session. It takes practice but using wood sauna stoves becomes intuitive over time.
Heating Stones for Wood Sauna Stoves
The rocks or ceramic stones on top of the stove should be piled to maximize surface area exposure to the fire’s heat. Using proper stones is important:
The best sauna rocks include:
- Peridotite
- Olivine
- Obsidian
- Basalt
Opt for larger rocks 3-6” in diameter. Arrange rocks loosely so air flows between them. Replace rocks annually as they can crack and crumble over time.
Never use river rocks or soft limestone. These types can explode from the high heat and moisture exposure.
Preheat rocks for 45-60 minutes to sufficiently heat the sauna. Pour some water on the rocks once heated to create a burst of dry steam.
Maintaining a Wood Sauna Stove
Like any heating system, wood sauna stoves require seasonal maintenance for optimal performance and safety:
- Remove ash buildup by scooping out ash box regularly.
- Inspect interior firebox surfaces for warping or deterioration.
- Make repairs immediately if damage is found.
- Check that hinges, latches and doors seal tightly.
- Confirm exhaust vents are clear and unobstructed.
- Review warning labels and replace if illegible.
- Have professionally cleaned and serviced annually before sauna season.
Proper care extends the lifespan of your wood sauna stove and prevents potential hazards.
Common Troubleshooting Issues with Wood Sauna Stoves
Here are some common troubleshooting tips for wood sauna stoves:
- Smoking or poor draft - Check flue or exhaust for obstructions. Open air intake vents fully. Use very dry wood.
- Low heat output - Clean ashes from box. Replace rocks annually. Use hard wood species. Keep firebox door closed.
- No heat output - Consult manual for proper fire starting procedure. Check for ember buildup preventing airflow.
- Overheating - Door seals may need replacing. Check for adequate ventilation.
- Metal warping - Have repaired immediately. Warping can lead to smoke and carbon monoxide leaks.
Consult the product manual or manufacturer if any major malfunctions occur. Most issues can be prevented with seasonal cleaning and maintenance.
Safety Best Practices for Wood Sauna Stoves
Using a residential wood sauna stove safely depends on following these essential tips:
- Ventilate the sauna for 30+ minutes after heating before use to clear any smoke or gases.
- Install a carbon monoxide detector inside the sauna room for safety.
- Keep a fire extinguisher nearby in case of accidental fires flaring up.
- Never leave a burning stove unattended or overnight.
- Have your sauna chimney cleaned annually by a professional.
- Avoid pouring excessive water on the stove rocks which can fracture them.
- Place protective metal screens around the stove exterior.
- Use caution when handling stove parts which can remain hot for hours after the fire is out.
FAQs About Wood Sauna Stoves
What is the best wood to use in a sauna stove?
Hard wood species like eucalyptus, oak, beech, and birch are best. Softwoods burn too quickly. Top choices are maple, ash, and poplar. Avoid resinous woods like pine which smoke more.
Do you need a chimney for a wood sauna stove?
Smoke sauna stoves require a chimney flue to vent smoke between sessions. Modern smokeless stoves vent sideways directly through the wall instead of upward through a chimney.
How many rocks do you need for a wood sauna stove?
Use around 200 pounds of rocks in a pile over the top of the firebox. Larger rocks 3-6 inches in diameter allow more heat absorption. Basalt or peridotite stones are best.
Should you close the sauna door when using a wood stove?
Yes, once the fire is well established after 30 minutes, close the door fully so the oxygen can draft properly through the inlet vents for combustion.
How often do you need to replace sauna rocks?
The rocks should be replaced at least once a year as they can crack and crumble over time after repeated heating cycles.
Conclusion
Wood-burning sauna stoves provide the most authentic way to achieve the deep relaxation of high-quality dry sauna therapy. With proper installation, ventilation, use, and maintenance, wood stoves are an effective heating option for small home saunas. Be sure to locate the stove safely, allow ample warm up and venting time before sauna use, and handle the hot stove surfaces cautiously. Following basic precautions will allow you to unwind and enjoy the meditative heat from your wood-fired sauna heater.
Reputable companies properly construct custom sauna steam room installations following building codes for heating, ventilation, waterproofing, lighting, and accessories.
