What is a wood-burning sauna?
Are you looking for wood-fired sauna plans?
Maybe you want to build your own outdoor sauna, cedar barrel sauna or even a pine sauna?
Well, great news:
You’re in the right place!
DIY Wood Fired Barrel Saunas are some of the most common DIY sauna room designs out there.
Wood-burning sauna is a type of Luxury sauna, often a 6 person barrel sauna, that uses a wood-burning heater or wood sauna stove to heat up the sauna.
Sauna wood stoves not only produce heat but also produce an aroma that can be very relaxing. They are a great way to enjoy the benefits of a barrel sauna without having to go to a commercial sauna or spa.
Wood sauna heaters are usually made of stone or metal and have a chimney to vent the smoke. Unlike electric sauna heaters, wood sauna heaters take some time to heat up, but they can maintain a consistent temperature for a long period of time.
You can also add a hot water tank or boiler to your wood-burning DIY sauna to create steam. This will add even more heat and humidity to the sauna, making it even more relaxing.
In this short post we break down the health benefits of your sauna room, explain the difference in sauna heat Vs. hot tub heat
and give you the wood stove sauna diy 101 break-down: lets dive in!
How does a Wood-Burning Barrel Sauna Work?
Wood-burning saunas work by heating up a stack of stones with a wood-burning stove. The heat from the stones heats up the air in the sauna, and the steam generated by the hot stones creates a humid environment.
The temperature in a wood-burning sauna can range from 150 degrees Fahrenheit to 185 degrees Fahrenheit, and the humidity can range from 10% to 50%.
The amount of time you spend in a wood-burning sauna depends on how hot it is and how humid it is. If you have a large sauna stove, you can add more wood to increase the heat.
It’s important to make sure that the sauna stones are hot enough before you get in. You should also have a bucket of cold water handy so you can cool down if needed.
Benefits of wood-burning sauna
Here are some of the benefits of using a wood-burning sauna:
1. They are more energy-efficient than electric saunas
2. They produce less carbon dioxide
3. The wood burning produces a pleasant aroma
4. You can control the temperature and humidity
5. They take longer to heat up but stay hot for a longer period of time
6. Good for your health
7. Relaxing and enjoyable
8. Can be used all year round
9. You can build your own sauna!
The only downside of a wood-burning sauna is that it requires a lot of maintenance. You need to make sure that the sauna stove is always clean and that there is a fresh supply of wood.
Also, the wood stove requires regular cleaning to prevent creosote buildup. Creosote is a flammable substance that can cause fires, so it’s important to keep your sauna stove clean.
How to install a wood-burning sauna stove?
Most sauna stoves come with instructions so you can easily install them. If you’re not comfortable with installing the stove, then you can always hire a professional.
Here are some tips on how to install a wood-burning sauna stove:
1. Choose the right location for your sauna. It should be away from any flammable materials and in an area that is well-ventilated.
2. Install the sauna stove on a level surface. If you’re installing it on a concrete floor, you will need to use anchor bolts to secure it in place.
3. Connect the chimney to the stove and make sure it is properly vented.
4. Place the stones on the sauna stove. Make sure that they are of a size that will not block the flue.
5. Start a fire on the stove and let it burn for about an hour. This will help to cure the paint and seal any gaps in the metal.
6. Allow the fire to cool down before using the sauna.
7. Add water to the sauna as needed to create steam.
And that’s it! Now you know how to install a sauna stove.
How to buy wood-burning sauna stoves?
When purchasing a sauna stove, you need to consider the size of the sauna, the type of wood you will be using, and the features that you want.
Here are some things to keep in mind when purchasing a sauna stove:
1. The size of the sauna: You need to make sure that the sauna stove is the right size for the sauna. If it’s too small, it won’t heat up the sauna properly. If it’s too big, it will be too hot and use up too much wood.
2. The type of wood: You need to choose a type of wood that burns well and produces a lot of heat. Popular types of wood include birch, beech, and oak.
3. The features: There are many different features that you can choose from when purchasing a sauna stove. Some features include a built-in thermostat, an automatic shut-off, and a timer.
4. Price: Sauna stoves can range in price from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars. You need to decide how much you are willing to spend on a sauna stove.
When purchasing a sauna stove, it’s important to do your research and purchase one that is the right size and has the features that you want. With a little bit of effort, you can find the perfect wood-burning sauna stove for your home.
A Kuuma sauna stove would be a good choice for your sauna. Kuuma sauna stoves have all the features that you are looking for and are very reasonably priced.
How to maintain a wood-fired sauna stove?
A wood-fired sauna stove requires regular maintenance to prevent creosote buildup and fires.
Here are some tips on how to maintain a wood-fired sauna stove:
1. Clean the chimney regularly: The chimney should be cleaned at least once a year to prevent creosote buildup.
2. Inspect the stove regularly: You should inspect the stove regularly for any signs of damage.
3. Keep the stove clean: The stove should be kept clean at all times to prevent creosote buildup.
4. Use fresh wood: You should only use fresh, dry wood on the stove. Wet or green wood can create a lot of smoke and creosote buildup.
5. Don’t overheat the sauna: The sauna should not be heated to more than 150 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent fires.
By following these tips, you can keep your wood-fired sauna stove in good working condition for many years.
How to build a wood-burning sauna at home?
Building a wood-burning sauna at home is not as difficult as it may seem. With a little bit of planning and some elbow grease, you can have your very own sauna in no time.
Here are the steps on how to build a wood-burning sauna:
1. Choose the location: The first step is to choose the location for the sauna. It should be in a well-ventilated area away from any flammable materials.
2. Build the foundation: The next step is to build the foundation. It should be made of concrete or stone and should be at least two feet thick.
3. Install the framing: The framing should be made of 2×4 lumber and should be installed on the foundation.
4. Install the walls: The walls can be made of any material that is heat-resistant. Popular choices include cedar, hemlock, and aspen.
5. Install the roof: The roof should be made of a material that is fire-resistant. Popular choices include metal or asphalt shingles.
6. Install the door: The door should be made of a material that is heat-resistant and fire-resistant. Popular choices include metal or tempered glass.
7. Install the stove: We’ve already mentioned how to choose the right sauna stove and install it properly. Just read the manual and follow the instructions.
8. Install the sauna accessories: The final step is to install the sauna accessories. This includes the benches, lights, and heater.
9. Test the sauna: Once everything is installed, it’s time to test the sauna. Make sure that the stove is working properly and that the temperature is comfortable.
Both indoor and outdoor saunas can be built using these steps.
Sauna Heat Vs Hot Tub Heat
You may have your heart set on the cardiovascular and other health benefits regular sauna use can bring to your life – and we’re right there with you on team sauna.
However, regular long hot tub sessions (in excess of 20 minutes) can have many of the same benefits.
Whilst there are no studies proving the same benefits, it’s reasonable to assume that heating the body, by whatever means, will stimulate similar cardiovascular and nervous system responses.
Conclusion
Building a wood-burning sauna at home is not as difficult or time-consuming as you may think. With a little bit of planning and some elbow grease, you can have your very own sauna in no time. If you find yourself stuck or need assistance, you can always hire professionals to help you out.