A sauna is built from materials chosen to live with heat and water. The wood on the walls, the stones on the heater and the stove itself all do real work. Knowing how to choose and care for them is the difference between a sauna that lasts and one that tires early.
Here is the practical side of sauna construction and care.
Choosing the wood
The best sauna woods are soft, light and low in resin, so they stay comfortable against hot skin and smell wonderful in the heat. Spruce and pine are the classic panelling choices, valued for their lightness and scent. Alder and aspen are softer alternatives loved for their smooth, gentle feel. Avoid treated timber and heavy resinous varieties that burn, darken or smell unpleasant when heated.
Wood-fired heaters
A wood-fired heater is the traditional choice, and its fire warms a great pile of stones that store heat and produce beautiful löyly. It takes longer to bring the sauna to temperature than an electric heater and demands a little more attention — feeding wood, managing the fire, timing the heat. The reward is deep, soft heat and the living ritual of tending a real fire.
Keeping the heat
The heat is held by three things: the mass of the stones, the insulation behind the panelling, and the wood itself. Well-chosen stones (olivine diabase is a favourite) store a lot of heat and release it steadily. Good insulation keeps that heat inside the room. And solid seating and panelling add their own warmth. A sauna built this way stays hot long after the fire or element has gone quiet.
Caring for the sauna
- Rinse the benches regularly with clean water and a soft brush.
- Air the sauna out after each session so the wood can dry.
- Keep the stones clean; replace any that crack or crumble.
- Avoid harsh cleaners — warm water and a gentle soap are enough.
- Check the heater and electrics yearly, and watch for damp in any wooden corner.
- Treat the wood kindly and it will reward you with decades of warm, clean saunas.
Frequently asked questions
Which wood is best for a sauna?
Spruce, pine, alder and aspen are the classic choices — soft, light and comfortable in the heat. Alder gives a smooth feel, spruce and pine give the familiar fresh scent. Avoid resin-heavy or treated woods.
Should I choose a wood-fired or electric heater?
Wood-fired offers soft, traditional heat and a satisfying ritual but needs more attention and time. Electric is clean, quick and convenient. It is a choice of ceremony versus convenience — both make an excellent sauna.
How do I care for the sauna stones?
Keep them clean, sit them loosely so air can pass, and replace any that crack or crumble. Good stones store heat well and make löyly soft, so looking after them is looking after the whole sauna.
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