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. Here’s a guide on how we do it:

1. Start with Quality Wood:

• Choose the Right Wood: Use dry, seasoned hardwoods like oak, birch, or maple. These burn slowly and produce a steady, even heat. Avoid softwoods like pine, which burn quickly and can create too much smoke.
• Split the Wood Properly: Ensure the wood is split to the right size; smaller pieces ignite quickly, helping to get the fire started, while larger pieces will burn longer, providing sustained heat.

2. Build a Controlled Fire:

• Start Small: Begin with a small fire to gradually warm up the sauna. Place some crumpled paper or kindling at the bottom, then stack smaller pieces of wood on top in a crisscross pattern. Light the fire and let it burn steadily.
• Add Larger Logs: Once the fire is established, add larger logs to maintain the heat. Ensure there’s good airflow to keep the fire burning efficiently.

3. Monitor the Temperature:

• Use a Thermometer: Place a sauna thermometer at the level of the top bench. Ideally, aim for a temperature between 160°F (70°C) and 195°F (90°C). Adjust based on the group’s preference.
• Gradual Heating: Allow the sauna to heat up slowly over 30-60 minutes. This gradual increase in temperature ensures the stones and air are evenly heated, providing a more comfortable environment.

4. Control Humidity with Water:

• Add Steam (Löyly): To increase humidity and make the sauna feel hotter, pour water over the heated stones. Start with small amounts of water to avoid shocking the system and ensure everyone is comfortable with the increased steam.
• Vary the Steam: If some people prefer it hotter, let them sit on the top bench where the temperature is higher. For those who prefer it milder, they can stay on the lower bench and limit their exposure to the steam.

5. Ventilation:

• Maintain Airflow: Ensure the sauna has proper ventilation. Fresh air intake near the firebox and an outlet vent near the ceiling help to circulate air, preventing it from becoming too stuffy or oxygen-deprived.
• Adjust Vent Openings: You can control the intensity of the heat by adjusting the vents. Opening the top vent allows excess heat to escape, cooling the sauna slightly.

6. Adjust for Preferences:

• Allow Personal Control: Place a ladle and bucket of water near the stones so individuals can add water to the stones themselves, increasing steam as desired.
• Encourage Breaks: Suggest that those who find it too hot step outside for a few minutes to cool down before returning. This also allows for alternating between hot and cold, which is a key part of the sauna experience.

7. Timing and Rotation:

• Session Length: Keep sauna sessions relatively short, about 10-15 minutes, with breaks in between. This allows everyone to enjoy the sauna without overheating.
• Rotate Positions: Encourage people to rotate positions in the sauna. Those who prefer cooler temperatures can start on the lower bench and move up as they acclimate, while heat lovers can begin on the top bench.

8. Communication:

• Check In with Everyone: Regularly ask how everyone is feeling. Adjust the heat, humidity, or encourage a break as needed to ensure everyone is comfortable and enjoying the experience.

9. Post-Sauna Cooling:

• Cool Down Gradually: After the sauna, suggest everyone cool down gradually with a cold shower, a dip in a lake or pool, or just some fresh air. This not only feels refreshing but also helps regulate body temperature.

10. Consistency:

• Maintain a Steady Fire: Keep an eye on the fire throughout the session. Add wood as needed to maintain a consistent temperature, avoiding sudden spikes or drops in heat.

We follow these steps to create a wood-fired sauna experience that is enjoyable for everyone, accommodating different heat and humidity preferences while ensuring safety and comfort.