Did you know that building your traditional sauna can be a fun and incredibly rewarding project, enhancing your backyard while providing a private retreat for relaxation? Constructing a DIY outdoor barrel sauna brings great appeal to your backyard and provides numerous health benefits within reach with the right guidance. Among the various sauna types, it stands out for its unique construction and efficient heat distribution.

The unique shape of a barrel sauna not only captivates visually but also promises efficient heat distribution, making it both a practical and serene escape at home. These outdoor barrel saunas cater to various preferences, whether you value the authenticity of traditional designs or prefer the convenience of modern options.

Building a barrel sauna can transform your backyard into the perfect wellness sanctuary, customized to your style and needs.

What Is an Outdoor Barrel Sauna?

A barrel sauna is a distinctive type designed in a cylindrical shape, blending modern relaxation with traditional aesthetics. Traditionally constructed from premium wood, it offers an unparalleled experience with optimal heat distribution and efficiency. Whether heated by a wood stove or an electric heater, a wood-fired sauna provides a perfect blend of tradition and modern amenities, often featuring comfortable benches and a convenient entryway.

Tools and Materials You’ll Need

Before you build your DIY barrel outdoor sauna, you’ll need these tools and materials:

Tools

• Manual Screwdrivers and Power Drill. Essential for assembling and fastening components securely.
• Tape Measure. Used for accurate measurements to establish precise alignment and fitting of parts.
• Hammer. Necessary for tapping staves into place and driving nails where required.
• Level. Confirms all surfaces and components are even and properly aligned during assembly.
• Wrenches and Pliers. Useful for tightening bolts, screws, and adjusting parts to fit correctly.

Materials

• Front Wall (3pcs). Serves as the main entrance and structural support.
• Back Wall (3pcs). Provides stability and completes the enclosure.
• Staves. Wooden pieces form a cylindrical shape.
• Steel Bands. Used to secure the staves together, holding the barrel structure firmly.
• Top Staves, Spacer Staves, and Drain Staves. Essential for completing the enclosure and establishing proper water drainage.
• Interior Bench Tops. Provides seating inside for comfort during use.
• Porch Flat Flooring. Offers a stable and even surface just outside the entrance.
• Cup Holders. Adds convenience by providing a place for beverages during sauna sessions.
• Gables. Decorative end pieces that enhance the aesthetic appeal of the sauna’s exterior.
• Cradles. The base supports hold the barrel in place, making sure of stability.
• Bench Struts. Structural components that support the bench tops.

Step-by-Step Guide to Building a DIY Barrel Sauna

Step 1: Prepare the Foundation

Begin your barrel sauna installation by laying the cradles on a strong, level, and stable foundation, such as a deck or a concrete pad. Ensure that the cradles are perfectly level to prevent any future complications. Use a tape measure to measure the cradles from end to end and also from corner to corner so that they are evenly spaced and perfectly square.

Step 2: Install the Drain Stave

Place the drain stave onto the cradles, making sure the drain holes are located at the back of the sauna. The stave should slightly overhang the cradles at both ends. Use your tape measure again to check that the drain stave is centered by measuring from the end of the cradle to the edge of the stave. Verify that the drain stave is sitting flat by using a level, and then fasten it securely to the cradles. It’s important to re-measure the cradles afterward to confirm they remain properly aligned.

Step 3: Fill the Cradles with Staves

Begin filling the cradles with staves on either side of the drain stave. Make sure the cut spaces, known as “dado cuts,” are flush with one another, tapping the staves into place for a tight fit. Continue to add staves until the space is full, securing all dado cuts are aligned. Once completed, fasten the base staves to the cradles.

Step 4: Assemble the Front and Back Walls

Find a flat area to assemble the front and back walls, using the staves to create a stable base. Align the three pieces of the back wall side by side and tap them together to ensure a snug fit. Securely fasten these pieces together. Repeat this process for the front wall, noting that the side with three crossbars should face inward. Position both walls into the dado cuts, ensuring the sauna door opens outward.

Step 5: Start Building Up the Staves

Lay a top stave across the walls to prevent them from falling over. Begin building up staves on both sides of the sauna, tapping them into place for a snug fit. For added security, fasten every stave or every other stave to the barrel walls using nails. Once you reach halfway up, you can reduce the frequency of fastenings to every four staves, eventually stopping the use of nails altogether.

Step 6: Address Gaps and Shape

If a gap is present, install the double flat-ended spacer stave. If no spacer stave is required, keep them for future use, as wood may shrink over time. Expect a slight dip or peak in the barrel’s shape; this will self-correct once the steel bands are installed.

Step 7: Secure the Structure With Steel Bands

Insert the plug at the end of the stainless steel bands and unwind them. Wrap the bands around the barrel and insert the threaded bar through the plugs. Use nuts and spacers to secure the bands. Tap out any peaks in the staves and tighten the bands until the sauna forms a precise barrel shape.

Step 8: Install the Interior and Exterior Components

Install the interior bench strut at the halfway point between the barrel walls, making sure it’s level before securing it. Lay the bench tops so they rest on the wall cleats at the ends and the bench strut in the center. Fasten the bench tops to both the bench strut and wall cleats. Repeat this process for the porch benches, if applicable.

Step 9: Final Touches and Accessories

Install the heater and the heater guard rail, ensuring the heater is wired by a qualified electrician. If you need guidance on this part, a professional home sauna kit provider like Home Sauna can help you. Place the flat flooring inside your sauna and on the porch; this doesn’t require fastening to the sauna body. Position the cup holder wherever it is most convenient for you, either inside or outside the sauna. 

By following these improved and organized steps, you will successfully complete your barrel sauna installation with ease and confidence. 

Start Your DIY Barrel Sauna Project Today: Get Your Kit From Home Saunas

Constructing your own type of sauna need not be a challenging task. Armed with the right skills, tools and materials, you’ll be on your way to experiencing the relaxation and benefits of your personal barrel sauna retreat. The sense of accomplishment, coupled with the ultimate relaxation space in your backyard, will be immeasurable.

For those looking for professional guidance or advice on specific sauna types or site locations, our team at Home Saunas is here to support you. Experience the ease of creating your own sauna with our high-quality DIY barrel sauna kits and dedicated customer service for a smooth, enjoyable process. Trust in our legacy of expertise and commitment to quality as you start your great and fun project.

Did you know that spending time in a sauna could help you burn calories, in addition to its commonly known relaxing effects? A sauna session can be a beautiful mix of leisure and wellness, aiding in relieving stress and contributing to weight management. The concept of cozily ensconced in a hot, steamy sauna and experiencing those sauna burned calories might sound quite compelling and inviting.

However, it is essential to understand how exactly this process works, how many calories you actually burn, and the factors that influence this calorie burn. Join us as we explore into the specifics of calorie burning within the comforting warmth of a sauna.

How Can Sauna Burn Calories?

Sauna Sessions Increase Your Heart Rates

When you expose your body to the extreme heat of traditional saunas, it significantly raises your heart rate. This increase is similar to the changes you’d experience during moderate physical activity, which leads to energy expenditure and subsequent loss in body weight. Various studies suggest that heart rates can increase by 50-75% in a dry sauna, hence boosting the calorie-burning process.

Incorporating sauna sessions into your routine can be a valuable part of a healthy lifestyle, potentially lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease while contributing to overall wellness.

Traditional Saunas Stimulate Your Metabolic Rate

Regular usage of such saunas is known to stimulate your metabolism, which further aids in weight loss. As the elevated core temperatures make your body work to cool itself down in the sauna’s heat, it results in more energy use, hence burning more calories. A boost in your metabolic rate combined with a balanced diet and physical activity can result in long-term weight management.

Saunas Lead to Sweating and Water Weight Loss

The process of sweating also burns calories. When your body temperature rises in a sauna, the natural cooling mechanism is to sweat. While this may involve the loss of some water weight, which is quickly regained once you rehydrate, it can still slightly enhance your metabolic rate and assist in burning body fat. The energy required by an average person’s body to sweat can contribute to calorie burning, although in small amounts when compared to the toll traditional exercise methods take.

Saunas May Aid in Body Recovery and Improve Performance

Apart from burning calories, the regular use of saunas (including an infrared sauna session) can improve your physical performance by aiding muscle recovery. While this might not directly burn calories, a quickened recovery could allow for longer and more efficient workouts, which, in turn, accelerate caloric expenditure. This complements your regular fitness routines, supports heart tolerance, and enhances weight loss efforts.

Saunas and Water Weight

It’s vital to keep in mind that a substantial part of weight loss from sauna usage, including dry saunas, is water weight, which is regained as soon as you rehydrate. While on the surface, this might give the impression of significant calorie burning, any fluid loss from sweating can still slightly increase your metabolic rate.

It’s important to stay hydrated before and after a sauna session to maintain balance, avoid dehydration, and prevent unnecessary alteration in body mass. This also assists your body temperature in adapting to the extreme heat.

How Many Calories Do You Lose in a Sauna?

The number of calories you burn in a sauna may differ depending on several factors, such as your current weight, the temperature of the sauna, and the duration of your stay. On average, for a 150-pound (68 kg) person, a 30-minute session in a sauna can burn approximately 90-150 extra calories. However, it is important to note that these calories are mostly burned due to increased heart rate and metabolism, and any weight loss from sweating is due largely to water loss, which is quickly regained upon rehydration.

Despite this, one of the benefits of sauna use includes potential cardiovascular improvements, and while using a sauna for weight loss shouldn’t be the sole strategy, it can support an overall fitness and wellness routine.

Open the Calorie-Burning Power of Saunas Now

Saunas can contribute to calorie burning and offer various health benefits. While they can be a part of a balanced wellness routine, it’s essential to combine sauna sessions with regular exercise, a healthy diet, and proper hydration for optimal results. 

Remember to stay hydrated and consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating sauna sessions into your routine, especially if you have any underlying health conditions. Sauna use should be enjoyable and safe, enhancing your wellness journey alongside regular exercise and healthy habits.

Enhance your wellness journey today by contacting Home Saunas for top-quality DIY home sauna kits designed to fit your lifestyle. Reach out to us now to transform your home into a sanctuary of relaxation and health!

Did you know that incorporating sauna sessions into your post-workout routine can offer a lot of benefits for your body and mind? Saunas, whether they be traditional or modern infrared saunas, have long been associated with improved blood circulation, muscle recovery, and well-being.

A post-workout sauna can be an excellent way to enhance your workout routine. Far from being a simple luxury or a way to relax and unwind, spending time in a sauna after a workout can have profound positive effects on your health.

How Long Should You Stay in a Sauna After a Workout?

The optimal length of stay in a sauna after a workout varies from one person to another, depending on factors like health, tolerance to heat, and body weight. But in general, 15 to 20 minutes is a widely recommended duration to soak in the heat while rehydrating continuously. This timeframe allows ample time for the body to enjoy the numerous benefits of heat therapy without overexposure, which might lead to health complications such as dehydration or dizziness.

Ultimately, you should listen to your body and stop when you have had enough. It is always wise to have a cold shower or a relaxing cool-down period before having another sauna session.

What Are the Benefits of Sauna Use After Workout?

Promotes Muscle Relaxation and Recovery

After an intense workout, your muscles need relief from muscle soreness experienced as you push your body’s limits. Sitting in the type of sauna that suits you best, be it a dry sauna or traditional sauna, creates a heated environment that enhances blood circulation, which transports essential nutrients more efficiently to your overworked muscles. This process can rapidly alleviate muscular pain, reduce soreness, boost recovery, and help prep you for your subsequent workout.

Improves Cardiovascular Functioning

The heat stimulating your heart in the sauna causes your heart rate to increase, innately mirroring the effect of a light cardio workout. This improved heart rate pumps up blood circulation throughout your body, operating as a natural health booster for your heart that regulates blood pressure and dilates blood vessels.

It reduces the risk of heart disease and emphasizes the vitality of cardiovascular function. Thus, regular sauna bathing sessions added to your workout regimen can enrich the health of your cardiovascular system.

Enhances Detoxification

One of your body’s forefront methods to naturally eject toxins is through sweating; profusely sweating in a sauna due to the intensely hot temperatures accelerates this process substantially. Detoxifying common harmful substances such as lead, zinc, copper, and nicotine from your body through sweat is a major upside to using many types of saunas.

Frequent sauna users have also noticed improved skin health, where the process of sweating during the sauna experience helps cleanse the skin’s pores, leading to a healthier complexion.

Boosts Immunity

Just as regular sauna visits post-workout augment muscle recovery, they also increase the production of white blood cells in your body. These cells are the key defense line against viruses and diseases. That’s why using a sauna can contribute to enhanced immunity, making sure you stay healthier and become more resilient to illness. It’s essential, however, to consume plenty of water before and after your sauna session, as the increased temperature can lead to dehydration.

Improves Mental Well-Being

Besides physical benefits, using different types of saunas, including traditional saunas and electrically heated saunas, can provide significant psychological benefits. The warm and tranquil environment inside a sauna can feel like a tranquil escape for your mind, reducing stress and anxiety while enhancing relaxation sensations.

This helps improve mental health and general wellness. So, it’s not just your sore muscles that experience relief from regular sauna post-workout sessions, and your mind gets a refreshing break, too.

Improve Your Cardiovascular Health With Post-Workout Sauna Treatments: Get Started Now

Integrating sauna sessions into your post-workout routine can contribute to enhanced muscle recovery, improved blood circulation, and well-being. Remember, moderation is key regarding sauna usage, especially after a tough workout. Always prioritize your well-being and seek medical advice if you have any underlying health conditions before embarking on a sauna journey.

By incorporating regular post-workout sauna sessions into your routine, you can potentially open a whole new level of physical and mental rejuvenation. For comprehensive DIY sauna kits, get in touch with Home Saunas. Experience the therapeutic benefits of a home sauna under the guidance of our dedicated team, who put together easy-to-assemble sauna kits while keeping your health and wellness in mind.

Did you know that what you wear in a sauna can greatly impact your sauna session? Choosing the right clothing for your sauna experience is essential for comfort, etiquette, and maximizing the health benefits. Whether you are visiting a public sauna or enjoying a session in your own home, knowing the appropriate attire can significantly heighten the sauna experience.

It’s about more than just dressing for comfort—it’s an integral part of a complete, relaxing, and revitalizing sauna bath. Choosing the right materials, considering the open pores of your skin, and ensuring breathability are important aspects to bear in mind.

Clothing Options for Saunas

In a sauna, it’s essential to opt for breathable fabrics made from natural materials. Traditional saunas, including infrared saunas, work best with clothing choices that promote airflow and comfort. Avoid synthetic fabrics that can trap heat and moisture, opting instead for breathable materials that allow your skin to breathe.

What to Wear?

Clothing Choice

Cotton t-shirts are a perfect choice when heading to a sauna session. Loose-fitting t-shirts offer an optimal balance of comfort and breathability, allowing your skin to sweat out toxins efficiently. Moreover, cotton is a natural fabric that doesn’t trap heat or moisture, unlike synthetic materials. For those seeking an alternative to t-shirts, a cotton wrap can also provide similar benefits, ensuring the advantages of natural fibers are maintained. It’s a simple, comfortable, and practical clothing item for a sauna.

Cover-Up Options

Regarding cover-ups in the sauna, cotton towels or robes can be preferable. The absorbent nature of cotton not only helps with sweat management, but its loose weave also allows for great breathability. This assures you won’t overheat in the sauna while providing a level of modesty according to your comfort level.

Footwear Considerations

In terms of footwear, shower sandals are an essential part of your sauna attire. As saunas, especially in public venues, can be breeding grounds for germs, it’s important to protect your feet to prevent any possible infections. Extra slippage on the wet floors can also be avoided with the non-slip texture of these sandals, which promotes safer movement.

What Not to Wear?

Avoid Tight Clothes

It’s important to steer clear of wearing tight clothes, like leggings or fitted T-shirts when you are going for a sauna bath. These types of clothes restrict movement and airflow, which can make your sauna experience less comfortable. Also, such clothes might constrict your skin and inhibit the natural detoxification process that occurs when pores open and sweat is expelled.

Skip the Metal Jewelry

Wearing metal jewelry such as necklaces, bracelets, earrings, or rings during a sauna session can be quite hazardous. This is because metal tends to heat up rather quickly. This could burn your skin or cause other discomfort as the temperature rises. Plus, the extreme heat can potentially damage your precious jewelry or alter its shape or color.

Say No to Dirty or Chemically-Treated Clothes

Dirty clothes can spread bacteria and germs in the enclosed sauna environment, which could be a health hazard. Moreover, clothes cleansed with strong laundry detergents may give off toxic fumes when heated. Wearing a bathing suit may have mixed opinions depending on where you go.

If it is required, ensure it is rinsed of any pool water so the smell of chlorine does not linger. Imagine breathing in these toxins while you’re trying to cleanse your body in the sauna—completely counterproductive. It’s best to wear clean, fresh clothes that haven’t been subject to harsh chemical treatments.

Sauna Etiquette and Considerations

• Sauna Hat Etiquette. Wearing a sauna hat protects your hair from heat and regulates body temperature, preventing overheating that could cause dizziness or headache.
• Minimal Clothing Recommendation in Public Saunas. For public saunas, minimal clothing like bathrobes, towels, or bathing suits are recommended for decency and comfort, but less clothing also allows for efficient sweating and detoxification.
• Synthetic Fabrics and Metal Jewelry. Synthetic fabrics and metal jewelry are discouraged in saunas as synthetic materials limit sweat evaporation, and metal can cause skin burns.
• Detergent-Free Clothing. Clothes worn in the sauna should be free from toxic fumes that can come from laundry detergents, as these can lead to skin irritation when absorbed through open pores in the heat.

Redefine Your Sauna Experience: Get in Touch With Home Saunas Now

The right sauna attire can greatly enhance your sauna experience by contributing to your personal comfort, promoting optimal health benefits, and adhering to proper etiquette. From breathable cotton t-shirts and cover-ups to shower sandals and sauna hats, there are several attire options to consider.

Regardless of whether you’re visiting a public sauna or looking to bring the sauna experience home, remember these tips. Should you choose the latter, contact Home Sauna to explore our broad range of home sauna kits, parts, heaters, and accessories to ensure every sauna session is relaxing, rejuvenating, and revitalizing.

I recently traveled to Victoria, British Columbia, and decided to visit Havn Saunas, a popular public sauna. Their spa is built into a converted boat, which is parked permanently in Victoria harbour. They boast three sauna rooms of different types, hot tubs, a cold plunge, and all the amenities you can expect from a public bathhouse. I wanted to write about my experience and provide a review for those interested in sauna tourism.

What is Havn Saunas?

From their website, Havn Saunas is “a floating park-like environment on the edge of Victoria’s inner harbour. Lush green spaces, cold pools, hot tubs, and hand-built saunas bring us together for a vibrant self-care experience.” The description could not be more apt. You can see views of downtown Victoria from their dock, including the legislature building, the nearby seaplane port, and the Empress Hotel.

What is included with admission?

Havn boasts three public dry saunas, each with its own unique feel and amenities. Two are quiet saunas, and the third is a social sauna, where talking is encouraged. Admission is typically for a 3-hour window to ensure the place never feels crowded. Sauna bathers can enjoy inclusions like towels, bathrobes, lockers, and access to the entire facility. Not only is water provided along with fresh tea, but there is also a café available for beverages and snacks. The lounge area is a comfortable place to unwind, socialize, or enjoy a good book.

What do the experts think about the sauna itself?

The Havn Sauna experience was a true traditional sauna session with buckets available for steam. They had the Harvia Legend heater, a model boasting a deep sauna rock feature, with rock going down to the floor. The tower-style sauna heater solves the age-old saying of ‘feet above the rocks’ by providing lots of surface area to splash water off and allowing heat to radiate in all directions.

Among the various sauna types, this one provided an especially rejuvenating experience with its heat and blast of loyly, showcasing the many sauna benefits, such as stress relief and improved circulation. The only criticism I could find is that the exhaust vents were screwed shut, and one board in sauna #2 was crowning and in need of replacing.

Sauna #1

The first sauna room was large, approximately 8x12x8. The high ceilings and the 3-tier bench were a welcome feature in all sauna rooms. This room had a pail of water available and a long ladle to pour over the rocks. The top bench was extra wide and 36” deep. The bench tops were made from 1×6, which is typically not recommended as a frame is required every foot to support the weight of the bathers.

The walls were made of 1×6 pieces, with shorter planks leading to many finger joints along the 12’ length. This is acceptable in a larger commercial sauna, whereas a residential indoor sauna would have full-length cedar boards. The ends of the room were lined with vertical T&G.

Sauna #2

The second sauna room was called the “Eucalyptus room.” The main difference was that the bucket of water had eucalyptus essential oils added to it. The benches were made from full-thickness bench tops. This room was similar in design and faced the downtown core. This sauna had a unique window, incorporating the corner of three walls. The design gave a unique view of downtown Victoria for those looking to relax while enjoying sauna benefits like weight loss and the like.

The T&G pattern on all three rooms was not your usual V-joint boards. Instead, it was a flush joint board with a ¼” offset, which looked suitable for a commercial sauna. Conveniently located outside were cold showers, which I used to cool down between each sauna session.

Sauna #3

The third sauna was a social sauna that encouraged bathers to talk. This room comes with a salt shower, but no bucket is available for Loyly. The large top bench afforded beautiful views of the legislature building. The salt shower was in the same building and included a large bucket of sea salt to exfoliate your skin. After enjoying the health benefits of sauna bathing, your pores will open up, and the salt rub is great for removing the top layer of the skin. There was a pleasant rinse after this experience.

The cold water plunge was a nice addition to the sauna routine. One was kept near freezing, and the other was at ambient temperature. The hot tubs were also a nice way to relax while enjoying the ocean scenery and the Olympic mountains in the distance. I enjoyed the home-brewed tea that was available on the dock. The staff was courteous and friendly, and the facilities were very clean and presentable. You can read more and book your visit on their website, www.havnsaunas.com.

Overall, my experience at Havn Saunas was a refreshing break, and I will be visiting again next time I am in town!

Did you know that the use of saunas has been a popular practice for centuries due to its numerous potential health benefits? Saunas are primarily known for promoting relaxation, aiding in detoxification by making you sweat, and improving circulation through the application of heat therapy.

In recent years, Saunas have been integrated into many health and wellness routines due to these remarkable benefits. Whether you are a regular sauna user or a first-timer, knowing how best to use a sauna, especially when you’re sick, is essential for its optimal benefits.

Is It a Good Idea to Sauna When You Are Sick?

When you’re sick, sitting in a sauna might feel like a comforting idea because the warmth can be relaxing. However, there are a few things to consider. If you have a common cold without a fever, a short sauna session might help clear your sinuses and ease congestion.

On the other hand, if you have a fever, it’s best to avoid the sauna because the high heat can make your fever worse and put extra strain on your body. Also, if you’re feeling very weak or dehydrated, the sauna could make you feel even worse. Always listen to your body, and when in doubt, ask your doctor for advice.

What Are the Benefits of Saunas When You Are Sick?

Even though using a sauna if you have a fever is not advisable, there are still a lot of benefits that a sauna can provide to certain illnesses such as arthritis, asthma, chronic fatigue, skin problems, and more. 

These health benefits are:

Alleviates Joint Pain and Stiffness

Saunas, particularly infrared saunas, can significantly help people with arthritis. The penetrating heat relaxes muscles and eases joint pain and stiffness, much like a hot water bottle’s soothing effect. Sauna bathing can also mitigate pains from a common cold or even a sore throat.

Supports Respiratory Health

Regular sauna bathing can aid those with respiratory conditions such as asthma, bronchitis, or even the common cold. Sauna steam can clear congested airways, facilitate better breathing, and potentially protect you from adverse effects of respiratory issues.

Enhances Energy Levels

For those experiencing chronic fatigue, a dry sauna session could be a natural, non-invasive medical treatment. The heat promotes blood flow, stimulating a more efficient circulation, which in turn boosts energy levels. A sauna session could leave you feeling revitalized.

Promotes Skin Health

Regular sauna sessions can illuminate your skin health. The heat opens up pores, aiding in flushing out toxins and leaving your skin cleaner and healthier. While it’s not a miracle solution, it can certainly help manage skin conditions like acne or eczema.

Detoxification

Sweating it out in a sauna has major detoxifying benefits. The intense heat from the sauna activates sweat glands, resulting in profuse sweating, which is an effective way to flush harmful toxins from your body. This process can also support immune functions by enhancing the activity of white blood cells. However, it’s crucial to remain hydrated to avoid the risk of dehydration.

Note: Using a sauna may not be suitable for everyone, particularly those with certain medical conditions. Always consult your healthcare provider before beginning any new health regimen.

Safety Measures of Saunas When You Are Sick

• Hydrate. Drinking plenty of water before, during, and after your sauna session is essential. Saunas stimulate sweat glands, and without proper hydration, it’s easy to risk overheating, exhaustion, and dehydration, which can exacerbate your sickness rather than relieve it.
• Rest After Sauna. Saunas significantly increase your body temperature, and it is important to allow your body time to readjust after a session. Most experts recommend taking a cold shower to accelerate this process, then lying down and resting until your body reaches its normal temperature.
• Skip Public Saunas. Apart from the potential health risks to yourself, using public saunas when you’re unwell can easily spread your infection to others. It’s not just courteous to stay at home when you’re contagious, but it also confirms you’re resting up properly and not exhausting yourself when your body should be healing.

Open the Power of Saunas With the Right Guidance: Contact Us Now

While saunas can bring temporary relief for cold symptoms, they are not a cure-all for illnesses. Despite popular belief, using a sauna while sick should be done judiciously. Always listen to your body, limit your time in the hot sauna, and keep that hydration up.

At Home Saunas, we are dedicated to providing beneficial information on the benefits of sauna use, helping you enjoy your regular sauna sessions safely and efficiently. As experts in the field, we understand the importance of incorporating a sauna into your wellness routine, even during flu seasons. Yet, we also stress the importance of knowing when it’s time to step out and rest.

Call us and let our experts guide you on a healthier, happier route to wellness today.

Saunas have been cherished and utilized for their therapeutic benefits for centuries across many cultures. These beneficial effects often revolve around relaxation, rejuvenation, improving circulation, and even detoxification. The heat inside a sauna plays a significant role in these health benefits.

But what exactly should the temperature be inside a sauna? This blog post seeks to demystify this burning question, breaking down the ideal temperatures for various types of saunas and the importance of determining the correct heat levels for a fulfilling sauna experience.

What Is a Sauna?

A sauna is a small room or building designed to induce heat sessions for health benefits. Its origin can be traced back to Finland, where it’s largely part of the culture. Designed with a heating source that typically raises the temperatures between 150 to 195 degrees Fahrenheit (60-90 Celsius), saunas cause heavy sweating and an increased heart rate, which can provide benefits like detoxification, improved circulation, muscle relaxation, stress reduction, and more.

Saunas come in different types, such as traditional Finnish saunas, infrared saunas, and steam saunas, but all serve the same primary purpose: to induce heat for relaxation and health benefits.

What Is the Ideal Temperature for Various Types of Saunas?

Traditional Wet or Dry Saunas

Traditional saunas, also known as Finnish saunas or dry saunas, use heated rocks to increase the air temperature, usually between 150°F and 195°F (60-90 Celsius). This hot sauna experience helps to stimulate heavy sweating, improving blood flow and detoxifying the body. This heat also contributes to cardiovascular health. However, due to the intense heat, it’s essential to limit your sauna session to 15-20 minutes per session and hydrate before and after to prevent dehydration.

Infrared Saunas or Dry Saunas

Unlike traditional saunas, infrared saunas apply heat therapy directly to your body using infrared lamps. These lamps emit infrared waves, a precise wavelength of light that can raise the core temperature. The ideal air temperature for these types of saunas is typically between 120°F and 140°F (45-60 Celsius). This new heat source, although lower than in traditional saunas or hot saunas, is still efficient in promoting sweat and detoxification due to their deeper skin penetration.

It’s interesting to note that these compact, easy-to-install modern saunas, which use far-infrared waves to heat your body directly, typically maintain an air temperature between 120°F and 150°F (45-65 Celsius). Ideal for any personal preference, far-infrared saunas are an efficient method for heat therapy and a successful detoxification process at a lower temperature level. Moreover, the activation of your blood vessels during this process can lead to improved cardiovascular health.

Steam Saunas or Wet Saunas

Also referred to as Turkish Hammam or Russian Banya steam baths, these are considered types of wet saunas. They operate at a lower air temperature of around 110°F to 120°F (40-50 Celsius). You may wonder, “How hot should a sauna be?” While the heat in these saunas is not as intense as in traditional saunas, the primary heat comes from steam and high humidity, which can reach 100%.

These unique conditions are beneficial as they help open up airways, relieve congestion, and moisturize the skin. However, anyone with concerns about blood pressure should consult a healthcare professional before using these steam baths.

Smoke Saunas

Smoke saunas, or Savusaunas, are a type of sauna that utilizes heat from wood fires and hot rocks to create dry heat. The temperature typically ranges between 180°F to 200°F (80-95 Celsius). Once the room has reached the desired heat, the smoke is vented out, and bathers can enter. The low humidity provides a different kind of heat sensation and is often followed by a cold plunge to contrast and boost circulation.

Boost Your Sauna Experience With Home Saunas: Contact Us Now

Finding the ideal sauna temperature is a personal journey that depends on your preference, health conditions, and desired sauna experience. Whether you opt for a traditional sauna, an infrared sauna, or a steam sauna, maintaining a comfortable temperature will make sure you reap the maximum health benefits while enjoying a relaxing session. Listen to your body, stay hydrated, and always consult with your healthcare provider if you have cardiovascular diseases or other health concerns.

Ready to experience the relaxing benefits of saunas? Contact Home Saunas today and discover why our sauna sessions are perfect for unwinding and improving your well-being.

Did you know that sauna sessions have been loved for centuries for their relaxation and health benefits? Whether you prefer the dry heat of a traditional sauna or the infrared warmth of modern saunas, knowing how long to stay in a sauna is essential for a safe and enjoyable experience.

Depending on various factors, the time spent inside a sauna varies. Having this knowledge confirms you enjoy a safe spa experience that maximizes the wellness advantages these heat sessions offer.

What Is a Sauna?

A regular sauna is a room or house designed to provide heat therapy, which can help people relax and relieve stress. It typically has wooden interiors and is heated by either wood or electricity. The heat in a traditional sauna warms the air, which then warms your body, leading to perspiration.

This heat and subsequent sweating can stimulate blood circulation, relaxation, and other health benefits. The temperature in a sauna may range between 150-195 degrees Fahrenheit (60-90 Celsius), although infrared saunas usually operate at a lower temperature.

How Long Is the Recommended Duration to Stay in a Sauna?

How long to stay in a sauna often generates a lot of discussion. The length of time you spend depends largely on an individual’s comfort level and previous exposure to saunas. The consensus among experts dealing with these questions tends to suggest staying in a sauna for between 15 and 20 minutes each session.

Just like with any health and wellness activity, it’s also essential to know how to cool down properly. Gradually reducing your body temperature after a sauna session is essential to prevent lightheadedness and maintain balance. So, if you are often wondering how long to stay in a sauna, keep in mind that comfort, experience, and a proper cooling period afterward are the key factors to consider.

What Are the Factors Affecting Sauna Duration?

Hydration Status

Your body’s hydration status significantly affects how long you can stay in a sauna. Dehydration can induce heat stress, which can expedite heat exhaustion. This condition could lead to dangerous circumstances like muscle cramps and mental fog, increasing the risk of dementia if repetitive. So, it’s important to drink plenty of water before, during, and after a sauna session, especially if you’re enjoying the wet heat of a wet sauna.

Health Condition

Your total wellness and existing health conditions play a critical role in determining the appropriate sauna protocols, such as duration and frequency. For instance, if you have pre-existing health issues like heart disease, which could affect your heart rate or muscle soreness, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional.

They can guide you to start on shorter sauna sessions and gradual increases, helping you reap maximum benefits without endangering your health. Particularly, pregnant women and those experiencing chronic pain should consult their doctor and are likely to limit sauna use.

Individual Tolerance to Heat

Personal tolerance to heat greatly impacts how long one can comfortably stay in a hot sauna. Some people may find that traditional heat therapy can ease muscle tension, improve muscle recovery, and even regulate blood pressure, allowing them to stay longer. However, others might feel light-headed or uncomfortable after a short amount of time, which could be an indication of fluctuating blood pressure.

Experimenting with shorter sessions and gradually increasing the duration as you acclimate to the heat can be both a safe and efficient approach.

Age and Cold Plunge

Age is another significant factor that impacts sauna duration. Older adults and children may be more susceptible to the effects of heat. The elderly are advised to have shorter sessions, around 5-10 minutes, including a cold plunge if comfortable to prevent overheating. Children should always be supervised, and their sauna duration should be strictly controlled.

Temperature of the Sauna

The temperature of the sauna can also impact the duration of your stay. In general, the hotter the sauna, the shorter the recommended duration. Traditional saunas are set at a temperature of around 140-200 degrees Fahrenheit (60-93.3 Celcius), and you may only want to stay for around 20-30 minutes.

However, modern saunas, like infrared ones, operate at a lower temperature, between 131-140 degrees Fahrenheit (55-60 Celcius). For many, this temperature range is the sweet spot, allowing you to stay longer to achieve the desirable relaxation and post-workout recovery benefits.

Experience the Rejuvenating Power of a Sauna Session: Reach Out to Home Saunas Today

Knowing how long to stay in a sauna is essential for optimizing your sauna experience and reaping the numerous health benefits it offers. Whether you prefer the intense heat of a traditional sauna or the gentle warmth of an infrared sauna, listening to your body and following the recommended guidelines can help you make the most of your sauna sessions.

Ready to experience the rejuvenating benefits of sauna sessions? Contact Home Saunas for a tranquil retreat and discover the transformative effects on your well-being. At Home Saunas, our dedicated team prioritizes your well-being and offers a serene environment for your sauna journey.

What is the difference between Horizontal and Vertical Tongue & Groove?

These days, most traditional saunas are installed with horizontal Tongue & Groove as a standard. This method is the easiest way to install cedar boards, and provides a better moisture seal versus vertical T&G. Horizontal boards are installed with the tongue facing up, meaning that water would have to fight gravity to get behind the board. Vertical T&G can have moisture seep through the seams. There can be a cost component as well, as Vertical T&G will require all boards to be 7’ or longer. Consider the shipping cost when using material that is longer than 84” in length.

Is strapping Required behind the T&G Boards?

Strapping the walls is a popular option to create an air gap behind the T&G boards. This is recommended for outdoor saunas, on an exterior facing wall, or anywhere that moisture could be a concern. When installing horizontal T&G, the boards will be nailed into the studs. For vertical installation, there will often be nowhere to nail the board into. Horizontal strapping is required to attach the vertical boards to the wall. However, strapping can be skipped if horizontal T&G is used, and the sauna is indoors.

What about the ceiling? Which direction should it run?

Most sauna kits will include T&G panels in the short direction. There are two reasons for this. First is a visual preference for sauna bathers. When the boards run in the long direction, it could make the room appear longer. Second is a cost preference. Cedar T&G boards are at a premium, and longer boards cost more per foot. In order to keep the cost of the kit down, boards are provided in the short direction by default. It is cheaper to run the ceiling joists in the long direction. However, if your joists run the other way, you can strap the ceiling as per the above paragraph, to run the T&G in the direction you choose.

What are Sauna Brews?

Many sauna bathers like to enhance their sauna ritual by adding scented water to their sauna rocks. Often essential oils are used, which are diluted and poured over the rocks a ladle at a time. We have a new all-natural product which can be used to generate the same aromatherapy benefits in your sauna room. Our Sauna Brews are bundles of natural aromatic herbs, sewn into a cotton bag. These are boiled in water, similar to a tea bag, and then poured over the rocks using a bucket and ladle. These are also great for steaming sauna whisks to bring more life into them. The sauna brews can also be used for bathing, or pouring the infusion over your hair. Ultimately it was an enjoyable experience to hear the sizzle of the steam on the rocks, and to smell the infusion afterwards.

My experience with a wood stove in a tent

Near the town of Grand Valley, Ontario, I have a campsite with a 16’ Sibley bell tent, that is my weekend retreat. I found a Winnerwell stove that is designed for use inside a canvas tent. You can read more on the Winnerwell Woodland model here. Thanks to Peter and Grant at the Ridge Campground for helping me build a tent pad for this! The stove is useful for cooking, providing warmth, and giving a gentle ambience to fall asleep to. Having used this stove and tent combo for the past two years, I am more than pleased with the result. Does this compare to a traditional sauna? No, as the heat level is nowhere near what you would expect from a sauna. However, it does get above 60°c (140°f), and I have had great experiences using sauna brews to generate steam. There are many tent sauna options available, and these should be carefully reviewed and inspected for safety reasons. As an advocate for heat therapy of all kinds, this has been a pleasant experience for me in the chill October weather.

Product Review – Winnerwell Sauna Bundle

As an avid camper, and an enthusiast for wood stoves and heat therapy, I decided to try a new product to enhance my campground experience. Winnerwell offers a sauna stone basket and a chimney mounted sauna water dropper to complement their wood stove lineup. I use the sauna stone basket on a regular basis, as I find the stones stay warm for a long time, and help cut the cold at night when the stove goes out. The sauna water dropper was a nice addition as well. As it is chimney mounted, it will automatically warm up while the stove is in operation. The drip feature does provide everything from an occasional drop to a steady stream of water. The only downside is the water will evaporate, and will typically need refilled daily. Overall I enjoy the addition to my camping ritual. While it is not a traditional sauna, it allows me to have some heat therapy on the coldest nights.

Clear the Steam – A Sauna Blog by Robert Furlong