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Frequently Asked Questions
Sauna
Sauna General
Redwood Outdoors is the destination for those seeking a high-quality sauna. The secret to our success is not only our attention to detail but also the way we do business. Here’s what sets us apart…
We are Immersed in Sauna Culture
Finnish sauna culture is thousands of years in the making. Our carefully crafted products pay homage to this time-honored tradition, offering gorgeous saunas that can be set up almost anywhere with ease.
We Pay Attention to Detail
The wood your sauna is crafted from makes all the difference in the world. We choose only high-quality softwoods and work with just a few varieties that are known to be durable, provide a pleasant experience, and look beautiful, giving you a great experience every time. Not every company does this. In fact, many cut corners by using laminates and low-grade lumber. We also use stainless steel bands and fasteners in our saunas, ensuring each one stands the test of time. Plus, our heaters are specially designed for safety and ease of use, allowing you to genuinely enjoy your sauna while soothing away sore muscles and stress.
We Know What Matters Most
As you explore images of our saunas, you’ll see lots of luxurious wood and comfortable seating as well as the absence of metal that might otherwise burn or injure. Although the stainless steel hardware is still there, we’ve taken great care to tuck it all away for your safety. Our tongue-and-groove system also locks the boards in place, yet allows them to expand and contract with temperature changes, giving a tight seal for maximum comfort and efficiency.
We Combine Form and Function
With a multitude of designs to choose from, it’s easy to find a sauna that suits your lifestyle. Each of our barrel saunas is uniquely crafted to blend seamlessly with your space, whether you’re placing it in your backyard or the backwoods.
We Care About Your Satisfaction
All our saunas are made to order and we stand by them 100%. If anything is wrong, just get in touch with us upon arrival and we’ll make it right.
A traditional Finnish sauna is a wood-lined room heated by an electric stove and sauna stones to create a dry, radiant heat. Temperatures typically range from 150–195°F, with low humidity. Water can be poured over the hot stones to produce steam and momentarily raise humidity—an essential part of the Finnish sauna experience known as löyly.
We exclusively carry traditional Finnish saunas because they deliver the most authentic and versatile experience. Unlike infrared saunas, which use light to heat the body directly, Finnish saunas allow for adjustable humidity and a deeper, more invigorating heat, making them ideal for both mental and physical rejuvenation.
Yes! You can pour water over the sauna rocks to create steam, known as löyly. For best results, ladle the water slowly and only once the sauna has reached full temperature. The water should evaporate instantly on contact with the stones. If you notice water dripping from the bottom of the heater, you're likely pouring too much or too quickly.
If you enjoy using larger amounts of water to generate more steam, consider adding a sauna fountain. These stone accessories sit among the rocks and help distribute moisture more gradually, enhancing the steam experience while protecting your heater.
Yes, and it’s a wonderful way to elevate your sauna experience.
Adding a few drops of sauna essence to your water bucket creates a lightly scented steam. Classic Finnish aromas include birch, pine, eucalyptus, and tar, known for its rich, smoky character.
At Redwood Outdoors, we offer two premium sauna essence brands:
Hehku Sauna Essences
Crafted in Finland with real honey from local beekeepers, Hehku essences are sustainably made and designed specifically for sauna use. We carry Hehku's Tar, Lavender, Apple, and Herb scents—each offering a unique, calming fragrance that complements the sauna environment beautifully.
Harvia Sauna Essences
Harvia is a leading name in Finnish sauna culture. Their essences are heat-safe and residue-free, available in traditional fragrances like birch, pine, eucalyptus, and tar—perfect for creating an authentic löyly.
Be sure to use only sauna-formulated oils or essences to protect your heater and stones from residue or damage.
Traditional Finnish saunas typically operate between 160°F and 185°F, with temperature measured at shoulder height on the upper bench (or the main bench in single-level setups). Because heat rises, it's normal for the floor to feel significantly cooler than the air near your head.
If the heat near your head becomes uncomfortable, many people choose to wear a felted wool sauna hat. This helps insulate the head and keeps it cool, allowing you to enjoy more of the heat on your body.
Traditional sauna bathing is done in rounds, alternating between heating up and cooling down. A typical round includes 10–15 minutes in the sauna, followed by a 5-minute cool down. Outdoor showers or cold plunge tubs are ideal for a faster, more effective cool down.
Most sauna sessions include 2 to 3 rounds, always ending with a final cool down. Afterward, a warm shower is recommended.
Please note that excessive heat exposure can be harmful, and individuals with health concerns should consult their physician before using a sauna.
Most saunas take 45 to 60 minutes to preheat, depending on factors like heater strength, sauna size, outdoor temperature, and your desired heat level.
Important: Reaching higher temperatures or heating in cold weather may take longer than 60 minutes. Our heaters are UL listed for safety, which means they are designed to run for a maximum of 60 minutes at a time. After 60 minutes, simply restart the preheat cycle to continue heating to your desired temperature.
One of the best features of Redwood Outdoors saunas is that general maintenance is minimal. In most cases, the only thing required is a wipe-down of the surfaces inside the sauna to remove dirt, perspiration, and other spots that arise during regular use. Check our "Care and Maintenance" section for more details.
If any part of your sauna breaks, contact us and let us know. We stock replacements of nearly all parts and can get replacements on their way to you quickly, so you can get back to enjoying the heat.
Yes! Visit our warranty page for detailed information on the warranties for our different products.
www.redwoodoutdoors.com/warranty/
Shingles are optional, however, we do highly recommend that our customers purchase shingles to use with their barrel sauna.
The shingles will help protect your sauna's wood from the elements, keeping your sauna looking its best for longer than if the roof is exposed.
Additionally, the shingles help waterproof the sauna and prevent any water leaks. The sauna's wood will shrink over time and cracks can appear in your roof. Water can leak through these cracks if the sauna does not have shingles covering the roof.
Shingles can be easily added to your order by clicking the "Add to Order" button on the product page.
The 3 most commonly used accessories are (1) water bucket + ladle, (2) sand timer, and (3) hydrometer/thermometer. You will find these 3 accessories in almost every sauna and we highly recommend that you use them in your sauna as well!
In addition to these three, a very popular accessory is our adjustable sauna recliner as this allows customers to lie across the benches when taking a sauna bath.
Outdoor showers are also a popular option as taking a shower between rounds can be very refreshing and is great for your skin.
Redwood Outdoors offers these and a variety of other sauna accessories. Check out our "Accessories" section to learn more.