You have your home sauna all set up! Now, it just needs some finishing touches. Choosing the right kind of stones to use is an important aspect of a proper sauna experience. You use sauna stones to create steam by pouring water over them. The stones absorb the heat and release it slowly, creating a humid and relaxing atmosphere.
While it may seem like any old stones should do, there are specific types of stones best suited for sauna use. Here are eleven tips for choosing the right kind of sauna stones for your home sauna.
Natural or Man-Made
The first thing to consider when choosing sauna stones is whether you want natural or man-made stones. Natural stones, such as granite, diabase, and olivine, are popular choices for saunas because they can withstand high temperatures and retain heat well. They also tend to last longer than man-made stones. That said, natural stones can be more expensive and may require more maintenance.
Man-made stones, such as lava rocks or ceramic tiles, are cheaper and easier to find. However, they may not hold heat as well as natural stones and can break down over time with frequent use. Sauna experts generally recommend natural stones for a more authentic sauna experience if they fit your budget. However, man-made stones can still work if your budget is a concern.
Size and Shape
The sauna stones’ size and shape will also affect the quality of your sauna experience. Larger stones tend to absorb heat better and release it slower, creating a more consistent and gentle steam. Smaller stones can heat up quickly but may cool down faster.
Round or smooth surfaced stones are ideal for even heat distribution and creating a soft steam experience. Rough or jagged edges may create hot spots in the sauna and lead to an uneven heating process.
Number of Stones
The number of stones you use in your sauna also matters. Generally, more stones mean a more intense sauna experience. However, too many stones can clutter your sauna and make it difficult to control the temperature.
Use one to two kilograms of stones per cubic meter of sauna space for optimal heating and steaming. It’s always better to start with fewer stones and add more as needed until you find the right balance for your preference.
Cleanliness
Cleanliness is another tip you should consider when choosing the right kind of sauna stones for your home sauna. Sauna stones that are dirty or have impurities can affect the steam and even create a foul odor in your sauna. Therefore, you should purchase stones from a reputable seller who sources them from clean, high-quality quarries.
You can also clean your stones before using them by boiling them in hot water for about 10 minutes. Doing so will remove any dirt or debris, but make sure to dry them completely before using them in your sauna.
Durability
Durability is another important factor to consider when choosing sauna stones. As mentioned before, natural stones tend to be more durable and long-lasting compared to man-made stones. However, choosing stones that can withstand high temperatures and frequent use is important, regardless of the type.
Make sure to check for any cracks or weaknesses in the stones before purchasing your sauna stones. Periodically inspecting them for wear and tear and replacing them as needed is also important.
Color
While not as important as other factors, such as size and durability, you may also want to consider the color of your sauna stones. Some people believe certain colors, such as black or dark grey, produce a more intense and purifying heat in the sauna. Others prefer lighter colors for a softer and calmer steam experience.
Ultimately, the color of your sauna stones is a personal preference and won’t affect their functionality. So, choose whichever color you find most aesthetically pleasing.
Denseness and Heat Capacity
Your sauna stones’ density and heat capacity will also impact the steam and overall experience in your sauna. Dense stones, such as basalt or diabase, can hold more heat and release it slowly, creating a consistent and long-lasting steam.
Less dense stones, such as olivine or soapstone, may not hold as much heat but can provide a softer and less intense steam. Again, this choice comes down to personal preference and the type of sauna experience you want.
Metal Content
Be sure to check your sauna stones’ metal content. Certain metals can react with water and create an unpleasant smell in your sauna. Avoid stones with high concentrations of iron, sulfur, or copper.
Presence of Asbestos
Make sure your sauna stones are free of asbestos. You can find this naturally occurring mineral in some types of rocks and is toxic when inhaled. While the risk of asbestos exposure from sauna stones is low, it’s always better to be safe and choose stones with an asbestos-free certification.
Dustiness
Some stones, especially man-made ones, can be very dusty. The dust can affect the air quality in your sauna and make it difficult to breathe comfortably. Make sure to clean your stones before use and choose ones less likely to produce dust.
Appearance
Lastly, consider your sauna stones’ appearance. While this factor may not affect their functionality, it’s always nice to have stones that look appealing and add to your sauna’s aesthetic. Choose stones with smooth surfaces and consistent color for a more polished and visually pleasing appearance.
Pick sauna stones that will make your sauna look and feel just right by keeping all these factors in mind when stone shopping.
Now that you know what to look for in sauna stones, you may be wondering where to find them. Well, North Shore Sauna is an option! We provide portable sauna tents and tent accessories, such as sauna stones.
We hand-pick our sauna stones to ensure the best quality and suitability for sauna use. They come from a 1.1-billion-year-old vein of Northern Minnesota bedrock, famous for its unique geological formations and rich mineral content. These stones are great for saunas, as they can handle extreme heat and add beneficial minerals to the steam. Come check out our selection of sauna stones and other sauna accessories on our website.
