Choosing the right firewood for your sauna is crucial to having a good experience. The wood affects both the temperature, the humidity and the scent in the sauna. In this guide we go through which woods are best, what you should avoid and how to optimize your fire for maximum heat and efficiency.
The best woods for sauna
Björk
The most popular choice for sauna. Birch wood burns clean, provides high heat and emits a mild, comfortable scent. Its low resistant makes it sooty less than conifers.
Al
A good alternative to björk. Alved has a smooth and slow combustion, which provides a stable heat in the sauna. It also has low resin and smells comfortable.
Aspen
Provides a pure combustion and is one of the best choices for sauna heater because it sootates minimally. Asp, however, provides slightly lower heat than björk and al.
Oak and Book
These deciduous trees have high density and provide a lot of heat. They burn for a long time but can be more difficult to light than lighter woods. Perfect if you want a prolonged glow.
Wood to avoid in the sauna
Conifer (spruce and pine)
These tree species contain a lot of resin, which can cause strong smoke development and provide a sooty coating in the sauna. Sparks from the resin can also be a security risk.
Painted or impregnated wood
Can emit toxic gases in combustion and should absolutely be avoided.
Moist wood
Burns poorly, gives a lot of smoke and soothes down the sauna. Always use dry wood with a moisture content below 20 %.
Which wood is best in different countries?
The Nordic countries (Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark)
Here is björk The best option because it is easily accessible, burns clean and provides a lot of heat. Al and aspen are also good alternatives.
UK
Here is Oak and ash Popular choices. They burn for a long time and provide high heat, which is good for sauna.
Germany
Book and oak are the most common woods for heating and work well in the sauna. They provide long burning time and high temperature.
Southern Europe (Spain, Italy, France)
Olive and oak wood used frequently. Olive wood burns slowly and gives a unique scent, while oak provides stable and high heat.
How you fire effectively in the sauna
Use dry wood
Wood should have been stored for at least 6-12 months and have a moisture content of less than 20 % for best combustion.
Light up right
Start with small knitting needles and flammable materials such as birch knots before putting on larger firewood.
Avoid to overfill The fireplace
Too much wood can suffocate the fire at once and provide an uneven heat.
Ensure good ventilation
An even air supply helps the fire to burn effectively and reduces smoke formation.
Summary
For the best experience recommended björk, Al or Asp in the Nordic countries, oak and ash in the UK, book and oak in Germany as well as olive wood and oak in southern Europe. These types of wood provide a clean and even combustion without excessive smoke. Avoid conifers and moist wood to avoid soot and unwanted smoke development. With the right choice of wood and fire technology you get a warmer, cleaner and more enjoyable sauna.
