What’s normal, not defects.
Real wood and real steel, out in the weather year-round. Before you decide something is wrong, know what natural materials simply do. None of the below is a defect, and none of it affects how your sauna performs.
- Gaps and checking. Boards develop small gaps and hairline splits as cedar expands and contracts through the seasons. On cabin models you may see daylight through a seam or two. That’s wood being wood.
- Knots and grain variation. Every board is different, so every sauna is one of one.
- Interior darkening and water marks. Moisture moves through cedar from the outside in. Darkening and marks on the inside are normal cedar behaviour, not a leak.
- Surface rust on the stove. High heat is harder than any coating. Light surface rust can appear within the first month of use and is purely cosmetic. A quick annual touch-up keeps it sharp.
Your first 30 days.
Curing the stove (wood-fired, first two to three fires). Run moderate fires, not roaring ones. The coating cures with heat and may give off a little smoke and odour on the first few burns. That’s expected. Keep the door cracked and the vents open while it cures.
The two-week band check (all barrel models). Cedar shifts as it settles into your climate. After about two weeks, snug the steel bands: tighten the nuts until firm, snug but not crushing. Then check monthly through the first season, and every spring and fall after that.
Rocks. Rinse them before first use and stack them loosely so air moves between them. Ladle water on in small pours, not by the bucket.
Running a wood-fired sauna.
Small, hot fires beat big, smouldering ones: a cleaner burn and far less creosote.
- Burn only seasoned hardwood, split and dried six months or more. Never use treated, painted or glued wood, and never use accelerants.
- Remove ash only when it is fully cold, into a metal bucket stored away from anything that can burn.
- Inspect and clean the chimney pipe at least once a season, more with heavy use.
- Keep everything combustible clear of the stove and pipe: towels, swimsuits and stacked firewood.
Running an electric sauna.
Your sauna was built and set up for the heater selected with your order.
- The 240 V connection is completed by a licensed electrician. If you selected Burnwell’s hookup option, we arrange the electrician for install day.
- Never drape towels or clothing on or above the heater, and keep the guard in place.
- Pour water only on the rocks, never directly onto the elements.
Seasonal care calendar.
At a glance:
- Two weeks after install: first band snug-up; check the door swing.
- Monthly, first season: band check. Wood-fired: take the ash out and glance at the pipe.
- Spring and fall: snug the bands; clear leaves and debris off and around the unit. Wood-fired: clean the chimney. If desired, protect exterior cedar with CUTEK Extreme Exterior Wood Protection Oil.
- Annually: stove touch-up if you like. Wire-brush surface rust and recoat with high-temperature stove paint.
- As needed: interior clean with warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. No pressure washers or harsh chemicals inside.
Protecting the wood.
Untreated cedar naturally weathers to a handsome silver-grey and keeps performing. If you prefer to hold more of the warm cedar colour and add water repellency, we recommend CUTEK Extreme Exterior Wood Protection Oil. Follow CUTEK’s directions for cleaning, surface preparation, weather, coverage, drying and recoating. Apply it only to clean, dry exterior wood, and test a small inconspicuous area first. Exterior surfaces only: do not use exterior oil, stain, sealer or varnish inside the hot room.
Interior benches need only warm water, mild soap and a soft brush. If you want optional bench protection, use a sauna-specific product such as the Harvia Sauna Care Set and follow its directions. Never use exterior wood oil inside the sauna.
Sessions and safety.
If something ever seems genuinely wrong, get in touch before you worry about it. We’d rather look at a photo today than a problem next year. The “what’s normal” list above and ordinary wear items aren’t faults, but we’re always glad to take a look.
- A typical session is 10 to 15 minutes at 70 to 90 °C, then cool off and repeat. Hydrate before and after; no alcohol beforehand.
- Supervise children at all times. Check with your doctor first if you’re pregnant or managing a heart condition.
- Wood-fired: keep the intake and vents unblocked. The stove needs air, and so do you.
- Meeting any local permit or insurance requirements for a wood-burning appliance is the owner’s responsibility.