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What are Sauna Stones?
Sauna stones (also referred to as sauna rocks) are a key part of the sauna bathing experience. They help regulate the temperature and humidity in your sauna. Before heading out to buy new sauna rocks, you’ll want to know their key properties and what to look out for – we’ve got you covered.
Why Different Sauna Rocks Are Used？
By placing your chosen stones onto a sauna stove, you create a large radiator effect in the room. Users commonly keep a bucket of water nearby to occasionally splash some water onto the stones. This increases the temperature of the room as well as the humidity.
The stones used can drastically impact the experience for the user as they each have their own unique properties. For example, softer stones like sandstone can emit a pleasant aroma when heated, while harder stones like granite can take longer to heat up but retain heat longer. In addition, some stones may even release minerals into the air during heating, which could be beneficial for health purposes.
Choosing Sauna Stones; What to Look Out For
The type of rock you choose for your sauna will depend on what you want to get out of it. And no, you won’t find sauna stones in your local field or driveway; they’re sourced for their unique properties and often processed before being sold on for use in your sauna.
Traditional sauna stones are made from igneous rocks, which are formed when magma cools and hardens. That’s because these types of rocks are known for their ability to retain heat and withstand rapid temperature changes without cracking or discolouration. These include basalt and granite. Newer, more expensive, or scarce stones include olivine and quartz.
Choosing the right stones for your sauna is a matter of personal preference, always try and make sure they’re smooth and nonporous. This will help prevent them from cracking or exploding as they heat up. Sauna stones also contain a high metal content which means they heat up quickly and are more resistant to cracking.
Using & Maintaining Sauna Stones
Once you’ve got your stones, using them right makes a big difference. First, give new stones a quick rinse with warm water to get rid of any dust or loose bits – if you skip this, the first time you heat them, you might get a cloud of dust instead of nice, warm steam. Then, stack them in the sauna stove’s basket so there’s space between each one. Don’t pack them too tight! Air needs to flow through to heat the stones evenly – if they’re squished together, some might stay cold while others get too hot.
When you’re using the sauna, go easy on the water. A few splashes at a time is enough – dumping a whole bucket will make the humidity skyrocket (and might even cool the stones down fast). Also, never pour cold water directly on super - hot stones – the sudden temperature change can make them crack.
Maintaining your stones keeps them safe and long - lasting. Every few weeks, take a look at them: if you see stones with big cracks, chips, or that are starting to crumble, toss ’em. Those damaged stones can break apart when heated, and small pieces might fall into the stove or onto the floor. Also, if stones sink down in the basket over time, rearrange them – the ones at the bottom are closest to the heating element, so they wear out faster. Moving them around helps all the stones last longer.
If you use your sauna regularly (like a few times a week), clean the stones once a month. Grab a soft brush (no metal brushes – they’ll scratch the stones) and gently wipe off any buildup. You can also mix a tiny bit of tea tree oil with warm water and dab it on the stones – the antibacterial properties keep them fresh, and it adds a nice, subtle scent. Just don’t use harsh cleaners or soap – those can leave a residue that burns off into bad smells when the stones are heated.
How often should you replace them? It depends on use. For home saunas used 2 - 3 times a week, stones usually last 1 - 2 years. If you have a commercial sauna (or use yours every day), you might need to replace them every 6 - 12 months. When most of the stones have cracks or start to lose their shape, it’s time for a new set – don’t wait until they start breaking apart mid - use.
Picking and caring for sauna stones might seem small, but it’s what makes a good sauna session great. The right stones give you steady heat, nice steam, and no surprises – and with a little care, they’ll keep your sauna feeling cozy for years.
