The Best Types of Wood to Use in Your Sauna: A Guide for Sauna Enthusiasts

When it comes to fueling your wood-burning sauna, the type of firewood you choose plays a crucial role in the quality of your experience. Hardwoods are the go-to choice for sauna enthusiasts, offering high heat output, long burn times, and minimal smoke compared to softwoods. In this post, we’ll explore the best types of wood for your sauna, focusing on options commonly found in our area in the Midwest. We’ll also include a handy BTU (British Thermal Unit) chart to help you make informed decisions.

Why Hardwoods Are Best for Saunas

Hardwoods like oak, ash, and birch are dense, which means they burn hotter and longer than softwoods. This makes them ideal for maintaining consistent, high temperatures in your sauna. Additionally, hardwoods produce less creosote (a flammable byproduct of burning wood) and minimal sparks, making them a safer and cleaner option for your sauna stove.

Top Hardwood Choices for Sauna Stoves

Here are some of the best hardwoods for your sauna: 

1. Oak
   • Why it’s great: Oak burns very hot and provides a long-lasting fire. Its high density makes it an excellent choice for extended sauna sessions.
   • Best use: Ideal for heating the sauna quickly and maintaining consistent temperatures.

2. Ash

   • Why it’s great: Ash is easy to split, burns efficiently, and produces steady heat with minimal smoke.
   • Best use: A reliable all-around choice for both quick heating and long burns.

3. Birch

   • Why it’s great: Birch burns hot and clean, with a pleasant aroma that adds to the sauna experience.
   • Best use: Great for creating a relaxing atmosphere in addition to high heat.

4. Maple

   • Why it’s great: Maple provides a high heat output and burns for a long time, making it perfect for extended sauna sessions.
   • Best use: A versatile option for consistent heat over time.

5. Hickory

   • Why it’s great: Known for its extremely high heat output, hickory burns hot and lasts longer than most hardwoods.
   • Best use: Best for maximizing heat quickly and efficiently.

Firewood BTU Chart

Below is a chart of common hardwoods and their BTU values per cord (a measure of heat output). Higher BTU values mean the wood burns hotter and provides more heat for your sauna:

For comparison, here’s a BTU chart for some of the lowest heat-producing softwoods commonly found in in our area. These are not recommended for sauna use due to their low heat output, higher smoke production, and tendency to create creosote buildup:

Why Avoid Softwoods for Saunas?

Softwoods burn too quickly, creating inconsistent heat and leaving your sauna underpowered. Additionally, they generate more smoke and creosote, which can clog your stove and chimney, requiring frequent cleaning and posing a safety risk. Stick to hardwoods like oak, ash, and birch for the best sauna experience.

Tips for Preparing Firewood for Your Sauna

• Season Your Wood: Ensure your firewood is well-seasoned (dried for at least 6-12 months). Moist wood produces more smoke and less heat.
• Store It Properly: Keep your firewood in a dry, ventilated area to maintain its quality.
• Split to Fit: Split your wood to the appropriate size for your sauna stove for efficient burning.

Woods to Avoid

Avoid using softwoods like pine, spruce, and cedar. While they may ignite quickly, they produce excessive smoke, creosote, and sparks, making them less safe and less efficient for sauna use.

Conclusion

Choosing the right type of firewood for your sauna can elevate your experience, ensuring consistent heat, a clean burn, and a relaxing atmosphere. Hardwoods like oak, ash, birch, maple, and hickory are the best choices for sauna enthusiasts. Use the BTU chart above as a guide to select the perfect wood for your sauna sessions.

Ready to take your sauna experience to the next level? Check out our portable sauna packages at Ox Sweat Sauna and bring the warmth wherever you go.