A sauna is a timber room lined with softwood materials, usually Western Red Cedar or Aspen, heated by an electric or wood-fired sauna heater designed for sweat bathing. It can be enjoyed at any temperature depending on the preference of the bather.

Most saunas are heated by electricity. There are also wood-fired sauna heaters. The sauna heater is installed inside the room.

The recommended temperature is between 60 - 90 degrees Celsius, but the bather can enjoy the sauna according to their preference and tolerance levels.

There will be a very slight increase in temperature in surrounding areas but no change in moisture or humidity.

Sauna rocks store heat from the sauna heater. When the bather throws water onto the hot rocks, a burst of steam will blend with the dry air in the room, giving the bather an enjoyable and relaxing atmosphere. Never use the heater without sauna stones as it may cause a fire and only use sauna stones that are recommended by the sauna heater manufacturer.

No. You can only use clean water that is suitable for household use. Do not use water that contains chlorine like that from a swimming pool or hot tub because it will cause corrosion of your heater.

As well as being smooth and comfortable on the skin they are also cool to the touch. Hardwoods absorb heat and become too hot to sit on or touch.

The temperature of a sauna room is warmer at ceiling level and cooler near the floor. Benches are installed at different heights to give the bather a choice of different bathing temperatures.

The best protection against moisture is proper ventilation and drying after using the sauna. Do not apply paint, sealants or any preservative on the wood panels as they may release toxins into the atmosphere. In addition, wood swells and shrinks as it heats and cools and tears off paint and sealants which are only on the surface of the wood. It is best to leave the internal timber in a raw state.

A tiled floor or something similar is recommended for your sauna so that it can be easily washed and kept clean. Tile, cement, or heavy duty vinyl are the most common floor finishes because they are washable. Waterproofing is recommended in most instances.

It is not usually necessary to provide a floor drain in a residential sauna however it may be more convenient for cleaning purposes and is recommended if there is a water tap within the room. Water thrown on the heated sauna heater rocks using the ladle supplied will turn to steam. You should not pour too much water onto the heater and any excess water can be mopped up. A floor drain is recommended in commercial environments.

If required you can brush the sauna floors and walls with a heavily diluted detergent and water mixture or apply disinfecting agents like alkalescent or alkaline detergent using a damp cloth or sponge. If you apply a disinfecting agent, use cold water and rinse the wood panels thoroughly. It is advisable to clean the sauna before heating it so that it dries easily. Do not under any circumstances soak the softwood sauna timbers within the room or use a gurney.

This is a personal choice, you can sauna as often as you like. Many people sauna 2 or 3 times a week to relax and detoxify the body.

As long as you feel comfortable however it is recommended that you break your sauna session into 15 minute sessions to allow the body to cool before re-entering the sauna. You must immediately leave the sauna and cool yourself off if you begin to feel uncomfortable or unwell and remain hydrated at all times.

You should not take a sauna if you are dehydrated, feel unwell, have just eaten or are intoxicated by liquor. People with heart problems or acute illnesses should consult their doctor before taking a sauna.

Yes, with adult supervision but only for a few minutes and in a moderate temperature. Small children should not stay long in the sauna, as they do not perspire as much as the adults do and remain on the lower bench.