Hey Thermies!

We’re Here to Help You Get the Most Out of Your Sauna Experience

Setup and Stove Information

We will be posting an updated video soon! In the meantime, below is a video showcasing a previous stove model, which operates in a similar way.

We’ve also included a photo of our recommended stove setup inside the tent. This arrangement maximizes space inside the tent and keeps the stove away from the entrance for added safety. However, you can adjust the setup to suit your needs-feel free to skip the elbow pieces (perhaps directing the stove to the back window). Position the stove in any direction that works best for you. But please do not have the stove in the way of the sauna entrance.

Tip - Make sure all the screws are always tightly snug - they do loosen in transport. We like to keep the side wall screws slightly loose so we can easily open and close the walls — without using the allen key.

Here are some tips for using a wood-burning sauna stove:

  • Use seasoned wood

    It's best to use wood that's been seasoned for at least six months. Kiln-dried wood is a good option because it's free of mold, bugs, and has a low moisture content. 

  • Check the fire

    Check the fire every 15–20 minutes and feed it as needed to keep it from burning down. 

  • Pull coals forward

    As the fire burns from front to back, you can pull hot coals from the back of the firebox to the front to enhance the burn rate. 

  • Clean the firebox

    Before every use, empty the ashtray to keep the logs burning cleanly.  

  • In the winter, seasoning your stove will take significantly longer due to the cold temperatures. To ensure the best results, use smaller pieces of wood and stack them in a crisscross pattern to maximize airflow and get the fire as hot as possible. Properly seasoning the stove can take up to 4 hours with a hot fire.

  • Keep Vent open

    For a hotter fire

  • Tip

    Put the front and back rock tray pieces directly on the stove box. Lean the stone tray side walls in (to get them hot), and set the stainless steel stone tray loose on top of the rock tray.

    You’ll know the stove is fully seasoned when the paint has completely cured, any initial fumes or odors have dissipated, and the surface no longer emits a noticeable smell during operation. If you need an extra boost after seasoning, you can light it up inside the tent with the door and vents open to improve airflow and help eliminate any lingering odors.

Safety First

Your safety is a top priority. Please follow these guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable sauna experience:

  • General Safety:

    • Be mindful when entering and exiting the tent.

    • Always assist children when they are using the sauna tent.

    • Wear sturdy footwear to prevent slips, especially on slippery or uneven surfaces.

    • Ensure the door is secured in the open position when carrying anything into the tent.

    • Never carry heavy loads into the tent while the stove is hot.

  • Reloading Wood:

    • Bring wood to the tent entrance first.

    • Place the wood inside the tent before stepping in.

    • Use small bundles or multiple trips to reduce the risk of imbalance when entering the tent.

  • Pathways:

    • Keep pathways around and inside the tent clear of tripping hazards.

Pro Tip: Each tent comes with two zipper pulls, which can be attached to the inside zippers to prevent direct contact with the hot metal.

Tips for Saunaers

  • Adding Water to Rocks: Pour water onto the rocks slowly for optimal experience and to avoid water pooling and cooling down the stove.

  • Smoke in the Tent? This is often caused by:

    • A closed damper.

    • A clogged spark arrester on the chimney. If this happens, clean the arrester to restore proper airflow. Check the spark arrester often.

Extra Items We’re Working On

We’re continually improving and expanding our product line to enhance your sauna experience.

Seating and Benches

We’re finalizing our fourth prototype of a portable bench to ensure it meets our quality standards. We’re also exploring stool and chair designs.

In the meantime, here are some quick DIY seating solutions:

  • Use two sturdy buckets with a plank across them to create a simple bench that doubles as storage.

  • Tree stumps make excellent natural seating options.

Bench Specs (that we currently us):

  • Dimensions: 64.5” L x 18.5” W x 18–20” H (adjustable height).

Folding chair idea: Winsome Wood Folding Chairs.

Rocks

Currently, we’ve been locally sourcing limestone rocks, which work but aren’t ideal for saunas. We're actively working to partner with a supplier in Western Canada to provide high-quality sauna stones. You can harvest rocks yourself or pick up at a landscaping company.

We are committed to sustainability and prefer not to source rocks that are unnecessarily shipped from overseas. Thank you for your patience as we finalize a local provider!

In the meantime, here’s an option for purchasing proper igneous sauna stones: Amazon Sauna Stones.

Thank you for choosing Thermaculture and for your patience as we continue to innovate and improve our offerings. If you have any questions, need assistance, or would like to share feedback, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to support your sauna journey!

Warm regards,
The Thermaculture Team