Maximizing Your Sauna Experience

Setup & Stove Information

At the bottom of this page, you will find several resources, including a video tutorial demonstrating the tent and stove setup, along with a recommended stove arrangement to maximize space and ensure safety. The stove should always be positioned away from the tent entrance. However, you may adjust the layout as needed—you can skip the elbow pieces and direct the stove toward the back window if preferred.

Regardless of the configuration, it is essential to maintain clearance from the tent door for safety.

Using a Wood-Burning Sauna Stove

Fuel Selection

• Use seasoned wood that has dried for at least six months.
• Kiln-dried wood is recommended for its low moisture content and resistance to mold and pests.
• Use a fire starter to light your stove. Avoid using paper - especially large amounts - as it may not burn fully, allowing sparks to escape through the chimney and potentially cause small melt holes in your tent.

Fire Maintenance

• Check the fire every 15–20 minutes and add wood as necessary.
• Regularly empty the ashtray to ensure clean and efficient combustion.

Ventilation

• Keep the vent open for a hotter, more efficient fire.

Stove Seasoning Process

The stove is fully seasoned when:

• The paint has fully cured.
• Any initial fumes or odors have dissipated.
• The surface no longer emits a noticeable smell during operation.

After outdoor seasoning, complete an additional seasoning inside the tent with all doors and vents open to ensure proper airflow and odor elimination.

Safety Guidelines

Ensuring safety is a priority. Follow these guidelines for a secure and enjoyable sauna experience.

General Safety Precautions

• Exercise caution when entering and exiting the tent.
• Assist children when using the sauna.
• Wear sturdy footwear to prevent slipping on wet or uneven surfaces.
• Ensure the tent door is secured in an open position when carrying equipment inside.
• Do not carry heavy loads into the tent while the stove is in use.

Maintaining Clear Pathways

• Keep pathways inside and around the tent free from tripping hazards.

Pro Tip: Attach the two zipper pulls to the inside zippers to avoid contact with hot metal surfaces.

Optimizing Your Sauna Experience

Adding Water to Sauna Stones

• Pour water onto the stones slowly to maintain heat efficiency and prevent excessive cooling.

Smoke Management

If smoke enters the tent, check for the following:

• Damper – Open it to improve airflow (be sure valve is flush with the pipe)
• Clogged spark arrester – Clean it regularly to ensure proper ventilation.

Upcoming Enhancements

Seating & Benches

We are finalizing our fourth prototype of a portable bench designed for durability and comfort. Additional stool and chair designs are also in development.

Temporary DIY Seating Solutions:

• Two sturdy buckets with a wooden plank for a simple bench that doubles as storage.
• Tree stumps as a natural seating option.

Current Bench Specifications:

• Dimensions: 64.5” L x 18.5” W x 18–20” H (adjustable height).
• Recommended folding chair option: Winsome Wood Folding Chair.

Sauna Stones

We are actively working with Western Canadian suppliers to secure high-quality sauna stones. You will want to get an igneous stone such as basalt or granite ~ 2-3 inches in diameter.

Sustainability Commitment:

• We prioritize locally sourced materials to reduce environmental impact.
• We appreciate your patience as we finalize a regional supplier.

In the meantime:

• If you live in an area where igneous rocks are common - Consider sourcing rocks from a local landscaping supplier or collect them yourself.
• If you live locally in Alberta. Edmonton - you can call Blackstone Sauna to check if they have any in stock

Thank You for Choosing Thermaculture

We are committed to providing the best possible sauna experience. If you have any questions, require assistance, or would like to provide feedback, please feel free to reach out.

Warm regards,
The Thermaculture Team