My Sauna Plus Blog

How a Wood-Burning Sauna Heater Works: A Deep Dive into Its Structure & Function
How a Wood-Burning Sauna Heater Works: A Deep Dive into Its Structure & Function
For sauna purists, nothing compares to the crackle of firewood, the soft roar of the flames, and the radiant heat of a traditional wood-fired sauna. But what exactly makes a... Read more...
Inside the Finnish Sauna Tradition: What We Can Learn from the World’s Oldest Sauna Culture
Inside the Finnish Sauna Tradition: What We Can Learn from the World’s Oldest Sauna Culture
For centuries, the Finnish sauna tradition has been more than just a wellness practice—it’s been a way of life. Steeped in history, community, and ritual, saunas in Finland are sacred... Read more...
How to Build the Perfect Backyard Sauna with a Wood-Burning Heater
How to Build the Perfect Backyard Sauna with a Wood-Burning Heater
Transforming your backyard into a serene wellness retreat is easier than you might think. A backyard sauna equipped with a wood-burning heater not only adds rustic charm to your space... Read more...
Guide to Select a Steam Shower for Home
Guide to Select a Steam Shower for Home
Choosing the right steam shower for your home can greatly enhance your relaxation and wellness experience. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision: 1. Determine Your... Read more...
Does a Sauna Increase Home Value? What to Know Before You Sell
Will a sauna pay off when you sell your home? We checked appraisal rules, tax law, and remodeling data to find out. Read more...
Why Athletes and Biohackers Swear by Contrast Therapy
Why Athletes and Biohackers Swear by Contrast Therapy
Contrast therapy—alternating between heat (sauna or steam) and cold (cold plunge or ice bath)—is rapidly gaining popularity among athletes and biohackers. This powerful recovery method is used by elite athletes,... Read more...
Sauna Heater Types Explained: Electric, Wood-Burning & Commercial-Grade
Lightweight, stone-heavy, commercial-grade, and wood-burning heaters each feel different once the room is hot. Learn what separates them, and which one fits your space. Read more...
How to Plan a Cold Plunge Next to Your Sauna: Plumbing, Drainage and Placement
A cold plunge needs more than a tub and cold water. Here is how to plan the plumbing, drainage, chiller space and electrical service before construction is finalized. Read more...
What Size Sauna Do You Actually Need?
A 4 person sauna is a common size to buy when two people will use the room most days and a guest sometimes joins. The label does not promise four comfortable adults. Read the bench, then size the heater to the room. Read more...
Infrared Sauna vs. Traditional Sauna: Cost, Comfort, and Which Type Fits Your Home
Traditional and infrared saunas heat you differently and cost differently too. This guide compares both types on heat, price, and safety, so you can choose the one that fits your space and budget. Read more...
Sauna Stones: Selection, Lifespan, and When to Replace
A sauna that feels weaker lately is usually the stones, not the heater. See the warning signs, the replacement schedule by heater type, and how to pick the right stone when it is time. Read more...
Infrared Sauna Guide: Near vs. Mid vs. Far
Near, mid, far, and full spectrum are marketing terms, not guaranteed specifications. See what to check- wavelengths, emitter technology, and documentation- before you trust an infrared sauna's spectrum claims. Read more...
How to Build Sauna Walls That Last
How to Build Sauna Walls That Last Most sauna wall failures happen quietly inside the wall, long before anyone smells mold or sees damage on the surface. Wall structure matters more to how long a sauna lasts than wood species or heater choice. We don't simply sell you a sauna. We help you understand saunas and confidently choose the right one, and that includes what goes on behind the paneling, not just what you see when you walk in. A durable sauna wall has to manage heat, humidity, and moisture... Read more...
Indoor vs. Outdoor Sauna: Maintenance Differences
Indoor and outdoor saunas do not take the same kind of upkeep. Here is what each one actually adds, and how to weigh that before you decide where yours goes. Read more...
Traditional Sauna Benefits: What Regular Use Does to Your Brain and Body
Traditional sauna benefits get repeated so often in marketing that most go unchecked. Four peer-reviewed studies from the same tracked Finnish population put real numbers behind cardiovascular, stroke, hypertension, and dementia outcomes. Here is what the research actually found, and what it does not. Read more...
How to Build a Sauna Floor That Lasts
Indoor sauna floors are two jobs: a sloped, waterproof base and a walking surface that can dry. Skip the membrane, use the wrong materials, or ignore the floor drain, and the fixes get expensive fast. Read more...
Common Home Sauna Design Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)
Most home saunas fail on room design, not the heater or the wood. Fix bench height, ceiling shape, and ventilation, and the sauna you already bought will finally perform the way it should. Read more...
Sauna Bench and Backrest Design: Height, Wood, and Lighting
Bench height decides which temperature zone your body sits in, not bench style. Get the foot bench, sitting bench, wood, and backrest right, in the order that actually works. Read more...
How to Maintain a Sauna: A Finnish 5-Minute-to-Annual Care Routine
How to Maintain a Sauna: A Finnish 5-Minute-to-Annual Care Routine
Most sauna problems do not start with a bad build. They start with what happens, or does not happen, in the five minutes after someone uses it. Here is the... Read more...
Finishing a Sauna Interior Without Costly Mistakes
Sauna interior finishing mistakes are sequencing mistakes. Wire the lights, set the heater, hang level benches, and keep the vents open before the wood closes. Read more...
HUUM vs. Harvia: Choosing the Right Sauna Heater Brand for Your Space
We sell both HUUM and Harvia. Here is how the two brands actually compare on stone capacity, controls, cost, and warranty, so you can pick the right one. Read more...
Sauna Safety: What a Finnish Expert Wants You to Know
Sauna heat is safe for most healthy adults, but not everyone, and not without a few precautions. Here are the real risks, who should check with a doctor first, and the hydration protocol we recommend to every customer. Read more...
Why Your Sauna Smells (and How to Fix It)
Sour or musty wood is usually a use signal. Name the smell, dry the room, and reset the benches. Know when the odor is a heater problem instead. Read more...
Cold Plunge and Sauna Routine: Setup and Options
Heat first, short cold, rest, two or three rounds. Start on a shower if that is what you have. A dedicated plunge is for when the routine is already happening. Read more...
What Happens After You Order: Delivery and Installation Timeline
Ordering is only step one. See how carrier pickup, curbside delivery, damage inspection, and assembly actually unfold, so you know what to expect and when. Read more...
Do You Need a Permit to Install a Sauna?
Building, electrical, HOA approval, and insurance are four separate gates, not one permit. See what the model code allows, what your city can change, and what to bring to the counter. Read more...
Cedar vs. Spruce vs. Aspen: Choosing the Right Sauna Wood
Thermo spruce sauna wood is heat-treated Nordic spruce for outdoor shells. Cedar and aspen do different jobs. This guide matches each board to the climate and to the part of the room. Read more...
Essential Sauna Heater Accessories Explained
Learn which heater parts you need after the stove or electric unit: stones, guards, sheaths, chimney kits, controls, and service parts. Read more...
Sauna Electrical Requirements: 120V, 208V, and 240V Explained
Most home sauna heaters need a dedicated 240V circuit. A 120V unit only fits a very small room. 208V is a different SKU, not a dimmer setting. We match the nameplate to the panel before you order. Read more...
Sauna Heater Controls: What Smart Systems Actually Do (and What's Still Catching Up)
Smart home technology is no longer a niche purchase. Forty-five percent of United States households with internet access now own at least one smart home device, and thirty percent own three or more.1 Sauna heater controls are part of the same shift. A dial and a timer have given way to a connected system that manages heat, safety, and scheduling from a phone. Some of these features earn their place immediately. Others still need a few more years before they belong in a hot, humid room. We help you understand... Read more...
Wood-Burning vs. Electric Sauna Heater: Cost, Installation, and What Is Actually Allowed Where You Live
Electric or wood-burning is a location, habit, and local-rules choice. Compare install cost, chimney versus panel work, and what air districts actually allow before you buy. Read more...
Sauna Consultation Questions Every Buyer Should Ask
Buying a sauna is easier to plan when you answer the important questions before comparing individual models. At My Sauna Plus, we start with seven questions: where the sauna will go, what you want to spend, how many people will normally use it, which type of sauna you prefer, what form factor fits the space, how you want to heat it, and how much control and convenience you want.1 We use these questions as filters, not as a checklist to complete after choosing a model. The early answers set the... Read more...
Sauna Kit Cost: What a DIY Kit Really Costs You
A DIY sauna kit's price tag rarely tells the whole story. See where the hidden electrical, foundation, and heater costs actually come from, and what a fully costed kit adds up to. Read more...
How to Size a Sauna Heater the Right Way (Beyond Wattage)
Buying a sauna heater by wattage alone is the mistake we see most often. Here's how stone mass, room volume, and insulation actually determine the right fit. Read more...
Sauna Ventilation Explained: The Finnish Two-Vent Method
Poor ventilation is one of the most common reasons a new sauna disappoints its owner, in our experience. The wood is right and the heater is right, but the room still feels heavy, stale, or hard to sit in for more than a few minutes. Growing up in Finland, I learned the fix before I learned almost anything else about sauna design: air has to move. Finland is home to an estimated three million saunas for a population of about 5.6 million people. (This is Finland) At My Sauna Plus,... Read more...
The Ultimate Sauna Buyer's Guide
Introduction Embracing the Warmth: The Path to Wellness Through Saunas For centuries, saunas have been revered for their profound ability to heal, rejuvenate, and relax the body and mind. Originating from the Nordic regions, particularly Finland, where the practice is woven into the very fabric of society, saunas have evolved from simple smoke-filled cabins to sophisticated spaces that harness heat for health. The traditional sauna experience—characterized by its use of hot stones to generate steam—has been celebrated for its numerous benefits, including detoxification, improved circulation, stress reduction, and enhanced immune... Read more...
The Future of Sauna Heating: Are Hydrogen-Powered Sauna Heaters the Next Big Thing?
The Future of Sauna Heating: Are Hydrogen-Powered Sauna Heaters the Next Big Thing?
As the wellness industry evolves, so do the technologies that support it. From infrared panels to digital smart controls, saunas have embraced innovation. But the latest breakthrough is pushing the... Read more...
How Much Energy Does a Traditional Sauna Use?
How Much Energy Does a Traditional Sauna Use?
Introduction If you're planning to invest in a traditional sauna, one of the most common questions is:"How much energy does a sauna need?" The answer depends on two key factors:... Read more...
The Secret Behind the Barrel Sauna
The Secret Behind the Barrel Sauna
IntroductionBarrel saunas are quickly becoming the go-to outdoor sauna for wellness enthusiasts—and for good reason. Their distinctive curved design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s engineered for performance, durability, and efficiency. In... Read more...
Sauna vs. Steam Room: What’s Better for Your Health and Wellness?
Introduction When it comes to relaxation, detox, and overall wellness, both saunas and steam rooms are popular choices. But which one is better for your health — and for your lifestyle? In this guide, we’ll explore the key differences between saunas and steam rooms, compare their health benefits, and help you decide which is the right fit for your home and wellness goals. Sauna vs Steam Room: The Key Differences They differ mainly based on heat type, humidity and experience. While sauna has dry heat (160F-190F) and low humidity (5%-30%),... Read more...
Why Investing in a High-Quality Infrared Sauna Pays Off Long-Term
Why Investing in a High-Quality Infrared Sauna Pays Off Long-Term
In a world increasingly focused on health and self-care, infrared saunas have become a go-to wellness tool. But when shopping for one, it’s easy to ask, “Is it really worth... Read more...
Hydrotherapy Guide for Beginners: Transform Your Home Into a Wellness Oasis
Hydrotherapy Guide for Beginners: Transform Your Home Into a Wellness Oasis
Hydrotherapy, the therapeutic use of water, has been practiced for centuries to promote relaxation, recovery, and overall well-being. Whether you’re looking to relieve stress, soothe sore muscles, or elevate your... Read more...
Sauna Temperature Myths Debunked: Why 160°F Matters for Your Wellness Goals
Sauna Temperature Myths Debunked: Why 160°F Matters for Your Wellness Goals
Despite the growing popularity of saunas, there are many misconceptions about the optimal temperature for achieving health benefits. Let’s address some of these myths and explain why 160°F is a... Read more...
The Science of Heat and Hydrotherapy: Essential Wellness Practices for Modern Living
The Science of Heat and Hydrotherapy: Essential Wellness Practices for Modern Living
In a world filled with constant stress and fast-paced living, prioritizing health and wellness has never been more critical. Among the most effective practices gaining widespread recognition are heat therapy... Read more...
Top 5 Signs Your Sauna Heater Needs Repair or Replacement
Top 5 Signs Your Sauna Heater Needs Repair or Replacement
Your sauna heater is the heart of your sauna, creating the soothing heat that makes each session a rejuvenating experience. However, like any appliance, sauna heaters can experience wear and... Read more...
The Science Behind Sauna Temperatures: What Happens to Your Body at 160°F?
The Science Behind Sauna Temperatures: What Happens to Your Body at 160°F?
  Saunas have been celebrated for centuries for their ability to promote relaxation and improve overall well-being. But not all sauna sessions are created equal. To unlock the full range... Read more...
Top 5 Sauna Lighting Trends for 2026
Top 5 Sauna Lighting Trends for 2026
Lighting plays a vital role in shaping the sauna experience, from setting the mood to enhancing relaxation. As we step into 2025, sauna lighting is evolving with exciting innovations that... Read more...
3 Mistakes To Avoid When Using Sauna
3 Mistakes To Avoid When Using Sauna
Saunas are a fantastic way to relax, detox, and improve your overall wellness. However, making a few common mistakes can reduce their benefits or even put your health at risk.... Read more...
Cosy wood-burning sauna heater
Why a Wood-Burning Sauna Heater is the Best Choice for a Traditional Sauna Experience
When it comes to creating an authentic and immersive sauna experience, nothing compares to the timeless charm of a wood-burning sauna heater. Loved for their natural heating method, these heaters... Read more...
How to Use a Steam Shower for Maximum Wellness Benefits Without Compromising Safety?
How to Use a Steam Shower for Maximum Wellness Benefits Without Compromising Safety?
Steam showers offer an incredible way to relax and rejuvenate, providing numerous wellness benefits. However, to fully enjoy these benefits, it’s essential to practice safe steam shower use. In this... Read more...