Sauna Stones
About Sauna Stones
For thousands of years, the most basic design element of any saunas has been the hot rocks onto which water is thrown periodically. That is, when preparing a sauna, we heat the rocks and not the sauna. Indeed, you cannot have a good sauna without the perfect sauna stones. However, not all sauna rocks are equal though. Some absorb and release heat better than others. So, in this post, we’re going to cover everything you need to know about choosing the best stones for a sauna setup. So, sit back and read on!
How can we skip out some history when we know that the concept of sauna stones have been around for ages? The oldest evidence of sauna bathing dates back to 3500 BC, and interestingly, it was the sauna stones that provided the essential clues for the archaeologists. This ancient sauna was found in England. Well, this doesn’t mean the Brits invented it. However, it surely means that this is the oldest surviving sauna stone setup. There was something particularly intriguing about this fire pit. The ground beneath had been scorched, and there were fragments of stones heated to very high temperatures. This discovery was a turning point in the history of saunas. Stay tuned because there’s more to the story – the invention of new technology in heating sauna stones, the different types, benefits, and more.
The sauna stones – what’s important to know
Stones are basically natural batteries. They absorb heat energy from fire and then slowly release the heat. Besides, you’ll readily find different types of stones anywhere around you. This feature made them a very convenient option for keeping the earlier human huts warm and cosy. After this, it didn’t take much time for the humans to realise that pouring water into them creates an even more magical environment that’s ideal for bathing. However, fires had their disadvantages. This led to the second big innovation – the electric stove heating method. This meant saunas could be inside the buildings with easier heating. Unfortunately, they became chunkier, boxier, and more industrial. Today, we still stick to the traditional sauna stones. That said, let’s check out a few more things in detail.
The different sizes of hot stone sauna
Yes – you’ll find different sizes of sauna stones. The usual size of the rock ranges from the size of a softball to and golf ball. This means they have a diameter of about 20-30 cm. Indeed, this is the best choice. Remember, various sizes of sauna rocks hold heat differently and release steam differently when you toss water onto them. Likewise, you can also heat your sauna rocks with an electric stove. Later you can pour the water to produce steam. However, this will temporarily cool off your sauna stones. Bigger rocks hold more heat, while smaller ones react quicker to the water when turning to vapour. Therefore, a combination of different size rocks in your sauna is the best setup.
The various sauna stone types
Just like size, you’ll also find different types of rocks that are suitable for sauna stone setup. Most of these rocks form in a molten environment, and they tend to be the oldest on earth. Some most common rocks that you can use in your saunas include sedimentary, metamorphic, and granite rocks. However, each one has different properties, pros, and cons. For example, sedimentary rocks form as a result of compacted sediments. They’re surely lightweight, but they can also break easily. On the other hand, the metamorphic stone tends to be dense and heavy. The most known metamorphic rock are the marbles. But, the best choice for sauna stones is rounded aged granite rocks without cracks or crevices.
The sauna stone heater
The sauna stone heater is an essential element in any sauna setup. It is this device that heats up the sauna rocks to the desired temperature to produce the required steam. Remember, the larger the capacity of the stone heater, the richer steam pouring water on hot stones you’ll get in the sauna. Fortunately, you’ll find various kinds of stone heaters out there on the market today. For instance, you can find a metallic furnace that heats stones by the corps board. Therefore, you shouldn’t set the stones in more than two layers from the heating surface. Furthermore, you’ll find electric stoves too. In this case, they heat up the stones with electric heating elements. It ensures even heating of the stones.
The sauna stone benefits your health
The sauna stones are a great addition to your saunas. The stones maintain a certain temperature in your saunas and save energy at the same time. Splash some water onto them, and they’ll cool down a bit to produce steam. This creates humidity and an ideal environment for a perfect steam bath. Apart from giving you’re an excellent steam bath, the stone sauna bathing technique offers various other health benefits. It ensures to attract impurities from the body using heat and steam. It differs from the usual sauna bath. It brings out the effect of the wet heat instead of the usual dry method. Furthermore, they help you rejuvenate your skin, increase blood circulation and help you relax.
Tips on how to buy Sauna Stones online
Now you know that sauna rocks are an integral part of any sauna setup. This means you ought to be very careful while picking out the stones, particularly online, as you wouldn’t feel them in your hand. Things might get quite overwhelming while you’re on the hunt for the perfect sauna stones. However, you can easily get through this part if you know what you want and how to buy the stones. Here are a few tips to help you buy sauna stones online in UAE in an effortless manner.
- Understand the product – For any online purchase, the first step is to understand what you want and get to know the product itself. Sauna stones aren’t an exception. Try and know the various aspects of the rocks to pick the right ones. In fact, the more you know about the product you intend to buy, the better it is.
- Explore the types – As mentioned earlier, not all rocks are equal. Some offer you more heat and steam than others. Therefore, try and explore the different types of stones that you can buy for your saunas. Just make sure the ones you choose aren’t cracked or brittle. One of the best choice for a sauna set up are the igneous rocks. Granite rocks also are a good option.
- Check the heat retaining properties – Each stone has a different heat-retaining property. The granite rocks have a better thermal mass. This means they have greater availability to absorb heat and energy. This, in turn, offers you a better sauna experience. However, make sure you pick non-porous rocks, as porous will absorb water.
- Look at the aesthetics – The heat-retaining property of the stones is important to look at. But, you should also put some thought into the aesthetics of the sauna rocks. Remember, you want a place that’s equally pleasing to the eyes too. Make sure you consider the shape, size, and colour of the rocks you choose. Ideally, a good mix of soft coloured, different size rocks gives you the best results.
- Pick the best quality – Quality is one of the most important factors to consider while buying the sauna stones. Quality determines the heating and steam producing capacity of the rocks. Therefore, make sure you pick a stone that absorbs more heat, doesn’t have cracks, and isn’t porous. One of the best ways to make sure you have the best quality to buy them from authentic sellers and brands.
- Consider the price – Various sauna stones have different properties. This also explains why you’ll find them at different price tags. You’ll both expensive and cheap sauna stones out there on the market. Therefore, it’s best to set aside a budget for yourself. You can also find a few high-end sauna stones for sale online in UAE with festive and seasonal deals and offers.
- Read reviews online – One of the best ways to figure out the performance and quality of the sauna rocks is to check out the reviews about them online. Many serious buyers take time to pen down their experiences online. Make sure that you pick a model that has maximum positive feedback. Refrain from those that have negative comments and carefully pick the ones that have mixed reviews.
Some stones last longer, while some are shinier and better than others. Therefore, you should always weigh the pros, cons and features of each sauna rock before you make your final decision. Moreover, it’s best to keep in mind a specific budget while you’re on the run to shop for the perfect one. We hope the above tips will guide you in the right direction and help you pick the finest sauna stones among the vast lot out there on the market.
Question & Answer
What are sauna stones made of?
The sauna stones are of three major types – the sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous. The igneous rocks are also commonly called volcanic rocks. The first two categories aren’t suitable for saunas. They aren’t dense enough to hold heat, and they’re porous too. This brings us to the igneous stones. That means most sauna stones tend to be igneous rocks that retain heat energy and release much better steam when you pour water onto them.
What do sauna stones do?
Sauna rocks play a critical role in saunas. They absorb and retain the heat. In saunas, they heat up these rocks using firewood or electric stoves. And once they turn off the heat source, the rocks keep the room warm and cosy. The advantage is that you can easily maintain a certain temperature and save energy at the same time. Also, by splashing some water on the stones, you can quickly produce steam to form desired humidity for the best spa effect.
Where to buy sauna stones online in UAE?
Buyers in UAE are fortunate because you’ll find a plethora of online stores that offer you various types of sauna stones. You can buy them from popular brands like Coasts and Festnight. While you’re at it, do check out the options on Shops.ae as well. Our product search engine offers you the convenience of browsing through hundreds of high-quality sauna rocks from well-renowned brands. Better yet, you can get several sauna parts and many other bathroom fixtures from your favourite online stores.