Sauna Accessories: Must-Have Items for Your Sauna

A well-equipped sauna is more than just the structure and heater. The right accessories make the difference between a functional sauna and one that creates an exceptional experience. From practical items like buckets and ladles to safety equipment, this guide covers what you need.

One critical rule governs all sauna accessories: everything that enters the sauna must withstand high temperatures and humidity without off-gassing harmful fumes. No plastics, synthetic materials, modern adhesives, or treated wood should be inside the sauna chamber.

Essential Accessories: The Basics

1. Sauna Bucket and Ladle

The bucket and ladle are the foundation of sauna use. You'll use them to pour water on the heater stones, creating steam (löyly). These are not optional — they're essential to the core sauna experience.

Material: Stainless steel, untreated wood (cedar or birch), or polished copper. Metal buckets are durable and sanitary. Wood buckets are traditional and absorb water, which keeps them from overheating.

Ladle size: A standard ladle holds 12-16 oz of water. This is roughly the right amount to pour over stones.

Bucket capacity: A 5-10 gallon bucket is typical. You'll refill it between saunas or during longer sessions as water evaporates.

2. Sauna Thermometer

A thermometer lets you monitor sauna temperature and ensure you're in the target range (typically 160-180°F for most users, up to 200°F for experienced bathers).

Material: All-metal analog thermometers (dial) or glass thermometers are best. Avoid digital thermometers with plastic housings.

Placement: Mount it at eye level on an interior wall. Do not use adhesive (glues off-gas).

3. Sauna Timer

A simple mechanical timer helps track how long you've been in the sauna. Standard sauna sessions are 10-20 minutes per round, with cooling breaks between.

4. Grab Bars or Handrails

Grab bars ensure safe entry and exit from benches, especially upper benches that are elevated. They're particularly important if you have guests of varying mobility or ages.

5. Non-Slip Floor Mats

Wet floors are slip hazards. A non-slip mat at the sauna entrance prevents accidents when people exit dripping wet.

Material Rules for All Sauna Accessories

Never bring materials into the sauna that off-gas at high temperatures. This includes:

•Plastics of any kind: PVC, polycarbonate, ABS, polyethylene. All off-gas toxic fumes when heated.

•Modern adhesives and caulks: Silicone caulks, spray foam, construction adhesives. These break down at high temperatures.

•Treated wood: Pressure-treated lumber, wood stain, polyurethane finishes. Treatments contain chemicals that off-gas in heat.

•Synthetic materials: Foam padding, rubber gaskets, synthetic fabrics. They degrade and off-gas.

Safe materials for sauna accessories:

•Natural wood (cedar, birch, aspen, cypress) — untreated and unfinished

•Stainless steel

•Glass

•Natural stone (granite, marble)

•Copper (polished or natural patina)