Silva owner guide · New Zealand
Wood-Fired Sauna Tent Setup & Care
Plan your outdoor setup, prepare for the first use and care for your wood-fired sauna tent between sessions. This overview covers the Silva Core, Premium and Ultra range.
Choose the space before unpacking.
Use the wood-fired sauna outdoors only, in a well-ventilated location on a flat, level surface. Clear brush, loose debris and overhanging branches. Allow space around the tent for anchoring, access and the stove installation; the tent footprint alone is not the full setup area.
Before lighting, check the local fire season, weather conditions and any permit requirements with Fire and Emergency New Zealand. Also check relevant council and landowner requirements. Do not assume that a portable stove is exempt from restrictions.
Check fire conditions in New ZealandThe first setup, in six stages.
Check the equipment
Unpack and check the tent, stove, chimney sections, chimney cap, roof cover, anchoring equipment, glove, rock holder and sauna stones against your order and manual. Seating and optional accessories depend on your chosen package.
Season the stove first
The manual requires a first burn outside the tent before normal use. Follow its seasoning instructions in a suitable, well-ventilated outdoor location. Let the fire burn out and the stove cool completely before moving it into the tent.
Open and secure the tent
Open the four tent walls, then raise the roof from inside as shown in the manual. Secure the tent using the supplied stakes and ropes and the skirt anchoring method. Fit the chimney-hole cover and roof cover as instructed.
Fit the cooled stove
Follow the full manual for the stove position, chimney connection and roof opening. Confirm the installation with Silva if anything is unclear. Keep combustible items away from the stove and chimney; do not improvise modifications.
Arrange seating and stones
Position the cedar seating on the side furthest from the stove. Assemble the rock holder as instructed and wash the sauna stones before placing them in the holder. Check that the seating and equipment are stable before use.
Check airflow before lighting
Keep the tent’s floor intake vent and the stove’s air vent open during use. Use the fuel specified in the manual; dry hardwood is one approved option. Do not use treated timber, softwood or coal. Follow the manual’s lighting sequence.
Make the checks part of the routine.
- Check that the site is clear, the tent is anchored and the weather is suitable.
- Check the chimney connections and keep the flue clear. Keep the fresh-air intake and stove air vent open.
- Attend the stove while it is in use. Keep its door closed except when adding wood, and use the supplied glove when operating it.
- Follow the manual’s session limit of 15 minutes maximum; it is a limit, not a target. Read its user warnings before use and stop if you feel unwell.
- If adding water to the sauna stones, pour slowly to avoid hot splashes. Never sleep in the sauna or use it under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Let the fire burn out naturally. Do not move or pack the stove, chimney, rock holder or stones until fully cooled.
Cool, clean and store with care.
After everything has fully cooled, remove ash and place it in a metal container with a tight-fitting lid. Clean the chimney regularly to remove creosote. Follow the manual’s cleaning guidance and contact Silva for repairs or replacement parts rather than modifying the equipment.
Dry the tent and equipment before packing and keep them in dry storage. Put the window covers back on when the tent is not in use, and keep the roof cover fitted while it is set up. Pack the tent away indoors before heavy storms or high winds; a roof cover does not make it suitable for every weather condition.
Common questions
Do I need to season the stove for every session?
The seasoning procedure is required before the stove’s first normal use. Regular sessions still need the site, airflow, chimney and equipment checks in the manual.
Can I pack the sauna straight after using it?
No. Let the fire burn out naturally and wait until the stove, chimney and stones have fully cooled. Dry the tent and equipment before packing.
Does the accessories kit change the setup procedure?
No. Optional accessories do not replace the stove, tent or ventilation instructions. Check the model’s inclusion list when choosing seating and add-ons.
What should I do if smoke builds up inside?
Leave the tent and stop using it. Do not continue a session in a smoky tent or handle hot chimney parts. Contact Silva for help checking the installation before using it again.
Need help with your setup?
Send us your model name and photos of the space or equipment you want to check. Resolve any installation uncertainty before lighting the stove.