A sauna bench can be made out of a variety of materials, including wood, stone, metal, and plastic. For a traditional sauna bench, solid wood is the preferred material of choice, as it provides the best insulation for the body and can also be very aesthetically pleasing.
Pine, cedar, and redwood are all popular choices for sauna benches. As far as finishing the wood, some people prefer to use tung oil or boiled linseed oil, while others opt for using a waterproof sealant like polyurethane.
Though metal can be an option when making a sauna bench, it’s not the most ideal material because metal has poor insulation properties and therefore is not as comfortable. However, if metal is used, it is important to choose a material like stainless steel or aluminum that won’t rust due to the high amount of humidity in the room.
Stone is also a possibility, although it can be heavy and difficult to work with. Granite or marble are good choices for sauna benches because they can hold up to high temperatures better than other materials.
Finally, plastic is another option for making a sauna bench. While it is the least attractive of all the materials, plastic can be the most affordable and easiest to work with. Many plastic sauna benches come with an attached seat, which can be more comfortable and provide more support than a standard wooden plank.
In addition, plastic is also the most moisture resistant of the materials and won’t rot or warp like wood can over time.
What are the dimensions for a sauna benches?
The dimensions for sauna benches vary depending on the size of the room, desired use, and design of the sauna. Standard sauna benches are typically 12 to 18 inches wide, with a maximum height of 6 to 8 inches.
When creating multiple benches in a row, it is common to have the height decrease in 2 inch increments. For instance, a three-bench row would have the first bench 8-inches high, the second 6-inches, and the third 4-inches.
As for length, the benches typically run from one side of the sauna to the other, although it is not uncommon to create l-shaped benches for corner placement. Although the exact dimensions are dependent on the room and desired design, the typical measurements range from 48”x12”-24” to 45”x18”-14”.
Choosing the right dimensions for your sauna benches helps ensure an ergonomic and comfortable environment for the user.
How deep should a sauna bench be?
The ideal depth for a sauna bench will depend largely on the size and layout of your sauna. Generally speaking, benches should be between 10 and 12 inches deep. It is important to not make the bench too deep, otherwise it will be uncomfortable to sit on.
Additionally, it is usually not a good idea to have benches deeper than 12 inches as this can create a pocket of heat that may be too intensive for people to use safely. When selecting the depth of your sauna bench, it is important to estimate the size of the people that will be using it and make sure that the depth of the bench will accommodate them comfortably.
What must you put on the bench when using the sauna?
It is important to take a few items with you when using a sauna. Most importantly, you should bring a towel or sarong that is large enough to cover you when sitting on the bench. It is also smart to bring a separate, smaller towel to use for wiping any sweat from your face and body.
Additionally, it may be helpful to bring a water bottle to stay hydrated during your sauna session. An easy way to stay comfortable and regulate your body temperature is to bring a wooden bucket, which you can use to obtain cold water and pour over the hot rocks in the sauna.
If you are using a wet sauna, it can be beneficial to bring a squeegee to help clear away any steam or water that accumulates on the windows or walls. Lastly, it is a good idea to bring any relaxing items that you may enjoy while in the sauna space- such as a book or music player.
What kind of wood is used for sauna benches?
Sauna benches are traditionally made of cedarwood, which is a popular wood for its durability and insulation capabilities. Cedarwood is a softwood which means that it is light in weight yet still strong and moisture-resistant, making it ideal for the sauna environment.
It also has natural oils that act as a natural fungicide and preservative, making this type of wood perfect for an environment with high humidity. Cedarwood has a unique scent, which many find therapeutic and relaxing, making it a great choice for a sauna experience.
It is also resistant to warping and other damage caused by moisture and prolonged exposure to heat. When properly treated, cedarwood can last for many years, making it a great choice for sauna bench construction.
How thick should sauna wood be?
The thickness of sauna wood can vary depending on its intended purpose and the overall look and feel desired for the sauna. Typically, the sauna wood should be between 3/4 to 1 inch thick in order to provide the best insulation and heat distribution.
Thicker wood can lead to increased insulation and heat retention, but will also take up more space. Thinner wood can be used for less heat retention, but will not provide sufficient insulation. It is important to consider budget, desired heat levels and the desired ceiling height of the sauna before selecting the appropriate thickness of sauna wood.
Do saunas need to be wood?
No, saunas do not have to be made out of wood. While traditional Finnish saunas have been made out of wood since they originated centuries ago, modern saunas are just as often made out of other materials such as stainless steel, ceramic tile, or even plastic.
In fact, some electric or infrared saunas don’t even require any materials, with the heating element simply sandwiched between an outer wall and the inner room.
Regardless of what material is used, the sauna still serves the same purpose of providing a dry, relaxing heat for a detoxifying and enjoyable experience. Many people even prefer the results of electric, infrared, or steam saunas over traditional wood, as it can often provide a more powerful and even heat source.
Additionally, materials other than wood can be easier to clean and maintain.
Can you use plywood for sauna?
Yes, you can definitely use plywood for building a sauna. Plywood can provide the necessary strength and durability required to construct a sauna. Because it is cost-effective, long-lasting and relatively light in weight, it is often used in construction and is suitable for a sauna’s walls, floors and ceilings.
When choosing plywood for a sauna, it is important to ensure that the grade is suited for humidity and heat. Exterior grade is the most resilient, but higher quality grades such as marine-grade can also be used.
It is important to properly seal the plywood, as it can absorb moisture otherwise. Plywood can be further protected with tile, plastic or other materials.
Why are clothes not allowed in sauna?
Clothes are not typically allowed in saunas for a few key reasons. Primarily, clothing can trap heat and limit the body’s ability to sweat and detoxify. Sweat helps to reduce impurities in the body and saunas are typically used as a type of cleansing process both for relaxing and for health reasons.
By wearing clothing, the body does not receive the same amount of heat exposure and does not achieve the same results from the sauna experience. Additionally, many sauna’s are communal, meaning that multiple people may be using the same facility.
In order to keep the sauna a clean and sanitary environment, clothes and other outside items should not be brought inside. Finally, being nude while in the sauna has been said to increase emotional and mental relaxation, helping to improve your overall wellbeing.
As you relax and detoxify in a sauna session, being unencumbered by clothing can greatly assist in the relaxation process.
Is it cheaper to build your own sauna?
It depends on the size and design of your sauna. Generally speaking, it can be less expensive to build your own sauna if you already have the supplies and tools needed, or can obtain them at a discounted cost.
However, the costs of materials can add up quickly, so it’s important to do your research and cost compare in order to determine if your costs will be lower than purchasing a prefabricated sauna. Additionally, you may need to employ the services of a professional carpenter in order to ensure that your sauna is both safe and well-constructed.
Taking all of these costs into consideration before you make your decision can help you determine if it is indeed cheaper to build your own sauna.
How big of a space do you need for a sauna?
The size of the space required for a sauna will depend on the type you choose and the design you opt for. Generally, you will need at least 8 x 8 feet (2. 4 x 2. 4 m) of space for a traditional wooden sauna.
However, if you choose a prefabricated, modular sauna, you may need a minimum of 6 x 10 feet (1. 8 x 3 m). It’s also important to consider the placement of your sauna within the space. You should have at least 3 feet (90 cm) of clear space around the outside of your sauna so that heat, steam, and humidity can vent.
You may also need to leave plenty of space for your chosen sauna accessories, such as a ladder, shelves, and a sauna heater. If you want a larger sauna, plan for 15 x 15 feet (4. 5 x 4. 5 m) or more.
You should also factor in a shower or changing room to get the most out of your sauna experience. Having a spacious and well-ventilated room is key to the perfect sauna.
What size should a sauna door be?
When selecting a door for a sauna, it is important to choose one that is the right size for your space and needs. Generally, the height should start at 6 feet and go up from there, depending on the size of your sauna.
The width should be slightly broader than the entrance of the sauna itself, to ensure that users can comfortably and safely enter and exit the sauna. Ideally, a sauna door should be wide enough so that two people can comfortably pass through at the same time.
It is also important to allow for enough space around the door in order to position benches and towels, as well as to provide comfortable access to and from the sauna. Security and safety is also important too, so many sauna doors come with safety features, such as locking mechanisms, to ensure that users are securely contained inside the sauna room.
Finally, when selecting a sauna door always take into consideration the material your door is made from. Typically metal and even wood doors are the two most popular choices as both are durable, long-lasting materials perfect for withstanding harsh, hot temperatures.
How wide is a 2 person infrared sauna?
A two person infrared sauna typically has interior dimensions of around 48″ wide by 48″ deep, and may stand as tall as 77″ high. For two people to be comfortable, a width of around 48″ is necessary, although most three person saunas have 72″ of width.
The depth and height of the sauna will vary between models, so it’s important to verify the size of the sauna you’re considering before purchasing. Additionally, some saunas are designed to be placed in the corner of a room to increase space efficiency.
How big should a 4 person sauna be?
The size of a 4 person sauna depends largely on the type of sauna you’re looking for. As a general rule of thumb, the minimum size of a 4 person sauna should be around 11-12 square feet, while the maximum should be up to 14 square feet.
If the sauna will have a bench, the minimum size should be increased to around 18 square feet. The size can also be determined by the type of heater used, since a larger heater will require a larger space to be efficent.
Additionally, the size of the sauna depends on the interior layout you desire, such as whether it will include a changing room or other seating area. Ultimately, it’s best to consider the size of the space you have available and what type of sauna best fits your needs when determining the exact size requirement for your 4 person sauna.
Where is the hottest seat in a sauna?
The hottest seat in a sauna is typically the one located closest to the heater. Since the warmth in a sauna is generated by the heater, the seat closest to it will typically be the warmest. In some saunas, there may be a separate area or seat specifically designed to be the hottest in the room.
This area will be located close to the heater and may have an additional heat source, such as rocks or bricks that have been heated. If you are looking for the hottest seat in the sauna, make sure to search the area for any additional heat sources, as well as to look for the seat nearest the heater.