best wood for sauna benches

Cedar is also colorful in appearance with various hues, which can be a plus for the aesthetics of your sauna. Great website and eBook. Although I am lacking in experience, 140 F seems like a ridiculous under-performance to me as well. There are a few different ways to build sauna benches, and heres a play by play on my favorite. Western Red Cedar Benches for Cedar Saunas Red cedar is the true classic for a traditional steam sauna. Softwoods come from conifer (evergreen) trees. When discovered, its like landing a nice coho, or sipping a freshly brewed mosaic, or taking home a bag of favorite roasted blend. Prevent wicking by screwing down spacers under your bench legs. I do close the vent while heating up. Thanksfor any help you can give on these questions! Construct your bench, using 2 x 4 cross braces aligned with wall studs. Thanks Maria. Especially from those websites that are optimized to only move widgets, as well as those websites that falsely call infrared light bulb closets a sauna.. Ive used your recommendations for the 24in benches in the back and the lower one will be able to slide back against the wall. 4 x 1/2 (or 3/4). Do you have any suggestions for the layout? Many thanks Toby, Mebbe we work on a stand alone article out of the box thinking with boxed in benches vs. open benches. Canadian hemlock also produces a delicate, relaxing aroma. Hi, Ill rip some trim stock to make 1x1s or 1x2s for trim stock. I put in 3 4x10 vents in the recommended locations. Consider these ones made from teak wood. name: A-Zname: Z-Aprice: low - highprice: high - lowproduct code 18" Commercial 2"x2" Sauna Bench For your lower benches, make a couple sets of legs 12 1/2 tall. Maybe this is blasphemous, but I am really interested in getting a sauna with benches that can fold up and out of the way to allow for stretching and light exercises (at least two of these types of saunas are advertised as hot yoga saunas). Position each corbel on its two studs. 1x stock gets hot. I think thats because we think of sauna as a tradition, and want to do things same way as it was done before But your arguments are valid and I would rethink my future bench layout once again. Insert bolt end of 3/8 hanger bolt into sleeve. Super sturdy. Custom widths and length are avaiable as well as induvidual bench boards. Love the look of your benches, can you give us a bit more detail on how you built them without any screws or nails showing. It has been refined over many builds, and im at the point where I dont build sauna benches any different. Click here. I only have one bench (due to size of room)- it is 27 from the ground. My lower bench will be 7 1/2 ft long. I just build a new sauna/benches and want to start it out right! Thermory Sauna wall panel KYTE Thermo-aspen Thermory Sauna wall panel STF Aspen Western red cedar (Thuja plicata) The western red cedar, an evergreen coniferous tree in the cypress family that is also known as Pacific red cedar, is perfect for sauna benches and interiors because it doesn't secrete resin or overheat, and it is also water repellent. Like I said it may be a little undersized but since you are indoors it should still go much hotter than 140. Wanting to know your opinion on the need to put a heated floor in a basement sauna. We find this to be enough up to 74 (the span for an 8 wide structure). Hi John: Happy to help. Will also need a heater guard and I guess vents though since we are converting an old shower (its stripped down to the studs now) I am not sure yet how we will vent out (I mean where). that three-latt piece may also be a backrest, with the nine-latt piece as a top bench and the six-latt piece as a lower bench but functioning more like a foot rest. Thats my suggestion. Heres a guide to the ten most popular woods we provide for use in the sauna. Made of Canadian Hemlock, the sauna uses 6 infrared carbon . Ive sat on and built sauna benches from 2 wide to 6 wide. Hey, does anyone know if treating the benches with Paraffin oil is worth it? Your book has been very helpful as we plan thingsthanks! The C job could work, duck board over the cement floor. Screws: Ive had no problem with standard deck screws. Poplar, basswood, eucalyptus are examples of hardwood. Paty's Wooden Shower Bench (Options: 2 1/2 ft, Redwood, 17" H, 14 1/4" W, No Engraving, Transparent Premium Sealant). Canadian Hemlock Wood Swedish Traditional 60" 2/3 Person Indoor Single Bench Sauna Spa with 6KW Wet/Dry Heater, Digital Panel, Rocks, and Water Bucket No reviews $4,69500 FREE delivery Mar 22 - 28 Only 3 left in stock - order soon. Could be great stuff. Cedar has a rich aroma and is most often associated with a sauna. Glenn, Any thoughts on closing in the area underneath the bench to reduce the amount of airspace in the sauna that you need to heat? Lets say 150 LF of 1-by for trim and skirt..And 72 LF of 2-by for bench tops and support/wall rail; rounded for comfort. I cant find any clear western red cedar T&G, 2-bys or anything, locally. I prefer an insulated changing area as our feet get cold first. Being able to ride out our cool downs with warm feet and cooling body (mass) is about as nirvana as it gets. Thank you so much! Finally, I tell you the best type of wood to use in your sauna walls, floor and benches. As you know, basswood is much less hearty when it comes to moisture and long life. Cedar is durable enough to withstand most harsh outdoor conditions. This sleek design makes it easier to clean the sauna and allows the lower bench to slide in and out, tucking under for more standing room or pulling out for more sitting space. We also use thermal-modification of timber to enhance its durability, moisture resistance, and stability. American ash is a perennial deciduous tree in the olive family that grows in North America. SteamSaunaBath offers Thermo-Aspen from Thermory, a world leader and sauna wood specialist. Id love your feedback and advice! My target heater (Harvia 4.5kw) has a max 210 cubic foot capacity, My math with my sauna design: 210 cubic feet with normal construction 144 cubic feet with additional framing under bench. It makes an ideal material for sauna benches because it doesnt secrete resin, create splinters, or get too hot. The result is strong support for the upper bench, with minimal sacrificing of brace support between benches. My wife and I purchased a copy of your book on how to build a sauna. Your middle/lower bench can be fully extended during sauna action, when the building inspector and UL certification compliance officer are having lunch together. The wood of Tsuga canadensis, also known as Canadian hemlock or eastern hemlock, is soft, with a coarse grain and a light buff color making it well suited to exterior walls. LUCHEN Sauna Backrest,S-Shape Canadian Natural Wood Hemlock Sauna Chair with Back, Non-Toxic Sauna Accessories Bench 2-Pack 4.3 out of 5 stars 19 2 offers from $109.99 (and its still not definitive). Next Id make sure all 3 heating elements are turning on (glowing when energized), maybe one was damaged or burned out. Please search sauna bench on saunatimes for more on this (air flow, density, etc.). Since Ill step in the center to get in my anticipated place, it seems like either bracing or a support leg would be in order. Generally speaking: Im not a fan of L benches in the sauna. My hot room is 6 5 x 8 5. If all that is fine and you are still only getting 140 I would have to think its something with the heater. I can envision the lower bench which slides on a track back (and perhaps even lifts off the track entirely and can be stored against the back wall, if the track leaves a gap along the back wall). As we see in the photo below, a stout 24: wide bench calls for 5 deck boards on the long face, and two frame boards on the short face. You can do this. 3. Every sauna design is different some are focused on practicality while others offer more decorative appeal. i live in spain and look for wood for panels online and its not easy, any keys? Glad your are enjoying saunatimes. The exception is bottom plate where the material is in contact, potentially, with cement and moisture. Our highly specialized process also transforms the look and feel of this natural building material to add character to your sauna. It is the same 24 build as yours, but it is frameless. Wide boards and the dark shade achieved by thermal modification give this wood, which can be found in parts of North America, a luxurious, exclusive finish. The room length is 68, width is 40. Frankie: Re: hot ass from knots right on to that. Would there be that much more benefit to having heat on the floor or would you recommend just leaving it as concrete. Any thoughts on these (and if they could accommodate an upper and lower bench design)? And you built benches! The five best kinds of wood for saunas are cedar, eucalyptus, hemlock, spruce, and pine. Its the perfect balance of air and mass (for the buttox region). Yet unlike cedar, these species grow fast and dont hold up well to moisture. If you can source less expensive (cheaper) paneling, think youd do it? Wood is being modified with just heat and steam. You should never paint your sauna, you should also avoid applying any stains and varnishes which are toxic and will release toxins into the air. There are live edge untreated benches in the change room/screened in porch area. Namely Basswood and Aspen. It is planed eastern white cedar from Ontario. And for your application, Im thinking a third bench or raised floor such that yoga mats can be laid down and youre off to the races. Do you drive yourself crazy sitting on a sauna bench trying to figure out how it was built? Show map. I used redwood for the benches (WRC T&G for the walls) and the 2 x 2s with 3/8 gaps provide great airflow. In caring for the wood in your sauna, you really shouldnt need anything other than a good sauna oil, like this one. CEDAR (WESTERN RED CEDAR & EASTERN WHITE CEDAR) Cedar is one of the most popular and traditional sauna wood types, especially for outdoor saunas. When you set your butt down, do your sauna benches move and creak like an antique dining room chair? Sorry for all the questions, but one last one. If this were my project: Id probably look at hiring a professional to blow in insulation everywhere: ceiling, exterior, common walls, etc. Guest post series continues. You have options when you purchase a sauna. Love your site. The Canadian conifer is also strong and durable. Pine is a light colored wood that looks similar to spruce, with the exception that it tends to have knots. if you need a 7 bench, you may find a 7 run out of a 10 board and use the 3 remnant for support and framework underneath. Then we can field verify this preliminary layout over the course of a few of our first sauna sessions. Thermory Sauna wall panel SRP Thermo-aspen, Thermory Sauna wall panel KYTE Thermo-aspen, Thermory Accent wall panel STS4 Alder, Grey, Thermory Sauna wall panel STP Thermo-spruce, Thermory Sauna bench board SHP Thermo-radiata pine, Thermory Sauna wall panel STS4 Thermo radiata pine, Thermory Sauna wall panel STS10 Thermo-magnolia, Thermory Sauna bench board SHP Thermo-magnolia. Ideally, Id like to be able to have room for my wife to do some hot yoga if she wants to. Very zen and the art of sauna building. (and pardon the pun). If you dont like the scent of cedar, dont expect it to disappear. A 24 wide sauna bench, at least the upper bench, is an ideal width. Any feedback appreciated! I find that low benches up to 74 in length do just fine with these left and right supports. Spruce is cheaper than other options like Cedar and Hemlock. Architecture trends influence the choice of materials both ALDER STS4 15X68 / ALDER SHP 28X42/90 / THERMO-SPRUCE D4 sg 26X186 COUNTRY SLOVAKIA, THERMORY SAUNA CEDAR WALL PANELS STP 15X140 AND BENCHES ITALY, THERMORY SAUNA THERMO-ASPEN AND PAINTED THERMO-SPRUCE WALL PANELS SWITZERLAND, THERMORY SAUNA ASPEN WALL PANELS STS4 15X120 AND BENCHES SHP 28X120 GERMANY, THERMORY SAUNA THERMO-ASPEN WALL PANELS AND CEDAR BENCHES SWEDEN, THERMORY SAUNA ALDER WALL PANELS AND BENCHES MONACO, THERMORY SAUNA THERMO-ASPEN WALL PANELS STS4 15X90 GERMANY. Benches will be built this weekend. ), so were looking forward every much to finally being in a home with a sauna. I was curious if that is sturdy enough for a couple people? Any other tidbits welcome!! The wood of the Norway spruce, an evergreen coniferous tree of the pine family also known as European spruce, is almost white, with a light yellowish undertone it is one of the lightest colored coniferous woods. The slats rest on top of a plastic or rubber layer which will allow water to pass through to the sauna drain. In my experience, the best gig is to build your benches without an L, start using your sauna, and as you listen quietly, your sauna will whisper in your ear and tell you what to do (or not do) in terms of maybe adding an L down the road. If the heater is turning off before the room gets to temp then the heater must think the room is hotter than it really is. email me if you want to have me help you further. The following list is my construction plan to insulate the floor. 2x not as hot. I am going to follow up with trying to get a replacement heater just trying to make sure there is nothing faulty on my end. Im building it in one corner of my 32 x 40 steel shed. Any longer bench seems to want a post, esp. 3. This system benefits from the heat rising principle, infinite venting, drainage, and simplicity. And thats it. It is light colored, though usually slightly darker than basswood. The photos on this post show me building sauna benches with 14 stock, which is an earlier iteration of my sauna bench building. Drive into holes in corbels. One of the most preferred choices for saunas, western red cedar is softwood and thus less likely to crack or expand under high temperatures. 24 is the magic width for sauna benches. At the end of the day, the sauna gets really hot and when water is poured on the rocks, the loyly surrounds everyone and all is good. (212f), clear sauna bench stock can be quite warm to the touch, but not intolerable. Experientially, a 3/4 deck width gap between 24 is about the best ratio weve ever felt. Many do better building stadium benches for their new sauna builds. You may have to pick through a pile at Home Depot to find clear boards, but its worth it. It has a cement floor (basement) which I have covered with foam board & am in the process of laying decking on top of. Again, the upper bench is hotter than the lower bench during the sauna operation. A softwood like cedar or hemlock will be the most pleasant surface for your bare skin. The temp directly above heater only reached 150 F after 30 mins & 175 F after 1 hr. you can search 612 sauna on this website and the interweb. I used clear WRC 22. While Hemlock and Cedar are two of the most common wood types used in sauna, cedar is the superior choice. We want soft grain, soft woods, and no branding of the buttox region with knots. David. Regarding sauna door hinges and placements, there may be some exact science to it, but what ive done is just measure up from the bottom and top of the door to what look to be reasonable distance, maybe 18 and secure the two sets of hinges there. No legs. Not recommending C but giving you a range of options. Unless the species is a soft wood like pine, etc. Only exception is a bar of soap, which lasts a super long time as I use it very sparingly and most often as just lather for shaving on the sauna bench. Cedar is one of the most commonly used woods in sauna construction. 1. And the difference is worth your consideration. You built a sauna! I really appreciate the response. Elevation + 236f. What is the Best wood for Sauna Walls and Benches A softwood like cedar or hemlock will be the most pleasant surface for your bare skin. And it does deserve note that the deck gap hot room flooring system is generally for saunas used in the non winter season, but there are exceptions to this, such as winter trips to the cabin, but for discussion, this is generally the gig. Zinc plated acceptable? No visible glow with sauna light on. It has a clean and crisp look to it and has relatively few nots. Thanks so much Glenn! Im assuming the photo shows them laying on a wall section, and they are not attached or anything. check: https://www.saunatimes.com/sauna-talk/sauna-talk-bill-trotter-general-manager-chicago-sweatlodge-describes-for-us-the-behind-the-scenes-sweatlodge-experience-between-sauna-rounds/, 2) When i build saunas, i advise that the low bench be built such that it can be on a track, able to slide under the upper bench. Aspen is a humidity-resistant wood option that does not overheat, splinter, or create resin during a sauna session. Copyright 2023 Heat and Steam. That said, those that practice the bake and breathe method for zen and the art of their sauna maintenance should have no longevity problem using these species for building their sauna benches. What type of insulation (if any) should we use for the three interior walls? All the stock to make sauna benches is 24. When hardwood absorbs sauna heat it tends to get hotter and be less comfortable to the touch. Used cedar fence panels. If you love the idea, yet face headwinds via significant other, cost, or that looks hard to do, consider that you have this opportunity only one time (now) and youll be able to enjoy the benefits between rounds forever (and hopefully this will be a long time!). Simple construction. In North America, Western Red Cedar is the go too premium choice for making sauna benches. There is a sauna wood oil from Sweden, I believe, and I think it may be called Scandian or similar. Pleased that this website and the ebook is helping you. While haphazardly mixing wood types wont look great, if you mix contrasting colored woods and arrange them with care, you have the potential to create a beautifully two-toned sauna. Anyway, I think it looks nice, too. I did this for the 612 sauna. 6-Continue on as per ebook! And since you got me going, im a huge fan of 2x stock, (vs. 1x stock). The radiata pine is a coniferous tree of the pine family. The western red cedar, an evergreen coniferous tree in the cypress family that is also known as Pacific red cedar, is perfect for sauna benches and interiors because it doesnt secrete resin or overheat, and it is also water repellent. Other common species include basswood, spruce, and aspen. Use 3 1/2 screws). Not sure if we can even get it in the US, unless you smuggled some back from your Finland trip. However, I would like to put in an L bench on the left wall so that I can sit and look out the window. Its just the way it is. Id also like to see how and where the triangular supports (corbel) are screwed in. Set your upper bench on top of your header and secure underneath with a couple screws. I am in Minneapolis area. The important thing to know about traditional saunas versus infrared saunas is that the wood in a traditional sauna will be subject to more extreme conditions than that of an infrared sauna. However, settle your bare ass down on a bench with a knot, and youch!, youll never do that again! You state your bench is 24 wide. Dense wood feels better. Cedar, hemlock and pine are softwoods that are commonly used in saunas. So what is the best wood for constructing a sauna? Dont mean to be crass about it, as the rising sauna tide lifts most boats, but one of the virtues of DIY is we get to pick our lumber and know exactly how we have built our walls, and what they look like as the lyly clears. TrailRank 25. Your lower benches will sit at 16 (12 1/2 + 3 1/2) and your upper benches at 32. Im reaching for my yellow card. Thais Rahn. The downside of Pine is that these knots can fall out and leave holes in your sauna. Even though softwood is usually weaker than hardwood, softwood is strong enough and durable enough to be used in saunas. And if you have good wall braces at either end of the bench for the bench to sit on (its 2m long) and one at the back do you need additional supports such as the triangle supports? If you like the fresh woody smell of softwoods like cedar and hemlock, then the good news is that these scents will persist over time, lasting for months or even years. Your site is great, by the way!