SAUNAS
A sauna provides one of the healthiest ways to relax and cleanse our bodies. In some cultures, saunas are quite literally a way of life. They provide a healthy alternative for many forms of personal relaxation and body cleansing.
Concepts & Design
- Whether your sauna is indoor or outdoor, cedar will provide many years of service. Cedar’s low density makes it an ideal thermal barrier, meaning that even at the highest temperature setting clear cedar will remain comfortable to touch even on bare skin.
- The location of your sauna will influence whether a change room is needed. Outdoors, an attached change room will function as an airlock, effectively mitigating drastic temperature drops each time the sauna door is opened.
- The ideal size of a basic fully functioning sauna is 5x7x7. This will accommodate all the key features, including a full length 2 tier bench system while providing adequate space for the heater, door and walk in room.
- The lower bench will be your “cool” zone while the upper bench is your “hot” zone. A full length top bench will allow you to stretch out fully on your back.
- Heaters are sized according to the cubic footage of the room.
- Windows, a shower or drain can be nice but often aren’t essential.
- Proper venting and a fresh air intake are essential as they directly impact performance and enjoyment of your sauna.
Construction tips
- The shell is built using standard stick frame construction.
- Walls are insulated for heat retention and the inside covered with heat reflective aluminum foil.
- Knot free (clear) cedar is used in construction for it’s low thermal conductivity.
- Ceilings are often restricted to a 7 foot height to optimize the sauna’s heat zone relative to the seating positions.
- A manually adjustable air outlet is used to regulate air flow and inside temperature.
- A ground level fresh air inlet is required; alternatively, a 1-2″ air gap below the door can be used in lieu of.
- Doors should open outward and .
- Controls should be installed on the outside of the room.
- Doors normally don’t lock, have a roller-type safety latch and should open outward.
- Proper placement of the inside temperature sensing bulb is important to the proper function of the sauna heater.
