Sauna Benches For Your Home Sauna

You may be planning a new sauna for your home, or refurbishing an old one, but the sauna benches you install are important, either way, as they can make the difference between a sauna that is a joy to use frequently and one that stands unused for most of the year.

The size of your benches will depend on the size of your sauna. Sauna sizes range from the personal 3 feet by 4 feet sauna to large saunas measuring up to 10 feet by 14 feet which can be used by the whole family or a group of friends.

Usually, sauna benches are installed in two tiers, because this allows you to use the upper or lower bench according to your temperature preference. The orrect height for sauna benches is important. The lower bench is usually installed about 18 inches above ground level, and the upper one about 18 inches above the lower one. The height of the sauna room itself may vary between about 6 feet 6 inches and 7 feet, and it is important to leave sufficient headroom above the upper bench. correct height for sauna benches

You may choose to have L-shaped benches, which are commonly found in larger sauna rooms that have enough space for four benches. It is great if you can plan the benches so that there is enough room to stretch out and really enjoy your sauna.

You may wish to purchase your sauna benches from a manufacturer in a standard or custom-made size, or you may wish to build them yourself. The construction is usually of solid planks, about two inches thick, with a half-inch gap between the planks so that the air can circulate freely. The width of the planks should be between 2 and 4 inches. Fasten the planks from underneath, because screws or nails will heat up and could give you a nasty burn if you touch them.

The lower bench must be strong enough to be used as a step up to the upper bench, and so a width of about 17 inches is most suitable. The upper one can be 20 inches in width, which is wide enough for either sitting or lying down.

Selecting wood for sauna benches is a most important factor. Consider a bench that uses the vertical grain of the wood, as this will be strongest. Always avoid knotty types of wood, as the knots are harder than the surrounding wood: they can become very hot and could cause burns. Clear redwood was once the timber of choice, but has now become very expensive. Clear heartwood cedar and Abachi, a light-colored softwood, are attractive and more affordable.

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