Building a sauna without a plan is like cooking, where raw materials are thrown into the soup without any recipe. The result is rarely the best possible, and good ingredients are wasted when the whole is not thought out. If you are building a sauna, you should start with a recipe, which leads to a final result that corresponds to the wishes of the bathers. The secret of building a functional and comfortable sauna is to carefully plan and choose well-matched products.
You can start building a sauna with good confidence when the basics are clear. We gathered together five key things to consider when designing a sauna.
1. Sauna dimensions are the starting point of the design
The dimensions of the sauna space are the basis from which the sauna design starts. Many people believe that a very special sauna cannot be built in a small space, so the design is not being invested. However, the smaller the sauna, the more important it is to think about the use of space carefully and choose the right products. Rational solutions provide a feeling of space even for a small sauna.
2. The heater is selected according to the sauna size
Selecting the heater is an important step in the sauna design. There are many types of heaters available on the market, which differ in both their output and appearance. For example, a small sauna is not worth buying a large stove that requires a lot of surface area. Building authorities may also require the replacement of an oversized stove. So you should choose a carefully sized heater for your sauna.
3. Ventilation of the sauna
The well-designed sauna ventilation ensures the best possible sauna experience. The ventilation of the sauna should be carried out in such a way that the exhaust air outlets are in two places, on the ceiling and under the benches. The outlet on the ceiling is closed during the sauna and is opened after the sauna. The best place to replace the supply air outlet is above the stove, where the fresh air spreads along with the heat produced by the stove. When ventilation works well in the sauna, oxygen is sufficient and the toes remain warm, so it’s longer to enjoy.
4. The best benches are practical and pleasant to the eye
The benches are selected according to the surface area and number of bathers. How many people go to the sauna at the same time? Corner benches are popular, but they are usually not the best solution for a small sauna. Instead of adding more seats, corner benches actually take up the seating space.
The design and comfort influence on the purchase decision, since the high-quality benches keep their value for many years. The choice of benches is also influenced by the need for an embedded heater, which is installed through the lower bench. In addition, when buying benches, you should consider the practicality and hygiene – how easily the elements can be removed for washing?
5. Sauna Lighting brings atmosphere
Lighting in the sauna creates an atmosphere and can, for example, emphasize the sauna surfaces. Smooth and harmonious lighting can be achieved by placing the lights behind the backrest or under the benches. You should bear in mind that good lighting also increases the safety of the sauna.
If the building of a sauna is on hand, check out our TAIVE Sauna collection and sauna lighting solutions, or come to visit our Espoo showroom to see the products. Our services also include overall sauna design!