Building sauna benches is a task that can greatly enhance the comfort and appeal of your sauna experience. The right benches will be sturdy, comfortable, and withstand the heat and moisture common in a sauna. Here’s how you can build your own sauna benches step by step.
Step 1: Design Your Benches
Before you start building, decide on the design of your sauna benches. Consider the size of your sauna and how many people you’d like to accommodate. Standard bench height is typically around 18 inches (45 cm), and the depth can range from 18 to 24 inches (45-60 cm). Draw a sketch of your design, including measurements for each bench component.
Step 2: Choose the Right Material
Choose wood that is resilient to moisture and heat. Common choices for sauna benches include cedar, basswood, redwood, or hemlock. Avoid treated woods that may release harmful chemicals when heated.
Step 3: Gather Your Tools and Materials
You will need the following tools and materials:
- Measuring tape
- Saw (hand saw, circular saw, or miter saw)
- Drill with drill bits
- Screws (stainless steel to avoid rust)
- Wood for the frame and benchtops
- Sander or sandpaper
- Level
- Square
- Wood clamps (optional)
Step 4: Cut Your Wood to Size
Cut the wood according to your design measurements. You will need legs, supports for the understructure, and slats for the top of the bench. Remember, the bench has to hold the weight of multiple people, so make sure your supports are sturdy.
Step 5: Assemble the Frame
Start by building the frame which will support the sitting area. Assemble the legs and horizontal supports to create a rectangular shape. Use screws to fix them together. Make sure everything is square and level as you go.
Step 6: Attach the Supports
Install additional horizontal supports within the frame where the benchtops will lie. The supports should be evenly spaced to distribute weight and prevent the wood from bending or breaking. Attach them with screws, ensuring they are level and flush with the top of the frame.
Step 7: Sand Any Rough Edges
Sand all wooden parts, especially edges and corners that will come into contact with skin. Start with coarse sandpaper and work your way to a finer grit to ensure a smooth finish that’s safe to use even in the heat of the sauna.
Step 8: Attach the Benchtop Slats
Place the slats for the benchtop across the frame. Leave slight gaps between slats to allow air circulation and for water to drain. The gaps also prevent the wood from warping. Screw down the slats from above, securing them to the supports underneath.
Step 9: Finishing Touches
After the bench is assembled, do a final sanding if necessary. Some people choose to treat their benches with a special sauna sealant to protect the wood and make it last longer, but this is optional and should be done with caution, considering the heat inside a sauna.
Step 10: Install the Benches
Once the benches are built, move them into your sauna. If they’re freestanding, simply place them in position. If they’re intended to be fixed to the walls, ensure they’re secure and level before attaching them firmly. You may need to pre-drill holes into the sauna walls to attach the bench frameworks.
Remember, when building anything that will be used in a high heat, humid environment like a sauna, the most crucial factor is the safety and durability of the materials and construction. Always choose high-quality materials and assemble them with great care to ensure a safe and enjoyable sauna experience.