A few building tips
Sauna bathing is wonderful, healthy and necessary! Here are a few building tips for when you are planning to build a sauna.
Start by looking at the need. Is it a sauna for a family or for a group of friends?
Build in at least one window for airing out before bathing.
The stone reservoir should be oversized so you don't have to heat the stones excessively. When you throw water on the stones you should see the steam come slowly; it should not sting your eyes as it tends to do with overheated stones.
High seating is important. Your head should be 25–30 cm from the ceiling – that's where the heat is. The upper bench should be placed high.
The lower bench, the footrest, should be level with the top of the stone reservoir so you avoid cold feet.
Ventilation is important. There should be adjustable sliding vents for both the incoming and outgoing air.
The lighting should create atmosphere. Achieve this by building lamps in under the benches and seats.
If you have electric heating, the heater should be thermostat-controlled so that it isn't on all the time. That way you avoid the wood drying out.
Have three climate zones: a wet changing room with a shower, a cool and dry relaxation room, and then the hot sauna.
The door must always open outwards for safety.
Always keep a fire extinguisher near the sauna. The heat from the heater radiates downwards, and that is the most common cause of fire in a sauna according to the fire authorities.