What Is The Recommended Bench Height For A Home Sauna?

The recommended bench height for a home sauna is typically 18 inches for the bottom bench and 36 inches for the top bench.

If a third-tier bench is used it should be set at 54 inches or lower if the ceiling height is less than 7 feet 6 inches.

However some sauna builders suggest a top bench height of 42 inches below the ceiling to put the user in the hottest steamiest part of the sauna.

Are There Any Other Factors That Should Be Considered When Determining The Bench Height For A Home Sauna?

Yes there are other factors that should be considered when determining the bench height for a home sauna.

The lower bench should be at a suitable height to comfortably sit on itself while also being low enough to step up and down with relative ease.

The middle bench should be 18 inches from the upper bench.

The top bench should be calculated from the ceiling height with a good place to start being 42 inches below the ceiling.

It’s also important to factor in about 2 feet of bench space per user.

Additionally the sauna ceiling height should not exceed 220 cm and the minimum ceiling height is 190 cm.

What Is The Rationale Behind Having A Higher Top Bench Height In Some Saunas?

The rationale behind having a higher top bench height in some saunas is to allow for better heat distribution.

According to SaunaTimes having a top bench height that allows for two fists above your head to the ceiling while sitting on the upper bench is critical as it gives access to the best heat without leaving anything on the table.

SaunaMarketplace that a good place to start for the top bench height is 42″ below the ceiling.

A higher ceiling and benches can also sometimes reduce the importance of other elements such as ceiling shape regardless of heater design or power.

How Do You Ensure That The Bench Height Is Appropriate For Users Of Different Heights?

To ensure that the bench height is appropriate for users of different heights it is important to consider the purpose of the bench and the typical activities that will be performed on it.

The standard bench height is 18-20 inches which is suitable for a bench at a dining room table.

However for woodworking benches the ideal height may vary depending on the user’s height and the type of work being done.

Some recommend benches 30-36 inches high while others suggest lower heights may suit shorter people better.

It is also possible to create a tailor-made project to ensure the ideal height for the user.

Are There Any Safety Considerations To Keep In Mind When Setting Up The Sauna Benches?

When setting up sauna benches there are some safety considerations to keep in mind.

The lower bench should be placed at the right distance from the upper bench to be used as a footrest.

It’s also important to use treated wood for the benches to prevent wear and to wipe down the surfaces with a damp cloth between uses to keep them clean.

Additionally when building a sauna it’s important to choose a location without excessive humidity or flood risk.

While sauna ventilation is not required for safety reasons it can make the sauna experience more comfortable and insufficient airflow can be a mistake to avoid.

Are There Any Guidelines For Spacing Between The Sauna Benches Or Between The Benches And The Walls Of The Sauna?

Yes there are guidelines for spacing between the sauna benches or between the benches and the walls of the sauna.

According to various sauna building guides it is recommended to leave a 9/16 inch spacing between the bench boards.

The sauna benches should be made of 2x4s with an approximately 3/4 inch gap between boards for optimal air circulation.

If you are building your benches from scratch the planks should have 1 cm of spacing between them for air circulation.

The lower bench can be anywhere from 11-24 inches deep while the upper bench should be at least 24 inches high.

In terms of bench length aim for around 600 mm per person and it’s also nice to have the option to lie down so having one or more benches of at least 2000 mm is recommended.

Helpful Resources

• https://superiorsaunas.com/pages/sauna-faq
• https://www.sauna-talk.com/sauna-benches.html
• https://www.cedarbrooksauna.com/info/66-faqs/diy-how-to-build-a-sauna/189-how-high-are-the-standard-sauna-benches
• https://saunamarketplace.com/sauna-bench-designs/