The sauna is the heart of a Finnish home – a place where mind and body relax from everyday stresses. Its atmosphere and functionality depend on many factors, but one of the most decisive is the benches. Sauna benches are not just seating; they largely define the comfort and atmosphere of the entire sauna experience.
With the right materials and design, you can create a sauna that withstands many steam sessions and invites relaxation. In this blog, we go through everything to consider when designing sauna benches, whether you are building a new steam room or renovating an old one.
Starting points for designing sauna benches
Designing the benches starts with a vision: what kind of sauna do you want? Is the goal a traditional atmosphere, a modern spa-like look, or something in between? In addition, technical aspects such as the sauna's size, stove placement, and the practicality of the benches must be taken into account.
The shape and layout of the benches significantly affect the usability of the sauna. Common solutions include straight benches placed along one wall and L-shaped benches that efficiently utilize corner space. In modern saunas, the lower bench is often the size of the entire sauna, and the stove is recessed into the bench. Larger saunas suit benches placed opposite each other, creating a comfortable space for socializing. It's also important in the design to consider the stove's safety distances and the sturdy construction of the benches.
Once the technical requirements of the benches have been considered, it's time to think about the atmosphere and style. Whether you are building a completely new sauna or updating benches that have already served, it's worth paying attention to both materials and color schemes in the design to ensure the result is both functional and visually pleasing.
L-shaped benches also make use of the sauna's corner space.
Oppositely installed radiata pine benches create a cozy space for socializing.
Bench material choice – traditional spruce or premium-grade radiata pine?
Bench material choice significantly affects the sauna's appearance, comfort, and durability. The right material must withstand heat and moisture fluctuations and feel pleasant on the skin. It must also fit the sauna's other interior and create just the right atmosphere.
Traditional Finnish spruce is a popular choice for benches. Its light, straight-grained look creates a classic and timeless atmosphere. The advantage of spruce is its natural resin, which protects the wood from moisture. This makes it an especially good option for cottage saunas that may be left unused and cold for long periods. To keep spruce looking beautiful and lasting longer in use, it should be treated with sauna protector.
Benches made from Finnish spruce boards.
Finnish pine is another familiar wood species especially in sauna panels, but it also suits bench material. Heat-treated pine bench is beautifully natural and withstands moisture and temperature changes well. It is also a more cost-effective option compared to more expensive premium materials, yet still offers excellent durability and a stylish appearance.
Heat-treated pine bench has a beautiful color and withstands moisture and temperature fluctuations well.
If you value quality, ease of maintenance, and a luxurious atmosphere, heat-treated radiata pine might be the perfect choice. This knot-free, premium-grade bench material is a beautiful dark brown and has a charming natural scent. The heat treatment makes it especially durable and long-lasting, ensuring the benches stay beautiful for years even in the toughest steam sessions.
Benches made from heat-treated radiata pine are top quality and durable.
Black Alder is one of the most popular bench materials, and for good reason. It is resin-free, durable, and its soft light brown shade suits many types of saunas. Alder is also a more affordable option compared to radiata pine.
Read here are our tips for choosing sauna paneling!
Aspen is one of the most popular bench materials.
Self-built or ready-made bench package?
In sauna bench implementation, you can choose between two methods: build them yourself from scratch or purchase a ready-made bench package. Both options offer their own advantages, and the choice mainly depends on your preferences, budget, and the time and skills available.
If you decide to build the benches yourself from long timber, you get the freedom to design them exactly to your needs and the dimensions of your space. You can carefully select the materials, colors, and details you want, allowing for a completely unique result. On the other hand, this option requires more time and craftsmanship skills.
The ready-made bench package, on the other hand, offers an easy and effortless solution for those who want beautiful and durable benches without a large workload. CENT's bench packages include benches pre-measured according to your specified dimensions, which can be installed quickly and easily. This option is especially suitable for those who want to ensure a high-quality result without the technical challenges of construction. Choose a modern option from the bench packages Flat or a more traditional Kaino. Complete your sauna with other necessary elements such as with a rising handrail.
Ready-made bench package is the choice for those who appreciate convenience.
Sauna benches significantly affect the entire sauna experience, so it's worth investing in their design and material selection. Whether you choose self-built or a ready-made bench package, the most important thing is that the benches are comfortable, durable, and fit your sauna. Well-designed benches made from high-quality materials ensure that your sauna will withstand both looks and steam for years to come.
Explore all sauna materials here.
