How to properly install a sauna in a wooden frame house?
SIA Feel The Timber company offers several ready-made projects for wooden frame houses, which include a sauna room, a shower and a rest room. If you are interested in any of the existing projects, feel free to contact us! Our ready-made projects are qualitatively planned so that they meet the highest standards and are able to serve as efficiently as possible for a longer period of time. In the sauna room, we make lavas mostly from black alder, because it is both an aesthetically attractive wood and especially resistant to moisture, it has aromatic properties (promotes relaxation). However, the customer can also choose another material by prior agreement.
Indoor layout
Before developing the project, it is important to note that you want to make this wooden frame house for sauna purposes. Then our specialists will listen to your idea and suggest improvements based on experience in other projects. Of course, the layout of the sauna must be carefully planned so that it is comfortable and properly structured (important factors, including the creation of communications, are taken into account).
Choose a suitable wood
In order to create a sustainable sauna in a wooden frame house, it is necessary to choose the highest quality and durable wood. As we mentioned before, the lava material is mostly black alder (pine can also be used). Sauna walls can be made of several materials, popularly used trees are black alder, cedar, pine and fir, as they are resistant to moisture and provide a pleasant aroma. All these materials are additionally specially processed to maximize longevity. In the sanitary unit, we mostly use wall and floor tiles.
You can already choose a wider range of materials for the rest room, because there is not so much heat and humidity there.
Waterproofing
It is very important to waterproof the sauna room of the wooden frame house. This room contains a lot of moisture, which can seriously damage the timber in the long term if not properly insulated.
You can isolate in several ways:
- Sauna varnish: Sauna varnish is a special type of varnish that has been developed to provide protection against moisture and wear in sauna rooms. It can be suitable for waterproofing wooden surfaces such as sauna lavas or walls. The sauna varnish must be suitable for sauna use and provide long-lasting protection against moisture and mold.
- Waterproofing membranes: There are also different types of flexible waterproofing membranes that are suitable for saunas. These membranes are applied to walls and floors to provide effective protection against moisture. They can be made of different materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene or rubber.
- Silicone: Silicone is a flexible material that can be used to protect joints and cracks between waterproofing materials in the sauna structure. It provides additional protection against moisture and provides long-lasting warmth.
There are many different ways to protect the sauna room against the large amount of moisture. The customer can choose the way to protect the materials.
Ventilation
An effective ventilation system in the sauna room is essential to ensure good air circulation and to prevent the accumulation of moisture, which can lead to the formation of mold and bad odors.
Important aspects that must be taken into account in order to accurately ensure ventilation in the sauna room:
- Ventilation openings: The sauna should have ventilation openings to ensure continuous air exchange. The opening ensures the inflow of fresh air and removes moisture, bad odors from the room.
- Natural ventilation: If possible, also use natural ventilation such as windows to ensure natural air flow and fresh air in the sauna.
Sauna stove
In a sauna created in a wooden frame house, the sauna stove is the most important element in order for it to fulfill its function.
Important things to know when choosing and installing a sauna stove:
- Heat output and efficiency: Choose a sauna stove that provides efficient heat output to achieve the desired temperature in the sauna. This is especially important for large saunas or when you want to reach high temperatures quickly.
- Material and design: A sauna stove can be made of different materials, such as steel. Choose a material that is resistant to high temperatures and humidity. In terms of design, there are different models and styles to choose from to match the overall design of the sauna.
- Control system and control functions: Sauna stoves can have different control systems and control functions that allow you to regulate temperature, air flow and other operating parameters. Before you buy a sauna heater, make sure it has the features and controls you need.
- Maintenance and safety aspects: Before purchasing a sauna heater, make sure you have the necessary knowledge about its maintenance and safety requirements. It is important to regularly clean and maintain your sauna heater to ensure its efficient operation and safety.
- Installation location and ventilation: Before installing the sauna stove, make sure that you choose a suitable location that meets all safety standards and requirements. It is also important to ensure good ventilation to prevent the accumulation of smoke and ensure good air circulation in the sauna room.
Remember!
- Safety clearance: Provide sufficient safety clearance between the sauna heater and other objects such as walls, furniture or decorative elements. This will prevent possible burning risks and ensure safe use of the sauna.
- Regular maintenance and upkeep: Carry out regular upkeep and maintenance of your sauna heater to ensure proper operation and safety. Clean and maintain the sauna heater according to the manufacturer’s instructions and carefully inspect its condition for possible damage or defects.
These are the most important aspects that we recommend to take into account when you are going to install a sauna in a wooden frame house. If you have any questions or have a serious desire to buy a wooden frame house with an equipped sauna, feel free to contact us! SIA Feel The Timber masters will listen to you, advise and build!


