Sauna Bench Boards

Sauna bench boards

Bench boards are the seats and platforms inside a sauna. They take the most direct contact with skin and sit in the hottest part of the room, so the choice of timber matters. Good bench timber should be low in resin, stable, smooth and comfortable to sit on at high temperatures.

Suitable timber

• Aspen: a pale hardwood that does not become uncomfortably hot and has little scent.
• Thermally modified spruce or pine: stable and low in resin. See thermally modified timber for saunas.
• Western red cedar: light and aromatic, with a natural feel. See western red cedar.

Do not use resinous softwood for benches, since sap can seep out when hot. Look for boards with rounded edges and without large knots or splits.

Sizing and layout

A common upper bench height is around 1 metre above the floor level for the seat, with a lower bench or step beneath. Think about depth too, as a deeper bench lets people sit with their legs up. Boards are normally laid with small gaps so air and moisture can move. Make a simple plan, count the boards across each bench and add about 10% for trimming.

Fixings

• Avoid exposed metal fixings on the sitting surface, because screws and nails get hot and can burn skin.
• Fix from below or the side through the supports, or use wooden dowels.
• Where metal must be used, choose stainless steel and recess it well below the surface.

Browse screws, nails and accessories for suitable stainless options, and see sauna wall panels to match the walls.

Care

Leave bench boards bare. Wipe with a damp cloth, sand light sweat marks with fine paper and let the sauna dry after use. Many people use towels when sitting.

Choosing with confidence

If you want to feel the timber, order a free sample. You can also ring 0161 504 0011. We supply timber only for garden rooms and saunas, not finished buildings. See more in sauna timber. Prices include VAT and UK delivery.