The right shelf for your bath - and a comfortable stay is guaranteed! Shelves in the bath: height and width dimensions for different types of baths and design options Dresses in the steam room.

The traditional shelves for a bath are no less important than its design and the arrangement of a pool or font, since without it it is impossible to imagine a good rest. The furniture in the steam room should correspond to its microclimate and be safe and comfortable to use.

After all, a bath is not just a place for bathing, its main purpose is relaxation. The design of the shelves is nothing complicated (ordinary wood flooring), but its arrangement and choice have many different nuances that must be strictly observed.

The shape of the shelves in the bath can be different: a bench, a couch or a deck chair, allowing you to steam half-sitting or reclining. Depending on the shape, the width of the shelves also varies. The main requirements that they must meet: high strength, pleasant aroma and smooth surface.

Choosing the type of wood for the shelves

The material for the manufacture of the shelf is wood, so the choice of wood is of great importance. Wood varieties must meet the following requirements: low thermal conductivity, resistance to moisture and high temperatures, low resin content, high fiber density. All these conditions are ideally combined by such a tree as linden, with beneficial properties. During heating, it releases a very pleasant aroma, which gives healing powers. It has a tree and other advantages that are the best suited for a bath:

• Linden is easy to handle.
• It does not crack over time, dries quickly and heats up for a long time.
• The tree gives a charge of positive energy, improves well-being and gives strength: moral and physical.
• Has a very reasonable price.

Linden has only one drawback - over time, the board darkens, losing its original color.

This disadvantage is absent in alder, which has a uniform and soft structure, a noble red-pink hue, and high resistance to moisture.

Healing properties are also characteristic of aspen. A board made from this wood variety takes away from a person all the emotional negativity that has accumulated over a long time. The availability and low cost of this building material puts it on a par with aspen in popularity. When choosing this tree variety, care must be taken, as it may have a marriage that is invisible upon inspection - rotting from the inside.

The record holder for useful properties and characteristics is the African Abashi tree. It has a high resistance to moisture, high temperature, heats up slowly, so it is not possible for anyone to get burned on it. The material has endurance and is presented in a wide range of colors: from pale yellow to light cream. In the list of positive qualities, there is only one drawback - the high cost.

The layout of the regiments includes three options:

• Option 1 - stepped, suitable for family baths. Shelves are built against one wall in three tiers: the top shelf is the hottest, and the bottom one is the coolest.
• Option 2 - “L”-shaped, allows you to comfortably fit in a small-sized bath: two shelves are placed near the same wall from below and above, and the middle shelf is placed against the wall located next door.
• Option 3 - "coupe", is used in cases where space saving is in the first place. There are only two shelves that are mounted on top of each other, the top seat can be raised and fixed against the wall.

In the manufacture of shelves, certain parameters must be observed, since benches should not interfere with air circulation and the actions of visitors. The design of the shelves consists of components.

• 1st element - support posts made of thick bars. The rack includes two vertical beams (the width of which corresponds to the size of the shelf), interconnected by means of jumpers every fifty centimeters.
• 2nd element - seats with a slight slope of 20. They do it as follows: boards are stuffed onto the frame, observing a gap of 2 centimeters. It should be borne in mind that the width of the board should be much greater than its thickness.

The frame must be processed: sanded and smoothed sharp corners. The manufacture of shelves for a bath is somewhat complicated by fasteners. It is necessary to fasten the frame without the use of screws or nails, as they can easily be burned. For this reason, the structure is connected with wooden wedges to pre-made holes located at the joints of the elements.

Before making shelves in the bath, they must be carefully processed: sand the surface and eliminate all existing sharp corners. To prevent rotting of the shelves, they must be impregnated with an antiseptic based on natural ingredients. Processing will avoid the release of chemicals when heated.

First of all, in the manufacture of benches, we assemble the frame: each board is attached to the other using a horizontal strapping. For greater reliability, its racks are attached to the wall. For this, only wooden fasteners are used, self-tapping screws and bolts can only be used in places where contact with the skin is excluded.

The framework includes five racks and ten bars connected among themselves by a flooring from boards. When manufacturing, it is convenient to rely on the drawings.

If each board of the shelf is not processed, then due to the constant presence in a humid environment, mold and rot appear, the bench quickly becomes unusable. To avoid this, the structure must be impregnated with special means.

It is strictly forbidden to use such traditional chemicals as lacquer and drying oil, because when heating the bath shelves, due to the evaporation of chemicals, an unpleasant and pungent odor begins to be released. Contact with the skin, they can cause an allergic reaction.

Currently, a special bath impregnation is on sale, based on essential oils that create a protective film. This tool allows you to effectively resist moisture, and protects the surface from premature aging.

With the help of such impregnation, it is possible to process not only benches, but also other wooden surfaces in the bath. Stronger mixtures are used for floors; they do not emit pungent chemical odors and harmful fumes.

Regiment care

Proper care of the shelf in the bath is a guarantee of cleanliness and health, because the issue of hygiene in the bath room is always relevant.

It is forbidden to use any modern detergents for washing shops; it is best to use well-known laundry soap. If the dirt is very strong, then abrasive material is useful for mechanical cleaning of the shelves.

The steam room is the heart of the bath, it has always been and always will be. Stretched out on a shelf, you will forget about all the troubles and problems, plunging into a relaxing atmosphere of bliss. By following all the tips for making shelves and caring for them, you can make them comfortable and reliable.

The comfort during the adoption of bath procedures largely depends on the shelf. Let's talk about the rules and nuances of their manufacture.

General information about the shelf

Shelves (it is more correct to say “shelves”, and not “shelves” or “benches”) is a wooden structure, which consists of several sunbeds located at different levels. The presence of several levels allows you to independently regulate the temperature regime for taking bath procedures, as the temperature in the room increases from floor to ceiling. True, in small paired shelves it can be single-level.

Regardless of what kind of shelf you are going to make in the steam room, the work on its manufacture will consist of four main steps: project preparation, preparation of materials, frame assembly, sheathing.

Despite the apparent simplicity of the design, each step of its manufacture has many nuances, ignorance of which can cross out all the work done. Next, we will consider each stage in detail.

Step 1: Design

Shelves for the bath includes racks resembling the legs of an ordinary bench, and horizontal crossbars. The latter combine all the racks into a single structure. Sometimes the shelves are attached to the wall, as a result of which part of the load or even the entire load falls not on the racks, but on the wall. Such regiments are called Finnish. It also has upholstery. It is carried out with boards or slats, between which there must be a gap.

Before you make your own shelves for the bath, you need to prepare the drawings. To compose them, decide on a few points.

Shelves in the bath should be located near blank walls, i.e. having no windows. Location can significantly affect not only the size of sunbeds, but also their design. The minimum value of the length of the beds is one and a half meters. With this length, a person of average height can lie down, but the knees will have to be bent. In order to be comfortable on the couch, you need a length of 200–220 cm.

The number of levels and height depend on the height of the steam room itself. If the room is low, then one or two levels are enough. The height is chosen at your discretion, but most often the first couch is at a level of about 40 cm from the floor, and the second - 95–120 cm. If the room is high, make three levels. The only thing is that the distance between the last sunbed and the ceiling should be at least 120-130 cm, so that you can also sit on the last shelf.

The width depends on the level of the tier. For the first level, the width should be 40 cm, and for the second, 60–90 cm, i.e. the total width of the shelf in two tiers will be 100–130 cm. If the design is three-tier, then make the middle shelf 60 cm wide, and the top one - 90 cm.

Above are the dimensions of the shelves, taking into account the average height of a person, but if necessary, you can adjust them so that all family members feel comfortable in the steam room. In addition, the features of the room allocated for the steam room may require some changes.

Draw the design on paper. Its basis is U-shaped parts, which are two paired racks connected by a jumper. The step of the racks should be 60-100 cm. If you increase the step, then the sunbeds under the weight of a person can sag, but if the boards are thick enough, the step can be increased.

All paired racks are connected by horizontal slats, which serve as the basis for sunbeds. Those. the frame of each lounger is a rectangular frame on racks.

You don't have to draw the structure to scale, you can even sketch out the frame by hand. The main thing is to indicate in millimeters the dimensions of the shelves and all the main details of the structure, and it is also desirable to indicate their location in the bath on the floor plan. As a result, you will not make mistakes during the assembly and installation of the structure, and you will also be able to correct the dimensions directly on paper.

I must say that in a bath with a small area it is better to make the so-called Finnish shelves. They are installed not in the form of steps, but on top of each other, like shelves in trains. Their design is a rectangular frame with lintels, which is attached to three adjacent walls. From the front, it can be reinforced with braces fixed to the walls, or even uprights.

In order to be able to sit on the Finnish shelves, make the distance between them at least 110-120 cm. The same distance should be from the top point of the structure to the ceiling.

Step 2: Preparing the Lumber

For the construction of shelves in the steam room, you can not use any lumber. For these purposes, only varieties that meet the following requirements are suitable:

• low thermal conductivity. The tree should not heat up, otherwise it will be uncomfortable to sit and lie on it;
• lack of resin. When heated, the resin is released from the structure of the tree and can cause burns. Therefore, coniferous wood species are strictly prohibited;
• Moisture resistance. This requirement can be called secondary, since the durability of the product depends on the resistance of the tree to moisture and fungus, but not the comfort of the sunbeds.

The steam room is most often made of linden. This tree meets all the above requirements, in addition, it is inexpensive and has a pleasant aroma. Linden will delight beginners with its softness, which simplifies the process of its processing. The only drawback of this breed is its fragility. In addition, over time, the linden begins to darken.

Another traditional "bath" tree species is aspen. It costs more than linden, but it is much more durable. In addition, aspen has healing properties, and it is also commonly believed that it is able to absorb negative energy.

If the cost of the material does not really matter to you, you can use African oak, also known as abash, in the steam room. This tree is the most durable, as it is not afraid of moisture and other extreme operating conditions in a steam room. At the same time, it has low thermal conductivity due to the porous structure.

To save money, you can make a frame from cheap wood, for example, linden or aspen, and sheathe it with African oak boards. When the frame becomes unusable, you can dismantle the skin and use it for new shelves.

In specialized stores, you can find boards for shelves in a coniferous steam room. During the drying process, they are subjected to a special treatment, as a result of which the resin is removed from the structure, and the material becomes completely safe. Most often, cedar is treated in this way - this type of wood is durable, fragrant and even healing.

Having decided on the breed, you need to prepare the following lumber:

• timber 50x50 mm;
• metal corners for connecting parts;
• boards 20x50 mm;
• self-tapping screws.

The amount of materials depends on the project, so you will have to calculate it yourself. It will not be difficult to do this if you have a drawing at hand.

Step 3: Frame Assembly

So, the project is ready, the materials have been purchased, now let's look at how to make shelves so that it lasts in the bath for more than one year. Start work with the manufacture of racks - for this, simply cut the timber into segments equal to the height of each sunbed. Count the number of legs on the drawing.

Then cut the jumpers that will connect all the paired racks. The width of the jumpers should correspond to the width of the sunbeds. Immediately connect the jumpers to the racks - cut the adjacent edges of the parts at 45 degrees (without the slightest deviation, otherwise the parts will not be perpendicular to each other), then dock and fix with self-tapping screws. In addition, additionally fasten the parts with metal corners and self-tapping screws, which should be located on the inside.

The result should be U-shaped parts - the base of the lounger. If the sauna shelves will be multi-level, make details for each level. At the lower ends of the racks, fix the elastic bands that will perform the function of waterproofing.

Now we install the base of the lounger adjacent to the wall, i.e. the highest shelf. To increase the strength and rigidity of the structure, we attach the adjacent racks to the wall with dowels, anchors or self-tapping screws. At the same time, be sure to check the position of the racks with a level to avoid vertical deviation.

From above, all racks must be connected with horizontal strips located perpendicular to the jumpers of paired racks. As planks, you can use boards that are attached to the uprights with their mouths so that the load falls on the edge.

If you want to make removable benches, i.e. do not connect them to the walls, strengthen the structure with additional jumpers. The advantage of removable shelves is that you can dry them outside.

The frame of the upper shelf is ready, now you need to make the frame of the lower shelf in the same way. To do this, connect the rear racks of the lower shelf to the front racks of the upper shelf. Then tie all the U-shaped parts together with horizontal strips. Strengthen the joints with metal corners.

We looked at how simple, rectangular shelves are made. However, sometimes they are made of a complex, curvilinear shape. For example, if the sunbeds are L-shaped, you can make the corner between them rounded.

Finnish bath shelves are made a little differently - first you need to mark the walls, indicating the level of the shelves with horizontal lines. Then, on the lines obtained, fix a beam with a section of 50x70 mm. For these purposes, use anchors. If the walls are wooden, use powerful screws. The step of the fasteners should be no more than 20–25 cm.

Then attach the front bar to the end bars, as a result of which you should get a rectangular frame. To strengthen the structure, install racks on which the hanging side of the bed will rest. If the sunbed turns out to be long (more than two meters), it is advisable to install the rack in the center of the hanging edge.

To make the rack in the center more functional, you can add a ladder to it. To do this, install a second rack next to it and fix jumpers between them. As a result, climbing to the second tier will be much easier.

The frame itself is additionally reinforced with crossbars to avoid deflection of the skin during operation. According to this principle, assemble the frames for the beds at other levels, after which you can proceed to the sheathing.

Step 4: Sheathing

Start by cutting the boards to the width of the shelves in the steam room. Then carefully sand their front side and ends. Round the upper ribs so that they do not dig into the body and it is comfortable to lie on the sunbed. As a result, the surface should be perfectly smooth.

The process of attaching boards is extremely simple. Most importantly, follow these rules:

• fasten the boards in increments of 10–20 mm. This is necessary for air circulation between them. If you do not provide gaps, the flooring will not be able to dry properly and soon you will have to make new shelves in the steam room, as the old ones will rot;
• fix the boards with self-tapping screws exclusively from the back. If you screw in the screws from above, even deepening the hats by a few millimeters, there will still be a chance of getting burned. And safety, as you know, is the main requirement for shelves in a steam room.

True, instead of self-tapping screws, you can use oak tongue-and-groove wedges that can be installed from above. To do this, drill holes for them and then hammer the tongues with a hammer. Carefully grind the place of installation of the tongues so that they do not protrude above the boards.

After the boards have been fixed, sand the surface again to remove any nicks that may have appeared during the installation process.

If desired, you can make the skin removable. To do this, place two beams parallel to each other and fasten the boards on top of them, taking into account the above requirements. Make grooves in the beams so that they fit on the frame lintels and the casing is securely fixed in the working position.

You can quickly dry the removable lining after each water treatment. Accordingly, the furniture in this case will serve you longer.

Do not treat the shelves in the steam room with chemical antiseptic impregnations. This may harm your health. The exceptions are special products made on the basis of natural ingredients, such as Tikkurila Supi-Saunasuoja or, for example, Eurotex Sauna. And even better - generally refuse to use impregnations.

Reading time ≈ 4 minutes

Nothing relaxes and cleanses the body like a Russian bath. Almost everyone dreams of building their own steam room on their site. The article will highlight important issues on the construction of shelves in the bath with your own hands, including photo and video materials for a better understanding of the whole process.

Before starting work, it is necessary to obtain basic information on the correct selection of materials for the installation of shelves in the bath and familiarize yourself with the recommendations on construction features. In advance, it is better to draw up a draft of the future structure with the implementation of sketch drawings and the calculation of the overall dimensions of each tier.

Shelf Options

The design of the shelf for the bath in the steam room depends on the size of the area and the height of the room. The shelves are located only near solid walls without windows and glazed ventilation outlets and, depending on the territorial possibilities, they can have different versions.

They can be located only near one wall in several stepped tiers or near two parallel walls opposite each other. Corner shelves in the bath are also possible with a variety of options for the arrangement of tiers.

It is better to sketch several shelf layout projects in order to choose the best option in comparison. After the location of each element is finally approved, you can begin to calculate the main dimensions of the structure and select the necessary materials.

Settlement project

The calculation of the height of a multi-tiered structure starts from the ceiling. The top shelf should be 60 cm wide and located at least 1.1 meters from the ceiling. This distance is necessary so that on the upper tier it is possible to sit normally and whip the steaming broom in a big way.

The height of each tier should be about half a meter. The lower tier should recede from the floor by at least 30 cm. It is better to make the lower step 40 cm wide removable and not attached to the floor so that it is possible to dry and wash the floor of the steam room. Based on these recommendations, the number of tiers is calculated, varying their height and optimally using the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe room.

The choice of materials for the bath shelves

Particular attention must be paid to the correct choice of the material of the steam room shelves. Tiered structures are made of wood, but not all breeds are suitable for a bath. They must meet a number of requirements. It is best for the steam room to choose wooden boards from linden, aspen or African abachi.

These types of wood have a fairly dense, strong structure and a low thermal conductivity, so they practically do not heat up. Wood perfectly tolerates conditions of high temperatures and humidity, without losing its properties and quality of appearance. Under the influence of high temperature, such rocks emit a pleasant healing aroma of fresh wood.

Aspen, linden and abachi wood has a smooth surface with a beautiful pattern, is easy to process and has a high durability. It has antibacterial properties and is resistant to mold and other fungi.

Features of the manufacturing process

When building shelves in a bathhouse with your own hands, special talent and skills are not required. Shelves are made in the usual way, the main thing is to follow some rules. Ventilation slots with a minimum width of 10 cm must remain between the walls and shelves.

The dimensions of the timber 50x70 mm are optimal for shelves, since wood with such dimensions dries out most quickly and fully. In the manufacture of the frame of the shelf in the wooden bath, we fix the support with a board both above and below along the entire length. Removable shelves with legs should have rubber pads so as not to spoil the surface of the steam room floor.

A distance of 1 cm should be maintained between the planks of the beds. Instead of metal products, it is better to use wooden nails or pins driven into pre-drilled holes as fasteners. If metal nails are used, the caps must be driven in deeply to avoid burns when they are heated.

The Russian steam room is a building that is intended for wellness procedures that help to relax the soul and body.

An important functional element of the steam room is a shelf - a special wooden flooring.

A modern sauna shelf can be made with your own hands in accordance with the operational features of the room and the individual preferences of the owner of the bath.

Optimal dimensions

In order to make comfortable and functional shelves in the sauna and bath, you first need to decide.

Many owners of baths prefer multi-tiered structures, the most common option is three-tier shelves. However, experts recommend choosing shelves in two rows. It is economical and convenient enough for attendants, in addition, it is easier to build them yourself.

To make a high-quality design, you need to focus on the following dimensions of the shelves in the bath:

Height

The optimal shelf height is determined by the average height of visitors. This ensures the convenience of the procedures, while the shelves for the bath must be located at the level of the thumb, lowered down in a sitting position. The average height is 80 cm.

It is also important to observe the allowable distance between the bench and the steam room ceiling of 120 cm. This is determined by the level of comfort when the attendant is in a sitting or lying position.

The length of the shelves may be less if the bath has a more compact size.

Attention! Between the decorative wall cladding and the shelves, a technological gap of 4 mm must be observed on all sides, taking into account the coefficient of expansion of wood during swelling.

When arranging a two-row structure, the width of the lower shelves is 55 cm, and the upper ones - up to 75 cm. Small gaps of 6 mm are also observed between the individual elements of the benches. In the presence of side benches, their width is 45 cm.

The number of shelves is determined by the dimensions and operational features of the steam room.

Choice of wood

These tree species are distinguished by good performance, durability and wear resistance.

Aspen

This is one of the best natural materials that is used to make, in particular, shelves. It has medicinal properties, is relatively cheap and practical to use.

Aspen cleans the air quite well, neutralizes negative energy, restores strength. For this reason, aspen shelves are simple, affordable and durable.

The only hidden drawback of the material is the predisposition to internal decay of the fibers, so the choice of wood must be especially careful.

Linden

An excellent material for the manufacture of bath shelves and tables. It has a lot of advantages - easy to process, has an attractive appearance, resistant to stains and cracking, durable, affordable.

When heated, the wood exudes a gentle and pleasant smell, which has a beneficial effect on the respiratory system. The disadvantage is the tendency to darken with prolonged use in wet areas.

Abashi (African oak)

This is a unique material that has high strength, inertness to overheating and mechanical damage. Abashi heats up quite slowly, which completely prevents the occurrence of burns at high temperatures.

Wood is presented in dark and light colors, perfectly retains its performance throughout the entire period of use.

The disadvantage of abasha is its high cost and the complexity of the initial processing.

Manufacturing

To make shelves of the required size for a suitable number of people, you should prepare the necessary tools and materials. For work you will need:

• wooden boards from the selected type of wood;
• wooden beam;
• stand-up boards for fastening the structure;
• self-tapping screws;
• corner;
• nails.

At the initial stage, the instruction provides for the assembly of the frame for the future shelves.

Assembly of the frame base and installation of the flooring

The wooden frame base is assembled from 10 prepared beams with a section of 5 × 7 cm and 5 rack boards for attaching shelves. The beams for the frame are mounted vertically and fastened horizontally to each other using strapping. Fixing to the racks is carried out on a paired connecting element.

To provide additional strength, the structure is additionally mounted to the wall surface.

As a flooring, flat and pre-boards are used. Installation of boards is carried out in compliance with the technological gap between them of 6 mm. For the lower shelf, 3 boards are used, for the upper bench - 7.

Next, the flooring is installed on the prepared frame with fixation on self-tapping screws, which must be sunk 5 mm deep into the wood. Fasteners are driven in from the back side of the shelves. The boards are stuffed with a gap at a slight slope of 2 degrees.

Structure fixation

Fixing the shelves to the wall is carried out in compliance with a gap of 11 cm. The lower shelf has a movable structure mounted on special mechanisms - skids, which simplifies the process of cleaning the steam room.

The photo shows a step-by-step algorithm.

In places where the wooden frame of the shelves is in contact with the floor surface, special rubber pads are mounted for additional waterproofing.

Treatment with antiseptics

The final stage of arranging a shelf in a Russian steam room is wood treatment with reliable antiseptics. Constant contact with sufficiently humid and hot air contributes to the rapid destruction of wood fibers.

Carrying out timely prevention will prevent.

Important! For the treatment of bath shelves it is forbidden to use chemicals, as well as varnishes and drying oils. In conditions of high humidity and temperature changes, they are able to release toxic substances with a pungent odor, which can cause allergic reactions.

Equipped with wooden shelves - the heart of any bath. High-quality and convenient shelves will provide a comfortable and pleasant pastime for the benefit of the soul and body.

Take a steam bath in a real Russian bathhouse or spend an hour or two in a sauna, it would seem, what could be more pleasant? Moreover, for the happy owners of their own piece of land, this is more than feasible. But putting up a log house is half the work, properly organizing the interior space is an equally important stage in the construction of a personal piece of paradise.

The steam room is the central place in the bath or sauna, and the quality of the procedures carried out there depends on how correctly and rationally organized its space is. The location and number of benches in the steam room depends on the size of the steam room and the needs of the owners. Canopies can be either single or multi-tiered, go in a circle or be opposite.

Types of shop structures for steam rooms

Despite the great diversity, three main groups of structures can be distinguished.

The dimensions of the canopies are determined in each case, based on the area of ​​the steam room. We should not forget about comfort during a person’s stay, so the length and width of the canopy should allow you to sit on it both sitting and lying down.

With regards to the shape of the benches, here you can give preference to the classic bench type of canopies, and it is possible to make sun loungers or even wooden deck chairs. The main criterion is the capacity of the steam room and the ability to place certain structures in it. Compactness is the dominant principle in the placement of canopies; benches should warm up well and not take up extra space.

Materials for manufacturing

Most often, the same material is used for the manufacture of canopies as for the lining of the interior and the steam room. Hardwoods are preferred over softwoods due to their ability to crack and release resin when heated excessively, as well as their low thermal conductivity and high density.

Shelves for steam rooms can be made from the following types of wood:

poplar;

• Birch tree;

  oak;

  Linden

  cedar;

  abash (African oak).

The wood of these species has a fairly strong structure, does not deform when exposed to moisture and steam. The most preferred material is aspen, since its wood has good moisture-resistant qualities, but a tree that has not been treated with special compounds can rot from the inside.

As in the construction of any other structure, there are a number of rules and principles.

Step 1. Determine the location and make a drawing

1. As a rule, curtains are installed along the longest wall in the steam room, free from windows, doors, vents and vents.
2. Measure the dimensions of the steam room as accurately as possible and make a drawing of it in two projections, indicating there the furnace, heating boiler, windows and vents.
3. Schematically, but accurately, mark the location of the shelves, following the recommendations of experienced craftsmen.
4. The finished sketch should indicate the dimensions, the places where the shelves are attached to the walls and the floor. Moreover, it is recommended to attach the upper rows to the walls, and the lower rows directly to the floor (this will greatly simplify the process of cleaning the steam room). The overall composition should be as compact as possible.
5. Based on the drawing, calculate the approximate amount of wood, adding 5% "in reserve".
6. It is very important to accurately determine the design of the canopy, because nothing can be corrected either during or after the completion of the work. And the conversion will be costly.

A few important points:

• the width of the bench space ranges from 40 to 60 cm, you should not make the benches too narrow or excessively wide, but there should be enough space for the visitor to comfortably lie at full height with his hands, if a recumbent place is provided;
• the height between the floor and the bottom row should not be less than 45 cm, the distance between adjacent rows of the canopy is determined by a figure of 55-65 cm;
• from the top shelf to the ceiling should remain free about 120-130 cm;
• the height of the second row of shelves from the floor is ideally at least 110 cm;
• it is advisable to place rows of benches not close to the stove in order to avoid thermal shocks and thermal burns, even if the stove is fenced with a protective grill;
• special attention should be paid to the steam circulation path - placing benches under it is not a very practical and reasonable solution.

Step 2. Material preparation

1. The prepared estimated amount of timber and boards must meet certain requirements. The tree is taken of high quality, without visible defects and marriage, well planed, smooth, without knots, cracks and notches.
2. For support racks and bench seats, wood of the same species is taken.
3. The boards for the seats of the future canopy are installed thin, in order to dry them faster after using the steam room.
4. It is recommended to choose narrow blanks for seats, the optimal width varies four or five times in relation to the thickness of the canvas. This will prevent bending and cracking of the material.
5. Wood for seats is not recommended to be treated with varnish or any chemical compounds.

Video - Do-it-yourself canopy in the bath

Step 3. Assembly and installation of blanks

1. Experts advise starting the arrangement of the steam room from the very top row. Each row is a semblance of the letter "P"
2. The support beam is placed on the base for the bench along the entire length of the rectangular shape, at a distance of 65-85 cm from each other.
3. The bars of the rack are attached to the frame with special self-tapping screws - two for each. To further strengthen the structure between the support posts, you can nail an additional row of bars. All elements of the frame are firmly connected with self-tapping screws and mounting corners.

   

4. After the frame of all rows is fully assembled, proceed to its direct installation in the steam room. For better stability and protection against moisture, it is recommended to place rubber gaskets on the lower parts of the bars.

   

5. The next step is fixing the boards. The base for the seats is stuffed, starting from the lowest row of the frame.
6. If you are skilled enough, it is best to make the seats at a slight slope, for the best drainage of water.
7. When assembling the seats between adjacent boards, leave a gap of 5-10 mm to drain the water and quickly dry the bench.

   

8. When assembling the curtains, it is allowed to use both nails and self-tapping bolts. In any case, metal caps should be slightly sunk into the wood by a few millimeters to avoid accidental thermal burns. If the deepening of the hats into the wood is not possible, plastic protective caps are put on them. Assembly is also allowed on special wooden pins or wedges.
9. The vertical space between the rows of the canopy can also be sheathed with boards. This point should be thought out in advance in order to stock up on a sufficient amount of material. It is better not to sheathe the area between the floor and the bottom row, as this will only impede air circulation, the drying of the steam room and cleaning.

   

10. An interesting solution would be to create a collapsible structure (for example, removable seats). This will greatly facilitate the drying and ventilation of the steam room.

    

11. If desired, backs, headrests can be made above the top row, and for general use - footrests or small benches. This will give completeness and will contribute to even more comfortable procedures.

    

12. If necessary, sharp corners are rounded off.
13. After completion of all work, the surface of the seats is viewed and carefully polished in the right places.

    

Step 4. Finishing

When the canopy is assembled and mounted, and all the irregularities are smoothed and sanded, the resulting structure must be treated with a special composition for the wood of steam rooms. As a rule, these are oil-based solutions that prevent the harmful effects of moisture and steam, premature rotting of the boards, and also have fire-fighting properties.

Making a canopy and equipping a steam room on your own is not such a tricky business - there would be a desire and a little perseverance and hard work.

Video - Do-it-yourself shelves for a steam room