Sauna Doors: A Comprehensive Guide

The sauna door is a crucial component of any sauna, significantly impacting both functionality and aesthetics. A well-chosen sauna door not only enhances the look of your sauna but also ensures safety, energy efficiency, and optimal performance. This comprehensive guide delves into the different types of sauna doors, their materials, installation tips, and maintenance practices to help you make an informed decision.

Types of Sauna Doors

1. Traditional Full Wooden Sauna Doors

Traditional wooden sauna doors are a classic choice for saunas, providing a warm and rustic look. They are typically made from high-quality woods such as cedar, pine, or spruce, known for their durability and resistance to high temperatures and humidity.

Pros:

• Aesthetic appeal with a natural, traditional look
• Excellent insulation properties
• Durable and long-lasting

Cons:

• Can be expensive and hard to source in the US depending on the wood type

2. Glass Sauna Doors

Glass sauna doors are a modern option that adds a sleek and contemporary touch to your sauna. They are usually made from tempered or laminated glass, ensuring safety and durability. Glass doors allow for natural light to enter the sauna, creating a more open and inviting atmosphere.

Pros:

• Modern and elegant appearance
• Allows natural light, creating an open feel
• Easy to clean and maintain

Cons:

• Can be more expensive than wooden doors
• May not provide the same level of insulation as wooden doors and can be a heat sink that requires a larger heater to be installed.

Recommended Product: Thermory Premium 24" Tempered Glass Sauna Door

3. Combination Doors

Combination doors feature both wood and glass elements, offering the best of both worlds. These doors often have a wooden frame with a central glass panel, combining the insulation properties of wood with the modern look of glass.

Pros:

• Combines aesthetic appeal with functionality
• Good insulation with visual access to the sauna
• Versatile design options

Cons:

• Can be more expensive than single-material doors
• Requires maintenance of both wood and glass components

Recommended Product: Cedar Sauna Door with Glass Insert, Door Frame, Hinges, and Handles

Materials for Sauna Doors

1. Wood

Wood is a traditional material for sauna doors, known for its excellent insulation and natural aesthetic. Popular wood choices include:

• Cedar: Highly resistant to moisture and decay, cedar is durable and has a pleasant aroma.
• Pine: A more affordable option, pine provides good insulation and a rustic look.
• Spruce: Known for its strength and stability, spruce is a common choice for sauna construction.

2. Glass

Glass used in sauna doors is typically tempered or laminated for safety. It can come in various styles, including clear, frosted, or etched, allowing you to customize the look of your sauna.

Tempered Glass:

• Stronger than regular glass and less likely to break
• If broken, shatters into small, blunt pieces

Laminated Glass:

• Made of multiple layers for added strength
• Holds together if shattered, reducing the risk of injury

Installation Tips for Sauna Doors

1. Proper Sizing

Ensure your sauna door is properly sized for your sauna opening. Standard sauna doors are usually 24 to 30 inches wide and 72 to 80 inches tall. Measure the opening accurately before purchasing the door.

2. Insulation and Sealing

Proper insulation and sealing are crucial to maintain the heat and humidity levels inside the sauna. Ensure the door fits snugly and uses weather stripping or gaskets to prevent air leaks.

3. Safety Considerations

• Clearance: Ensure there is enough clearance around the door for safe and easy operation.
• Handle Placement: Install handles that remain cool to the touch to avoid burns.
• Door Swing: Sauna doors should open outward to prevent accidental entrapment.

Maintenance of Sauna Doors

1. Regular Cleaning

Clean the door regularly to prevent the buildup of dirt, sweat, and other residues. Use a mild soap and water solution for wooden doors and a glass cleaner for glass doors.

2. Inspect for Damage

Regularly inspect the door for any signs of damage, such as warping, cracks, or broken seals. Address any issues promptly to maintain the door's functionality and appearance.

3. Wood Treatment

If you have a wooden sauna door, treat the wood periodically with a suitable sealant or oil to protect it from moisture and extend its lifespan.

Why You Shouldn't Use Normal Doors in a Sauna

Using a regular door in a sauna can lead to several issues, compromising both the functionality and safety of your sauna. Here’s why you should opt for a specially designed sauna door instead of a standard home door:

1. Heat and Humidity Resistance

Regular doors are not built to withstand the extreme temperatures and high humidity levels of a sauna. Over time, they can warp, crack, or delaminate, leading to gaps and inefficiencies in heat retention.

2. Safety Concerns

Normal doors may have metal components or finishes that can become extremely hot and cause burns. Additionally, standard door handles may not be designed to stay cool, posing a risk of injury.

3. Insulation

Sauna doors are specifically designed with insulation in mind to maintain the interior temperature and humidity. Regular doors often lack the necessary insulation properties, resulting in heat loss and inefficient sauna operation.

4. Door Swing

Sauna doors are designed to open outward for safety reasons, ensuring easy exit in case of emergency. Regular doors, especially interior doors, typically open inward, which can be dangerous in the confined space of a sauna.

5. Materials

Sauna doors are constructed from materials like cedar or tempered glass, which can handle the sauna environment. Regular doors made from standard wood or other materials are prone to damage in such conditions.

Recommended Sauna Doors

1. Sauna Door - 23x65" Cedar w/ Glass Insert, Door Frame, Hinges, and Handles

Features:

• Beautiful hand-crafted Eastern White Cedar pre-hung sauna door
• 5mm bronze tempered glass insert
• Includes hinges and Cedar door handles
• Designed for saunas with 1 1/2" thick tongue-and-groove stacked walls

Specifications:

• 1 1/2" thick solid Cedar door
• Door dimensions: 23" x 65" (58cm x 165cm)
• Outermost frame dimensions: 26 1/4" x 68 1/4"
• Rough in opening size for a 1 1/2" thick wall: 25 1/2" x 67 1/2"
• Weight: 23 lbs

Product Link: Sauna Door - 23x65" Cedar w/ Glass Insert, Door Frame, Hinges, and Handles

2. Bathology Solid Fir Pre-Hung Sauna Door w/ Clear Glass | SaunaTight 310

Features:

• Vertical grain Douglas Fir with double-pane tempered glass window
• No threshold; an air gap of up to an inch under the door for airflow
• Pre-hung with 2 wooden push/pull handles

Specifications:

• Door dimensions: 24”x 80”, 30”x 80”, and ADA compliant 36”x 80”
• Rough opening dimensions: 26”x 82”, 32”x 82”, and 38”x 82”
• Weight: 100 lbs

Product Link: Bathology Solid Fir Pre-Hung Sauna Door w/ Clear Glass | SaunaTight 310

3. Scandia Cedar Sauna Door with Glass Insert, Door Frame, Hinges, and Handles

Features:

• Made from Clear Grade Cedar
• Dual pane 4mm thick glass with 11mm air space
• Pre-assembled spring hinges for automatic closing
• Includes matching wood for the door frame

Specifications:

• 1 1/2" thick solid cedar door
• Door dimensions: 24"x80", rough opening should be 26"x82"
• Door is custom-made-to-order

Product Link: Scandia Cedar Sauna Door with Glass Insert, Door Frame, Hinges, and Handles

4. Thermory Premium 24" Tempered Glass Sauna Door

Features:

• 8mm tempered, clear, impact-resistant glass
• Scratch-resistant with crystal clear clarity
• Door opening direction can be changed upon installation

Specifications:

• Actual door dimensions with jamb: 27.2” W x 3.62” D x 74.4” H
• Rough-In dimensions: 28” W x 75” H
• Jamb thickness: 1.65"

Product Link: Thermory Premium 24" Tempered Glass Sauna Door

5. Scandia Glass Sauna Door with Door Frame, Hinges, and Handles

Features:

• Beautiful tempered glass with chamfered edges
• Frameless design with wooden handles
• Includes cedar door jamb, casings, and door stop

Specifications:

• Height: 82 3/4"
• Glass thickness: 0.38"

Product Link: Scandia Glass Sauna Door with Door Frame, Hinges, and Handles

6. Bathology Pre-Hung Bronze Glass Sauna Door | Elements 310

Features:

• 5/16" thick, tempered, bronze-tinted glass door
• 1” thick cedar door jamb with 2 wooden push/pull handles
• Securely packaged for safe shipping

Specifications:

• Door size: 24” x 80”, 30" x 80", and 36" x 80"
• Rough opening dimensions: 27-1/2” x 82-1/4”, 33-1/2" x 82-1/4", and 39-3/4" x 82-1/4"
• Weight: 150 lbs

Product Link: Bathology Pre-Hung Bronze Glass Sauna Door | Elements 310

Conclusion

Choosing the right sauna door is essential for creating the perfect sauna experience. Whether you prefer the traditional warmth of a wooden door, the modern elegance of a glass door, or the versatility of a combination door, understanding the different types and materials can help you make an informed decision. Proper installation and regular maintenance will ensure your sauna door remains functional and beautiful for years to come.

For more information and to explore a wide range of sauna doors, visit Havenly.

FAQs

Q: Can I install a sauna door myself? A: Yes, with proper tools and instructions, you can install a sauna door yourself. However, professional installation is recommended for the best results and to ensure safety.

Q: How often should I maintain my sauna door? A: Regular cleaning should be done weekly, while a thorough inspection and maintenance should be carried out every few months or as needed.

Q: What is the best material for a sauna door? A: The best material depends on your preferences. Wood offers excellent insulation and a traditional look, while glass provides a modern aesthetic and allows natural light. Combination doors offer both benefits.

Q: Do sauna doors need to be insulated? A: Yes, proper insulation is recommended to maintain the heat and humidity levels inside the sauna. Ensure the door fits snugly and uses weather stripping or gaskets to prevent air leaks.

Q: Can I build my own sauna door? A: While it is possible to build a sauna door from scratch, the level of materials, tools, skills, and time required means 99% of people choose to purchase a door. We stock doors designed for saunas. It is important to use tempered glass for safety. The last thing you want is shards of glass on the floor when you are trapped barefoot in a sauna if the worst happens and the glass shatters. Our sauna doors come with frames and hinges ready for installation into your wall. We also stock attractive clear and bronze-tinted all-glass doors. They lend a spacious, luxurious look and feel to any indoor sauna. We recommend ordering the door and taking measurements from the actual door frame before framing the rough opening to ensure everything fits the first time.

Q: Where can I purchase high-quality sauna doors? A: High-quality sauna doors can be purchased from reputable retailers. Visit Havenly for a wide selection of sauna doors and accessories.

Feel free to reach out with any other questions or if you need more detailed information on selecting and maintaining the perfect sauna door. Happy sauna sessions!