The sauna is a place of relaxation where comfort and safety go hand in hand. The sauna door, being one of the most important elements of this structure, fulfils key roles, both practically and aesthetically. When choosing them, attention should be paid to durability and resistance to temperatures and moisture. In addition, the design of the door must allow easy opening to the outside, which is of considerable importance for the free circulation of air and the maintenance of the right climate inside the sauna.
What do you need to know about the different types of sauna doors?
Sauna doors come in different types, which depend on the role they play in the sauna structure.
- Sauna entrance doors: these doors perform the function of keeping the heat inside the sauna without allowing it to escape to the outside. They are often additionally insulated to ensure that they are effective in maintaining the temperature. In Finnish saunas, the door is usually made of wood or wood with a glass insert.
- Sauna doors leading to the steam room: The key task of these doors is to prevent steam and heat from escaping from the steam room. They maintain the optimum humidity and temperature levels. Due to the high humidity in the steam room, they install glass doors.
- Internal sauna doors: These are installed when the sauna has additional rooms, such as a relaxation room or shower. In a sauna designed in the Russian style, made exclusively of wood, imitation wood doors are the best choice to add character to the overall design.
When choosing a sauna door, consider the types of sauna door and follow not only your own taste, but also the advice of experts. Only then will you be able to make the right decision and choose the best sauna door.
How do I choose a sauna door?
Choosing a sauna door requires consideration and precision. Here are some key aspects to consider when choosing:
- Material: sauna doors should be made of heat- and moisture-resistant materials. Glass doors are often preferred for their ability to retain heat while allowing natural light to enter. For example, it is best to choose a wooden door for a Finnish sauna and a glass door for a steam room.
- Dimension: The door must be suitable for the size of the sauna. It is worth remembering that the door should be wide enough to allow free entry and exit.
- Safety: The door should open outwards, which is a safety requirement. In addition, the door should have a robust construction that can withstand the weight and pressure of the sauna’s steamy climate.
- Design: The aesthetics of the door should compliment the style of the sauna. Glass doors are available in a variety of shades and designs that can add elegance to the sauna.
- Insulation: adequate insulation of the door is key to maintaining the temperature inside the sauna. A good door should have effective seals to prevent heat loss.
Sauna door design
Understanding the design of the sauna door is key to the correct selection decision. Here are some of the key aspects we should look out for:
- Frames: Sauna door frames are usually made of wood or aluminium, which are resistant to moisture and high temperatures. The frame should be robust and durable to withstand the weight of the door and ensure long-lasting functionality.
- Glass: many sauna doors use toughened safety glass. This glass is more resistant to breakage due to sudden temperature changes. In addition, glass doors allow natural light to enter the sauna, which can affect the atmosphere of the room. The glass can be transparent or coloured, glossy or matt.
- Gasket: The gasket is a key part of the sauna door design. The gasket should be well designed and made of temperature-resistant material to prevent heat loss.
- Locks and hinges: Locks and hinges should be made of corrosion-resistant material. These components should allow easy opening and closing of the door.
Wooden sauna doors
Wooden sauna doors are a traditional choice that offer unique advantages, but also some limitations.
Features of wooden sauna doors
Advantages
Disadvantages
The most common types of wood used for sauna doors are aspen, alder and pine.
- Osika is a light, light wood with a fine grain. It is an excellent choice for saunas due to its resistance to temperature and moisture changes.
- Alder is a heavier wood with a darker shade. It is durable and resistant to moisture, making it an ideal choice for saunas.
- Pine is also a popular choice, known for its beautiful grain and warm colour. However, pine is less resistant to moisture than aspen or alder, which can shorten its life in a sauna.
When choosing a wooden door for your sauna, it’s worth paying attention to the type of wood, its properties and understanding the maintenance needs so you can enjoy it for years to come.
Glass doors for the sauna
Glass doors are becoming an increasingly popular choice to complement sauna arrangements. Their growing popularity is due to the many advantages they offer. Nevertheless, like any material, they also have their limitations.
Features of the glass sauna door
Advantages
Disadvantages
As for sauna glass door styles, there are many options. You can choose a transparent door for maximum light inlet, frosted glass for better privacy, or textured glass to add a unique style. There are also different glass colours available, such as brown, grey or green glass, which allow you to customise the door to match the style of your sauna.
Glass sauna doors are a modern, elegant choice that allow light into the interior, are easy to maintain and can withstand the harsh sauna environment. However, when choosing them, it is worth paying attention to the style, colour and texture of the glass so that they fulfil not only a practical function, but also an aesthetic one.
Which door is better to choose?
The choice of sauna door depends on many factors, such as your budget, the style of sauna, the level of privacy you want, and your personal preferences.
Wood doors are a classic choice for saunas, providing natural beauty and warmth. Their natural insulating properties make them an excellent choice for saunas. If you are looking for a traditional look and don’t mind regular maintenance, wooden doors may be a good choice for you.
On the other hand, glass doors offer a modern look and let in a lot of light, making the sauna appear larger and more open. They are easy to clean and resistant to heat and humidity, making them a practical choice. If you value aesthetics and ease of maintenance, glass doors may be a better option.
If you plan to raise the humidity up to 60%, such as in a steam bath or a Russian banya, it is better to install a glass door, but consider the extra power when choosing a cooker.
In any case, it is important to choose a door that is compatible with your sauna and that will stand the test of time. Whether you choose wooden or glass doors, the most important thing is that they are durable, functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Sauna door price
The cost of a sauna door varies and depends on a number of factors, including the material used and the design. On average, wooden sauna doors can cost between $200 and $650, depending on the species of wood and additional features such as thermal insulation or finish.
Glass doors are slightly cheaper, with prices starting at around $170 and going up to around $500 for more advanced tempered glass models, with customisable colours and textures.
However, these prices can vary depending on the manufacturer, place of purchase and installation, so it is always worth comparing different offers and consulting an expert before making a final decision.
