Do-it-yourself bathhouse shelves: step-by-step assembly and installation instructions

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Bathhouse shelves and benches are a necessary attribute of every steam room. The key characteristic of this type of furniture is maximum functionality. Natural wood is traditionally used to make such structures. If necessary, you can assemble them yourself. However, to do this you will need to familiarize yourself with some rules and step-by-step instructions that will allow you to complete all the work correctly.

You can make a convenient bath shelf yourself if you follow the basic rules

What should a bath shelf be like: design features

Most often in baths you can find two-tier structures. In this case, maximum functionality is achieved with the minimum area required for arranging the shelf. As a rule, the lower tier is used for sitting, and the upper tier is for lying. This design must be done correctly. A slight difficulty is that the width of the second floor must be sufficient to make it comfortable to lie on.

A comfortable stay in the steam room of a bath largely depends not only on the microclimate, but also on the quality and convenience of the shelves located

One of the most important criteria is the thickness of the structural components of the canopy - the log. The cost of the material depends on this indicator. The pattern in this case is as follows: the thicker the logs, the more expensive they are. However, it is not recommended to purchase products that are too thin, as they will sag under human weight.

Helpful information! To save on the construction of a bath shelf, it is recommended to place individual logs at a short distance from each other.

Before assembling bath furniture, you need to decide on its dimensions. The shelves in the steam room can have different sizes and shapes. However, there are traditional, most common dimensions. In accordance with this standard, the total height of the structure should be 70 cm. The distribution of sizes between floors is as follows: for the 1st tier - 40, and for the top - 30 cm.

The distance between the lags is a mandatory rule that should be strictly adhered to. However, you should not make the distance too large. If necessary, these products can be made independently, but to do this you need to have at least minimal wood processing skills.

It is advisable to leave a distance between the shelf and the ceiling of the steam room, in this case you can not only lie on it, but also sit comfortably

Before you begin assembling the bathhouse shelf, you should prepare materials, tools and make a drawing, according to which all subsequent work will be carried out. Its creation must be approached with all seriousness, since inaccuracies in the drawing will lead to installation errors.

You should take into account the number of people for whom the steam room was designed. The size of the room also plays an important role, so you should focus on them as well. As for choosing a location, it is not recommended to place shelves near the window opening. As a rule, this structure is placed along one of the blank walls, complementing the interior with benches.

What material is best to make a bath shelf from?

Many people advise using material made from leaf trees for these purposes. The reason for this choice is quite simple to explain: coniferous boards at high temperatures release resin, which, if heated strongly, can not only stain the body, but also cause a burn.

Experts recommend choosing boards made of material that has low thermal conductivity. Such wood has a heating limit. If the boards do not get very hot, then you can sit and lie on them without experiencing discomfort. Let's consider what types of wood are most often used to make a bathhouse shelf with your own hands.

The work should begin with the choice of wood for the shelf

Aspen. Aspen is a deciduous tree. This material is common, so it is not difficult to find and buy. Many people note the healing properties of such boards. Among the technical characteristics of such material are strength, resistance to rotting and long service life.

Linden. Boards made from this wood are considered the best in terms of price-quality ratio. Another advantage of linden products is that they have low thermal conductivity and a presentable appearance. Shelves made of linden boards are aesthetically pleasing and pleasing to the eye.

Products made from such material are easy to process, so it is recommended to buy them for people who have no previous experience in working with wood. Making a linden shelf in a bathhouse with your own hands is easier than constructing it from another material. When heated, linden boards emit a very light and pleasant woody smell, which has a calming effect. In addition, they are easy to care for. One of the disadvantages of this material is that it darkens over time. However, this does not in any way affect the performance characteristics of the tree.

Maple. Many experts note that this tree species is a good alternative to linden boards. Products made from this material are more durable and therefore practically do not deform over time. Like linden boards, elements made from maple are great for shelf organization.

It is recommended to use hardwood for the manufacture of shelves and benches.

Poplar. This material is distinguished by its whitish tint and is easy to process. For beginners, this is one of the best options, but products made from this wood are not strong enough. Therefore, it is recommended to use poplar for the manufacture of decorative shelf elements.

Note! When choosing a material for a bath shelf, you must remember that the wood must meet the operational requirements.

Abashi (African oak). Bathroom furniture is often made from this material. African oak is also suitable for a shelf in a sauna. This material is highly resistant to moisture and high temperatures. In addition, African oak boards have low thermal conductivity, which contributes to the ease of use of furniture.

The surface of products made from such wood is very smooth, and its structure favors quick drying. Many experts put this material first in the ratings of the most suitable tree species for shelving.

It is important to choose wood that is resistant to high temperatures and moisture, in which case the shelves can last for many years

Alder. Durable and reliable material, which is highly resistant to deformation. The thermal conductivity of alder boards is one of the lowest, so this wood is an excellent solution for bath furniture.

The choice of a particular material depends on several factors. First of all, this is a financial component. In addition, bath furniture must be able to withstand high temperatures and high humidity, as well as be durable and comfortable. Individual preferences play a big role when choosing material for shelves and benches.

Information about the material and number of boards is recorded in a do-it-yourself diagram. How to make shelves in a bathhouse is a question that many people ask. The answer to this can be obtained by studying the types of bath benches, their features and assembly instructions.

Design

The decorative side of the shelves is no less important. Benches made from wood of different shades (dark and light) look interesting.

Particular attention is paid to lighting. Benches equipped with built-in LED lighting are an excellent way to decorate a steam room in an unusual way. .

The choice of lighting color is individual. Red makes the steam room visually even hotter, green – relaxes, blue – gives calmness.

It is allowed to install spotlights on the ceiling directly above the shelves. This will make the room seem larger.

You can approach the decoration of corner seats creatively by designing a carved or wavy backrest.

There are benches that resemble the shape of a chaise lounge or where the upper tier very smoothly transitions into the lower.

Seats with separate backs and corner carved fasteners for hanging towels look good.

If the room allows, then a separate stand for slippers and shelves for soap products are equipped.

By playing with the shape, design of the benches, and their placement, the steam room can be decorated in both antique, high-tech or modern style.

Types of shelves in the steam room: common design options

There are several types of bath shelves, which differ from each other in their design features. The feasibility of one form or another, as well as the number of tiers, is determined depending on the size of the bathhouse and its features. This publication contains information about the most common types of canopies.

For a steam bath, complex tiered structures in three stages are often chosen

Stepped structures. Today, this option for arranging shelves is the most popular. In this case, they are installed along one of the walls (without a window) in two or three tiers. The convenience of this design lies in the increase in the degree of heating from the lower floor to the upper one.

It is important to remember that the upper tier of the stepped shelf in the steam room must be installed above the line of the boiler used to heat the room. In this case, the distance from the top floor to the ceiling must be at least 120 cm. This is necessary in order to ensure maximum comfort for a person while sitting on such a structure. The same rule applies when a traditional stove is installed in the steam room.

Corner (L-shaped) flats. A less popular option than the previous one, however, it is also very often used when organizing the interior of a steam room. It is understood that one side of the structure will be parallel to the boiler, and the second will be adjacent to one of the free walls.

Wooden shelves in the shape of the letter “L” are located on one side opposite the heating stove, and the other on one of the free walls

The height of the corner structure may vary. This parameter is selected depending on the individual characteristics of the room. Experts advise installing corner shelves when the room is small in size, since they are extremely functional and are not very difficult to do with your own hands. The canopy for this type of bathhouse is best assembled from durable wood.

Coupe curtains. This design is quite rare, but the idea itself is interesting and original. It is suitable for small rooms where it is necessary to save internal space. In this case, two shelves are placed parallel to each other. This structure is very reminiscent of compartment rooms on trains (hence the name).

The upper shelves can be designed so that they recline. The frame structure for such a canopy is usually made of support posts. These elements, similar to the legs of a bench, are joined together by wooden bridges.

Helpful information! If necessary, the shelves can be fixed to the wall without using legs. However, such a device requires proper load distribution.

The canopy-compartment composition is spatially extremely advantageous for small bathhouses

In order to choose a design suitable for your situation, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the photo of the shelves in the bathhouse. This will allow you to visually evaluate the advantages of one or another option.

To cover the frame, you need to select even and smooth boards from any suitable material. The main thing is that the wood is moisture-resistant, durable and can withstand high temperatures. The distance between the boards should not be less than one centimeter. The maximum recommended distance is 2 cm.

Blueprints

To simplify and speed up the process of making benches for a steam room, it is recommended to draw up a visual diagram of their structure and location.

The dimensions of each part are marked on the drawing. If necessary, sketches of shelves are made from different angles.

The figure clearly shows whether the design of the benches will be folding, stepped or removable.

The location and distance of the elements from the stove or boiler are indicated.

A separate drawing should show the overall picture of the bathhouse with the location of the steam room, shower room, and rest room (if provided).

Don't forget to indicate the height of the ceilings and the distance of the bottom shelf from the floor.

The name and consumption of material for the benches (lining, board) are indicated, and the fastening elements are noted.

Calculating the size of a shelf in a bathhouse: recommendations

The first thing you need to do before installing the shelf is to calculate its dimensions. It is worth choosing the shape and number of floors of the wooden structure so that it fits into the interior of the steam room as competently and concisely as possible. It is also important to remember that the structure should not act to the detriment of the overall functionality of the room.

The classic option for a Russian bath is a one-story shelf located along one of the walls. Multi-level designs are more often used in foreign saunas, as this allows you to steam while sitting. In any case, each of the above options has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Bath shelf drawing

Before you make shelves in the bathhouse with your own hands, you will need to calculate their height, width and length. The choice of structure height is influenced by several factors. First of all, you should think about convenience. The height of the shelf should be such that a person feels comfortable. The standard for this indicator is 70 cm. It is not recommended to place the structure at a distance exceeding 90 cm from the floor.

Related article:

Log baths: the embodiment of the best Russian tradition

The correct choice of material for the log house. Types of log house. Foundation for construction. Features of constructing a bathhouse from a log. Log projects.

The location of the shelf should be such that it is convenient for the steamer to take water procedures both sitting and lying down. The distance from the canopy to the ceiling should be no less than 120 and no more than 150 cm. The dimensions of the shelf in the bathhouse may differ from the standard ones only if this is a justified decision. For example, often in small steam rooms there is simply not enough space to organize a classic design.

The most popular size of shelf seats is 60 cm, this width allows you to sit comfortably in the bathhouse

Another important indicator that requires careful calculation is the length of the structure. To ensure comfort during bath procedures, you need to assemble shelves on which you can lie at full height. This design promotes maximum relaxation for the steamer. The most common size of a shelf in a steam room is 2.2 m (in length). As for the width, traditionally it should not exceed 1 m.

If the bath area is large, then it becomes possible to expand the structure by 2 times. As a result, such a canopy can be intended for two people. However, before increasing the width, it is still recommended to make sure that such a structure will not interfere with people taking water procedures.

Baths that have small dimensions are most often equipped with compartment curtains. When choosing dimensions for this design, it is necessary to take into account not only the anthropometric data of a person, but also the number of people.

Care Tips

The first and most important rule that should be strictly followed is the mandatory drying and ventilation of the room after each session in the steam room. This will help protect wooden furniture from the harmful effects of excess humidity. By the way, a sauna stove will help dry the room if you leave it running for some time after completing the water procedures.

When ventilating the room, it is worth opening all doors and windows, while covering all water containers and tanks with lids.

A bathhouse is a room in which, like a bathroom, it is necessary to maintain cleanliness and carefully monitor internal hygiene. Of course, high temperatures protect the steam room from the appearance of all kinds of microbes and bacteria in it, but they are not able to protect the room from the appearance of dirt. Regular cleaning cannot be avoided. It will be necessary to wash away any remaining dirt remaining on the shelves after the procedures, as well as traces of condensation.

After completing the bath procedures, it will not be superfluous to wipe the surfaces with a dry towel, even if there is a backlight. This will not remove the moisture that has already been absorbed into the wood, but it will make it much easier for the outer surface of the shelves to dry, which means it will speed up the drying inside the wood.

At the same time, taking into account the specifics of the bath room, i.e. its mostly wooden design, chemical cleaning agents cannot be used in the steam room. The best option is simple laundry soap. It would be useful to use soft brushes. If there is heavy dirt on the wood that is not easy to remove, you can use sandpaper.

How to make shelves for a bathhouse with your own hands, see the following video.

Shelves in the bathhouse: design features

Assembling and installing a canopy is a serious task that requires not only calculation, but also compliance with some nuances and rules. For example, the best option is to build a shelf open at the bottom. This ensures wood ventilation and faster drying. The practicality of this design is that when cleaning the room, nothing will interfere with washing the floors.

It is preferable to install structures that are open at the bottom so that they are well ventilated

Another nuance of installing the shelf is that it is better to place it at a slight angle. This measure does not allow water to linger and promotes rapid drying of the surface of the wooden boards. The sizes of shelves in a bathhouse may vary, but it is recommended to adhere to accepted standards.

One of the most common problems associated with the use of bath furniture is the appearance of fungus on it. In order to protect the structure from rotting, special rubber pads should be installed. These elements can be made of polymer material. They are mounted in the space between the floor and vertical support bars.

A design of this type should not only be comfortable and functional, but also have a presentable appearance. All corners must be rounded to avoid injury. It is also very important that the surface of the wood is smooth, without knots or cracks. All individual structural elements must be mounted in such a way as to eliminate gaps between them, due to which the canopy will creak and wobble. The height of the shelf in the bathhouse must meet the general standards and needs of the owners.

The bath shelf should look aesthetically pleasing, have a smooth surface and rounded corners of the boards

Helpful information! When choosing boards, you need to take into account one important rule: their width should be 4 times the thickness. A board that meets these geometric parameters is the optimal solution for a bathhouse. It dries very quickly, which prevents the formation of fungus.

Before you begin assembling the shelf, you must choose one of several methods for fixing the boards to the frame. It is important to remember that metal elements in the structure should in no case be located in places with which the body may come into contact. Therefore, it is best to screw in the screws so that their heads are located on the inside of the canopy. Otherwise, you may get a painful burn.

If necessary, you can buy shelves for the bath and pay a specialist who will install it. However, financial costs in this case will increase significantly. The design of the canopy itself is quite simple, if we consider the standard model, so it is better to assemble and fix it on the wall yourself.

To achieve maximum comfort, you can complement the design with a comfortable backrest. For these purposes, you should prepare several smooth boards and fix them on slats attached to the wall. The distance between them must be at least 5 cm to ensure normal ventilation. In addition to the backrest, you can make your own leg supports. All additional structural elements are usually made from the same wood from which the shelves are made.

To make the shelves in the bathhouse as comfortable as possible, you can complement the design with comfortable backrests

Multi-stage bath shelves: is it worth making them?

The feasibility of organizing a structure that includes two or three tiers is primarily determined by physical laws. When the room warms up, the hot air rises, and in the floor area the temperature rises, but not so much. In the case of installing a multi-stage structure, it becomes possible to select the required temperature regime.

Making a shelf in a bathhouse with your own hands is not so difficult, but constructing a multi-stage canopy takes more time. Of course, everyone independently determines the need for a two-tier or three-tier structure. If the bathhouse will be used only by household members, then you can make simple one-story curtains, supplementing them with benches.

In small baths that suffer from a lack of usable space, the lower floor may be located slightly above floor level. But in this case there are some advantages. For example, this design is well ventilated, which helps the boards dry quickly.

Arranging shelves one above the other allows sauna visitors to independently select the most suitable temperature for them.

Experts recommend that when drawing up a drawing of a bathhouse shelf, you should take into account that the upper floor should be wider than the lower tier. If the dimensions are properly distributed, it becomes possible to use the second floor as a bed.

How to make shelves in a bathhouse with your own hands: choosing a location

After choosing the type of structure, as well as calculating its dimensions, you need to correctly select the place in which it will be located. This decision is influenced by the type of bath. For example, water procedures in a Russian steam room are usually performed while lying down. In turn, the Finnish sauna requires the presence of places that are made as comfortable as possible for a sitting position.

The preliminary drawing must indicate the dimensions of the room, as well as its features. The diagram must include door and window openings, and also indicate the location of the boiler and any other equipment. Based on this drawing, you can determine the most suitable space for installing a shelf in a bathhouse with your own hands. Photos of the finished premises will help you visually evaluate the advantages of one or another option for the location of this structure.

Note! Canopies are not recommended to be installed under window openings. This is due to safety regulations, since the glass may not withstand high temperatures and may burst. As a result, the fragments can cause harm to people relaxing inside the steam room.

Before installing shelves in the bathhouse, you need to create a drawing

Depending on the individual conditions in the bathhouse and the preferences of the owners, the canopy is installed on the base (legs) or fixed directly to the wall. It is worth noting that the shelves should not be adjacent to the walls, as this negatively affects the circulation of air flow. The recommended distance between the logs and the wall is 10 cm. Slats are fixed to the surface, which will serve as the basis for the vertical structural elements.

To make a bathhouse shelf with your own hands, you should purchase material suitable for this purpose in advance, as well as prepare the tools. When fixing individual structural elements with self-tapping screws, it is necessary to screw them into the wood in such a way that you cannot be injured by them in the future.

When positioning the canopy, it is also necessary to take into account the distance to the doorway so that it does not interfere with free entry and exit. This design should be located at a distance from the boiler and not interfere with free movement around the room. Guided by the rules described above, it will not be difficult to correctly choose a place for a bath shelf.

The shelves in the steam room should be positioned so that they do not interfere with free entry and exit

Do-it-yourself bathhouse shelves: methods of attaching boards

The strength of the structure, as well as its durability, depends on the method of fastening the boards. Today, there are three main options for fixing these products, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages:

• using self-tapping screws that are embedded in the wood;
• self-tapping screws from the outside;
• oak wedges.

The first method is the most common. This option is most often used when building a bathhouse bench with your own hands. In order to sheathe the frame with boards, self-tapping screws are used, which must be driven as deep as possible into the wood. They can also be used to fasten boards from the outside, but this method is not as popular as the first.

And finally, the third method is to use oak wedges. This method is recommended by experts as it is the most environmentally friendly. The technology of this method involves the organization of special holes into which oak wedges are driven.

The easiest and fastest way to attach boards to the frame is to recess the screw heads deeply into the wood

The boards for the back are fixed in the same way as the sheathing for the shelf. The only difference in this case is the wider gap between the individual elements. Photos of shelves for a bathhouse will help you quickly figure out how to attach the casing to the frame. It would be a good idea to watch several videos on this topic, which clearly explain all the nuances of the installation.

Choosing the type of wood for making benches and deck chairs

To determine suitable raw materials, consider the following:

1. The use of softwood lumber is contraindicated. Otherwise, when heated, resin begins to release, which sticks to the body.
2. The wood must be resistant to conditions of high humidity, constant temperature changes, and have high-quality antiseptic protection. Otherwise, the shelves will rot and quickly become deformed.
3. There should be no chips, burrs or other defects on the surface.
4. Low thermal conductivity of the material is necessary so that the benches do not heat up and this does not cause discomfort for vacationers.

Let's look at the properties of the most popular breeds that are suitable for shelving in a Russian bathhouse.

Aspen

Very popular among residents of the private sector due to the availability of raw materials and low price.

Other benefits of aspen include:

• resistant to moisture;
• does not rot;
• does not deform;
• has healing properties;
• cleans the air of bacteria and germs;
• does not require maintenance.

It is generally accepted that products made from aspen restore strength, give vigor, and act as a neutralizer of negative energy.

From constant exposure to moisture, aspen can change its shade to grayish.

Thermal aspen

Thermal aspen is wood that has been treated with high temperatures (over 200 degrees) and steam.

Resulting in:

1. The humidity of the raw materials has decreased.
2. Essential oils evaporated from the structure, which means the material became more resistant to fire.
3. Density has increased. Therefore, thermoaspen absorbs less moisture.

Thermal aspen does not swell, does not rot, and lasts a long time. This material is considered a reliable decorative option for finishing bath rooms. Thermal aspen shelves and furniture look very beautiful.

Disadvantages: fragility and high price.

Larch

It is characterized by increased resistance to moisture. Has a strong solid structure. It is chosen for the manufacture of furniture, decoration in saunas, open verandas and gazebos.

Alder (black alder)

Alder is the optimal raw material for making steam room benches yourself.

Its advantages:

• high strength;
• low thermal conductivity;
• durability;
• wear resistance;
• does not deform;
• does not change color even after years;
• perfectly tolerates temperature changes and constant humidity.

More expensive than linden. The structure is uniform.

To contrast the colors in the steam room, you can assemble racks of light and black alder.

Linden

Linden is often used to decorate steam rooms. It has a pleasant aroma that has a relaxing effect on a person.

Among the advantages of raw materials:

• it is convenient to handle;
• a light weight;
• ease of installation;
• smooth surface;
• even over the years it does not lose its attractiveness;
• tolerates temperature changes and humidity well.

For homemade shelves, it is recommended to take thoroughly dried linden, otherwise the structures will begin to darken.

Linden is more expensive than alder, but in terms of quality and properties these species are almost equal.

Poplar

It is distinguished by soft and easy-to-work wood. Solid poplar has a light brown, sometimes white tone. Light in weight.

In terms of resistance to moisture and temperature changes, it is inferior to other breeds.

It is customary to make furniture and carved decorative elements from poplar.

Maple

The main advantage of maple is its strength. Products made from this raw material are difficult to break or damage, they do not crack.

Other advantages:

• long service life;
• ease of processing;
• affordable price;
• resistance to moisture, wear;
• homogeneous structure.

Examples of maple with a beautiful texture are the “sugar” and “bird’s eye” types.

Abacha (abashi, abash)

Abash has gained wide popularity in recent years for finishing and making furniture for baths and saunas.

This is the name of African oak. It differs from other breeds in a lot of advantages:

1. The raw material tolerates temperature changes well.
2. Due to its strength, it can withstand heavy weight loads.
3. Looks beautiful.
4. Lasts a long time.
5. Does not rot, does not crack.
6. When heated, abash emits a pleasant odor, which has a positive effect on the human respiratory system.
7. Wood without knots. It is easy to handle. The surface is smooth.
8. Even over time it does not lose its original appearance.

In the absence of high-quality ventilation in the steam room, the abash begins to darken in places. This is expensive material.

But benches made from budget alder or linden will look no worse and last a long time.

How to make shelves in a bathhouse with your own hands: a step-by-step guide

In order to make shelves, you need to make a drawing. If necessary, you can use a ready-made scheme, but it must suit your conditions. Therefore, you need to be very careful when choosing a scheme. Further work is carried out in accordance with the step-by-step instructions. You can assemble shelves in a bathhouse with your own hands only if you have the appropriate material. To install the canopy in the steam room, you will need the following tools:

• regular hammer;
• construction mallet;
• screwdriver;
• hacksaw (for metal);
• chisel;
• yardstick;
• self-tapping screws

Drawing up a diagram for installing shelves in a bathhouse is an important and responsible process.

Helpful information! Fixing the sheathing to the frame can be done in a non-standard way, which involves the use of wooden wedges. However, in this case, some carpentry skills and the ability to make accurate calculations are required.

In order to answer the question of how to make a canopy in a bathhouse, you need to carefully follow the instructions. Any deviations from the general algorithm of actions may lead to installation errors. First you need to determine the location of the supporting elements. This parameter is calculated taking into account their thickness. For example, products with a thickness of 22 cm must be installed at a distance of 60 cm from each other. This will allow you to optimally distribute the load.

A drawing of a shelf in a bathhouse with your own hands, drawn up earlier, should contain information about the geometric parameters of the parts and their quantity. All of them must meet certain standards, namely: have no signs of rotting, be smooth, and free of cracks and knots.

The thickness of the boards that will be used to cover the frame may vary. When choosing this indicator, you should pay attention to the width of the product. The larger it is, the thicker the board will be required, since wide and thin boards may not support human weight. The optimal ratio of width to thickness is 4:1.

Carefully sanded boards are used to lay the shelves.

How to properly make a shelf in a bathhouse: making a frame and fixing it

The frame is the basis of the entire structure, so before assembling it it is worth carrying out careful calculations. During its installation, you must be careful and try to avoid mistakes. From the outside, the frame resembles the supporting structure of a regular bench.

To install the base, you need to purchase wooden blocks that correspond to the future dimensions of the shelf in the bathhouse. Photos of this design can be easily found on the Internet. The most common bars are those with dimensions of 50 by 70 mm. The number of such elements is usually 10 pcs. To give the structure the required rigidity, you will need to prepare 5 boards that will be used as racks.

The support posts are joined together using transverse wooden products. They are called lintels and are used to give the structure sufficient strength. If all the work is done correctly, the result will be a reliable supporting structure that will last for many years.

When fixing the shelves to the wall, it is necessary to ensure air flow, leaving a small gap of 10 cm between them. It is worth noting that the frame for the upper tier should be assembled first (if a two-story structure is assumed). Then the supporting posts are fixed to the wall. The step between them varies depending on the dimensions of the structure and can range from 60 to 85 cm.

For the frame, two load-bearing beams are used, which are installed along the width of the shelves in the steam room and connected by transverse beams

Thus, the initial stage of attaching the bench in the bathhouse is carried out. It is not so difficult to perform the above operation with your own hands, but you need to calculate everything in advance and from time to time check the work with the diagram prepared before installation.

At the next stage, it is necessary to make a recess (step) in the block, which will be needed to organize the fastening. In this case, fixation is performed using the “lock” technique. Then, on the side opposite the supports, the second row of racks is mounted. After this, you need to combine their upper ends using a transverse beam. In order to enhance the strength of the structure, it is recommended to use metal corners.

Helpful information! It is advisable to prepare a building level in order to make even shelves in the bathhouse with your own hands. A step-by-step guide, drawings and dimensions, as well as expert advice will help you assemble a reliable and durable wooden structure.

Next, the supporting supports are covered with wooden boards. All subsequent levels are mounted according to the same scheme. Experts recommend using thin and narrow logs as flooring. A structure made from such elements will be well ventilated and dry quickly, which will increase its service life and protect the shelves from rotting.

Thin, narrow boards are usually used for flooring; this will ensure they can dry quickly after using the steam room.

How to make a shelf in a bathhouse: covering the frame with boards

To make your home-made bath structure more stable, it is recommended to use rubber gaskets. These elements are located at the bottom of each bar. The next stage is very important, as it involves covering the base of the structure with wooden boards.

How to make a shelf in a bathhouse? For cladding, you will need to prepare boards from moisture-resistant material. The lags are fixed first on the first floor, and only then on the second. If the structure is single-tiered, then the work is greatly simplified. The gap between individual boards must be at least 1 cm. The maximum distance between joists is 2 cm.

The most preferred method for securing individual boards to the skeleton of the structure is to use only wooden tools. However, such an installation is not always possible, so most often the logs are fixed using ordinary self-tapping screws. Since they are made of metal, it is necessary to exclude the possibility of their contact with the skin of the steamer. Therefore, they are either recessed deep into the board or screwed in from the inside.

It would be preferable to nail and fix the boards to the frame using wooden nails or pins

In the photo, the shelves in the bathhouse can also be covered from below. In this case, the boards are fixed so as to close the gap between the seat and the floor. The need for such a solution is determined depending on the individual preferences of the bathhouse owners. This cladding looks presentable, but makes it difficult to clean the room and prevents the free movement of air masses. And also in this case it will not be possible to put your feet under the bench.

How to make shelves in a bathhouse: treatment with a protective compound

At the last stage, you will need to treat the shelf with a protective compound. This procedure is aimed at improving the technical characteristics of wood, which will extend the service life of the structure as a whole. Most people believe that traditional bath furniture does not need additional processing, since it itself is very reliable. In principle, this statement is true, but only if the structure is well ventilated.

If you are not sure that a sufficient amount of air is supplied to the shelves, then it is best to play it safe and use a special compound. First, you need to apply an antiseptic to the benches, which should penetrate the structure of the wood. It is worth noting that this procedure can be done before installing the canopy. It is recommended to process bath shelves purchased at retail outlets. You can buy a protective composition at any specialized store or order it online.

To process the boards you will need very few tools

Note! An antiseptic will protect the wood from the growth of fungus or mold. Rotting bath furniture is a problem faced by most steam room owners. In addition to special preparations, there are budget options for impregnation. For example, the most affordable of them is regular flaxseed oil.

Today, compositions are common that have antiseptic properties and at the same time protect the wood from moisture, soaking it through. Bleaching agents, which are used when wood darkens, also have certain protective properties and increase the resistance of the board to temperature. Some compounds are made specifically for saunas, so it is recommended to check their purpose before purchasing.

The task of choosing an impregnation is no less important than the answer to the question of how to make a shelf in a bathhouse. It is important to remember that under no circumstances should you use varnish or other chemicals that are not suitable for steam rooms on such furniture.

When using water-soluble impregnation, treatment will have to be carried out more often

Painting the canopy with paint is also strictly prohibited. This is due to the fact that the above substances are not resistant to high temperatures and humidity. When exposed to them, paint or varnish will begin to release chemical compounds hazardous to human health.

Before applying a protective composition to the boards in the flooring, they must be prepared. The preliminary stage consists of sanding the wood. After this, you need to remove the dust remaining after grinding and apply the desired composition to the cleaned surface.