Door to the bathhouse: choice of material and self-assembly

Wood is the most traditional material for a bathhouse. And if walls are made from it, then why shouldn’t doors be made from it? We agree that wooden doors for a bathhouse are a good choice, but we must make it clear: each room has its own characteristics, for which the type of wood, design and thickness of the door . Therefore, we will not lump everything together, but will analyze each case separately.

Design requirements

Like any other, a bath door serves as a barrier, protecting the interior space and helping to maintain the microclimate. But, unlike a standard door, a door for a bath (or sauna) has the following properties:

• Improved tightness. The design must reliably retain internal heat and protect from external low temperatures and drafts. Thermal insulation is ensured by a layer of properly selected insulation and a tight fit.
• Moisture resistance. High humidity is a suitable environment for mold to grow, and it is important for the door structure not to become an attractive place for uninvited guests.
• Increased heat resistance. The bathhouse is characterized by regular temperature fluctuations, which should not cause damage to the structure.
• Requirements for safety and service life. The door must withstand intensive use, be resistant to random mechanical loads, and meet fire safety requirements. All together will ensure a long service life.

Design with reinforced fabric Source aviarydecor.com

Premium models

Doorwood DW 003

A high-quality door is designed for a hammam. From the Alum series Bamboo and butterflies. Ideal for those who prefer to spend time in comfort, and not just pay attention to functionality. The model captivates with the aesthetics of its interior elements and its most interesting design solution. An unusual drawing will help you relax and lift your spirits. In addition to its unique appearance, the product helps maintain a uniform temperature in the room.

Materials and fittings can withstand high humidity and high temperatures. The perimeter of the glass has a magnetic tape, which promotes high-quality adhesion of the glass surface to the vestibule. To prevent condensation from accumulating and getting out, the lower part is equipped with a silicone tint. The door has a ventilation gap and threshold, as well as a convenient handle. Made of tempered heat-resistant glass 6 mm thick.

The production process uses unique technology. The quality of the products is immediately noticeable. The surface is ideal for a Turkish steam room.

Price - 15810 rubles.

Doorwood DW 003

Advantages:

• chrome hinges;
• the handles are comfortable;
• novelty and exclusivity;
• attractiveness of the drawing;
• strength;
• moisture resistance;
• heat resistance;
• not afraid of temperature changes.

Flaws:

• not identified.

Doorwood DW 00179

Glass product for Turkish hamam. It features reinforced fastening and a unique design. Universal option: can be opened both to the right and to the left. An exquisite oriental arch is painted on the glass. Looking at her, you are filled with warmth, comfort and oriental mystery. Thermally tempered glass sheet. The box is anodized aluminum, which has increased corrosion resistance. The perimeter of the glass has a magnetic tape so that it fits tightly to the narthex. There is a silicone molding at the bottom. Handle with a comfortable grip.

Price – 30432 rubles.

Doorwood DW 00179

Advantages:

• moisture resistance;
• withstands temperature changes;
• durability;
• strength;
• well-chosen accessories;
• reliability.

Flaws:

• none.

Doorwood DW 00800

This model tops the rating of quality products. Produced in two variations: 190*70 cm and 200*80 cm, depending on the parameters of the opening made. Users note the optimal price-quality ratio and unique appearance. Belongs to the category of universal. You can change the opening principle yourself. The doors are designed for hamam. 6mm tempered glass is used in production. The box is made of anodized aluminum, which is famous for its resistance to corrosion processes.

The perimeter of the glass is equipped with magnetic tape for a high-quality fit to the narthex. To prevent condensation from accumulating, the manufacturer provides a silicone molding. High-quality fittings are used. Withstands temperatures up to 300 degrees.

Retail outlets offer goods at a price of 30,430 rubles.

Doorwood DW 00800

Advantages:

• safety;
• quality factor;
• moisture resistance;
• practicality;
• versatility;
• interesting design solution.

Flaws:

• none.

Doorwood DW 00727

Florence. The product is made in bronze. Manufactured using unique technology. There are reinforced fastenings. Amazing appearance. Can be opened both left and right. Durable glass with a unique design. Thanks to the unusual design, a feeling of comfort, coziness and complete tranquility comes. The quality of the materials used is worthy of respect: they are not afraid of corrosion, can withstand large temperature changes and constant humidity.

Tight closure occurs due to the presence of magnetic tape around the entire perimeter of the glass. The presence of a threshold and a ventilation gap allows fresh air to penetrate inside the hammam. Handle with a comfortable grip.

The average cost is 30,431 rubles.

Doorwood DW 00727

Advantages:

• quality of the box;
• glass strength;
• use of innovative technologies;
• versatility;
• magnetic lock;
• durability;
• loops to match the profile color;
• heat resistance;
• safety;
• value for money.

Flaws:

• not identified.

Maestro Woods 8*20

The famous manufacturer has launched the production of high-quality products for the hammam. The box is made of aluminum. Parameters – 79*199 cm. Straight glass, bronze look, 8 mm thick. There is no pattern on the glass. The door belongs to the universal category. Adds charm to a room with oriental design. Creates warmth and comfort.

The average cost is 28,100 rubles.

Maestro Woods 8*20

Advantages:

• does not lose its original qualities for a long time;
• moisture resistance;
• pleasant appearance;
• quality of materials used;
• safety;
• practicality.

Flaws:

• not installed.

Sawo 741 – 4 GD – 1

Cedar doors with bronze glass. Dimensions – 690*1890 mm. Unique Canadian cedar was used in production. The product is intended for prestigious saunas. The fittings are metal with chrome plating and look perfect. Withstands significant temperature changes and high humidity. Does not rust. Tempered glass. The bronze shade is obtained through the use of a special toner. The vertical handle is not only attractive, but also convenient to use. The kit includes a threshold, a seal, a magnet, a handle, and three hinges.

The average price is 35,090 rubles.

Sawo 741 – 4 GD – 1

Advantages:

• practicality;
• versatility;
• durability;
• quality factor;
• quality.

Flaws:

• none.

Tylo Harmony

The manufacturer uses aspen in the manufacture of products. The glass is made to resemble bronze. The product is intended for installation in saunas. Width – 69 cm, length – 200.2 cm. Straight glass thickness – 8 mm. No drawing provided. Despite the significant cost, it is extremely popular among connoisseurs of good quality, strict and rich things. Having chosen this model, it will serve faithfully for decades.

Specialized stores offer goods at a price of 58,825 rubles.

Tylo Harmony door

Advantages:

• thoughtful design;
• ideal design solution;
• versatility;
• practicality;
• durability;
• wear resistance.

Flaws:

• Not everyone can afford it.

Tylo Harmony with clear glass

The model is similar in quality and comfort to the previous version. Also made of aspen, only the glass is not bronze, but transparent matte. There is no picture. Manufactured specifically for sauna equipment. Ideal for those who decide to build a sauna from cedar.

The product is produced mainly to order. Its average cost is 82,355 rubles.

Tylo Harmony door with clear glass

Advantages:

• rich appearance;
• practicality;
• quality factor;
• durability;
• moisture resistance;
• not afraid of mechanical damage.

Flaws:

• high price.

Types of door leaves

Wooden doors have long been installed in bathhouses; they were traditional both at the entrance and in the steam room. This was a justified decision, because they fully met all the requirements. In modern buildings, they sometimes favor plastic or metal (for the entrance); glass models have been developed for steam rooms.

Entrance door (from the street)

The design of the entrance door to the bathhouse is determined by the heating method. If the sauna is heated “white”, choose a single-leaf panel with the following characteristics:

• To minimize heat loss, install a narrow, low door. The height does not exceed 1.6-1.7 m, the width is within 0.6-0.7 m.
• It is advisable that there is a threshold 0.1-0.15 m high at the entrance. It will protect against drafts and help retain heat.
• For proper design, not only insulation and the presence of a reliable lock are important. Fire safety rules stipulate easy movement of the canvas.

If the sauna is heated “black”, it is preferable to have a double leaf with a horizontal arrangement of the sashes. Such a device is more secure; you can open the top flap to let out the smoke.

Entrance wooden door with decorative elements Source pinimg.com

The main requirement for an entrance door is the ability to retain internal heat efficiently; the material itself fades into the background. The box, regardless of the material used, is necessarily massive, holding the geometry from deformation. The canvas is made from the following materials:

• From the array. The most popular, classic option. The easiest way to make it is to use tongue-and-groove floor boards. The lumber is treated with protective impregnations (antiseptic, fire retardant), and a layer of moisture-resistant thermal insulation is provided.
• Made of metal. A metal structure (usually a sheet of metal) is less problematic than a wooden one: it does not rot under the influence of moisture, is not subject to deformation, and is resistant to mechanical stress. Reinforced with an additional heat-insulating layer, it prevents heat from dissipating into space.

A good option is a solid solid door Source par-torg.com

• Made of plastic. A plastic door to a bathhouse is an ideal candidate for decorating an entrance area. Plastic does not react in any way to humidity and temperature fluctuations, it is resistant to deformation, and thanks to the thermal insulation layer, it retains heat no worse than its wooden counterpart. The plastic sheet successfully imitates the texture of wood, so there will be no dissonance with the appearance of the building.
• Panel design. Budget options are made in the form of a frame structure. The upper and lower beams are responsible for rigidity, the transverse beam serves for reinforcement. The shield is made of boards knocked down in one layer, MDF or chipboard. Wooden parts are treated with protective impregnations; insulation is often absent.

It’s easy to make a non-insulated model with your own hands Source na-dache.pro

• Frame design. The frames are made and thin timber is assembled with screws. In the simplest version, the covering is hardboard (moisture resistant is chosen). A layer of heat-insulating material is laid between the frames.
• Combined model. Sometimes owners want to have additional lighting in the dressing room. A structure consisting of a wooden frame complemented by a canvas with tempered glass inserts will help solve the problem.

Double-leaf structure in a log bath Source par-torg.com

To the steam room

The door to the steam room performs an important task: it retains heat and steam inside the room. Therefore, it is expected to be particularly tight and meet the following requirements:

• A design and material that is resistant to deformation in extremely humid and hot air is selected.
• In a traditional Russian bathhouse, the entrance to the steam room is low and narrow. Therefore, the canvas rarely exceeds 1.7 m in height and 0.75 m in width. A threshold of up to 0.2 m in height will not be superfluous.
• If no other ventilation is provided in the steam room, a gap (at least 5 cm) is left at the bottom of the sheet for forced air exchange.
• A gap must be left in the sauna, regardless of other ventilation methods. The gap above the floor helps the steam to be distributed evenly.
• In a room with high temperatures, the door should not cause burns or injury. It should also open outward so that the visitor can use it without thinking.

Canvas with decorative trim made from lining Source dveri365.house

• Products made of wood, glass or combinations of wood and glazing meet the requirements. Products made from chipboard and MDF, which are not suitable for extreme conditions, are not recommended for the steam room. The metal sheet does not meet safety standards.

See also: Catalog of companies that specialize in the design and construction of baths of any complexity

To the washroom

If the plan includes a washing room, you need to choose the right door for it. The conditions in the washing room are milder than in the steam room: the humidity remains high, but the temperature changes are smaller. For a washing room, choose a door made of hygienic materials that are indifferent to the constant exposure to water and household chemicals. A model made of frosted glass or plastic would be an appropriate option.

In interior spaces, they are limited to products made of wood, glass or plastic. A budget option would be a frame structure made of boards with a layer of insulation inside, complemented by lining made of clapboard.

Entrance to the washing room through a wooden door Source pechiexpert.ru

How to choose

Nobody argues about the reliability of the entrance structure. But we are not talking about a safe option. The presence of a complex mechanism can lead to trapping people inside the room if a fire occurs. Therefore, the outdoor model for the bathhouse should be standard, with hinged doors. If the choice fell on a single-leaf metal or wooden model, then the locking mechanism should be elementary.

Only for a steam room, the design must have certain functionality. Many people prefer to buy glass products. Especially when it comes to indoor small saunas and infrared saunas. Combined or wooden products are chosen for a regular bathhouse. Although glass ones are superior to their wooden counterparts in many respects. Therefore, whether to purchase a wooden or glass model is up to everyone to decide for themselves.

Basic requirements for such structures

The classic Russian bathhouse is a wooden frame, so the internal contents must correspond to the style. Traditions require the installation of wooden elements, which must have such properties as resistance to temperature changes, not heating up, and not being afraid of constant humidity. Among other things, they must have an attractive appearance.

Wooden elements have many advantages:

1. Ecological cleanliness.
2. Presence of natural aroma.
3. Therapeutic effects on the human body.
4. Pleasant sensations for visitors to the steam room.
5. Low thermal conductivity.
6. Attractive design.

There is one serious drawback to such products. Constant exposure to extreme conditions leads to deformation of the structure and shrinkage and, as a result, the need to completely replace the product.

The fabric parameters for the steam room are slightly different from the standard ones. A small threshold (10 - 15 cm) is made at the entrance itself to prevent steam from escaping. If the ceiling height is 220 - 250 cm, then the height of the canvas should be 160 cm.

Subtleties of choice: wood and other materials

When solving the problem of how to make a door to a bathhouse, you first need to decide on the material. If you are attracted to a high level of thermal insulation combined with environmental friendliness, easy maintenance and a stylish appearance, then most likely you will choose a wooden structure.

Wood is a natural material that is sensitive to temperature fluctuations and can absorb moisture. But these properties manifest themselves differently in different breeds, which allows you to choose the most suitable material. The following breeds will perform optimally:

• Oak. Oak canvas is not afraid of moisture, it lasts a long time and does not cause problems in maintenance. The downside is the high cost of wood and its tendency to crack when exposed to high temperatures.
• Larch. Wood is known for its special resistance to moisture and antiseptic effect. It does not rot and extremely rarely becomes a haven for wood-boring beetles.
• Pine. Budget-friendly, durable and resistant to any impact material. Plus - a pleasant pine smell, minus (not critical) - the resin melts out of the resin pockets under the influence of high temperatures.

Types of wood suitable for baths Source vasha-banya.com

• Spruce. Good wood, but capable of deformation and absorbs moisture well. Therefore, you should not choose it for the door to the steam room, and in other cases you will need to thoroughly dry the surface after bath procedures.
• Aspen. The wood is soft, easy to process, does not deform or crack when dry. The material is relatively light and wear-resistant.
• Linden. A fairly stable species, the linden canvas does not swell with intensive use. But under the influence of humidity it darkens, despite treatment with antiseptics or wax.

Glass

A glass door is a modern sign of a sauna or hammam; in a Russian bath it can be placed in the steam room and washing room. Glass is chosen for some interior solutions when a steam room needs passive lighting.

Glass products have many advantages. They are resistant to the action of moist hot steam, aesthetically pleasing and easy to use, and do not emit toxic substances when heated.

A big plus for a steam room or sauna is that the glass product does not change its geometry. Over time, you can update the fittings, and the door will return to its original appearance.

Glass sheet is more common in saunas Source baniexpert.ru

However, a glass door is not easy to make on your own; It’s easier to purchase as a kit and install using fittings. For its manufacture, special tempered glass is used, and this raw material has a very high cost, as do the components. There is a construction nuance in the form of a technical gap under the canvas. A gap 3 cm high can result in unpleasant drafts.

Mid-price segment products

PL 23 L

Made from hardwood. Dimensions: 190 * 0.70 m. Universal. For ventilation, a 30 mm gap is made at the bottom. All elements are fastened with moisture-resistant glue. The strength is high, able to withstand a weight of 300 kg. It will never delaminate or crack. The seams are water and temperature resistant. Can be installed both in saunas and baths. They are distinguished by strength, reliability and durability. To avoid warping, expansion joints are provided. The set includes comfortable handles and universal loops.

Price – 10,300 rubles.

sauna door PL 23 L

Advantages:

• practicality;
• ease of use;
• comfort;
• long service life;
• attractive appearance;
• quality certificate;
• warranty – 1 year;
• complies with GOST;
• increased moisture resistance.

Flaws:

• not identified.

Dovetail

The product is produced in Russia from deciduous trees. Designed for paired rooms. The hinges can be hung on both the right and left. There is a gap of 30 mm at the bottom for ventilation of the room. Innovative technologies are used in production. Reliable seams prevent the product from cracking and delamination. The slats are connected using a moisture-resistant adhesive. The quality meets Western standards.

The average price is 12,400 rubles.

Dovetail door

Advantages:

• wear resistance;
• nice design;
• practicality;
• quality factor;
• durability;
• price-quality ratio;
• positive reviews;
• European quality;
• ease of installation;
• reliability.

Flaws:

• none

PL 30 L

High-quality product installed in the steam room. Box – 190*70 cm. There is a window. Transparency indicator – 25%. Belongs to the category of universal. The window is made of safety tempered glass, 4 mm thick, size 30*120 cm. Tinted glass, bronze finish. A 3 cm gap is provided for ventilation. Selected hardwoods are used in the manufacture of the frame. Lined with durable clapboard. The box is selected timber. Cross section – 4*9 cm. Expansion seams prevent warping of the product.

Specialized stores offer the product at a price of 11,100 rubles.

sauna door PL 30 L

Advantages:

• quality;
• quality factor;
• practicality;
• comfort;
• moisture resistance;
• ease of installation.

Flaws:

• not installed.

PL 44 L

Glass door is more suitable for luxury saunas. Translucent, satin – matte. Parameters: 190*70 cm. Linden box. Glass with polished edges and chamfers has undergone heat treatment. Promotes the passage of light streams inside. However, through it you can only see the silhouettes of the steamers. Adds mystery, coziness and comfort to the interior. With a strong impact, it may break, but will not cause harm to a person standing next to it, as it will simply crumble into small particles. For safety reasons, a gap of 4 cm is provided.

The average price is 10,200 rubles.

sauna door PL 44 L

Advantages:

• practicality;
• versatility;
• quality;
• does not lose its appearance;
• a special high-temperature silicone seal is used;
• withstands temperatures up to 170 degrees;
• comfortable door handles;
• adjustable hinges and latches.

Flaws:

• not installed.

PL 50 L

The product is made from solid linden wood. The glass is subjected to heat treatment. Promotes the passage of light, making the room more comfortable and spacious. Can be installed on both the right and left sides. Tinted glass, 8 mm thick, bronze finish. Has increased strength. Virtually unbreakable. There is a gap for additional ventilation. Purchased for installation in luxury saunas.

The average price is 10,950 rubles.

sauna door PL 50 L

Advantages:

• versatility;
• strength;
• quality factor;
• long service life;
• quality of materials used;
• availability of a certificate of conformity;
• value for money.

Flaws:

• not identified.

Installation technology for a simple wooden door (without insulation)

In terms of design, the best option would be a single-leaf continuous leaf. For proper installation, a drawing with prescribed dimensions is drawn up, taking into account the following points:

• Made from suitable wood, the leaf should open outwards and, when closed, fit snugly against the door frame.
• Modern heating equipment is replacing the conventional metal heater. Such devices require a constant flow of air, which may affect the design of the opening (you may have to abandon the threshold and leave a gap).
• There are some restrictions that must be taken into account when drawing up a drawing. For example, the distance between the ceiling and the box should not be less than 40 cm.

Before making a door for a bathhouse, prepare tools and materials. For this work you will need a saw (or hacksaw), a screwdriver, a level, and a plane. To cut grooves and process edges, you need a router (hand-held woodworking power tool). It is convenient to take measurements using a tape measure and pencil.

Markings for a door without a threshold Source aviarydecor.com

It is also necessary to prepare screws for wood and wood glue; at the final stage you will need a set of hinges, a latch, and handles. The minimum set of materials is as follows:

• For tight. Tongue-and-groove board (with tongue-and-groove fastening), length 2.1 m, width 0.2 m. The number of boards depends on the width of the future door.
• For strapping. Beam 3x3 cm.
• To strengthen the fabric. Beam section 3x2 cm.
• For the box. Beam 11x6 cm.

Self-production

We will do this option:

The task of making a wooden bathhouse door with your own hands is quite realistic, you just need a certain tool . Below is a list that gives a simple/mechanized attachment:

• saw / jigsaw;
• planer/thicknesser;
• screwdriver/screwdriver;
• quarter plane/milling machine attachment;
• sandpaper/belt sander;
• chisel or chisel;
• hammer;
• roulette;
• level;
• square;
• pencil.

If you prefer ready-made tongue and groove floor boards , then some tools will not be needed. Otherwise, you need to adjust the geometry of the boards to one standard, and then cut quarters on both sides in a mirror-like symmetrical manner:

An alternative to laying boards overlapping can be a tongue-and-groove connection (otherwise known as tongue-and-groove), but this requires a milling machine (or a finished board with tongue and groove).

The quarters are cut either with a plane (with the mentioned attachment) or with a milling machine.

Finished boards can be glued together with PVA. To compress the joints, a wedge or its equivalent is used: a frame or two stops, between which our canvas is wedged. After 12 hours the canvas is ready.

The resulting shield still needs to be secured with wedges . To do this, you need a beam, which is given a trapezoidal shape in profile, and which slightly narrows from one edge to the other. The length of the beam is 20-30 cm greater than the width of the door. There should be two such wedges.

A dovetail groove is cut under each wedge on the door . You can do this with a router and then select it with a chisel. If the wedge is not trapezoidal in profile, then the groove may not be widened. Then you can cut it with a jigsaw.

The wedges are driven into the grooves, after which a through hole is drilled at the beginning and end of the wedge for a wooden dowel - 4 dowels in total. They are hammered and trimmed. The wedges are also cut to the width of the door.

It is customary to install an oblique spacer (brace) between the wedges, which is necessary so that the door does not subsequently become deformed.

Finally, the canvas is sanded.

All that remains is to make a door frame and hang the panel on hinges or awnings. The easiest way to make a box is from ready-made box timber , where a quarter has already been selected. Or from ordinary timber, but you will have to cut a quarter yourself.

The box for connecting the planks is either edged at 45 degrees, or a tongue-and-groove design is made, or, in the most primitive case, it is simply attached end-to-end with self-tapping screws. (The ends at 45 degrees are fastened obliquely)

IMPORTANT! The sauna uses self-tapping screws only with anti-corrosion coating.

When choosing hinges, take stainless ones , preferably brass . Suitable designs include overhead and mortise. For more information about hinges, see the article about door fittings.

Useful video

Video instructions for making a traditional door:

Video description

About installing the frame and glass door in the steam room in the following video:

Canvas

The boards are laid on a flat surface and cut to size; in this case, the tenon is immediately cut off from the end board so that the end is even. The boards are joined into a single sheet (it is reinforced with PVA glue), left for two to three days to dry, and then sanded with a plane.

Four blanks are cut from the strapping beam (based on the size of the door). They are assembled into a single structure using wood glue, dried and fastened with self-tapping screws to the end parts of the door. Then the structure is reinforced with beams (they act as stiffeners). If the door is assembled for entry from the street, the reinforcement is placed outside; if it is intended for a steam room, then it is made from the side of the room.

Self-tapping screws are used to secure the hinges Source simplemost.com

At the final stage, the box is installed in the doorway, and the places for the hinges are marked. Then the door leaf is installed. Hinges are first hung on it, handles and a latch are installed.

After installing the door, the door leaf and jambs are finished. To protect wood, antiseptic compounds or paste-like oil-wax of deep penetration are used. Paint is not used in the bathhouse.

Chemical-free impregnations are chosen for processing Source goconqr.com

Accessories

For interior spaces, it is worth choosing doors with 3 canopies that can withstand at least 30 kg. Fulfillment of these conditions is especially important for glass doors, the leaf of which has considerable weight - with a thickness of 7 mm it can weigh up to 25 kg. Canopies should be easy to replace when necessary. The hinges are made of stainless steel or other material that is resistant to corrosion in conditions of high temperature and high humidity.

For safety reasons, the latch should open easily. It can be ball or magnetic from 3-4 elements. The second option is preferable since the ball latch may jam.

Another safety requirement is that the handle on the inside of the steam room door must be made of wood, regardless of whether it is glass or wood. If it is mounted on glass, a silicone gasket is installed between the surfaces for greater reliability of fastening.

Handles for bath doors should be comfortable and located at a suitable height.

Briefly about the main thing

The bathhouse is a specific place with sharply changing microclimate conditions, therefore special requirements are imposed on the characteristics of the premises and doors. The minimum design of a bathhouse includes two doors - the entrance door and the one to the steam room. Despite their close location, they are used in different conditions and cannot be manufactured in the same way.

The best materials are considered to be wood, glass, and plastic; metal is only suitable for entrance from the street. The door leaf must close tightly, resist moisture, and have an aesthetic appearance. The simplest version of a door is made from tongue-and-groove boards and timber.

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