The wood finishing material determines its color, texture and filling the room with pleasant aromas. Everything that makes a visit to the bathhouse pleasant and relaxing. Therefore, the correct, and most importantly individual, choice of raw materials is very important. In Russia they sell decorative boards made from more than a dozen types of wood, so which lining to choose for a bathhouse?
The most common materials for making bath linings are: pine, aspen, linden, alder, larch, cedar. It is these breeds that best withstand elevated temperatures and humidity. Another excellent, but expensive solution for a steam room would be finishing with abasha. There is also cladding made of maple, ash, and oak, which can be successfully used to decorate a recreation room. What do you need to consider to make the right choice?
To answer this question, there are two key factors to keep in mind:
- Wood must be able to be used under a certain temperature and humidity conditions;
- The texture, color, and smell of wood should suit the personal visual preferences of the owner.
Below we will tell you in more detail what types of lining there are, we will provide descriptions, photos and approximate prices of various types of wood.
Larch
It is also a coniferous tree, but has a more noble appearance, plus it does not have the disadvantage of emitting resin.
Larch lining is absolutely not afraid of moisture and heat, it is durable, lasts a long time, and does not change its appearance. Deciduous finishing can be successfully used in all rooms of the bathhouse, as well as for external cladding.
Finishing with paired larch lining will make the interior original, and most importantly very beautiful.
In terms of its phytotherapeutic properties and pleasant smell, such a board is in no way inferior to pine. The only drawback is the relatively high cost. However, the appearance of the steam room, decorated with larch, is beyond praise. When answering the question of which lining to choose for a steam room, be sure to pay attention to the option made of larch.
Advantages and disadvantages of larch lining:
Looks beautiful, smells good, is not afraid of water
Not the cheapest
Conclusion. If your budget allows you to purchase larch, it will be an excellent solution for any room and will delight the owners with its beautiful appearance for many years.
Choosing the best tree for a deciduous bath
The needles are good, but the leaves are not far behind their opponent. If you are unable to purchase larch or spruce, do not be discouraged, because good finishing can be done without them. Now we will look at what type of wood is used to build a bathhouse from deciduous trees and what is its peculiarity.
Oak. Let's start with the “bourgeois” baths. Oak baths are rare because their price does not bring a smile to everyone’s face. But there are still such baths, they are very durable, wear-resistant, and have the best appearance. Decorating the inside of a bathhouse with oak boards is something special. Original texture and unusual shades. Resistance to moisture is maximum - the wooden floor in the bathhouse becomes stone, it does not rot. There are only 2 disadvantages: cost and weight (you definitely need a foundation, since the material is very heavy).
Linden. A very interesting material for a bath that creates an excellent microclimate. The wood is light, moisture-resistant, with a low shrinkage rate. It can be easily processed with any tool; even large logs can be trimmed with a taiga hatchet in a couple of minutes. The pleasant aroma and healing properties of linden will go well with the rapid heating of wood and the high heat capacity of the material (much less wood is needed to heat a bathhouse). This is an inexpensive tree for a bathhouse, the cost of which is slightly higher than solid pine. The only drawback is that it is afraid of moisture. The bath will have to be dried thoroughly after each use.
Aspen. Not only an aspen stake helps Russian people fight all sorts of illnesses. Finishing and building a bathhouse from aspen logs is very popular. It is much cheaper than linden, but the mechanical characteristics are the same. Does not shrink, does not form cracks, does not change the geometry with frequent use of the bath. Aspen fights moisture much better, but it does not have that aroma and beautiful linden color. Resins do not emit like other conifers, so you can do without interior decoration, which will save money and time. We can say that aspen is the best thing you can think of for baths and saunas.
You can build a room from birch, fir, alder, walnut and even poplar, but such cases are quite rare, because wood fights moisture very poorly and emits an unpleasant odor when heated
Before building a sauna, pay attention to the resin content of the wood. They can interfere with subsequent use and cause an unpleasant odor in the steam room.
If you choose coniferous wood, then the aroma and usefulness of your bathhouse will be at its best, but you will have to fork out more for the interior decoration with clapboard. Hardwood will be less useful, but much lighter and more economical, since the bathhouse can be left in its original form and not sheathed.
Cedar lining
Another type of coniferous material that successfully competes with larch. It is also reliable, has almost no resin release, and lasts a long time at elevated temperatures and humidity. Without treatment, cedar wood darkens over time.
Lining made from Siberian cedar of Extra and A grades has a uniform surface without knots. Grades B and C are similar in appearance to pine lining, but up close they have completely different qualities
The cost of cedar boards is also high, but they choose it for its unique appearance and aroma. Like all conifers, cedar has antimicrobial properties. Essential oils released from wood improve well-being.
Canadian cedar lining has a unique texture and color
There are two varieties of cedar on sale: Siberian and Canadian. Siberian is a type of pine, and Canadian is thuja. Both of these materials are perfect for a bathhouse, but differ only in appearance and cost.
Advantages and disadvantages of cedar lining:
Beautiful color, interesting texture
Price
Conclusion. Cedar lining is perfect for all areas of the bathhouse.
Video about a steam room lined with premium cedar lining Video review of two varieties of Canadian cedar
Which sauna lining is better: comparative review, features and reviews
Lining is a thin, narrow board equipped with a special lock, usually working on the tongue-and-groove principle. The main advantages of this material are: ease of installation, environmental friendliness and aesthetic appearance. Initially, passenger train cars were covered with such boards. This is where the name of this material comes from. Lining can be used for cladding buildings for a wide variety of purposes. Very often this material is used, for example, for lining the inside of baths. In this case, it is very important to choose the right type of board. Further in the article we will figure out which lining for a bathhouse is better and how not to make a mistake when purchasing this material.
By what criteria can a board be classified?
When choosing lining, first of all pay attention to the following factors:
- the type of wood used to make it;
- material class;
- country of manufacture.
In any case, special requirements are imposed on the material intended for lining the bath, since it will subsequently be constantly exposed to moisture combined with elevated temperatures.
Cedar and pine
Coniferous boards for cladding the inside of steam rooms are used extremely rarely. The best answer to the question of which lining for a bathhouse is better would be: hardwood. The fact is that coniferous boards contain simply a huge amount of resins. Therefore, when heated, hard-to-remove, quickly hardening “tears” appear on its surface. In addition, such material begins to emit a very strong odor. However, despite all this, some coniferous species can still be used for lining steam rooms. These include, for example:
- Canadian or Altai cedar. This wood can be used for baths primarily because it contains very few resins. Even with strong heating, these viscous substances do not have a particular effect on the microclimate in the steam room.
- Pine. This type of wood can only be used in steam rooms with electric heaters. The fact is that such equipment does not warm the air in the room too much. The temperature at which pine resin begins to melt never occurs in baths of this type. Wood of this species does not heat up too much at elevated temperatures. At the same time, it looks quite beautiful. When using a wood-burning or gas heater, only dressing rooms are allowed to be finished with pine.
Alder, linden, aspen: which is better?
Hardwood lining is better suited for a bathhouse than coniferous wood. In principle, almost any such board is suitable for covering a steam room. You can even use inexpensive birch for this purpose. However, if you are interested in the answer to the question of which bath lining is better from hardwood, then these are:
- alder;
- Linden;
- aspen.
A board made from such wood has simply remarkable performance characteristics, looks beautiful and lasts a very long time. These types of material are more expensive than birch, but a bathhouse using them turns out to be much more comfortable and convenient for people taking water procedures.
As you can see, there are different linings for bathhouses. Which is better? Prices, for example, for alder boards from most suppliers are not too high. This is a very good option. Moreover, such a board is not at all afraid of prolonged exposure to moisture and practically does not heat up in the steam room. However, at elevated temperatures, alder begins to release a slightly bitter odor into the air (in principle, not too unpleasant).
Linden lining is more expensive than alder, but it can last much longer. In addition to good resistance to moisture, such a board also has the advantage that it is never damaged by wood bugs. It is impossible to get burned on such boards during water procedures, since they do not heat up. It is believed that linden lining is best suited for cladding baths.
Aspen, like alder, can emit a characteristic bitterish odor into the air. Such boards usually last a very long time. But only if they are not damaged in any way during operation. A rotten area can quickly form around any scratch or chip on an aspen board.
Which clapboard is better to cover a bathhouse: an African novelty
Recently, many wealthy bathhouse owners prefer to decorate their steam rooms with boards made of abash wood. This material looks simply great on walls and ceilings. The abash tree grows in Africa. Its main advantage is the ability to remain pleasantly warm even at very high air temperatures in the steam room. Abash lining does not heat up even in places located in the immediate vicinity of the heater. The color of this type of board is a pleasant beige.
Which lining is best for a bathhouse: a comparative review of material by class
The lining produced by modern industry, among other things, can vary by class. For this reason, there are mainly three classes of boards on the market: A, B and C. For steam rooms, only boards marked with the letter A are usually purchased. Such material, according to the standards, has virtually no damage and contains a very small number of knots. As a last resort, you can also purchase cheaper, cheaper lining B for the steam room. Material marked with the letter C is completely unsuitable for wet rooms.
Very often, “Elite” or “Premium” class lining is also used for baths. This material looks very solid and neat and lasts a long time. However, this type of board is quite expensive.
Comparison of domestic material and imported
Next, let's figure out which lining is best to use for a bathhouse - domestically produced or imported. On the Russian market today there is a board of both varieties. At the same time, domestic lining is the most popular among bathhouse owners in our country. The quality of Russian material is quite decent. It costs much less than imported ones.
Eurolining for lining baths, of course, can also be used. Imported material differs from domestic material mainly only in its more precise compliance with standards. All foreign-made boards are distinguished by carefully calibrated dimensions. Domestic lining in some cases may have a slightly inconsistent width as stated by the manufacturer. In addition, foreign-made boards have a deeper lock groove.
Choice by appearance
When deciding which lining for a bathhouse is better, among other things, you should pay attention to how this material looks. Previously, construction supermarkets sold mainly only one type of cladding of this type - flat boards. Today, if you wish, you can also buy a special lining - a block house - to decorate a bathhouse. This is the name given to a board that in appearance resembles a very smooth, narrow slab. Mounted on the wall, this material imitates a log in an unusually realistic way.
In addition to the usual material and block house, American boards are also available for sale these days. This option is also a good answer to the question of which clapboard is best to line the inside of a bathhouse. This type of board on the wall imitates timber. The American lining looks very beautiful. However, it should only be used for cladding baths of very large areas. The fact is that this material has a significant thickness.
Processing of lining
Such boards come to the market completely ready for installation. However, since the microclimate for wood in the bathhouse is not very favorable, it is advisable to further process the lining before installation. Most often, inexpensive drying oil that does not release harmful substances into the air is used for this purpose. However, unfortunately, this finish is not very durable. Therefore, when deciding which means is best to treat the lining in a bathhouse, many owners of suburban areas choose a special oil. This material also does not emit harmful substances into the air and lasts much longer than drying oil. But at the same time, the oil costs, of course, a little more.
Cost of lining
Of course, one of the main factors that influences the choice of board type is price. The cost of the lining depends primarily on its thickness and width, as well as the type of wood and quality class. For example, the price for a linden board 14 x 96 x 1000 mm “Extra” is approximately 550 rubles. Alder lining grade A 14 x 80 x 2700 mm costs about 250-270 rubles. For aspen material 12.5 x 42 x 500 mm class B you will have to pay 100-120 rubles. Cedar eurolining of the “Extra” grade 14 x 85 x 2500 mm costs about 1,500 rubles. The price for a block house abash 16 x 85 x 3000 mm is about 1200-1300 rubles. Prices are indicated for 1 square meter of material.
Reviews of lining as sauna lining
Thus, we have found out what kind of material such as bathhouse lining can be. Which board is better (there are only good reviews of all the varieties of such cladding discussed above) is suitable for cladding a steam room, the owner of a suburban area must decide, depending on his preferences and capabilities.
The most popular type of material is, of course, hardwood boards. Many bathhouse owners also fully approve of the choice of cedar for cladding. But since coniferous wood still heats up more than deciduous wood, reviews in this case recommend lining the wall behind the canopy with alder or aspen.
Abash for a bath is considered by most visitors to specialized forums to be simply ideal material. However, most owners of suburban areas still call it too expensive. Therefore, it is usually recommended to use it only for making canopies and benches.
Linden has earned extremely positive reviews from dacha owners. This material not only does not heat up, but also smells very nice. As a result, an absolutely unique, traditional “bath” atmosphere is created in the steam room.
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Aspen lining
Aspen is a deciduous tree, and therefore does not emit resin at all. A characteristic feature of aspen is its light color, closer to white. It differs from conifers in that aspen has almost no odor.
Aspen lining is strong, durable, and completely resistant to humidity and elevated temperatures. If water gets on aspen, then after drying its water resistance only increases. Therefore, this type of wood was traditionally used in the construction and decoration of baths, as well as for the exterior decoration of houses.
Aspen lining is perfect if you want to get a perfectly bright interior. To ensure that the finish remains light for a long time, treat it with environmentally friendly protective compounds.
In terms of price, aspen belongs to the middle category. The disadvantages are due to the light color: the surface becomes easily soiled during use, especially if not treated with protective compounds. In addition, even with careful care, the aspen surface darkens over time. However, if you want to create a bright environment with extraordinary ease, then aspen is the best choice.
Advantages and disadvantages of aspen lining:
To create bright interiors, not afraid of water, no resin
Marks, darkens over time more than other breeds
Conclusions. If you want an inexpensive finish with light tones, then aspen will do the job well. Suitable for any premises.
Which lining is better for a bathhouse - coniferous and deciduous types
A bathhouse decorated with linden clapboard will become the real pride of the owners.
The bathhouse has been built, communications have been installed, the only issue left is finishing. What to choose from the large number of building materials? Of course, clapboard. Wood is the best option for any building. No matter what the building itself is made of, everything inside must be impeccable. Which lining is best for a bathhouse is a valid question for a newly minted bathhouse attendant, which cannot be resolved without information awareness. There are many types of lining. What and where is it better to apply? Let's figure it out.
Types of wood used for the production of lining
For the production of lining, deciduous and coniferous wood is used. The properties of each tree affect the technical performance of the lining:
- thermal conductivity;
- durability;
- aesthetic appearance;
- moisture permeability;
- drying out;
- amenability to processing;
- price range.
If the starting material does not have high performance, then the product will not receive such properties, even with the most modern processing.
Coniferous types of lining
It is better not to use coniferous lining in a steam bath.
The boards are made from pine, spruce, larch, and cedar trunks. The blanks are used for finishing baths and residential buildings. Lovers of rustic style often use this finishing material inside and outside the building. For a bathhouse, coniferous lining is applicable only in rooms with low temperatures. In the steam room, neither pine, nor spruce, nor larch are a priority for covering the walls, floors, and ceilings. This is due to the properties of coniferous trees.
Pine is more often than other coniferous woods used for lining. It has a pleasant aroma, a beautiful textured pattern, is easy to process, and is a very soft material. But these are all advantages. There are some disadvantages that do not allow the use of pine for lining the steam room in a bathhouse:
- when heated, it begins to release resin abundantly, which can cause serious burns;
- absorbs moisture well, heats up, and over time loses its visual appeal - it may turn blue.
It is not very pleasant to see such a condition of the walls and shelves if you want to get pleasure and relaxation from bath procedures. Of course, there is a way out of any situation:
- The resin is removed by preliminary heating of the bath. You should heat the bathhouse two or three times at maximum temperature without visiting it further. The resin will come to the surface. It is carefully scraped off the surface with a sharp spatula. In the future, resin discharge does not occur.
- The appearance of blue stains on the structure of pine lining is prevented by special moisture-resistant treatments.
Spruce is a close relative of pine, possessing the same qualities. It is best used for covering surfaces in the washing area and rest room. The pleasant aroma and beautiful shade will delight the bath attendants. High moisture resistance makes spruce lining the warmest. What kind of clapboard should I line the bathhouse to make it warm? Of course, spruce, but not in the steam room.
Among the coniferous varieties, the most valuable are cedar and larch. They do not produce much resin. High density, resistance to moisture, essential oils, beautiful texture allow you to give the interior of the bathhouse a special, elite look.
The disadvantage of larch is the difficulty of processing; the workpieces quickly crack.
Cedar is used for lining expensive baths and steam rooms, giving status and beauty to the bath.
Coniferous varieties are good, but only for places with low temperatures. If you decide to line the bathhouse with pine clapboard, then do it in the washroom and dressing room. Cover the steam room with clapboard made of hardwood.
Deciduous varieties of lining
Linden lining is the best option for finishing any bathhouse.
For the production of deciduous lining, the wood used is birch, alder, aspen, oak, linden, and cedar. Unlike coniferous trees, deciduous trees can withstand high temperatures not only in steam rooms, but also in saunas, where degrees reach above one hundred.
Hardwood boards are preferable for cladding a bathhouse or sauna. It does not emit resinous substances and is temperature resistant.
Linden lining is not affected by water, does not rot, and does not form condensation. It has the aroma of honey and is pleasing to the eye with its creamy color. The texture is not knotty and easy to process. Often used in saunas because it does not heat up and does not cause burns.
Alder deserves attention with its beautiful pink color and high moisture resistance. Good quality, even alder is not always found. The price for impeccable material is high and not affordable for everyone. If the desire to use alder lining for sauna cladding has not disappeared, then use it only in the steam room. Cover the remaining rooms with linden, pine or spruce.
Aspen is a good option for cladding the inside of baths and saunas. It has been used for a long time not only as a finishing material, but also as a building material for log houses. It has a high density of wood, becomes stronger over the years, and cannot be cut or sawed. Does not emit resins, has a disinfecting effect, and absorbs negative energy. The aroma is slightly specific, which not everyone likes.
Mold will never appear in a bathhouse lined with aspen clapboard; the material will be stronger after each contact with water.
It is similar in strength to oak, which is also used for interior decoration, but less frequently. Oak is an expensive wood, used in luxury baths and saunas.
Sometimes, wanting to save money, bathhouse attendants use birch lining. The savings are questionable. Birch is more afraid of moisture than other woods; it quickly rots and cracks. Use only in dry areas such as a dressing room.
Varietal classification of wooden lining
Having considered the properties of each tree, let’s not forget about dividing the product into varieties and profile varieties. The technology for producing lining from any wood is the same. There are external criteria that influence the sorting of boards when packaging goods and setting prices. There are several classes:
- Premium, Extra - the best board, has no knots, chips or other defects. It differs in price and external advantages over other varieties. Ideal for all surfaces, but in order to save money, can only be used on the ceiling and shelves.
- Grades A, B, C have external defects that are revealed when the material is packaged. The lowest is class C, which has a low cost. Used in places that are not conspicuous.
Wooden blanks have differences in profile: eurolining, soft-line, calm and others. You can see their differences in the photo:
The choice depends on the needs of the buyer and his budget, and more details about the choice are described in the video:
Which lining is better for a bath: euro lining or simple?
The finishing with paired euro lining made of alder looks rich.
Eurolining is particularly represented on the construction market. These are finishing parts made not according to Russian GOST, but European standards, which have higher requirements for quality and production methods. It differs from Russian analogues in size, allowing the use of material without large waste. The high quality of Euro lining also dictates its high cost, which is higher than Russian Premium lining. Possessing better strength, aesthetic appearance, a drainage groove, and an increased depth of connection of elements, eurolining is in demand among Russian consumers for cladding not only baths or saunas, but also residential premises.
Correct calculation of the amount of lining saves the budget
Having decided what kind of lining is needed for a bathhouse, we will learn how to calculate its quantity. The calculation of any material is carried out according to certain formulas. The lining was no exception.
- At the first stage, once again measure the area that will be covered with clapboard. You need to know the exact length and width of the surface, transitions, joints, complex elements of the ceiling or wall. Transfer all dimensions onto paper.
- We divide the room into rectangles. The ceiling and wall are different rectangles. We measure the length of each. The finishing board has different lengths, which affects the price. No need to take too long or short. Knowing your size, you will buy what you need without overpaying.
Alder paneling
This cladding is in many ways similar to linden and has all its advantages. At the same time, it has a slightly different appearance and a slight peculiar smell, in which some people recognize notes of cognac.
Alder lining is similar to linden, but has a richer color and aroma
The only thing that differentiates this wood from linden wood is the price: since alder has many internal defects, the yield of quality material is not great, which leads to high cost and low prevalence.
Pros and cons of alder lining:
Beautiful color, no resin, interesting aroma
Is the price above average?
Conclusions. If you like the appearance of an alder finish, and you are willing to pay a slightly higher amount for it, then rest assured, such a cladding will reliably serve and delight you for many years. Applicable to any premises.
What kind of wood to cover the steam room and bathhouse with?
The bathhouse is built, now it's time to move on to finishing it inside. Most builders prefer to cover it with clapboard, but few people know which wood is best for a bathhouse as a finishing material. Let's figure it out now.
Pine. It is a mistake to decorate the steam room with pine clapboard. Why? Would you like to breathe resins while vaping? But it is perfect for a dressing room or a font, since it will not heat up too much, the smell of pine wood will be moderate and very pleasant.
Alder. An excellent option for finishing both the dressing room and the steam room itself. If you are thinking of making furniture for baths from wood, feel free to choose alder. The only difficulty is the quality of the lining. It can be very difficult to find beautiful finishing material with good geometry. With solid alder it is a little easier, but the highest grade is also rare.
Linden. A very good option for a steam room, since it cannot be heated to such a temperature as to get burned. The lining is more expensive, but very beautiful and smooth. And again there is a fly in the ointment - linden is suitable for gentle bathing; it is better not to wet the walls with water to avoid drips.
Aspen. Aspen lining can be found anywhere, and it is quite beautiful to look at. If the budget is not too large and you need to find durable wood for all occasions, then we build a bathhouse with aspen trim.
Birch. It is extremely undesirable wood for a steam room because it is afraid of moisture. It would be better to give preference to other varieties or use them very carefully. It loses its appearance and smell after a few months, but is inexpensive.
Oak lining. It is oak and oak in Africa... Or baobab... Very high-quality and expensive lining, which is distinguished by its unique texture, excellent aroma and strength properties. The cost of such finishing is rather high, but it is worth it if you are making a bathhouse for yourself. Oak is versatile, but is rarely used due to its high cost.
We looked at what kind of wood for a bath should be used during construction and what is the best way to decorate the steam room, and now let’s look at an interesting video on this topic:
Oak lining
It differs from the previous ones primarily in its darker color and expressive, interesting design. Like any hardwood, oak does not emit resin, and therefore can be freely used at high temperatures.
Oak lining is ideal for luxury interiors and has a high cost, so you won’t see it often in ordinary baths.
Oak wood is considered one of the strongest and most durable, and its beauty and high cost place this finish in the premium class segment.
Pros and cons of oak cladding:
Excellent color and pattern, strength, durability, premium quality
High price, rare
Conclusions. Oak wood is suitable for any room, however, due to the high cost, it is better to use this type of finishing on a limited basis - in order to give the interior additional uniqueness.
How does lime lining help you save money?
Our customers choose linden lining because its high technical performance fully justifies its cost. We’ll tell you how linden wood lining also allows you to save on the purchase of finishing materials.
When purchasing lining, most buyers choose boards of short length. This is beneficial because short panels help:
- save up to 40% on the purchase of materials;
- create a unique design indoors.
The price for lining of “short” sizes is significantly lower than the price for lining with a length of 2 meters or more. Thus, by choosing panels less than 1.5 m long, the cost of your order is significantly reduced. and you can save up to 40%.
So, choosing linden wood as the most reliable and durable material will help you:
- achieve high quality finishing due to the properties of wood;
- create an exclusive indoor interior;
- avoid additional costs of time, effort and money.
Maple and ash lining
Two more types of boards made from deciduous trees. They have an original appearance, and therefore belong to the elite.
Maple lining has light gray tones and an interesting texture
This cladding is durable and resistant to temperatures, but without treatment with special compounds it does not withstand dampness well. Because of this, it is not recommended to use it in damp areas. Also, these rocks, subject to simultaneously elevated temperatures and humidity, can begin to warp. In rooms with normal operating conditions, wood will last a very long time.
Ash lining differs from maple in pattern and texture; in all other qualities they are similar
Advantages and disadvantages of maple and ash:
Beautiful color and pattern
Dear, not often found on sale, not for hot and humid rooms
Conclusions. Suitable for use in a relaxation room. It is better not to use it in finishing damp rooms.
Varieties
The differences between individual types of aspen wood are due to:
- humidity level in the growing region;
- perfection of processing;
- varieties;
- quantities of products.
Russian lining differs from foreign products in that it does not have elongated grooves at the back, which provide ventilation and relief from condensation. The increase in ridges and grooves to 0.8 cm, characteristic of eurolining, helps reduce the risk of cracks under the influence of high temperature and humidity, thereby increasing the strength of the joints. At the end of the work, European lining is sorted and packed in a special film (usually 10 pieces per package).
The “Extra” grade is considered the highest; to comply with it, the lining must not have a single defect or even a knot. The characteristics of the “Extra” grade make it possible to form any wooden structures, and they will be aesthetically perfect. In group A, the standards allow for the presence of knots and a difference in color from the usual color, but the mechanical and consumer properties are also quite good.
Grade B occupies an intermediate position between the main types A and C, it is relatively good and sells for relatively little money. Category B includes second grade wood, a certain number of jagged and knotty areas are allowed on the surfaces of the boards. Cracks are sometimes acceptable; knots should not fall out, but they can still cause accelerated damage to the lining.
Grade C has extremely low requirements for raw materials - such wood may contain signs of decomposition and rot, a number of cracks and jagged areas, areas that are clearly abnormal in color. Such solutions are not used in finishing; the only use is tools and equipment for work.
Thermal aspen (that is, heat-treated aspen) is ideal for interior decoration of baths and saunas, because it can withstand significant heat better than usual. Therefore, its increased cost is completely justified. During the preparation process, the raw materials are kept for a long time at temperatures above 200 degrees and are even exposed to steam.
As a result:
- wood moisture content decreases;
- density increases;
- the intensity of absorption of new portions of moisture from the air is reduced;
- Swelling is prevented due to constant contact with damp media.
It is difficult to find a more suitable material for the manufacture and decoration of a steam bath than thermally treated aspen. It does not rot, unlike the usual type of material, and therefore is deprived of its only significant drawback. With high quality processing, wood is deprived of essential oils, therefore its resistance to fire increases. However, for connoisseurs of rich and rich aromas, it is better not to use this type of wood for finishing, since it does not give off any smell at all. In addition, you will have to handle thermal aspen more carefully than usual, since it is relatively fragile.
Abasha lining
This is the most expensive finishing method from the list presented. The lining made from Abash material is light in color, there are no knots on it, and the wood will not resin.
The wood is strong, but at the same time light, highly resistant to heat and moisture, and has a long service life.
The texture of the abasha cannot be confused with anything, and its low thermal conductivity will protect your loved ones from burns when visiting the steam room
The main advantage of abasha is its low thermal conductivity, so when touching it even in a hot sauna, the risk of getting burned is minimal.
Often, when describing a material, you can come across a statement that the wall or shelves do not heat up. This is wrong. Abasha materials, like all other objects kept in the steam room for a long time, have a temperature equal to the ambient temperature. Simply due to its low thermal conductivity, the abash, when a person touches it, quickly takes on body temperature at the point of contact. The same effect can be found if you touch, for example, polystyrene foam.
Thanks to this property, the finish is ideal for use in steam saunas, where the air heats up to 120 degrees.
The only, but very significant drawback is the price: it is the highest in comparison. If you are deciding which lining to choose for a sauna and are not short on funds, then abash is an excellent option.
Pros and cons of abasha:
Does not burn, therefore ideal for saunas, beautiful
Very expensive
Conclusions. Abash is an excellent choice for any room. However, due to its high cost, it is advisable to use it only in a steam room.
Which material is preferable for lining a bath?
To equip the room reserved for the steam room, you should use lining made of coniferous and hardwood. In order to make the right choice, you should first familiarize yourself with the main characteristics of each type.
Abashi
Abashi-based lining is often found in bathhouses. The tropical representative has established itself as a practical material from which shelves are made that are practically not subject to heating. The tree comes from Africa, has a chocolate hue and a low density. Abashi darkens only after undergoing heat treatment, and before that the canvas has a white (sugar) or lemon-yellow color. There are no sharp tonal transitions, knots, pockets or other irregularities. As a decorative approach, sheets of untreated wood are alternated with treated ones, which allows you to create an original composition.
Hemlock
Also called Canadian hemlock. A representative of an evergreen plant that is often used in modern construction. It reaches maturity at 300 years of age, at which time it reaches a height of 50 m. It is similar in appearance to oak, for which it received its second name as American oak. The advantages of the material include a pleasant and light aroma of pine needles, a long service life, and increased strength and endurance.
Larch
This finishing material is distinguished not only by the original properties of the wood itself, such as high strength, elasticity, and specific gravity, but also by its excellent external characteristics. The sections reveal the unusual structure of the rock, which allows you to achieve an unusual effect and an interesting composition in the interior. Such material will never be cold, so it can please its owners for several years. The relevance of the use of the material is due to the presence of antioxidants in the structure of the material, which help cope with external factors. The cost of the cladding is high, which is not justified.
Cedar
This type of finishing material speaks of the high and refined taste of the owner of a bathhouse or sauna. Cedar lining will give the interior a unique style. The North American representative is the easiest to identify, as it has a reddish tint and an unusual aroma, which is considered medicinal for diseases associated with the heart and respiratory tract. The material is valued for its unusual structure, deep pinkish tone and unsurpassed aroma, which creates the necessary atmosphere in the room. It is characterized as a stable, durable material capable of disinfecting the air.
Alder
Alder lining, which is used in the manufacture of structures of high European quality, is also valuable. The black variety of alder, which is called royal wood due to its deep pink tone, is in demand. Practically does not require further processing, since knots are rare. The structure of the rock is resistant to various deformations, smooth, uniform. The material is not afraid of steam and moisture, which makes alder lining an indispensable assistant when arranging such premises as steam rooms in saunas and baths. There are different shades.
Aspen
The homogeneous and at the same time dense structure is considered a quality characteristic and is similar to linden. Aspen lining has a slight bitter aroma, which is due to the increased hardness of the material, which indicates a high service life of the product.
Before purchasing, you should pay attention to the absence of knots on the surface and the presence of resins, which is unacceptable, as it leads to difficulty breathing. Aspen lining is characterized as a high-quality material that undergoes careful sorting and selection
Linden
Linden lining is used as a finishing material for walls and floors. For a bathhouse, this type of material is considered the best way to decorate the premises. The structure of linden allows the surface to heat up quickly, the structure is soft, skin burns can be avoided due to its low thermal conductivity. Due to thermal conductivity, the material will slowly cool, which plays an important role in the case of baths or saunas. During the heating process, the material releases honey vapors, which emit a pleasant aroma. The essential oils contained have a beneficial effect on the body as a whole. The wood has excellent external characteristics and does not require additional processing.
Heat-treated lining
This type of cladding has gained great popularity quite recently. It is distinguished from conventional material by processing wood at high temperatures. Thanks to this, it acquires a beautiful dark color and a significant improvement in such qualities as moisture resistance, fire resistance, and resistance to biological damage.
All types of wood discussed in this article are subject to heat treatment.
Thermal lining made from Extra grade linden gives the steam room a unique appearance, the effect of peace and privacy
Thermally modified lining is used, as a rule, to create certain interior solutions. It is often used in conjunction with light varieties to create an interior with a contrasting finish.
The cost of heat-treated boards, of course, is higher than that of ordinary ones. But the visual effect can also be truly unique and inimitable.
Pros and cons of heat-treated lining:
Unique appearance, ideal for creating special interiors, resistant to water and heat
Expensive
Choosing wood for a bathhouse according to the advice of experts
It is immediately necessary to clarify that both coniferous and deciduous tree species are suitable for construction; the only significant difference between them is the presence of phytoncides (substances that are released by plants and kill many pathogenic organisms). There are much more of them in coniferous species. But wood for a bathhouse should not only be useful. There are also criteria for density, durability, appearance, normal cost, resin capacity and much more.
Now let’s look at the main contenders for the title of “best wood for a bathhouse”, analyze their pros, cons and how suitable they are for your construction. Let's start with coniferous trees, since they are more common and generally accepted.
Pine. Cheap and cheerful. A good wood for a steam room, which has useful properties: easy to process, practically does not deform when dried, minimal cracking. Pines from northern regions are considered the best raw materials because they release more beneficial substances when heated and create a better aroma. If you make the floor in a wooden bathhouse from pine, it will not be too slippery and will quickly gain heat, which is very useful for winter heating. A significant drawback is the abundant release of resins from wood.
Common spruce. In terms of its density and mechanical properties, it does not differ from pine. The big difference is the color. A spruce wooden bathhouse retains its golden color for a long time; it does not darken after several years. The cost of spruce is identical to pine lumber, so you can choose what texture you want for the bathhouse. The main disadvantage is the strong release of resin (more than that of pine), so you can’t do without interior finishing of the bathhouse.
Larch. If you don’t mind disturbing your savings in the bank or won the lottery, then you can carry out the elite construction of a bathhouse from timber or logs using larch. It will cost a lot of money, but the benefits are obvious: high strength, flexibility, heat capacity, wood releases a lot of antiseptic when heated, kills all pathogens. The fire resistance of the bathhouse is 2 times higher, and everyone will like the texture of the walls. Larch costs 2.5 times more than pine, which is its main disadvantage. A wooden bathhouse made of larch can cost a fortune, if you also take into account the interior decoration.
Cedar. Expensive, beautiful, reliable. The cost of such wood can scare even the biggest fans of an excellent bathhouse, but cedar is worth it. If you need the best coniferous wood for a bathhouse, buy cedar logs. It does not sag over time, is extremely resistant to rotting, you can heat the sauna every day, but it will last for decades. Maximum of essential oils and phytoncides, beneficial effects on the body. If you are planning the interior decoration of a bathhouse, then cedar will also be useful - the material has an excellent texture and a noble shade.
Results of comparison of different lining materials
To summarize what has been said, we will try to answer the question “how to choose the best lining for a bath or sauna?”
In fact, the answer is simple - you need to compare different options according to several indicators: resistance to temperature, moisture, appearance, phyto-therapeutic properties, cost.
To make it more convenient for you to do this, we have collected all the necessary data in one table.
| Type of wood | Suitable for steam room | Suitable for washing area | Suitable for rest room | Color | Smell | Price of lining for Extra grade, rub/m2 | Peculiarities |
| Pine, spruce | +/- (not for ceiling) | + | + | light | needles | low 360-450 | will tar |
| Larch | + | + | + | dark | needles | high 800-1000 | moisture resistant |
| Cedar | + | + | + | from light to dark | needles | high 1300-1900 | — |
| Aspen | + | + | + | light | weak | average 500-800 | it's getting dark |
| Linden | + | + | + | light | weak | average 700-900 | price quality |
| Alder | + | + | + | light | weak | above average 800-1200 | — |
| Oak | + | + | + | dark | weak | very high 2300-3300 | durable |
| Maple, ash | +/- | — | + | dark | weak | high 1200-2000 | — |
| Abash | + | +/- (expensive) | +/- (expensive) | light | weak | very high 3300-4500 | doesn't burn |
| Thermoabash | + | +/- (expensive) | +/- (expensive) | dark | weak | very high 3300-4500 | looks great |
*The above prices may vary depending on what types of wooden linings are available in specific regions and from specific manufacturers.
Often developers are faced with a difficult question: which lining for a bathhouse to choose: aspen, linden or alder. All three types are great for pairs, so you need to focus on visual preferences. The comparison table shows that aspen darkens a little over time, however, it costs less. Alder is beautiful, high quality with an original scent, so it costs more. Linden is the best option, devoid of any disadvantages with an average price tag. But, again, it’s better to focus on personal preferences.
And one more important point. No matter how high-quality the board is, it will last a long time only if it is installed correctly. And this presupposes the presence of a ventilation gap along with proper vapor barrier.
You may also be interested in our article about the features of the Russian bath, Finnish sauna and Turkish hammam.
Table of comparable indicators of linden wood and alder wood
| Indicators, units change | Linden | Alder |
| Hardness, MPa (kgf/cm²) for the cross-sectional surface of linden | 19,0 | 19,0 |
| Humidity of the core (or mature wood) of standing wood, % | 63 | 72 |
| Average density, kg/m³ | 490–530 | 510–550 |
| Density limits, kg/m³ | 320–600 | 450–640 |
| Bend strength, N/mm² | 90-106 | 85–97 |
| Compressive strength, N/mm² | 44-52 | 47–55 |
| Tensile strength, N/mm² | 85 | 94 |
| Thermal conductivity, W/(m×K) | 0,17–0,19 | 0,15-0,17 |
Alder wood and linden wood are classified as low-density species . For alder wood, its density at standard humidity is 525 kg/m3, for linden wood - 530 kg/m3.
As you know, the density of wood is of practical importance: dense wood is heavier, stronger and harder, but much more difficult to process. Also, denser wood is poorly saturated with antiseptics and is difficult to paint and varnish .
Linden and alder are soft, lightweight, pliable materials to process and install . Processing hard wood will require 3 times more effort than the same work with soft-leaved trees of linden or alder. These wood species are easy to cut, glue and polish. They are well coated with varnishes, absorb paint, glue, and various wood impregnations.
It is worth noting that soft wood is also characterized by uniform shrinkage , which avoids cracks. Linden and alder, even when drying out, change slightly in volume, maintaining their original shape.
Water permeability and vapor resistance of wood . Alder is a waterproof material: moisture and slightly alkaline solutions do not destroy its wood. This property of alder is facilitated by the tannins contained in its wood. In addition, they prevent alder wood from rotting and perform antimicrobial and antifungal functions.
Linden also demonstrates excellent water-repellent properties, especially in conditions of high humidity and temperature . Linden wood is more often chosen than other types of wood for finishing baths, steam rooms, and saunas due to the fact that it demonstrates good resistance to alkalis and water. The material perfectly withstands hot steam, moisture, temperature, maintaining its structure. Lining made from linden wood dries well and quickly without a tendency to warping or cracking .
Thermal insulation and sound insulation . The low thermal conductivity of linden and alder helps these trees retain heat in the room for a long time. A bathhouse, steam room or sauna made from wood of these species cools down slowly, retaining the heat of the bathhouse.
A distinctive advantage of linden lining is that the surface of the wood, even when the bath is heated to a high temperature, heats up evenly and remains warm without burning. Thus, linden wood ensures safety in a sauna, steam room or bathhouse from getting burned.
In residential premises, linden or alder linings create a comfortable microclimate : they purify the air, protect from external noise, and maintain a cozy atmosphere. Finishing with linden or alder paneling fully ensures soundproofing of the premises . Thus, bathhouses, children's rooms, living rooms, in which the decoration is made of linden lining, rightfully evoke associations of a warm, quiet and comfortable home.
Lack of resins . Linden and alder wood are environmentally friendly materials that do not emit resins even at high temperatures . This useful property makes lining made from these materials especially attractive for use in a bathhouse or sauna.
Just remember how much inconvenience the increased resin content of coniferous materials causes when dripping resin:
- has an unpleasant odor and makes the air in the steam room heavier;
- harms health: resinous substances irritate the respiratory tract;
- spoils the appearance of walls and ceilings;
- requires regular cleaning and impregnation with special protective agents;
- poses a danger: hot resin not only stains, but also burns.
Lining made of linden and aspen in this case have a huge advantage. Separately, it should be noted the distinctive feature of linden wood lining, which does not require complex care and cleaning, or regular treatment with special protective agents .
conclusions
Summing up the results of the comparison, we can give several recommendations on which wood paneling is best suited for you:
- make your choice based on your personal preferences about beauty, because the main purpose of the decoration is to make visiting the bathhouse pleasant and to set you up for relaxation;
- for long service life of the boards, follow the recommendations for their use applicable to various rooms;
- do not use pine needles when decorating the ceiling of a steam room.
We hope that this article will help you decide which lining to choose for the steam room and other sauna rooms.
With respect to you and your home, the information portal ProfSovet.
Grade and profile
Eurolining and domestic material undergo the same stages of processing and drying. Separation into classes occurs immediately before packaging. There are three main categories: A, B and C. Recently, manufacturers often also distinguish the “Extra” or “Premium” class. The lining for saunas and baths must correspond to grade “A”, however, the use of extra-class timber can increase the service life of the cladding.
The board that is taken to finish the bath can be one and a half, three or six meters long. The size should be selected based on the dimensions of the room and the smallest number of joints between finishing parts. Only eurolining is suitable for use in a steam room, the fastenings of which are made using the “tongue/groove” technology. Thanks to this system of joints, the thickness of the cracks in them is minimized.
Advantages of eurolining
Unlike domestic analogues, it is produced not according to regional GOSTs, but according to international standards. It is the eurolining that has the “Extra” and “Premium” class. It is noted that it is subjected to more thorough surface treatment and a high level of drying. Equipped with longitudinal grooves for ventilation and stress relief from the wooden beam. Sheathing elements remove excess condensation. Eurolining has an improved fastening system. This is facilitated by deeper mechanisms. The characteristics of foreign class “A” boards are much higher than the GOST parameters, and, according to domestic requirements, it can be classified as “Extra” grade.
The advantages of Euro timber affect the final cost, so the demand for it is not too great. The dimensions of foreign and local material are practically no different: thickness - 12.5; 14 and 15 mm, and the width can vary from 80 to 135 mm excluding grooves. Eurolining has more stringent parameters, and in domestic products some errors are allowed. Although this, if it affects the final result of the facing work, is insignificant. You need to decide and choose between an imported and a domestic manufacturer based on the estimated cost of the bathhouse. Imported and domestic materials in the mid-price category are almost the same in the quality of wood and its processing.
Varieties - what kind of wood is used?
Of course, it is correct to understand the word “varieties” as grade. But in this regard, everything is quite simple: when the tree is cut and dried, this is followed by sorting, identifying fragments without defects and with defects. The latter are further divided. This is how we get the highest (or first) grade, first (=second) and second (=third) grade. Here you need to clarify which system is used to label this or that manufacturer.
In this sense, suitable varieties of linden for a bath are the highest and the first. The Supreme goes to the surfaces that are best visible and with which your body is in contact. Where it is not so noticeable, you can use the first one.
Now let’s try to understand the word “varieties” differently. After all, this can be said about linden species - botanical and geographical varieties, as well as about linden that has undergone special processing.
Heart-shaped, large-leaved, European
The woodworking industry has long decided which types of trees are most suitable for its purposes. cordate and were distinguished , the trunks of which produce less waste when cut. A very long ago bred or self-formed hybrid of these two was the European linden.
However, even between these types there is a difference. Linden wood is on average soft and ductile, but that of the European linden is a little harder and denser than that of those that gave it its origin.
In addition to this, there are other types that are also sometimes used for making lumber.
Caucasian
Unfortunately, manufacturers who create a legend from the “Caucasian linden” do not bother to clarify whether it is one of the three species mentioned above, simply grown in the Caucasus, or whether it is a species called Caucasian linden.
We do not have comparative information on how much wood from the Caucasus differs from wood grown in other areas. But sellers claim that Caucasian linden is the best tree for a bathhouse, because it resists rotting more successfully than its European relatives. You can take this at its word, or you can consider it a simple PR stunt.
Thermo-linden
Finally, let's talk about the moisture content of wood and its role in construction.
The wetter the wood used on a construction site, the more problems the owner will have when it dries naturally. Free-drying wood tends to bend and twist, breaking fasteners, and it also dries out, forming cracks.
Therefore, it is extremely important that the wood is dried at the time of purchase. According to the rules - up to 12%. Such a tree can already be used without fear. But in reality, they will most likely sell you wood with higher moisture content.
On the other hand, there are technologies that make it possible to expel almost all bound water from a tree, after which its properties change radically: that wood, which until recently was not resistant to rotting, acquires increased resistance, not to mention the fact that it is no longer swells from moisture and does not dry out when dried. It becomes light, hard, durable... almost perfect.
Polok Lipa Thermo "Extra". Photo: Pech-grad.ru
But its price also increases. But thermal wood is much better than even wood that has been well dried to the above-mentioned 12% of ordinary wood. Its humidity of 8% is an excellent indicator.
ADVICE! In general, if you want to extend the life of the steam room decoration or shelves, use thermo-linden for the bath.
By what criteria can a board be classified?
When choosing lining, first of all pay attention to the following factors:
- the type of wood used to make it;
- material class;
- country of manufacture.
In any case, special requirements are imposed on the material intended for lining the bath, since it will subsequently be constantly exposed to moisture combined with elevated temperatures.
In the shower
If all the rooms are covered with wood, it is logical to do the same in the washing room. Panels made of coniferous wood should be used because of their resistance to moisture. Pine and spruce, additionally protected with water-repellent compounds, will extend the service life of the coating. Natural oils, wax, water-based paint are among these products.
Before applying oils, the surface is sanded and cleaned of dust. Then the oil will penetrate deep into the wood. It is necessary to apply several layers, usually up to three, to maximize the isolation of the material from moisture.
More expensive wax works more effectively. It is applied manually with a soft cloth. The resulting barrier does not allow water to pass through, but is not a barrier to oxygen. Wax can highlight the natural beauty of wood.
If you use paint for moisture insulation, you will have to repeat this procedure periodically, about once a year. Paint is suitable only on a natural basis, applied with a brush, in several layers, after cleaning the surface. Fantasy can turn a shower into a masterpiece, or you can limit yourself to even, calm tones.
It is imperative to protect wood to prevent its premature rotting.
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Do-it-yourself lining installation (step-by-step instructions)
There are several ways to fasten the lining: horizontal, vertical and diagonally. The first method is considered the best. Its advantage is that if the floor in the bathhouse begins to rot, then the part below can be easily replaced. Also, with this mounting option, the room expands before your eyes, and the air circulates less.
The second mounting option allows you to get a sauna effect in the bathhouse: the air temperature becomes higher and the humidity becomes lower.
Before starting the interior decoration of the bathhouse, you should make the lathing. Thanks to her, the laying of the material will be successful. Some separate areas are usually attached diagonally.
And if you combine all the options for fastening the lining, you can get an original design. But in addition to style, you need to think about convenient installation of damaged areas in the future.
Ideas for finishing a bath
- The steam room itself can be decorated with alder or linden lining, and wooden chairs and tables can be placed in it. The dressing room can be decorated with spruce or pine lining.
- To obtain an original design, you can combine finishing options, for example, horizontal with diagonal.
- It is better not to decorate one room with clapboard made from different trees. There is a chance that they will not take root together and will begin to rot. And the owner of the bathhouse will have to make extra expenses. It is better to think about everything in advance and not make hasty decisions.
- It is important to remember that all electrical wires must be reliably protected, otherwise it will lead to negative consequences.
