It largely depends on the device, size and location of the shelves. In this article, we will consider the main dimensions of the shelves in the bath, made for people with a height of 160 to 185 cm. The dimensions of the shelves in the steam room of this sauna were specially selected for maximum convenience and comfort.
To begin with, consider the main types of designs and proportions of the shelves for the bath. Most often, in traditional Russian baths, located directly on the ground or having a cold, uninsulated floor, there were three levels of regiments. In modern steam baths or saunas, where the floor is well insulated and does not blow on the legs, there is no need to arrange three levels of shelves. In order to warm up well, two levels of shelves in the steam room are quite enough.
The scheme of the dimensions of the shelves in the bath
(click to open a larger version of the diagram in a new window)
New Bath Book! Bath. Essays on ethnography and medicine. |
Now consider the main dimensions of the shelves for a modern steam room in a bath or sauna. In the example shown, the shelves are made of African deciduous abachi wood, which has a low density and therefore low heat capacity and thermal conductivity. Therefore, the abash warms up slowly. At the same time, abachi has no knots, has excellent water resistance, hardness and retains its geometric dimensions with fluctuations in temperature and humidity, which makes it an indispensable material for arranging shelves in baths and saunas. However, a serious disadvantage of abash wood is that this material can cause contact urticaria, allergic rhinitis and even asthma, especially in professional sauna builders who deal with abash wood dust. [Information sources: Kanerva L, Tuppurainen M, Keskinen H. Contact urticaria caused by obeche wood (Triplochiton scleroxylon). contact dermatitis. 1998;38:170-171. Estlander T, Jolanki R, Kanerva L. Occupational allergic contact dermatitis eczema caused by obeche and teak dusts. contact dermatitis. 1999;41:164. & Reijula K, Kujala V, Latvala J. Sauna builder’s asthma caused by obeche (Triplochiton scleroxylon) dust. Thorax. 1994;49:622-623. ]
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| The height of the sauna under the ceiling is 208 cm. This height is quite enough for a comfortable stay and movement in the steam room with its good heating. | The length of the shelves in this sauna is 202 cm. This size of the shelves allows you to comfortably sit on the shelf while lying down. The length of the shelves can be longer - if the dimensions of the steam room in the bath or sauna allow. Please note that a gap of 3-4 mm is left between the wall sheathing of the steam room and the shelves on each side - a margin for the expansion of the tree when heated or moistened. | |
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| The height of the lower level of the shelves from the floor is 45 cm. | The width of the bottom row of shelves in the sauna is 50 cm. The gap between the boards of the shelves is 5 mm (it is recommended to leave the gap size no more than 8-10 mm). | |
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| The height of the second (upper) level of the shelves is 88 cm from the floor, or 43 cm from the lower level of the steam room shelves, or 120 cm from the ceiling of the sauna or bath steam room. | The width of the upper row of shelves - 70 cm allows one person to comfortably lie on the shelf. | |
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| The side shelves serve as a support for bowls, basins or for placement in the steam room in a sitting position. The width of the side shelves - 40 cm. | The dimensions of the articulation platform of the L-shaped shelves in the sauna. We leave a gap of 3-4 mm between the boards of the flooring of the shelves on each side. | |
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| Approximate dimensions of the site for docking L-shaped shelves in the bath. | The bevel at the junction of the shelves will be repeated on the back of the upper shelf of the sauna steam room. | |
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| Diagonal abachi plank flooring enhances the view of the sauna. | The main dimensions of the back of the shelves of the upper level. The dimensions of the back of the shelves are adjusted to the height of people from 160 to 185 cm. | |
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| The distance between the mounting rails for the backs of the shelves in the steam room of the sauna or bath. | To mount the backs of the shelves, a 2 cm thick Abachi rail is used. | |
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| General view of the shelves in the steam room of a sauna or bath. See how to sheathe a steam room of a sauna or bath with clapboard. | Read how to make Siberian bath shelves from massive half-logs. Such shelves remain not hot for a long time, and after heating they retain pleasant heat for a long time. Special connoisseurs of the bath cover the shelves with sheets, on which they lay hay cut by the morning dew and cover it with small branches of oak and birch. The feeling of floating on such shelves is absolutely fantastic! | |
Special norms for the construction of bath shelves are dictated by the specifics of the operation of furniture that is unpretentious in the eyes of an uninitiated person. Those who wish to build shelves for a bath with their own hands need to learn that they are built according to a strict set of rules that ensure durability and comfort of use. Let's find out what you need to consider and how to act in order to competently equip your favorite steam room.
Standard shelving design for steam room
It is not without reason that a bath shelf is often simply called a shop. Yes, these are benches of different heights, arranged according to a special scheme. Their design includes two main elements:
- A frame that serves as a base for fixing planks of a fixed deck or a support for a collapsible deck system. Most often, the frame is constructed from support posts, resembling the legs of a bench, and connected by transverse jumper boards. Less commonly, the frame is made according to the principle of a stair stringer, to which the steps of bath shelves are mounted. According to the technology borrowed from lovers of Finnish dry steam, the frame is sometimes built without supports in the form of a railway shelf attached to the walls of the steam room.
- The flooring is made of linden or aspen carefully polished boards stuffed with a gap of 1.0-2.0 cm. As already mentioned, it is either attached to the frame or knocked together separate components like floor ladders. Loose flooring is more convenient to remove and ventilate outside the walls of the steam room. It serves as a seat, a couch, and a podium for the tireless attendant, who treats the mortal bodies of his clients with a fragrant broom. According to the principle of the construction of the flooring, they also knock together: the backs of the seats, the sides of the shelves, special "bath pillows" and devices for taking a relaxed "lying" posture with the legs at head level or higher.
Since the steam room is usually small in size, because a small room is easier, more economical and faster to bring to the required condition, the furniture for arranging it has an extremely simple rectangular in plan, profile and frontal geometry. For masters, the imagination usually reasonably draws a semblance of a staircase with two or three large steps. True, these steps may resemble sun loungers or corner sofas with a rounded shape. But such delights are mainly dabbled in by the owners of baths with large-sized steam rooms, who are not sorry to take up space with personal whims.
Advice. If the area of \u200b\u200bthe steam room does not allow the construction of a rectangular lower shelf, it can be made triangular. That is, in plan it will be a right-angled triangle, one of the legs of which is loosely adjacent to the wall, the second to the shelf adjacent to it.
Why are bath shelves multi-stage?
According to the laws of physics familiar from the school bench, steam and heated air tend to rush upward. Having given off healing hot power and cooled under the ceiling, the air flow is partially escorted out by the ventilation system of the steam room, partially returns down, reflected from the upper ceiling by a special ceiling system. Therefore, it is much hotter at the top than at the foot of the bath "pyramid".
Multi-stage allows users to independently choose the optimal steam mode for them with the appropriate temperature background. Masters who decide to build shelves in the bath with their own hands will have to adhere to the traditional “staircase” configuration in order to provide the opportunity to both enjoy the most vigorous steam and a gentle microclimate.
In Russian steam rooms, two regiments were most often arranged. But no one forbids making three, as long as there is enough space for their installation. In the sense that there is space left for the movement of people receiving bath procedures without traumatic consequences.
Preliminary planning and calculations
Calculations and an elementary project are indispensable conditions for a successful result. Draw a preliminary small plan of the room, put down the dimensions, mark the location of equipment, window and door openings.
Attention. Shelves in the steam room are not installed along walls with glazed windows. Hot steam attacks can crack the glass, and glass fragments can injure people.
The scheme and principles of the placement of regiments
Therefore, the owners of steam rooms with windows, who decide to make their own comfortable shelves for the bath, have a limited choice. They will be able to draw a plan for a future multi-stage structure only along walls without windows and without glazed ventilation vents. The rest of the layouts are the same for everyone. Shelves can be placed:
- a single linear object along one wall in one, two or three rows;
- design in the form of the letter G with numerous variations in the number of steps. Two or three along each wall, or the upper and lower bench along the long wall, and the middle one along the adjacent short one, etc.;
- two parallel structures, symmetrical or asymmetric, installed at opposite walls of the steam room, as in a railway compartment. Or as in the same compartment there are two equivalent tiers of shelves.
Draw several options from which you can choose the best. Only for competent planning and calculation of the cost of purchasing lumber, the exact dimensions of multi-stage or single-stage bath shelves will also be required.
Dimensions of bath seats or beds
To begin with, we list the traditional sizes of places for taking bath procedures in a lying and sitting position:
- 1.5 m long is needed in order to lie on a shelf with legs bent at the knees;
- 1.8 m in length will allow the average majority not to bend their legs in the supine position. But according to this parameter, everything is purely individual, sometimes 2.00 m is not enough;
- 0.4 m - the minimum width of the shelf, most often the lower one, used mainly as a stand under the feet of a bath attendant wielding a broom. It will be quite convenient to stand on such a step, and you can also sit down to freshen up and cool down;
- 0.6 m - the most common size for the width of the bath shop, however, not too conducive to recumbent soaring;
- 0.9 m wide will allow you to sit across the shelf with your legs tucked in, and people with any physiological characteristics will be able to lie down.
Variations are permissible, but attendants do not recommend doing less than the minimum limits.
Let's deal with the height of bath furniture
In terms of height, the principles for arranging shelves in a bath are radically different from standard schemes. All calculations begin with determining the height of the upper bench. In order to be able to sit on it, and when waving a broom, treat the back of a lying person, and not the bath floor, the plane of the upper shelf is placed at a distance of 1.10 - 1.20 m from the ceiling. There is another guideline - the level of the steam door of the heating equipment. It's up to the owner to decide if it's worth sticking with.
The height of the bath benches varies from 0.4 m to 0.6 m. A “run-up” of 20 cm will allow you to slightly raise or lower the line of benches in the drawing so that the required number of steps is in the steam room. The main thing is that the lower tier should be at least 0.3 m above the floor surface.
Note. Most often, the lower component of a multi-stage structure is not attached to the floor, but is made in the form of a portable bench so that the floor can be washed and dried under it. A very heavy lower stage is equipped with specific skids that move along rubber guides.
Rules for the construction of shelves for the steam room
- Between the walls of the steam room and the shelves there should be a ventilation gap of 10 cm. When the steps are fixed to the walls, this gap is provided by installing pieces of timber. More precisely, first a beam cut into segments is attached to the wall, then the frame elements are screwed to it with self-tapping screws with heads recessed into the array.
- The recommended dimensions of the beam for the construction of the frame are 50 × 70 mm. The thickness of the board should be four times less than its width so that the wood can dry completely.
- The number of supports is determined by the thickness of the planks. If the thickness of the board is 22 cm, then there should be at least 0.6 m between the supports.
- For the stability of the frame support, it is desirable to tie the board both from above and from below along the entire length.
- Rubber pads must be nailed to the bottom surface of the legs of all stationary steps and portable benches.
- Instead of self-tapping screws, it is advised to use wooden pins hammered into holes drilled under them, or wooden nails as fasteners for flooring boards. If nothing was found except self-tapping screws, it is better to mount from the back so that metal parts do not burn users. Metal, after all, heats up much stronger and faster than wood. If there is no way out and you have to fasten it from the outside, be sure to bury the metal caps in the sweat.
- There must be a gap of at least 1 cm between the planks of all elements of the flooring of the seat-beds.
Attention. When calculating the purchased material, do not forget about technological indents.
The sides of the steam rooms, made in accordance with the Finnish bathing rules, are made with ventilation gaps by analogy with the construction technology of the entire flooring. However, in Russian bathhouses, the sides were sewn up tightly with a board to reduce the cubic meters of space heated by wasted steam. Of course, the steam room reduced by this method will heat up faster, but the wood of the floor hidden under the furniture and wall decoration will also dry out worse. What is more practical, the owner will choose.
There are no special tricks in how to make a bath bench or shelves in the bath. The shop - it will be it in Africa too. The main thing is not to forget about the features of the construction of a multi-stage bath structure and responsibly get down to business.
On this page, we decided to collect all the information about how bath shelves are arranged, what varieties - not only popular, but also rare - can be found in modern baths.
Correct design
And how many people who put up a bathhouse in their yard think that the correct design of the shelves is associated primarily with features of soaring, as well as the regime of moisture and temperature characteristic of a particular national bathing tradition?
We dare to assure you - everything is exactly so, so let's distinguish between the arrangement of shelves in a bathhouse and a sauna.
For Finnish sauna
Finns soar sitting. What happens in a dry air bath? Oxygenated cold air is fed down to a red-hot metal stove, where it almost instantly heats up and rises. The ventilation device in the sauna is such that the air exchange occurs quite quickly - the entire volume changes up to 5 times per hour! Wherein the hottest air, as it should be, is at the top.
Shelves in the bath: a design typical of a sauna
Steaming in such a sauna occurs without the participation of steam 🙂 Humidity usually does not exceed 5-15%, but the temperature is around 90 degrees. In such an atmosphere, you can only sweat- the body tries to cope with overheating by sweating, which cools it. Of course, it is better to sweat while sitting.
That's why the Finns do enough narrow shelves- their width does not exceed 50-60 cm, which is convenient for a person to sit, and the design of the shelves in the bath is most often three-tiered, so that lovers of high temperature can climb higher, where it is highest.
For Russian steam room
In the Russian steam room, the principles are completely different. The temperature is lower, and the steam is much larger (at 45-60 degrees, humidity is 50-60%). Precisely due to the special superheated steam, the structure of which is different from what you see above a boiling kettle, soaring occurs.
Superheated steam from the stones rises to the ceiling, forming the so-called "steam cake". From there it is scooped up with a broom and lowered onto the body. It's best when the one being steamed lies on the shelf, and another person soars it.
So, the Russian shelves in the bath are designed in such a way that the person who is steamed on them can lie, and the one who soars does not experience inconvenience.
IMPORTANT! The sailor needs the following: so that the broom does not touch the ceiling, so that it is not necessary to bend over (the body must be held vertically), so that the height of the shelf is sufficient.
Therefore, with regard to Russian shelves in the bath, their correct design involves one or two levels (but not three!), A large width, height, with the calculation of the comfort of the steamer.
For example, in the video of the Kuban Bath Association, Konstantin Bely says that the height of the shelf should be 10 centimeters higher than the level of the stove. Here is the video:
Of course, it is better to build on the growth of a particular person. And if you need to focus on several people, then take the arithmetic mean (the sum of all measured heights divided by the number of people).
One way or another, this value is somewhere in the region of 70-90 cm. As mentioned above, it is quite acceptable if there is single-tier shelves. Footstools are usually attached to it.
Scheme
It's time to get down to specifics. So, what, in fact, does any shelf consist of? It has two main structural elements: frame and flooring.
Above it was said about the fundamental difference between the width of the shelves and the number of tiers for the Russian and Finnish steam rooms, so we will give the diagrams of the shelves in the bath for each case. Since the difference is only in the frame, flooring describe it separately same for both types.
An important point about any frame: among experienced bath attendants, disputes do not subside over whether the frame can be attached directly to the wall or must it be freestanding?
The main argument of those in favor of a free-standing framework is that when attached to the wall, the joint begins to rot soon.
However, we know a compromise option, in which the wall is mounted with a gap - put bushings, for example, ceramic, which are used for the same separation of thermal insulation plates from the wall.
Frame in the Finnish sauna
The frame of the shelves in the Finnish bath looks like this:
As you can see, in this case, it is proposed to build on the specific height of the ceiling in the steam room, because the countdown is from it. At the same time, it is this height that suggests a very common mixed form- this is when both steam is catching up and the temperature is high, as in a dry-air bath.
CAREFULLY! The combination of high temperature and humidity is difficult for the human cardiovascular system!
Generally, the schemes of the shelves in the bath can be easily distinguished precisely by their height and width. The height of the step, if it is intended for sitting, will be about 45 cm. And for the approach of the steamer, you need 70-90 cm. Therefore, either one of the steps will be narrow / folding / portable, or this is a sauna option that is not intended to one person was lying, and the other was hovering over him.
Another characteristic a sign of the sauna regiment in the bath: the frame is sewn in height with clapboard. This is done because the Finns do not need to leave space for the free setting of the legs of the soaring - his feet with toes go inward a little, under the shelves, while achieving the very correct vertical position of the soaring body.
BY THE WAY! It is widely believed that if you sew up the shelves with clapboard in height, this is essential will reduce the volume of the steam room, which heats the stove (respectively, it will increase its power). There is truth in this, but only in the case of hermetic clogging of the space under the shelves. And this is bad - how to ventilate? And if you ventilate, then there will be no “volume reduction”.
The scheme in the Russian bath
frame
There is one interesting point here: two-tier Russian regiments may look like three-tier ones! This is due to the deceptive footstool, which is placed at the high shelf. This bench can be mobile or stationary. But mobile is better.
An ordinary two-tier shelf consists of an upper shelf intended for soaring and a lower one, on which the soaring person stands with his feet. At other times, the lower one can be used as a seat.
Below we give a few more options for the shelves in the bath, showing their possible location (having one stationary shelf and two sliding, or all three sliding, we get the following options):
Flooring
Let's briefly talk about flooring. Despite the fact that the most common option is a machined rail laid along or across the long side of the seat with a smooth edge and gap from 1 to 5 cm between the elements, you can find options without any gaps at all or made from boards with irregular geometry (unedged sanded board or slab).
A log shelf looks exotic, but how long will it dry out?
ADVICE! Whatever you are guided by when choosing a flooring design, take into account the fact that you will dry it after each procedure. And the gaps are not made for the sake of beauty, but for the sake of ventilation and speeding up the drying process.
railing
A useful, though not mandatory element for regiments. Generally, railing in a steam room are used in two cases: as oven guard- so that visitors do not accidentally approach it at a dangerous distance and do not touch it. This applies to steam rooms with metal stoves without lining with brick or stone.
The second use case for railings is regimental equipment. They create additional comfort for those who soar during ascent and descent, and also make staying on the top shelf safer. And also, if they are placed parallel to the shelf, then sitting on the shelf you can put your feet on them, this adds convenience and the legs get more warm air and steam.
These railings look like this:
Regiment options
In addition to the above variations in height and number of tiers, the location of the shelves relative to the walls can also be varied. Parallel and angular arrangements are possible, as well as several options for fastening the decking, which make it removable, folding or retractable. Let's take a look at all of the above.
Angular
A commonly used design. Allows perpendicular alignment at least one seating and one reclining place.
When you watch videos that describe the installation of a corner shelf frame in a bath, pay attention to how the joint is created in each case.
Useful video
The options may be different, but we draw your attention to the fact that flooring can be done either cut at 45 degrees, which gives a beautiful angular combination of boards, but is quite demanding on accuracy. Or you can not bother and do it simply - bring the rails of one seat to the wall, and bring the perpendicular ones to the intersection. It turns out like this like you put one bench on top of another.
However, today's masters do just about anything. Both for the flooring and for the parts that cover the height of the shelf, they have prepared relatively complex patterns that play on, say, different colors of wood. You can try something similar if you wish.
hinged
One of the ways to free up space, make it easier to clean the floor after procedures, speed up the drying of the shelves is to make the seats folding. At the same time, they will inevitably be attached to metal hinges.
IMPORTANT! Since in this embodiment it is impossible to refuse metal parts, it is necessary to make sure that they are somehow closed, that is, to make it impossible for them to contact the human body.
We can offer you some own options of how it would be possible to implement a folding shelf in the bath. Look at the picture - you see that the legs can also be fixed with the help of loops, you just need to cover the edge with a ledge. Such a shelf rises up and is fixed on the wall in one way or another, for example, with a latch or a hook somewhere on the edge.
retractable
"Retractable" can be understood in different ways. A bench that can be pulled out and pushed under the top shelf can also be considered as such. Moreover, we would say that this is even the most acceptable option. (See diagrams above)
The fact is that it is still not worth using any materials other than wood in the steam room. And if you came up with the idea to make guides, for example, in the form of a regular connection " tenon-groove"with free sliding, then discard it immediately 🙂
The fact is that the tree in the steam room will not have the same dimensions all the time. It either swells with moisture, then shrinks back. Therefore, wooden guides are not a solution. Although ... here the linden changes its dimensions to a minimum when wet. But she has another drawback - it is too soft breed.
The solution could be furniture rail. Finding it and adapting it for the promotion of the regiment is not an easy task. If only because you need a stainless and at the same time durable metal. You are still going to sit on this shelf, right?
ON A NOTE! Therefore, if you take duralumin, then do not forget to ask the seller about how much weight this rail is designed for.
Of course, there are rails for safes, and they may be suitable for your task. But think about it for a second: maybe it’s not worth building a garden when the simplest option does not require any searches or the effort of engineering. Is it enough just to make a bench, a bench that would fit under the top shelf, and then just push it in and out as you wish?
Folding
Shelves in the bath folding happens only if the bath itself is mobile. And yes, it is quite possible to buy such a structure in any online store selling goods for mobile baths. There are both one- and two-level models.
Is it possible to put something like this in stationary bath? And everything happens. For example, someone puts a mobile bath on the site for a while until they put a normal one. So it kind of turns into a stationary one.
On the other side there is no reason to buy folding shelves in an ordinary bath- they will cost more than usual from improvised lumber.
However, it is possible that someone will call folding shelves something from what we just described above - folding or retractable variety. In this case, everything has already been said, it remains only to apply.
Removable
And here this variety is common, she is loved by many bath attendants. Because the removable shelves in the bath provide both normal drying (and hence the durability of the shelves), and the same release of space for cleaning. In general, a practical thing.
In order to prevent the removable floor from moving, grooves or projections are usually made in the frame and fastening of the floor, which fix the floor. Let's take the following diagram as an example:
ATTENTION! Fixation should be thought out in such a way that displacement becomes impossible both in the longitudinal and in the transverse direction.
Without stands / without legs
Well, here whoever calls it - “without racks”, “without legs” - but the meaning is the same. Supposed fixing the shelf on a triangular bracket, which in this case is better to do also from wood.
In another article on our website, we already talked about how to make a shop in a similar way. The technology for making a shelf in a bath without racks is no different from making a bench. You may need to slightly adjust the drawings to fit your dimensions. Here are the drawings, and if you need instructions, take a look.
Sketches of brackets for the shelf “without legs”
Concluding the review, we turn to readers who have experience in choosing or making shelves on their own - comment on which design you consider the most and least successful. Reasoned opinions are welcome!
In contact with
First of all, it should be noted that the shelves in the Russian bath are called differently. I have seen such accents: shelves, shelves, shelves, shelves. Personally, I prefer to say regiments.
As I wrote in my article "", most of the baths in our country are far from Russian baths, but are essentially dry-air steam rooms or saunas. Therefore, the shelves in these baths have a device far from the regiments of the Russian bath. In most baths, shelves are arranged in steps at two or three levels. The width of the shelves usually does not exceed 500-600mm. This design of the shelves is due to the fact that in saunas and dry-air steam rooms it is not customary to lie on the shelves, but it is customary to sit. In this article, I will only talk about the correct shelves in the Russian bath. And I highly do not recommend the widespread shelves in the form of steps at several levels in steam Russian baths.
In the steam room of the Russian bath, on the contrary, it is customary to lie down, and not sit. Moreover, the width of the shelves is usually selected from 850mm to 1200mm. On such wide shelves you can lie spread out, and not huddle in narrow spaces. In the Russian bath, it makes no sense to climb under the ceiling, as in saunas or dry-air steam rooms. Because the principle of soaring in Russian baths is completely different. Therefore, shelves in such baths are located on one, maximum two, levels.
What parameters should a canopy in a steam room in a Russian bath have? First of all, it should be wide from 850mm to 1200mm. This allows you to comfortably sit on it lying down. Highly recommend, don't skimp on shelf width! The length of the shelf should be at least 2 m, and preferably 2.2-2.5 m. An adult should fit freely on it lying down, without resting his feet against the wall.
The thickness of the shelf board is selected according to the principle "the thicker the better." The optimal thickness is 60-80mm. This is significantly thicker than the standard shelf boards sold around the world. And they are sold because in saunas and dry-air steam rooms the thickness of the board of the shelf does not really matter. But in the Russian bath, the thickness of the shelf is of great importance. The thicker the canopy, the more heat it can accumulate, and then gently give it to the person lying on it. There is no need to lay anything on the shelves in the steam room of the Russian bath. The shelves are always pleasantly warm, but not scalding, like all wooden surfaces in the steam rooms of the Russian bath.
A very important point is the height of the shelf. Many people think that it is better to make the canopy higher. But this is far from always correct and justified. The height of the shelf is measured from the surface on which the bather stands. If he stands directly on the floor of the steam room, then from the floor. If a wooden ladder is provided in the steam room, then from the surface of the ladder. I consider the correct height of the shelf to be the one that will correspond to the height from the floor or a wooden ladder to the level of the knuckles of a palm gathered into a fist with the bather's hand completely lowered. Usually it is 70-90 cm, depending on the height of the bather. Many novice lovers of the Russian bath are afraid of such a small height of the shelf from the floor. But you don't have to be afraid. Do not think that there will be no steam on such a low shelf. In the right bath, with the right bather, the steamer will catch up with steam on the steamer as much as necessary. And it's very good that the steamer is below the level of the steam cake under the ceiling. It is an indescribable pleasure when the steamer is in a soft zone with a relatively low temperature and where it is easy to breathe, and the steamer wraps him in a blanket of velvety and fluffy steam. When you need steam, you can catch up more, you can completely remove all the steam from the steaming zone. Such contrasts and different methods of working with the steam of good bathers make vaping an unforgettable experience. If the canopy is made higher than the size recommended by me, then it will be extremely difficult for the bather to soar with high quality. You will have to stretch to get all parts of the body with a broom, hold your hands high with brooms, and this contributes to the rapid fatigue of the bather and poor-quality steaming. The correct height of the shelf allows the steamer to correctly move the brooms without overloading the muscles of the arms and back and, accordingly, get less tired.
The canopy should be located so that it is comfortable for the bather to soar on it, there is free access along the entire length of the shelf and the distance from it should be at least 500mm.
Shelves are made from hardwood. The most popular tree for a regiment in the Russian bath is linden and aspen. It is impossible to make shelves from the newfangled now abash. This tree has a porous structure and practically does not heat up, which is contrary to the quality standards of the Russian bath. Also, coniferous wood is not used on the shelves because of the risk of resin release.
Many people ask what protective compounds should cover the shelves. Personally, I am against any coating of shelves in the Russian bath, especially newfangled impregnations for saunas. The tree must be alive and this is very important. Yes, the shelves darken quickly. But this is a noble color, indicating that they really use the bathhouse, and do not go there like a museum. Maximum, you can cover the shelves with hot natural linseed oil. The technology of such impregnation can be found on the Internet. This coverage needs to be updated periodically. But I personally do not see any sense in it, especially if the bath is a family one.
It is very important to keep the shelves clean. Otherwise, unpleasant odors will settle in the steam room, which will then be difficult to get rid of. If we are talking not about a public, but about a family bath, I strongly do not recommend washing the shelves with any chemical detergents. After each bath, it is enough to thoroughly wipe the shelves with a specially allocated terry towel soaked in hot water. To wash the shelves efficiently, it is necessary to press the towel firmly enough during wiping and wipe with wide sweeping movements. Attention! This procedure must be carried out after each bath! Don't be lazy. It is enough not to wash the shelves a couple of times and an unpleasant smell in the steam room is guaranteed. It is better to wash the shelves while they are still warm.
Many 
they sew how to properly make a support frame for shelves, what kind of wood to make it from, whether to make supports on the floor. I answer. The frame of the shelves can be made from any wood, you can rest on the floor, you need to design the framedo what is safer and more convenient. There are no universal and correct frame schemes. Some make folding shelves, for ease of cleaning or saving space in the steam room. Many people ask whether it is necessary to sew up the frame of the shelves from below, thinking that this reduces the cubic capacity of the steam room and it is easier to warm it up. I am against sheathing a frame for shelves from below with a board. This makes cleaning under the shelves impossible. And if we consider that lying on the shelves we emit sweat that drips onto the floor and accumulates there, it is necessary to wash the floors under the shelves after each bath.
It is very important to follow a number of rules when designing a shelf in terms of its adjoining to the walls of the steam room. There must be a gap of 3-5 cm between the wall and the shelf board. In no case should the shelf board be adjacent to the wall closely! This contributes to the rapid decay of the wall in the area of the junction of the shelf. Also, there must be a gap of 3-5 cm between the boards of the shelf.
The supporting frame of the shelf and the ends of the boards of the shelf itself should in no case be adjacent to the wall. If the shelf boards are 60mm or more thick, they can be fixed to the wall without any frame or floor supports. Boards of this thickness do not bend under the weight of steamers. A support bar is attached to the wall and shelf boards are already attached to it. Since the support bar cannot be fixed close to the wall, it is fixed through spacers. Spacers are usually metal washers or nuts. If a support frame is used for a shelf, then its racks and supporting surfaces are also attached to the wall through spacers. This is necessary so that the air passes freely through the structure of the shelf and the wall, and the wood of the wall at the junction of the shelf does not rot.
The shelf board is attached to the supporting surface only from below! You should not screw the self-tapping screw through the shelf board, as its head can heat up and create unpleasant sensations upon contact with the body of the steamers.
Location 
The division of regiments in the steam room is most often done with the letter "G". A working canopy is selected, on which they will soar. This is usually the longest shelf with the most convenient approach to it for the bather. The second canopy is usually calledheating. There, during soaring, you can place another person who will warm up while the steamer is working with another visitor steam room on the working shelf. The heating canopy can be made higher than the working one. But this is not always advisable, especially if space in the steam room does not allow. If there is enough space in the steam roomoh, then you can organize auxiliary shelves for tubs and brooms, children's, lower shelves, and so on. If the shelves are arranged in two tiers, then steps or stable benches should be provided for the convenience of climbing and descending from them.
For residents of Russia, Belarus or Ukraine, a bathhouse is not just a place for taking water procedures, but a real facility for relaxing body and soul. The main part of the bath building is the steam room. There are many important factors, including the style of the interior, the quality of the materials used and the convenience of the shelves.
Also, a steam room can be a reason for pride if everything in it is done by hand. At first glance, it seems that there is nothing complicated about this, you just need to make a regular wooden flooring and you're done. In fact, there are many nuances in this process that must be taken into account. First you need to select materials, find a suitable scheme, determine the shape of the shelves and the number of tiers. If everything is done correctly, then it will be possible to enjoy soaring in a new bath in a couple of days after all the work has been completed.
What is the structure of the shelf
Perhaps you have only recently heard such names as “shelves”, and earlier they called this part of the bath room a bench. And this is not strange, because these are special bath shops, but they have different heights, and they are located according to a special scheme. The whole structure consists of two main elements:
- Frame. It serves as the basis for the installation of stationary flooring boards, and the frame can also be the main frame for a collapsible flooring option. Usually, for the construction of this part of the shelves, support posts are used, which in appearance are similar to the legs of a bench; jumper boards are used to connect the elements. Also, some craftsmen erect a frame using the stair stringer method, steps of bath shelves are attached to this structure. The Finns are also famous for their love of saunas, and when building structures of the Finnish type, a frame without supports is used; for this, a railway shelf is simply attached to the wall of the steam room.
- Flooring. This is the second part of the bath shelves, small boards are used for it, which are installed with a gap of 1-2 centimeters. Most often, aspen or linden is used, and the wood is carefully sanded before installation. As already mentioned, the flooring is attached to a special frame, it is also possible to make a separate structure such as a floor drain. This option is more convenient because, if necessary, it can be removed, washed and ventilated on the street. The flooring is used both as a seat and even as a couch. By the same principle, you can build seat backs, side panels, and even pillows. Some masters make special devices for taking water procedures in a supine position, when the legs are at the level of the head or even higher.
The premises of the steam room are usually small in size, because the smaller the square, the easier it is to bring the temperature to the required level, and this also saves money. Due to the small size of the building, bathroom furniture usually has a simple, rectangular geometry. If the area of \u200b\u200bthe steam room allows, then you can make a kind of staircase with several large steps, which will also be sun loungers.
If you have a very small bathhouse in your country house, and there is no way to make a rectangular lower shelf, then you can build a rectangular structure. According to the scheme, such a design will be rectangular triangles, and one of the legs of this geometric figure will not tightly adjoin the wall, and the second to the adjacent shelf.
Choosing materials
To make shelves and benches in bath rooms yourself, it is best to use hardwood, and there are reasons for this. In particular, at high temperatures, such materials do not release resin, as is the case with conifers. And this is a very important factor, because hot resin can lead to burns.
Also, when choosing a material, it is necessary to pay attention to its resistance to high temperatures and high levels of humidity. If you choose high-quality material, then it will serve for a long time.
And the main characteristic will be the thermal conductivity of the tree. A material with low thermal conductivity will be the best option, because such wood does not heat up and does not burn the skin. As a result, you will be able to be in the bath, and lie directly on the boards, and not lay a sheet or towel. Many years of experience in the construction of bath rooms has made it possible to compile a kind of rating of the best types of wood for building shelves, each material has its pros and cons.
Aspen - low price and good performance
The main advantage of such a tree is its low cost, and besides this, aspen is known for its healing properties. Aspen has a positive reputation in mythology, it is generally accepted that it absorbs negative energy.
As for bath furniture made of this type of wood, it will last a very long time and will be practical to use. True, one must be very careful when choosing aspen, it is important that there is no internal rot in it.
Linden - affordable price and high quality
Many experts say that linden is the best option for the construction of bath shelves and benches, and this is confirmed by the following factors:
- Such a tree is very convenient in processing, it looks beautiful and emits a pleasant aroma at high temperatures.
With the help of linden, you can create pleasant conditions for health;
- Even with very strong heating, which happens in a bath, the linden will not burn, and sweat stains will not remain on the surface of the tree;
- Shelves made of this type of wood for the steam room will serve you for decades. During operation, the tree does not crack and does not begin to rot. The only negative is that the linden can darken a little over time.
African oak (Abash) - an option for an elite bath
This tree is highly resistant to water and high levels of humidity. African oak is not afraid of heavy loads. An important property of this wood is its low thermal conductivity, so the wood does not heat up and there is no risk of burns.
There are options for both light and dark abash on the market. Even with long years of operation, the tree retains its original state, but for this the wood should be treated with special materials. In terms of properties, African oak is the best option, but it is quite expensive, and not everyone can afford to buy such wood for a bath.
Why do shelves have multiple steps?
The design of the steam room is made for a reason, everything here is based on the laws of physics, according to which steam and warm air are constantly moving up. After the hot force is given off and the air cools a little, it partly goes into the ventilation system, and partly descends into the lower part of the bath. That is why the temperature at the top is much higher than at the bottom step of the shelf.
This design with several "floors" will allow you to choose the best steam mode with the required temperature. If you decide to make the shelves in the steam room yourself, then you should stick to the standard "ladder" design, and you will be able to enjoy both the hottest steam and gentle conditions at the bottom of the "pyramid".
Most often, two shelves are made in a Russian bath, but if the area of \u200b\u200bthe room allows, then three can be made at once, as long as there is enough space. It is important that the structures are safe to use, because if there is too little space, you can fall and get injured.
Scheme and layout options
If your bath has windows, then there is only one option. They should be located along the wall where there are no windows and glazed elements of the ventilation system. In all other respects, the scheme differs little from each other, except perhaps in appearance. Shelves can be installed like this:
- A whole linear structure along one of the walls. In this case, the shelves are made in 2-3 rows;
- An L-shaped object with a certain number of degrees. It all depends on the size of the room and your wishes, you can put 2-3 steps near each wall, or you can install the upper and lower bench near one wall, and the middle one near the other;
- Two parallel structures that are installed one opposite the other. Such a scheme is a bit like the location of recumbent seats in a compartment car, by the way, you can also make two benches, as in a train.
To make the design convenient, functional and reliable, you should familiarize yourself with different schematic options and choose the best one. For the purchase of materials and calculations of approximate costs, it is also worth determining the dimensions of the future structure.
Dimensions
First, you should familiarize yourself with the standard sizes of seats in the steam room for a sitting and lying position of a person:
- A length of 1.5 meters is required for a lying position with bent knees;
- A shelf of 1.8 meters will allow a person of average height to lie down with straight legs. But this parameter is individual, and if you are tall enough, then you can make a step with a length of 2 meters;
- The width of the structure should be at least 40 centimeters, and this is only for the lower step, which is mainly used as a footrest. On such a wide shelf it will be convenient to both stand and sit;
- 60 centimeters should be the middle or upper shelf, on which it will be comfortable to sit;
- If you like to bathe in a bath in a lying position, then you need to make shelves with a width of 90 centimeters, they will be comfortable and practical.
You can choose sizes taking into account the individual characteristics of users and taking into account the design of the room itself, but experts do not advise making shelves with sizes smaller than standard values.
Height
The shelf in the steam room should be installed at such a level that it is comfortable to sit on it and, when using a broom, handle the back of another person. That is why all calculations begin with determining the height of the upper degree. It is also necessary to focus on the level of the steam oven door.
Usually the height of the shelves in the bath is from 40 to 60 centimeters. Such a margin of 20 centimeters allows you to optimally select the dimensions, and, if necessary, slightly raise or lower the steps in the drawings. An important requirement for the lower bench, it must be at least 30 centimeters from the floor.
Experts advise making the lower step of the structure not stationary, but portable. This will make it possible to take the bench outside for washing and ventilation, and when it is dismantled, it will be possible to wash the floor under the “pyramid”.
Walkthrough
The first step is the purchase and preparation of materials
First you need to familiarize yourself with the design scheme, calculate the approximate amount of materials and purchase them. It is important to take into account all the nuances here, because if you buy too little wood, you will have to go to the store again, and if you buy too much, it will be a waste of money.
Before installation, all beams and boards must be sanded and smoothed out sharp edges. In order for the material to serve for a long time, not to rot and not suffer from pests, it must be treated with a natural antiseptic. At the same time, the use of synthetic products is unacceptable, because under the influence of high temperatures, toxic fumes can appear.
The second step is the assembly of the frame
As we remember, the shelf consists of a frame made of flooring, and first you need to assemble the first part of the structure. To do this, racks are installed from a durable beam 50x70 millimeters in cross section, the elements are mounted in a vertical position and fastened with strapping. To make the frame strong and stable, the racks can be attached to the wall. Vertical supports are mounted in increments of 60 centimeters; with this design, the flooring will not sag.
The third step - the construction of steps
You can make and install both stationary and removable benches, they are made from thin boards using stuffing on the frame. At the same time, a small gap of 1.5-2 centimeters remains, and the boards are mounted at an angle so that the water flows calmly. It is necessary to choose boards taking into account their thickness and width in a ratio of 1: 4, in which case the shelves will be reliable and dry soon. If you plan to use a collapsible design, then you need to think about this even when preparing for installation. This option has the advantage that the seats can be removed, thoroughly washed and dried in the sun.
To connect the parts of the shelves, it is necessary to use oak wedges, they are driven into pre-made holes at the joints. It is better not to use metal nails or screws in the bath, especially on the steps, because the metal is very hot and you can get burned. If it is impossible to do without such fasteners, then they should be deeply recessed into the tree or screwed in from the wrong side.
Fourth step - fastening the shelves
The middle and upper parts of the structure are attached to the wall with a ventilation gap of 9-10 centimeters. The lower part is usually made movable, special skids are used for this, and it will be much easier and easier to clean the room. At the junction of the structure frame and the floor, it is necessary to install rubber gaskets for waterproofing. When the bath is not too large in area, the bottom shelf can be made in the shape of a triangle.
Rules for the construction of regiments
- There should be 10 centimeters of ventilation space between walls and furniture. If you use a stationary method of fastening, then this gap can be created using timber cuts;
- For shelves, it is best to use a beam of 50x70 millimeters. The ratio of the thickness and width of the board should be in proportions of 1:4;
- How many supports are needed can be determined by the thickness of the planks. If boards of 22 centimeters are used, then there should be a distance of 60 centimeters between the supports;
- At the top and bottom of the board must be tied. Such a simple solution will significantly strengthen the structure and extend its service life;
- Rubber pads should be attached to the legs of the lower bench. This will preserve the integrity of the floor and provide waterproofing.
Steam room accessories
When arranging a bath on your site, you should also pay attention to optional, but quite convenient additions that will create comfortable conditions for taking water procedures. So, today special stands for the head and legs are popular, and they are made of wood. To allow you to lie comfortably and bring your legs above head level, you should use a portable stand. The design of such an accessory is quite simple, and everything can be done with your own hands, for this you need to take two wooden surfaces and connect them at an angle of 30-45 degrees. There is also a special "pillow" under the head, it can be both stationary and removable.
Between the two steps of the shelf structure should be open for ventilation, but this is not very convenient. Solving the problem is very simple, you need to make a backrest from wooden planks, but with holes that will provide the necessary ventilation. An excellent solution would be to use fragrant woods to create accessories, then these elements will also perform the function of aromatherapy.
