Important considerations for your sauna plans include proper sauna heater clearance, ventilation and safety guards. The type of heater dictates design features that need to be added to your plans.
For information to help decide which type of sauna heater is best for your sauna see thesauna heater page
This information is meant to be a general guideline. Always check and follow the manufacturers instructions for your exact heater.
ELECTRIC HEATERS
The simplest heater to plan for is an electric sauna heater. Many don’t need clearance from combustible materials and can be mounted right on the wall. Ventilation for the heater is not needed.
Even though most don’t require a guard, it doesn’t hurt to include a physical barrier around the heater.
At a minimum you should place them in such a way that they are well out of the traffic pattern.
GAS HEATERS
Many gas heaters are similar to electric in that they can be mounted without clearance from combustibles.
They will need to be vented. The air intake should come from outside.
Depending on the model, some can use direct venting to the outside through the wall. Others will need a standard class A chimney for the exhaust.
WOOD BURNING STOVES
Wood burning sauna stoves require both clearance and venting. Sauna plans need to include local building codes for clearance distances and any restrictions. It is typical for stoves to need 36" from any combustible materials. If the stovepipe is not insulated it needs to be at least 18 inches from any combustibles.
I highly recommend (it is probably required) insulated pipe at least from the ceiling up.
These clearances can be reduced by using fireproof material such as Dura Rock or concrete between the sauna heater and any combustible material.
There should be air space of an inch or more between the wall and the Dura Rock.
Don’t forget to add a noncombustible guard that keeps people from accidentally bumping into the hot sauna heater.
Having to include these requirements in your sauna plans may seem like a lemon but it is really a chance to make lemonade. With a little creativity you can turn this spot into the focal point for the whole sauna. The sizes involved are small and the cost of framing your sauna heater with tile, stone, brick or some other creative material will be reasonable and well worth it.
