Definition 

• A sauna is a cabin or enclosed area incorporating a heater with diabase or peridotite rocks to provide a dry air temperature of between 70°C and 95°C.
• The relative humidity varies between about 5 and 30% depending upon whether water has been ladled on to the stones.

Click on the image for an enlarged version

• Saunas must have wall and ceiling framing made of solid timber.
• Softwood species are preferred over hardwoods.
• Timber must not contain sapwood.
• Bottom plates must be to be durability Class 2[1] or treated to H4[2] Class.
• Studs must be a minimum of Class 3[3] or treated to H3[4].
• Thickness of the walls and ceiling should be not less than 100 mm – including internal:
• Cladding
• Insulation.
• The wall and ceiling system must achieve a minimum of R13.

Click on the image for an enlarged version

• Doors must:
• Open outwards.
• Be constructed of aluminium, wood or toughened glass.
• Include a window.
• Use a magnetic catch or a spring-loaded ball catch.
• Not use locks or bolts.

Click on the image for an enlarged version

• Benches must be constructed using timber:
• Free from large and or loose knots
• Free from splits and shakes
• Planed and smooth-sanded
• With all edges rounded.
• Timbers such as western red cedar, aspen or obeche are ideal for this purpose.
• Bench slats should be free from resin.

• All saunas must be:
• Provided with a high-level outlet and a low-level inlet vent controlled by a sliding wooden shutter from within the sauna.
• Positioned to provide good cross circulation of air.

• Sauna heaters:
• Must be capable of producing a maximum sauna room temperature of 100°C within a heat up period of 60 minutes allowing a reasonable ambient air temperature.
• Should be protected by a stout timber guardrail fitted in such a way as to protect bathers from accidental contact with any part of the hot heater or rocks.

The sauna floor must be anti-slip, using non-porous suitable tiles, or another suitable floor covering.

Document Control 

Version 01 October 2021