Planning a sauna bench: practical tips and ideas

A sauna bench is more than just a place to sit – it’s the center of the sauna experience.

When you step into the sauna room, the ritual begins on the bench. It’s where you sit, relax, sweat, and sometimes even stretch out for a quick nap.

On the bench, people share quiet moments or have conversations together. The way the bench is designed, placed, and cared for shapes the whole sauna experience.

In many cultures, sauna benches are also symbols of community.

Sitting together on the bench – whether in silence or while talking – creates a warm atmosphere that connects people and helps everyone relax.

Why is the sauna bench important?

The sauna bench is important because it can be seen as the “front row of heat” and also as a place where family and friends come together.

Heat rises upward: the top bench is the hottest, while the lower bench feels gentler. This makes the sauna comfortable for both experienced sauna users and beginners.

Benches also set the rhythm of the sauna visit. People often start on the lower bench, move up higher, then step outside to cool off before repeating the cycle.

This flow – heat, rest, refresh, repeat – turns simple sitting into a healing ritual.

Sauna bench sizes and heights

Sauna bench sizes and heights decide how strong the heat feels and what kind of experience you have.

In general, the lowest level in today’s saunas is 30 cm, the next one up is 60 cm, and the topmost one is 105 cm.

There should be 110–130 cm of space between the top bench and the ceiling so the steam can spread the right way.

The bench should be at least 60 cm deep, and long enough for you to sit or lie down comfortably. Each person usually needs about 60 cm of sitting space.

These numbers aren’t random – they’re based on comfort and physics.

If the bench is too close to the ceiling, the air feels suffocating. If it’s too low, the steam doesn’t reach you well. The right proportions create balance.

Placing sauna benches in the sauna room

Placing sauna benches in the sauna room can be done in many different layouts. Once you know the size of the sauna room and the heater, you can decide how to arrange the benches.

Classic options include:

I-structure (end wall structure)
L-structure (corner structure )
II-structure (twin seating levels facing each ohter)
U-structure (frame structure)

This is the simplest layout, perfect for small sauna rooms that don’t have much depth.

A straight bench should be at least 120 cm long, but for comfortable lying down it should be at least as long as the sauna user’s body.

This design works well if the sauna door is on the side and the heater is placed in the corner. That leaves two free walls for the benches.

A corner bench is a good choice for rooms starting from 2.25 m².

The U-structure layout is ideal for larger sauna rooms that hold more than six people.

The best setup is with the heater in the middle of the room and the door also in the center. This way, no one has to sit uncomfortably in a corner.

An U-structure sauna should start from 4 m².

This layout is best for saunas with lots of visitors, where the door is in the center and the heater is on the opposite wall. The distance between the benches depends on the size of the heater.

Double benches work best in rooms starting from 2.34 m².

Besides where you place the benches, it’s also important to think about their shape and style. The choice can be based on looks, comfort, or both.

Types of seating structures and design options

Types of seating structures and design options for saunas include open seating, enclosed seating, platform structures, console (floating) seating, ergonomic seating, and spa-style chairs.

This is the most common type. It’s a traditional design where the support structure is visible. There is open space under the bench, which makes cleaning easier.

A closed bench is built with panels or modules that cover the support structure. These panels can be removed for cleaning, and the overall look is neater and more modern.

A platform bench has a raised floor and the lower steps are fully built in. The heater is usually set into the bench itself.

This type of bench allows people, especially children, to sit or lie on the lower levels. Because the heater is built into the bench, there is also less risk of burns.

The closed space under the platform can also be used for storage.

This style looks sleek and modern because the supports are hidden. The wall needs to be strong enough to hold the bench.

Ergonomic benches have rounded corners and shapes that follow the human body. They let you relax in a half-reclining position.

These are most common in spas. They are less practical in regular saunas because the person sits lower, outside the hottest steam layer.

The type of bench you choose often reflects your personality and needs:

A minimalist may like a floating bench.
A family might prefer a platform bench.
A design lover could choose an ergonomic style.

Sauna wood

Wood and materials for sauna benches are usually chosen from hardwood.

In Estonia, the most common woods are aspen (light in color), alder (reddish in tone), and thermally treated wood, which holds up well against moisture and heat.

In Northern Europe, alder and aspen are the top choices, but spruce and pine are also used.

However, pine and spruce need to be heat-treated so their resin doesn’t leak out when the sauna gets hot.

Wood can be made stronger through thermal treatment, where it’s heated to about 215°C for up to 48 hours. This process improves durability, protects against moisture, and removes resin.

That’s why thermally treated wood is especially well-suited for sauna benches.

Some rare woods, like radiata pine or magnolia, can also be used. These give the sauna a luxurious look with unique grain patterns.

Protecting sauna benches

Protecting sauna benches means giving the wood regular care so it stays strong and keeps its good look.

The most common finishes are oils and waxes. On walls and ceilings, special sauna lacquers are also used. It’s important to choose one method of finishing and stick with it over time.

The most common protective oils are paraffin oil and linseed oil. They soak deep into the wood, filling the pores and making it easier to clean off dirt.

Oil often gives the wood a slightly yellowish tone. After treating with oil, it’s best to heat up the sauna so any extra oil burns off the surface.

Wax creates a thin protective layer on the surface. It can also be tinted, but if you use dark wax on light wood, worn areas can leave noticeable marks.

Varnish forms a thicker and stronger layer that’s easy to clean and comes in many shades. But it’s not recommended for sauna benches, because under high heat it can crack or peel.

Safety and comfort of sauna benches

Safety and comfort of sauna benches are important because benches should be strong, steady, and slip-resistant. They should also have no sharp corners or exposed screws that can get hot.

A well-built bench makes you feel safe, so you can focus fully on relaxing. Small details, like rounded edges and smooth surfaces, add extra comfort and safety.

While standard bench railings offer some protection, they might not be enough in close-proximity situations. That’s where HUUM sauna safety railings play a vital role.

Designed specifically for HUUM heater models, these safety railings provide an added barrier around the heater to help prevent accidental contact with hot surfaces

You can explore the full range of HUUM safety railings and other heater accessories here.

Sauna seating maintenance

Sauna seating maintenance is needed every few years, or sooner if you notice wear and regular cleaning no longer works. Most benches are serviced about every 1–3 years.

First, the whole sauna should be washed with a special cleaning solution. These cleaners often contain a small amount of bleach, which helps remove limescale and other dirt.

After washing, the bench boards can be treated with oil or wax. Before waxing, it’s best to sand the entire bench so the surface stays smooth and even. If you only sand the worn spots, they will still show after finishing.

Regular care keeps sauna benches strong and beautiful for years to come.

Sauna etiquette

Sauna etiquette is important because good manners keep the sauna experience pleasant for everyone.

Always place a towel on the bench before sitting, respect other people’s personal space, and if you’re new, start on the lower bench where the heat is softer.

One sauna session usually lasts about 10–15 minutes, followed by a cooling break. These small rules of respect create a calm and friendly atmosphere.

Sauna etiquette can be very different from country to country. If you want to learn more about sauna traditions and tips, check out this guide: Sauna Culture.

On the bench, stories are shared, stress fades away, and connections with tradition and community grow stronger.

Sauna benches carry not only our bodies, but also the living culture and energy of the sauna, passed down through generations.

Based on:

Hõbepappel, U., Hõbepappel, L., Nellis, S., & Nellis, S. (2023). SAUNA. History, Culture, Health, Construction.

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