Russian Banya

Thursday, 28 September 2023.

Research into the construction of a Russian banya (or Finnish sauna) - a necessity for any home. Construction has not yet begun.

Banya plans. Note that no windows or doors are indicated yet. top front side

Foundation

There are two types of above-ground structural foundations: pier or skid

pier involves vertical posts upon which the foundation rests.
skid involves laying a foundation directly on the ground
in either case, make sure string outline is square by measuring diagonally from corners

simplest type
no digging necessary
consists of treated 4x4 or 6x6 lumber
lay out lumber the length of cabin
space out according to standard
floor joist spans dependent upon lumber type
consider deck blocks with floor posts inserted into them underneath floor joists
see http://www.finehomebuilding.com/2003/04/01/a-firm-foundation-for-a-backyard-shed

no taller than 7’, otherwise lower areas do not retain heat as it rises
8’x10’ fits 7-10 people
5’x7’ and 6’x7’ popular for home, fits 3-5 people
inside dimensions should be multiples of 12” for standard tongue and groove interior boards

doesn’t need insulation
plywood subfloor paint or waterproof sealant
durarock covered in a coat of vinyl cement repair, or simple cement tile, cement, tile, or something that won’t absorb water on top
duckboard floors are often placed on top
- removable sections of 1”x3” or 1”x4” wooden slats with 1/2” spacing between the slats
cut shower drain in center, ideally sloping floor towards drain
can use vinyl cement patch 40lb and trowel it onto subfloor 3/4” around perimeter, sloped to 1/4” at drain

2”x4”s for headers and plates
2”x4”s for framing studs
make sure your spacing of studs works for whatever sheathing material you are using
place load-bearing wall studs 16” apart and non-load-bearing studs 24” apart
start by marking the bottom and top plates every 16” (except first and last marks, which are 15.25” from nearest mark)
note that the so-called 2”x4” is actually 1 1/2” by 3 1/2”
add horizontal supports between studs at height where benches can be screwed in
secure all frame joints with two 3 1/2” nails

run roof rafters longer than needed
cut “birds mouth” slots into rafters where they sit on top of wall top plates
can bolt rafters to walls with hurricane ties
stove pipe thimble can insulate and space the stovepipe where it goes through the roof

opens outwards
standard = 24” x 72”
rough opening = 26” x 75” (1/2” more on each side than actual door size for wiggle room)
headings are 1” wider than door on both sides, plus another 3” extra total
handle made of wood
non-metallic door catch available from sauna dealers
leave air space below door of 5/8” to 1” for oxygen

high-temp aluminum foil vapor barrier with shiny side in (Type C single-side foil)
- start from bottom of wall and work up so higher sheets overlap lower ones
- use aluminum duct tape to cover seams and tears`
conventional fiberglass insulation batts (usually come in 15” widths for standard stud openings)
- R13 for walls
- R22 or R26 for ceiling
can put two layers of R13 laid in perpendicular orientation`
consider recycled cotton insulation rather than fiberglass, because it’s easy to work with and non-toxic (brand name UltraTouch by Bonded Logic)
floor doesn’t need insulation
caulk bottom of walls meeting floor

deciduous trees
western red cedar, aspen, spruce, hemlock, pine?
some varieties may leak melting sap which can hurt
tongue and groove boards of 1”x4” or 1”x5” nominal widths
- with the grooves facing down so water can’t collect into them
galvanized 1.5” nails
5D galvanized small head siding nails

drum stoves are popular because doesn’t require welding.
preferable to feed wood from predbannik, although more complicated to run stove through wall
volcanic rocks placed on top of heater to retain heat
wire mesh to hold rocks in place

lighting should be discrete and not cast shadows
60W light bulb, weatherproof and heat proof encasement
or follow Finnish tradition with a candle window between the predbannik and the banya