Rules of thumb
| Typical value | |
|---|---|
| Upper bench below the ceiling | 100–120 cm (39–47 in) |
| Upper bench above the floor (2.1–2.3 m room) | 100–115 cm (39–45 in) |
| Lower bench / foot rest below the upper bench | 40–50 cm (16–20 in) |
| Bench depth, sitting | 50–60 cm (20–24 in) |
| Bench depth, lying | 60–70 cm (24–28 in) |
| Length per seated person | about 60 cm (24 in) |
Why the height matters
In our heat model of a 2.1 m room with 80 °C at the ceiling, a seated head on the upper bench is at about 75–77 °C, the feet on the lower bench at about 55 °C and the floor around 40 °C. Put the upper bench 30 cm lower and the head loses several degrees, while the heater has to run hotter to compensate. In barrel saunas the benches are low and the floor is close to the curve, which is why feet often feel cold.
Practical details
- Use bench wood that stays cool to touch: aspen, alder, abachi, thermo-aspen or hemlock (sauna wood guide).
- Leave gaps between slats (about 1 cm) so water drains and wood dries.
- Hidden screws from below; no metal on the sitting surface.
- Keep the heater's safety distances to benches and the bench guard.