How to make and install a bathhouse door with your own hands: step-by-step instructions

When choosing a door for a bath or sauna, you should take into account that during the construction and finishing of these objects, compliance with certain norms and rules is required. Accordingly, doors are given great importance. Moreover, she will not be alone. The more rooms there are in the bathhouse: vestibule, sink, rest room, steam room, the more doors will be needed. Each room should have its own microclimate.

It is important to install high-quality doors both at the entrance and inside the premises.

What should a bath door be like?

1. Must be made of high quality and environmentally friendly materials.
2. Designed specifically for use in conditions of high temperature and humidity.
3. Doors from the manufacturer must have the necessary certificates and hygienic conclusions.
4. Each door in the bath complex must meet certain requirements and standards, based on its purpose.
5. It should be comfortable, safe, reliable and have an attractive appearance.

Doors must comply with all standards and requirements so that in an emergency they do not become an obstacle to vacationers.

Requirements to consider when choosing a product

Whatever model and size of bath door you choose, it is important that it meets certain requirements. The door should:

• made from a material that is of high quality, durable, resistant to fire, temperature changes and high humidity;
• easy to open (this will help you quickly and easily leave the premises if an emergency suddenly occurs);
• have suitable dimensions and dimensions;
• have a gap at the threshold to ensure high-quality air exchange.

Pros and cons of bath doors

The main advantages of doors for bath rooms:

1. Energy saving - they prevent the removal of heat from the steam room or washing room, thereby significantly saving fuel and electricity costs.
2. They have excellent hydro- and vapor barrier. Door structures for the washroom and steam room are designed in such a way that dampness and steam do not penetrate into the dressing room.
3. They are distinguished by a variety of shapes, structures and textures.
4. They can be very ordinary, or they can become a bright decoration of the interior.

Each room needs its own door with certain standards made from specific materials.

The only disadvantages of bath doors include low-quality raw materials and improper use.

The nuances of installing swing doors

Their service life depends on the correct installation of doors.
It is important not to overdo the clamping elements. The glass sheet is installed in the wall opening using 2 special hinges. They are attached to the door frame or on the front side of the opening. When installed correctly, the hinges ensure reliable fixation of the glass sheet.

To install doors in an opening or frame, types of hinges appropriate for these purposes are used. They can be with or without a closer. The first type of hinges tightens the doors themselves. Tight closure of glass doors is ensured by a gasket.

Important! Glass doors in the steam room are installed without thresholds. In saunas, a gap of 5 mm is left between the floor and the door leaf.

When installing glass doors in a bathhouse, special attention must be paid to the installation of the frame. This type of work requires certain skills. The door frame must have an ideal, strictly vertical plane.

They fasten it to the wall with self-tapping screws. Select the frame so that the width of the opening is 3-4 cm larger than the door frame. There should be a gap of 1-2 cm between them. Wedges are driven into the gaps to firmly fix the door frame.

Types of doors for baths

Door designs can be completely different: distinguished by classical severity and simplicity, or, on the contrary, surprise with their originality and pretentious, sophisticated beauty.

Types of doors:

• entrance;
• doors to the steam room;
• door to the washing room.

Entrance door

Much attention should be paid to entrance doors. They should look presentable on the one hand, and emphasize the style of the interior on the other hand. Don't forget about strength and reliability. It should open easily and provide quick, unobstructed access to the room.

The door leaf should open outwards.

Doors to the steam room

Special attention is paid to the doors leading to the steam room, since it is necessary to create a special microclimate here. Wood is used that is distinguished by its ability to retain heat, resistance to thermal influences and durability.

The following types of wood are used to make doors to the steam room: cedar, aspen, larch, linden. Of all the listed wood species, the greatest preference is given to linden. It has a unique texture and is easy to process. When exposed to steam, it releases pleasant substances that not only smell pleasant, but also have healing properties.

Linden doors have a presentable appearance and reliably protect the steam room from heat leakage.

Door to the washing room

Doors to the washing room must meet all the requirements already mentioned above.

Types of sauna doors

The best manufacturers produce popular models from the following materials:

Selection of materials for bath doors

The front door can be made of any material, but for the steam room it is better to choose a solid fabric. The construction markets offer door structures for bathhouses and saunas made from the following materials:

1. Wooden.
2. From glass.
3. Made of metal.
4. Made from thermoplastic.
5. Made from chipboard, MDF and plywood.

The main advantages of wood are naturalness, environmental friendliness, ease of processing, aesthetics and beauty. Not every breed is suitable for a bathhouse.

They should retain heat inside the room as much as possible and not let it into other rooms.

Wooden

Solid wooden doors are made from high-quality wood, most often from linden, ash, cedar, oak, and abash. These breeds have good resistance to “bath procedures”. For example, abash does not deform or rot when exposed to high humidity and temperature changes. The popularity of aspen lies in its healing properties; it is believed that it can draw out diseases and relieve pain.

Innovations in bath fashion include original doors made of solid wood with carved decorations in the form of fancy patterns, birds, and flowers.

It is not recommended to install doors made of pine wood in a steam room. It heats up at high temperatures, absorbs moisture well and becomes deformed, which can be dangerous, and also releases various resins into the room, which can negatively affect the human condition.

Quite often, not just a solid wooden sheet is used for a bath, but in combination with glass. Such models are distinguished by their original design, as well as high strength and reliability, which attracts buyers.

For production, the same listed wood species and tempered glass of various textures are used.

From glass

Glass doors are extremely popular. The range of similar models presented is quite large:

• translucent;
• matte;
• mirrored;
• with patterns;
• various color variations.

The product must be made of a material that is not subject to deformation from constant high humidity and temperature changes.

Glass doors for baths and saunas must have a thickness of at least 8 mm; in addition, they must meet a number of requirements:

• heat resistant;
• impact resistant;
• glass – high quality tempered;
• safety;
• tightness;
• A seal is required.

Glass doors are made of tempered glass, which is highly durable.

The cost of such door structures depends on the complexity of production, materials and quality. Their versatility lies in the competent combination of practicality, reliability and uniqueness of design ideas.

Main advantages:

• no deformation;
• have high resistance to humidity;
• not sensitive to temperature changes.

Therefore, glass doors are often installed in washrooms.

These models will bring a feeling of freedom and spaciousness to the interior, and can also become the highlight of the interior of the entire room. With proper use and compliance with all operating requirements, they can delight their owners for many years. They are unpretentious in maintenance and can be easily cleaned of any dirt using special means.

Glass is a material that does not require constant maintenance. It is enough to occasionally wipe them with glass cleaner.

Made of metal

Although metal is considered a very reliable material, this option is not suitable for steam rooms and showers. In extreme cases, a metal door frame lined with more suitable materials is used. Metal structures are most often used in bathhouses for entrance doors. They are better and more reliable than all others in protecting against burglary and entry into the premises by unauthorized persons, and will also allow you to avoid drafts.

By finishing the metal with clapboard or solid wood and adding thermal insulation material, you can get a beautiful and functional product.

Thermoplastic

Modern thermoplastic has many advantages:

• high resistance to moisture;
• good tolerance to high temperatures;
• strength, reliability and durability;
• the ability to order models with different tinting and various decorative elements.

You cannot use plastic as the main material for this canvas. When heated, it can not only melt, but also release toxins that are harmful to the body.

However, despite all the listed advantages, they are not recommended for installation in a steam room.

Made from chipboard, MDF and plywood

Such doors are unlikely to be suitable for a steam room or a washing room. The slabs easily absorb moisture and become deformed, which can lead to poor opening and closing of the door structure, and this is unacceptable for bath rooms. They can be used as entrance doors, or to other rooms that are less susceptible to moisture and temperature changes.

General recommendations for choosing door leaves

Here, not only the personal preferences of the owner are taken into account, but mainly the specifics of the bathhouse, the size of the room, and the predominant material in the arrangement. For example, glass doors are very popular for saunas. This is explained more by the interior features than by technical nuances.

Doors for Russian bathhouses are traditionally purchased from wood. Since they have high heat resistance, they fit perfectly into the overall design and have an affordable price.

Although metal sheets and products using PVC have recently appeared, wooden and glass options are still not inferior in popularity.

Types of door fittings

The final stage in the work is the direct fastening of the door leaf in the frame and installation of fittings (canopies, hinges, door handles). Awnings or decorative hinges must be attached from the outside, on the side of the dressing room.

To protect hands from contact with heated material, it is preferable to make door handles from the same wood as the entire structure. Most often, acacia, walnut or elm are used to make wooden handles. You cannot use beech, larch, aspen, spruce - these types of wood under the influence of temperature and humidity can split and injure visitors with splinters.

The ideal option is a linden handle; it remains comfortable even when exposed to high temperatures. Even after 10 years, she will continue to delight her owners.

The most popular models:

1. Handles in the shape of an arc (branch or root, can be decorated with carvings).
2. Direct - models that do not contain decorative elements, most often industrially manufactured, are used more for glass doors.
3. Compact wooden furniture models in the shape of an umbrella, mushroom or ball.
4. Dual Designs: The handle, locking mechanism, or deadbolt are combined in one design.
5. Carved handles are a special category. Products are made by professional carvers to order.

There are a huge variety of shapes and options for door handles for bathhouses: from standard ones, in the shape of a small ball, to intricate designs.

Quite often, factory-made plastic handles are used for bath doors, which are coated with silicone for greater strength and safety. Metal fittings can be used on the front door and in the dressing room - in these cases, the door leaf does not heat up, therefore, there is no chance of getting burned.

Glass doors

Recently, doors made of tempered glass for steam rooms are considered an ideal option. Such products will allow you to create a bathhouse in a modern style, add bright accents and intelligently zone the space.

The advantages of tempered glass are the flexibility and strength of the materials. In the event of an accidental or intentional impact, the surface begins to spring back, thereby preventing the destruction of the product.

Right-handed models are available for sale. You can change the direction in the door handle by moving the fasteners and hinges in a parallel direction. In stores you can find glass models, which are made in the form of a frame made of aluminum profile. The disadvantage of such products was considered to be their high cost.

What fittings are used? To do this, use wooden handles, brass or metal hinges. The presence of locks and latches is unacceptable. The surface of metal products is coated with a special anti-corrosion paint, which protects the dense texture from high humidity.

Experts recommend choosing models without an iron frame. There will be no difficulties when installing glass models yourself. Upon completion of installation work, the doors will fit tightly to the door frame.

Manufacturing of bath doors

The production of bath doors consists of several stages:

1. The first thing you need to decide on is the size.
2. Selection of necessary materials and tools.
3. Manufacturing of door panels.
4. Installation of doors and fittings.
5. The final stage of processing the bath door.

Deciding on the sizes

Bath door dimensions:

• optimal height – 150-170 cm;
• width – 70 cm;
• threshold from 15 cm.

Detailed diagram for making a door for a bathhouse.

Note! In the doorway between the washing compartment and the steam room, a threshold is not installed. Doors should open outwards - this rule should definitely be taken into account. It applies to all existing structures for baths and saunas. This will reduce heat loss at entry and exit, and also save space in the dressing room.

Fabrication

The door leaf can be made of wood, linden or birch. An important condition is to use well-dried wood. Also, after delivery of the tree, it is necessary for it to lie for several days in the room where it will be installed.

For manufacturing you will need the following materials:

1. Wooden beam for the frame.
2. PVA glue.
3. Board with tongue and groove joint, thickness – 27mm, width – 15cm, length – 163cm.
4. Loops – 2-3 pieces.
5. Door handles.
6. Insulation and outer covering (lining, leatherette).
7. Self-tapping screws.
8. Carpentry tools:

• screwdriver or screwdriver;
• hammer;
• clamps;
• plane;
• jigsaw;
• bar;
• roulette;
• bubble level.

Tools for making a door.

The length and width of a sheet of boards with a tongue and groove connection should be 7 cm smaller than the planned size. This distance will be needed to attach the timber harness.

All boards are cut to the same length - 163 cm. The side tongue of the first board of the door is cut off to obtain a smooth and even door end. Pre-assembly is then carried out to understand the finished version, and to check the canvas materials for defects. After this, you can begin the main assembly.

PVA glue is poured into each groove of the board to enhance the strength of the canvas. The base may be several centimeters wider than the planned size. In such cases, the outermost board of the base is cut along the length of the canvas to the required size. For better shrinkage in the grooves, each board must be tapped with a hammer. The finished canvas must be laid on a perfectly flat surface and under a press; it must also be fixed on the sides. The door leaf should remain in this position for several days until it dries completely. This will strengthen the connection between the boards.

All cracks and gaps that appear during this procedure must be filled.

After drying, the surface is processed with a plane, and it is recommended to remove a layer no more than 2 mm thick.

The resulting base (frame) of the future door must be tied with timber. It should be noted that butt joints are not made at the corners. The “spike” connection is considered ideal. The timber is attached to the boards using self-tapping screws. Across the frame made of boards, on the outside, additional stiffening ribs are made using timber.

The door leaf is almost ready for installation.

Installation of doors and fittings

The door leaf must be secured in the door frame. Before installing the box, grooves must be cut in the top and side openings. Their dimensions should be 0.5 cm larger than the width of the door frame beam. This reserve is made based on shrinkage and correction of the door leaf after installation.

It should be taken into account that the thickness of the door leaf should be 5-7 cm less than the width of the frame. It is better to make the door frame from timber with a section of 6x15 cm. There should be a groove on the outside into which the door leaf will rest.

If the door opens outward, the recess will be on the outside.

After cutting out the groove, it is necessary to remove all chips and clean the surface with sandpaper. Then the top jumper and the side posts at the corners of the box are connected into a “tenon”. After installation is completed, be sure to check again how level the structure is installed. Only after this is the threshold installed.

After completing the preparation of the door leaf and frame, you can begin installing the fittings.

Note! For a heavy insulated structure, it is better to use three canopies or 3 loops. The top one should be placed at a distance of 140 cm from the floor surface. The middle one is 50 cm from the floor and the bottom one is at a height of 20 cm. The hinges are specially installed unevenly - this will help protect the structure from distortion.

The next step is installing locks and door handles. Wooden carved handles will fit very stylishly and attractively into the overall picture and can become a worthy decoration for a wooden door structure.

Custom-made carved models in the form of exotic birds or flowers look beautiful.

After installing the fittings, the door leaf can be attached to the frame using a building level.

Important! If the ends of the doors cling to the edges of the door frame, then the fastening is installed incorrectly. This can be corrected by widening the groove in the door frame or trying to re-hang the hinges. If you do not pay attention to the difficulty of opening and closing doors, then over time the door will swell a little, and the situation will only get worse.

The gaps formed between the doorway and the frame are filled with polyurethane foam or felt. After drying, excess foam is cut off with a sharp knife. If all installation work is carried out correctly, the door opens and closes easily, the door leaf is made of high-quality materials - this means that the structure will serve for a long time and delight the owners.

In order to hide all unaesthetic moments, the box is lined with special platbands.

Finishing the bath door

The final stage consists of treating the canvas with a special composition to protect the wood from harmful insects, as well as mold and fungi.

After drying, the door is insulated if necessary. For this, isolon or mineral wool is used. In order for the door to look aesthetically pleasing and not seem bulky, the thickness of the insulation should not exceed 1-2 cm.

The inside of the door can be covered with clapboard made of wood no more than 7-8 mm thick.

Dermatine fabric is stuffed on top of the isolon, which is an excellent protection against drafts and moisture.

Premium models

Doorwood DW 003

A high-quality door is designed for a hammam. From the Alum series Bamboo and butterflies. Ideal for those who prefer to spend time in comfort, and not just pay attention to functionality. The model captivates with the aesthetics of its interior elements and its most interesting design solution. An unusual drawing will help you relax and lift your spirits. In addition to its unique appearance, the product helps maintain a uniform temperature in the room.

Materials and fittings can withstand high humidity and high temperatures. The perimeter of the glass has a magnetic tape, which promotes high-quality adhesion of the glass surface to the vestibule. To prevent condensation from accumulating and getting out, the lower part is equipped with a silicone tint. The door has a ventilation gap and threshold, as well as a convenient handle. Made of tempered heat-resistant glass 6 mm thick.

The production process uses unique technology. The quality of the products is immediately noticeable. The surface is ideal for a Turkish steam room.

Price - 15810 rubles.

Doorwood DW 003

Advantages:

• chrome hinges;
• the handles are comfortable;
• novelty and exclusivity;
• attractiveness of the drawing;
• strength;
• moisture resistance;
• heat resistance;
• not afraid of temperature changes.

Flaws:

• not identified.

Doorwood DW 00179

Glass product for Turkish hamam. It features reinforced fastening and a unique design. Universal option: can be opened both to the right and to the left. An exquisite oriental arch is painted on the glass. Looking at her, you are filled with warmth, comfort and oriental mystery. Thermally tempered glass sheet. The box is anodized aluminum, which has increased corrosion resistance. The perimeter of the glass has a magnetic tape so that it fits tightly to the narthex. There is a silicone molding at the bottom. Handle with a comfortable grip.

Price – 30432 rubles.

Doorwood DW 00179

Advantages:

• moisture resistance;
• withstands temperature changes;
• durability;
• strength;
• well-chosen accessories;
• reliability.

Flaws:

• none.

Doorwood DW 00800

This model tops the rating of quality products. Produced in two variations: 190*70 cm and 200*80 cm, depending on the parameters of the opening made. Users note the optimal price-quality ratio and unique appearance. Belongs to the category of universal. You can change the opening principle yourself. The doors are designed for hamam. 6mm tempered glass is used in production. The box is made of anodized aluminum, which is famous for its resistance to corrosion processes.

The perimeter of the glass is equipped with magnetic tape for a high-quality fit to the narthex. To prevent condensation from accumulating, the manufacturer provides a silicone molding. High-quality fittings are used. Withstands temperatures up to 300 degrees.

Retail outlets offer goods at a price of 30,430 rubles.

Doorwood DW 00800

Advantages:

• safety;
• quality factor;
• moisture resistance;
• practicality;
• versatility;
• interesting design solution.

Flaws:

• none.

Doorwood DW 00727

Florence. The product is made in bronze. Manufactured using unique technology. There are reinforced fastenings. Amazing appearance. Can be opened both left and right. Durable glass with a unique design. Thanks to the unusual design, a feeling of comfort, coziness and complete tranquility comes. The quality of the materials used is worthy of respect: they are not afraid of corrosion, can withstand large temperature changes and constant humidity.

Tight closure occurs due to the presence of magnetic tape around the entire perimeter of the glass. The presence of a threshold and a ventilation gap allows fresh air to penetrate inside the hammam. Handle with a comfortable grip.

The average cost is 30,431 rubles.

Doorwood DW 00727

Advantages:

• quality of the box;
• glass strength;
• use of innovative technologies;
• versatility;
• magnetic lock;
• durability;
• loops to match the profile color;
• heat resistance;
• safety;
• value for money.

Flaws:

• not identified.

Maestro Woods 8*20

The famous manufacturer has launched the production of high-quality products for the hammam. The box is made of aluminum. Parameters – 79*199 cm. Straight glass, bronze look, 8 mm thick. There is no pattern on the glass. The door belongs to the universal category. Adds charm to a room with oriental design. Creates warmth and comfort.

The average cost is 28,100 rubles.

Maestro Woods 8*20

Advantages:

• does not lose its original qualities for a long time;
• moisture resistance;
• pleasant appearance;
• quality of materials used;
• safety;
• practicality.

Flaws:

• not installed.

Sawo 741 – 4 GD – 1

Cedar doors with bronze glass. Dimensions – 690*1890 mm. Unique Canadian cedar was used in production. The product is intended for prestigious saunas. The fittings are metal with chrome plating and look perfect. Withstands significant temperature changes and high humidity. Does not rust. Tempered glass. The bronze shade is obtained through the use of a special toner. The vertical handle is not only attractive, but also convenient to use. The kit includes a threshold, a seal, a magnet, a handle, and three hinges.

The average price is 35,090 rubles.

Sawo 741 – 4 GD – 1

Advantages:

• practicality;
• versatility;
• durability;
• quality factor;
• quality.

Flaws:

• none.

Tylo Harmony

The manufacturer uses aspen in the manufacture of products. The glass is made to resemble bronze. The product is intended for installation in saunas. Width – 69 cm, length – 200.2 cm. Straight glass thickness – 8 mm. No drawing provided. Despite the significant cost, it is extremely popular among connoisseurs of good quality, strict and rich things. Having chosen this model, it will serve faithfully for decades.

Specialized stores offer goods at a price of 58,825 rubles.

Tylo Harmony door

Advantages:

• thoughtful design;
• ideal design solution;
• versatility;
• practicality;
• durability;
• wear resistance.

Flaws:

• Not everyone can afford it.

Tylo Harmony with clear glass

The model is similar in quality and comfort to the previous version. Also made of aspen, only the glass is not bronze, but transparent matte. There is no picture. Manufactured specifically for sauna equipment. Ideal for those who decide to build a sauna from cedar.

The product is produced mainly to order. Its average cost is 82,355 rubles.

Tylo Harmony door with clear glass

Advantages:

• rich appearance;
• practicality;
• quality factor;
• durability;
• moisture resistance;
• not afraid of mechanical damage.

Flaws:

• high price.

Useful tips

When installing a door structure in a bathhouse, you should remember some nuances:

1. It should be taken into account that the door will shrink after some time: a frame made of raw wood shrinks by approximately 8%, and a frame made of dry wood - by 2%.
2. It is not recommended to install locks or latches on door structures leading to the steam room. This is done for safety purposes, so that it is convenient to get into the premises in case of accidents or emergency situations. In addition, at high temperatures, metal fittings heat up, and when exposed to steam, they quickly become unusable and can jam at any moment, which is very dangerous.
3. It is strictly forbidden to treat the door leaf leading to the steam room with paints and varnishes.
4. A threshold of 15-20 cm is always installed under the entrance door. Under the door structure leading to the steam room, a threshold is not installed, but a gap of 3 cm is made.
5. The doors always open only outwards, and the hinges are mounted on the opposite side from the wet room.

Whatever doors to the bathhouse are chosen, it is important that they consist of moisture-resistant and sealed materials that can withstand constant pressure.

It doesn’t matter at all whether the door structure is made independently, in production, or purchased from an expensive, prestigious showroom. The main thing is how comfortable, reliable, aesthetically pleasing and easy to use it is.

Deciding on the door to the washing room

A washing room should be present in any bathhouse, where people can wash themselves before the procedures, as well as freshen up after the steam room. Naturally, a washing room of any size should be equipped with a door so that the vacationer feels comfortable in the bathhouse. Since the temperatures in such a room are usually low, the doors in them can be very different.

The dimensions of bath doors with a frame in this case are selected individually, and plastic is the best material, both from the point of view of hygiene and for operational reasons. The plastic door is easy to care for, and any detergent can be used.

Some requirements for doors in such a room:

• doors should be easy to thoroughly clean;
• to prevent drafts, the door leaf should adhere to the frame without any problems;
• to improve security, doors can be equipped with a viewing window;
• installation of a lock is optional;
• When installing wooden doors, special attention should be paid to possible deformations.

The washing room can be called the only room in which you can install the cheapest and simplest door, because it only serves to hide a person from prying eyes. If you look at all the different options in more detail, you can purchase an inexpensive door along with a door frame and fittings. In this regard, it is recommended not to rush too much and choose the most hygienic version of the product.

How to choose the right one

In steam rooms, only doors made of tempered glass with a leaf thickness of more than 6 mm are installed. The swing door should open outwards. There should be no locks or latches on it. The door fitting must be made of stainless steel, aluminum or brass. It is better to choose accessories only with coating.

The most practical are doors that are hung on 3 or more hinges. The optimal size of a glass door for installation in a steam room is 600x1800 mm. This corresponds to an opening size of 700x1900 mm. Other criteria for choosing doors include the quality of the fittings. It shouldn't be heavy.

Fittings not suitable for glass doors:

• from soft metals;

• PVC;

• EVA.

The hinges must be heat-resistant and moisture-resistant.

Question answer

What handles are best installed on glass doors in bathhouses?

The best option is wooden handles. Silicone gaskets are installed between them and the glass.

At what stage of finishing should a metal frame for a glass door be installed in a bathhouse?

The metal box is installed before finishing begins.

Which glass door is best to install in a steam room?

In a steam room, it is better to install a door with a matte finish or pattern.

What gaskets should be used when installing glass doors in a steam room?

To press glass doors in the steam room, paranitic gaskets are used.

How long can a glass door last in a steam room?

With proper use, a glass door in a steam room can last at least 10 years.