Characteristics of the design of the door leaf and frame for baths and saunas, methods and nuances of door installation

Visiting the bathhouse has been a favorite pastime of the Russian people since ancient times. In the bathhouse you can improve your health, relax your soul and body and have fun with your family or friends. A distinctive feature of the bathhouse is its very special climatic conditions. To maintain them, you need not only to properly build walls, make ventilation, windows, but also install a good entrance door.

To the steam room

Doors to the steam room must meet the following requirements:

• They must reliably retain steam and heat indoors, so the structure must be airtight. You can set a threshold up to 20 cm high.
• The design must be resistant to deformation in conditions of high temperature and humidity.
• In a Russian bathhouse, the door to the steam room is installed below standard. It should be no higher than 1.6 m and no wider than 0.75 m.
• If there is no forced air flow in the steam room, a gap of at least 5 cm is made at the bottom of the doors for ventilation. For a sauna, this gap is required regardless of the presence of internal ventilation. It promotes uniform distribution of steam in the room.
• For the steam room, choose ergonomic and safe doors that will not cause burns or injuries. They must open outward so that in case of an unforeseen situation a person has the opportunity to open it under the weight of his own body.

These requirements are met by wooden, glass and combined wooden doors with glazing.

Projects

Designing baths provides a variety of options. Small mini-babies measuring 2x2, whose layout includes only a dressing room and a combined washing-steam room, and spacious multifunctional ones - with a swimming pool, bathing area, shower.

The complexes are located in a village wooden bathhouse; in the city they are sometimes built from bricks, blocks, or arranged in a frame structure. The building can have on average from 2 to 5 rooms.

Large bathhouse 5x4 m with swimming pool

Its arrangement includes not only a steam room with a heater, a washroom with a shower, but also a bathroom, a relaxation room, and a swimming pool. In addition, the scheme provides for a couple more technical rooms, which the owners can use at their discretion. A thoughtful layout made the entire complex cozy and comfortable.

How can you equip a 2x3 meter bathhouse?

Very functional - the plan provides only two compartments: a sink-steam room and a dressing room. Neatly finished with light boards, they are not only cozy, but also serve their purpose well. In the steam room you can have a great steam bath and wash, change clothes in the dressing room, relax, and you can also install a firebox there if you have the foresight to purchase a stove of the required configuration.

To the washroom

Another door in the bathhouse is installed at the entrance to the washing room. In this room, as in any bathroom, temperature differences are small and humidity is quite high.

A sealed plastic or frosted glass sheet would be appropriate here. These materials meet sanitary requirements. They are hygienic, easy to clean and can withstand disinfectants and detergents.

Requirements for structures

Requirements:

• resistance to constant temperature changes and changes in humidity levels;
• environmental friendliness of the material;
• resistance to mold and mildew;
• simple, convenient installation;
• safety of the structure for bathhouse visitors.

PVC products are more often used for installation in a bathhouse. These are complex products that consist of a frame, sandwich panels, fittings and double-glazed windows. There is a metal profile inside the structure that gives it rigidity.

The profile has a cellular structure, which allows the structure to retain heat better. Air chambers slow down the heating and cooling of the structure.

The energy efficiency of the door leaf depends on their quantity.

Standard profiles contain 3–5 air chambers.

Pros and cons of wood and glass canvas

Wooden entrance doors to the bathhouse will be reliable. They are easy to insulate. Glass does not meet these requirements.

A wooden, glass or combination door is suitable for the steam room. Glass retains heat, is durable, easier to care for, and does not need to be varnished. It is not at risk of deformation due to high humidity and temperature changes. A carved wooden door to a bathhouse will also look beautiful.

For a shower, it is best to choose a glass door. This design is more hygienic. It is resistant to mold, high humidity and detergents.

Which ones to choose

The entrance group must first of all be reliable, but a safe option is not appropriate here. The complex mechanism of such external doors for a bathhouse can block people in the event of a fire inside the premises. Therefore, it is better to install a street entrance structure with standard swing doors. It is recommended to purchase a single-leaf wooden or metal product with a reliable but simple locking mechanism.

When it comes to a steam room, the doors in the bathhouse and sauna have functional differences. At the same time, glass door panels have already become a classic for saunas. This is especially true for infrared and compact indoor saunas.

For a bathhouse, wooden or combined structures are considered the best option. At the same time, high-quality glass doors to a bathhouse perfectly cope with all the functions assigned to them, and in many respects they are superior to wooden ones.

The best choice for sauna

A sauna door can be made of glass, wood or a combination of these materials. Natural wood structures are a traditional solution. They have sufficient thermal insulation, are reliable and durable. But wood requires constant restoration; it needs to be regularly painted or varnished, and over time it dries out and becomes deformed.

The best doors for a sauna installed inside a house or apartment are glass. They meet sanitary conditions and safety requirements, and also fit well into different style solutions. Tempered glass, which is used to make door panels, is durable, retains heat well, does not deform, which means that such a door to the sauna does not need adjustment.

To increase thermal insulation, the glass surface is additionally covered with a special film that reflects infrared radiation and protects from mechanical damage. In addition to technical characteristics, glass panels are distinguished by a wider selection of design solutions. For example, a glass door for an Akma sauna can have more than 200 design options.

The disadvantage of such doors can be considered lower sound insulation compared to wooden ones and a high price. At the same time, durability and safety compensate for the cost of the product. An excellent solution would be to purchase products from domestic manufacturers that meet high quality standards at an affordable price.

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.

Insulation materials

The main task of the entrance door structure is to seal the room and prevent heat leakage. Thanks to this, the temperature in the bath is maintained for a long period of time. The correct choice of design and its additional insulation will help prevent heat loss. They are insulated with various heat-insulating materials: foam plastic, felt, mineral wool.

Foam plastic has excellent thermal insulation characteristics, is easy to install independently using polyurethane foam or liquid nails, does not sag, does not freeze, does not emit toxic substances during operation, and has a low cost. Its main disadvantage for use in a bathhouse is its high flammability and toxicity during combustion, which is of greatest importance in the case of using an open fire for heating a room.

Mineral wool is an excellent heat insulator, inexpensive and environmentally friendly, safe, and highly fire resistant. The disadvantage of this insulation is its tendency to shrink in conditions of high humidity, which must be taken into account when using it to insulate the entrance door structure for a bathhouse or sauna.

Innovative insulation - polyurethane foam. It is pumped into the pores of the doors, as a result of which cavities filled with air are formed inside the leaf. The material has low thermal conductivity and resistance to moisture. The entrance doors for the bathhouse are insulated with polyurethane foam with fire retardants - substances that increase its fire resistance.

Polyurethane foam

The insulation layer is protected with a special waterproofing layer, which can be used as polyethylene film, and moisture-resistant sheathing.

Additionally, the entrance structure is protected from drafts along the perimeter of the door leaf. For this purpose, a sealing gasket and an insulating roller made of dermantin or thin felt are used along the entire edge of the upholstery. A well-insulated door to a bathhouse will not become covered with frost in winter, which makes it difficult to open. Additionally, a tarpaulin curtain is used as insulation. To make it, you can take other dense material. But mineral wool as a gasket sags over time, and in winter it can freeze.

What manufacturing options are there?

The quality and service life of the door block depend on the material from which the door block is made. Different raw materials are selected for different purposes.

Tree

Traditionally, wood was used in baths. The floor, walls, ceiling are all wooden, doors too. You may be given several options:

1. Linden. A universal material, used to create doors of any type. The main advantages are low price, pleasant aroma, does not rot. A very good choice.
2. Aspen. The wood does not swell, does not heat up, and is suitable for decorating a washing room - it is used for finishing floors, ceilings, walls, and doors. The price of solid aspen is low, it is easy to process, which has a positive effect on the cost.
3. Pine. The low price is explained by the wide growing area and ease of processing. Like all coniferous plants, pine smells good and does not rot. Heats up quickly - so this is a bad choice for those who like high temperatures (above 65 degrees). The ideal temperature is 45-50 degrees.
4. Larch. Solid larch will decorate the steam room - it is recognizable due to its texture and pattern, which only becomes more expressive under varnish. Since larch is a coniferous plant, it produces phytoncides that kill harmful microorganisms and bacteria.
5. Oak. Expensive, durable, weighs a lot, looks solid. Suitable if you want to impress guests. The only negative is that it cracks when overheated, which makes wood an unsuitable option for a steam room.

Wood is used for entrances to interior rooms. An array is taken - this reduces the likelihood of the slightest cracks and joints appearing. It is recommended to use durum varieties. Choose a water-based, non-toxic varnish.

Plastic

Plastic doors are often used at the entrance. They retain heat well, do not deform from cold, and fungus does not form on them.

Plastic is a poor material for rooms. This is an artificial material that, when exposed to heat, releases toxic substances and becomes deformed.

Metal

Metal doors are ideal as entrance doors. There is no need to care for them - the metal is not subject to mechanical damage and is resistant to mold and mildew. Thanks to the thermal insulation lining, it does not release heat and does not allow cold to penetrate inside.

Metal bath doors are not used for rooms because they have high thermal conductivity, heat up quickly, and are easy to get burned on. Also, when humidity is high, condensation forms, so the metal rusts.

Glass

A very stylish option - 8 mm thick tempered glass. The main advantages are appearance, heat resistance (withstands up to 300˚C), variety of decor. There are frosted glass designs, glossy, patterned, transparent, of any color. Glass is easy to clean, safe, and has low thermal conductivity.

The lower part of the glass sheet is shorter according to manufacturing standards, allowing air to circulate

Installation methods and nuances

In most cases, a finished door structure, both wooden and glass, consists of a finished frame and a door leaf with holes and is accompanied by installation instructions. Wooden or combined products may only have markings applied for holes, which you will have to make yourself.

Since tempered glass cannot be altered, before ordering the product you need to take accurate measurements and choose the side in which it will open. The width is measured after the repair of the doorway is completed.

Doors to the steam room can have a wooden or metal frame. The metal box is installed before the final finishing of the walls, and the wooden box after.

The door frame of a steam room in a bathhouse and a sauna has one difference: in a bathhouse a threshold is installed, which is necessary to retain moisture, but in a sauna it is not needed, and the gap between the door leaf and the floor remains open. This nuance affects the choice of door dimensions.

When disassembling the package with a glass door, the panel is disconnected from the frame by loosening the fastening system of hinges, and placed on wooden slats.

Install the doorway, checking the verticals and diagonals to prevent distortions. Having installed the box using wedges, gradually tighten the screws in the top bar, leveling it using a level. After this, the screws are tightened until they stop. The threshold is then set if necessary.

The next stage is installing the door leaf. It needs to be inserted into the loops and tightened. If the canvas is made of glass, at this stage of installation you cannot do without an assistant. For safety reasons, the door must open outward. To check the correct installation, measure the gaps at the closed panel. They should be the same around the entire perimeter, and the canvas should fit snugly against the seal.

After this, install the latch and handle. The glass sheet already has holes for them. If the panel is made of wood, you may have to drill the holes yourself.

How to Install: Installation Tips

Before installation, you need to know that the kit includes a canvas and a box. They are made from different materials, but it is easier to work with solid wood. Installation takes place using hinges, polyurethane foam, hangers, and trims.

The frame is a U-shaped structure, attached to the walls and framing the doorway. A canvas is installed in the interior space.

The first stage is assembling the box. This is done using screws on a smooth horizontal surface according to preliminary markings.

Loops are different. For wood, you will have to select them yourself; when purchasing metal, glass or plastic, they come as a set. External overhead hinges are best. It’s easier to work with them - just place the canvas in the block, connect it with loops and screws.

Attention! Before installing the block, make markings - determine where the screws are attached. It is advisable to do this on the floor. Only after marking carry out the installation - sequentially, first the block, then the canvas. It is enough to use two loops, placing them at a distance of 20 cm from the top and bottom edges.

The box is attached to foam or direct hangers with screws. Foam is destroyed by moisture, so it is better to choose suspensions. The technology is as follows: the middle parts of the hangers are connected to the block with screws or self-tapping screws, the flexible side parts are connected to the walls. Gaps are masked with foam or plaster.

Features of Akma door production

Glass doors for baths and saunas have been produced by the Akma plant since 1998. The company offers 220 models of door structures for steam rooms, washing rooms and other premises.

Production is fully automated. The plant's equipment allows us to produce products of high optical purity and hardening strength, with a ground surface and a Euro-edge. For production, we use materials that meet European standards and GOST requirements. Each product undergoes quality control for strength and ability to spontaneously explode. At the same time, the price of the finished product is affordable.

The Akma sauna door has a number of advantages:

1. Environmental friendliness of materials.
2. Durability. The plant provides a five-year warranty on its products, provided they are used correctly. Glass and anodized aluminum are non-corrosive and non-toxic when heated.
3. Safety.
4. Hygienic: resistant to mold, easy to clean.
5. Tightness. All Akma glass blocks have a closed perimeter of the door leaf, and the frame joints are adjusted on an automated German production line.
6. High temperature resistance.
7. Multifunctional design. They can be right- or left-handed and are suitable for steam rooms, washrooms, bathrooms and other rooms.
8. Possibility of installing a magnetic closing mechanism.
9. Original design. Akma products are decorated with fusing, diamond engraving, deep sandblasting, silk-screen printing, ceramic printing, photo printing, and colored varnish. You can choose transparent, tinted or colored door leaf.

The finished door for the Akma sauna consists of a glass door leaf 6 or 8 mm thick, a wooden frame, hanging hinges and a handle. All the necessary holes are drilled at the factory, so installation of the structure is simple - just follow the instructions for the product.

Mid-price segment products

PL 23 L

Made from hardwood. Dimensions: 190 * 0.70 m. Universal. For ventilation, a 30 mm gap is made at the bottom. All elements are fastened with moisture-resistant glue. The strength is high, able to withstand a weight of 300 kg. It will never delaminate or crack. The seams are water and temperature resistant. Can be installed both in saunas and baths. They are distinguished by strength, reliability and durability. To avoid warping, expansion joints are provided. The set includes comfortable handles and universal loops.

Price – 10,300 rubles.

sauna door PL 23 L

Advantages:

• practicality;
• ease of use;
• comfort;
• long service life;
• attractive appearance;
• quality certificate;
• warranty – 1 year;
• complies with GOST;
• increased moisture resistance.

Flaws:

• not identified.

Dovetail

The product is produced in Russia from deciduous trees. Designed for paired rooms. The hinges can be hung on both the right and left. There is a gap of 30 mm at the bottom for ventilation of the room. Innovative technologies are used in production. Reliable seams prevent the product from cracking and delamination. The slats are connected using a moisture-resistant adhesive. The quality meets Western standards.

The average price is 12,400 rubles.

Dovetail door

Advantages:

• wear resistance;
• nice design;
• practicality;
• quality factor;
• durability;
• price-quality ratio;
• positive reviews;
• European quality;
• ease of installation;
• reliability.

Flaws:

• none

PL 30 L

High-quality product installed in the steam room. Box – 190*70 cm. There is a window. Transparency indicator – 25%. Belongs to the category of universal. The window is made of safety tempered glass, 4 mm thick, size 30*120 cm. Tinted glass, bronze finish. A 3 cm gap is provided for ventilation. Selected hardwoods are used in the manufacture of the frame. Lined with durable clapboard. The box is selected timber. Cross section – 4*9 cm. Expansion seams prevent warping of the product.

Specialized stores offer the product at a price of 11,100 rubles.

sauna door PL 30 L

Advantages:

• quality;
• quality factor;
• practicality;
• comfort;
• moisture resistance;
• ease of installation.

Flaws:

• not installed.

PL 44 L

Glass door is more suitable for luxury saunas. Translucent, satin – matte. Parameters: 190*70 cm. Linden box. Glass with polished edges and chamfers has undergone heat treatment. Promotes the passage of light streams inside. However, through it you can only see the silhouettes of the steamers. Adds mystery, coziness and comfort to the interior. With a strong impact, it may break, but will not cause harm to a person standing next to it, as it will simply crumble into small particles. For safety reasons, a gap of 4 cm is provided.

The average price is 10,200 rubles.

sauna door PL 44 L

Advantages:

• practicality;
• versatility;
• quality;
• does not lose its appearance;
• a special high-temperature silicone seal is used;
• withstands temperatures up to 170 degrees;
• comfortable door handles;
• adjustable hinges and latches.

Flaws:

• not installed.

PL 50 L

The product is made from solid linden wood. The glass is subjected to heat treatment. Promotes the passage of light, making the room more comfortable and spacious. Can be installed on both the right and left sides. Tinted glass, 8 mm thick, bronze finish. Has increased strength. Virtually unbreakable. There is a gap for additional ventilation. Purchased for installation in luxury saunas.

The average price is 10,950 rubles.

sauna door PL 50 L

Advantages:

• versatility;
• strength;
• quality factor;
• long service life;
• quality of materials used;
• availability of a certificate of conformity;
• value for money.

Flaws:

• not identified.

Accessories

For interior spaces, it is worth choosing doors with 3 canopies that can withstand at least 30 kg. Fulfillment of these conditions is especially important for glass doors, the leaf of which has considerable weight - with a thickness of 7 mm it can weigh up to 25 kg. Canopies should be easy to replace when necessary. The hinges are made of stainless steel or other material that is resistant to corrosion in conditions of high temperature and high humidity.

For safety reasons, the latch should open easily. It can be ball or magnetic from 3-4 elements. The second option is preferable since the ball latch may jam.

Another safety requirement is that the handle on the inside of the steam room door must be made of wood, regardless of whether it is glass or wood. If it is mounted on glass, a silicone gasket is installed between the surfaces for greater reliability of fastening.

Handles for bath doors should be comfortable and located at a suitable height.