Hinges for bath doors, handles on bath doors - all about the main fittings

The fittings that are used in the bathhouse are practically no different from those that we could use in any other room, but still they have their own specifics. Because the bathhouse is characterized by high humidity and temperature. Both impose restrictions on the materials used. In particular, metals should be stainless, and objects with which a person comes into contact should not heat up too much. But first things first.

Hinges for bath doors, handles on bath doors - all about the main fittings

Published by: admin in Doors 02/10/2019 0
The fittings that are used in the bathhouse are practically no different from those that we could use in any other room, but still it has its own specifics. Because the bathhouse is characterized by high humidity and temperature. Both impose restrictions on the materials used. In particular, metals should be stainless, and objects with which a person comes into contact should not heat up too much. But first things first.

On sale you will find several classes of door hinges, here they are:

All of them are suitable for use in a bathhouse, you just need to choose something that organically combines with the chosen style. In other words, wall-mounted ones are good in a traditional bathhouse, while screw-in ones are good in a modern sauna with an electric heater and a glass door.

External ones are located entirely outside the door. The fastening is not hidden; on the contrary, it is made a decorative element.

Once upon a time, long overhead hinges were also intended to protect the door leaf from deformation. Now the same can be achieved in other ways, so the length is not important.

As mentioned above, this type of hinge is good in a traditional bathhouse - a log house, for example.

Their design is interesting: there should be a pin inside that acts as an axis of rotation. But with this design, an ordinary cylindrical pin would fall out of the loop. Therefore, it is riveted on one or two rotating parts.

These were external invoices. And then there are internal ones, and their structure is completely different. This is a type of card loop that does not require insertion due to its reduced thickness. You will understand everything if you look at the photograph demonstrating the structure of the butterfly loop. Due to its design, it is twice as thin as a simple card loop, which is of the mortise type (see below).

When, in order to connect the door to the frame, you first need to work a little with a chisel, choosing a layer to match the thickness of the fittings, then such hinges or canopies will be called mortise.

They are durable and have proven themselves in use. Another name is card games.

There is a slight difference between card awnings and hinges. It lies in the length and fixation of the axial pin.

The canopy has a short axial pin; it is fixed in the bottom card, which is screwed to the door frame. And for hinges it is end-to-end, unsecured, passing through the rotating parts of both cards. The pin has a thickening on top that prevents it from falling, and a decorative plug is placed at the bottom. (During installation, the plug must not be on top!)

Card hinge with bearings

In modern card hinges, bearings can also be added, which are located between the rotating parts of the cards.

The main advantage of canopies is the ability to quite easily remove the door if necessary. But this is only if the platband does not interfere with this.

However, card hinges also have the advantage of being neither right nor left, because the position of the axial pin can be freely changed.

Here, too, there is a choice between canopies and hinges, with the same difference in the fixity of the axial rod. The main difference from card ones is the absence of flat parts: the fastening is welded directly to the rotating parts.

Their device can be seen in the following figure.

It is already clear from it that the structure of the door leaf must be different from the usual one in order to install such hinges or canopies. And indeed, the door for such fittings (the leaf itself) should have a so-called false quarter, that is, protrude somewhat above the frame.

A type of screw-in hinges are those that are used to fasten glass door panels. In this case, half of the loop will be screwed in, and the second (the one that holds the glass) either fixes it with a clamp - these are clamping loops, or by fastening it into a hole made in the glass.

Unlike conventional screw-in fittings, glass fittings have two welded screws, between which there is a part for fixing the glass.

Pendulum awnings

Among glass models, not only swing doors, which open in only one direction, but also pendulum structures are popular. They come in single-leaf and double-leaf types, and the leaves of such doors swing in both directions. This is a very convenient type of glass door for rooms where a lot of people or objects move around. They are installed in shopping centers, hospitals, and restaurants.

The disadvantages of the products include the fact that working doors take up a lot of space; such a door cannot be installed in a small room or apartment. In addition, the sash should not swing open so much during operation that it hits the wall. Otherwise, the glass sheet risks breaking.

The main advantages of pendulum hinges for glass doors:

they have a spring that acts as a closer and closes the door;
the doors can open in any direction;
the door can be opened even when your hands are busy;
the design is well thought out, it protects from drafts and conserves heat;
It is possible to adjust the speed of closing the door due to the operation of the spring.

The opening angle of such doors due to the awnings is 180 degrees.

Installation of pendulum canopies

You can even install such hinges on your own if you have at least a little experience in construction work.

To do this you need:

Make markings on the door frame and door leaf, mark the places where the canopies are attached. Holes on glass sashes must be made by the manufacturer.
Unclench the springs before installing them; to do this, remove the stoppers of their cards.
Place the pin on the bushing, turn it clockwise, and fix the pin on the frame using self-tapping screws.
After this, the spring must be compressed, close the sash, compress the spring by turning the pin, and then insert the stopper.

Hinges for swing doors can be adjusted; if necessary, the spring is not difficult to replace. The condition of the awnings on swing doors needs to be checked regularly, as such structures are subject to significant loads. Because of this, the spring will weaken over time.

Hinges for heavy bath doors

The weight of the door is another important factor that determines both the quality and quantity of hinges and hinges used.

You have two options: either look for especially strong hinges for heavy bath doors, or simply increase the number of regular hinges, which also increases the strength and durability of the fastening.

In general, when purchasing, you should ask what maximum weight this or that model is designed for. Because there are also plastic fittings on sale that are suitable only for the lightest door panels.

On the other hand, there are companies that produce models specifically designed for heavy or frequently used doors. Let's take ASSA ABLOY Group Company as an example.

You should also know the principle of calculating the number of fittings:

Door weight (kg)	Number of hinges or canopies
up to 25	2
25-40	2-3
40-60	3
>60	4

ADVICE! When installing 3 loops, the middle one should not be located exactly in the middle, its place is 20-30 cm from the top one, and the top one should be installed 20 cm from the top edge of the fabric.

Hinge and door closer at the same time

A damper or closer is additionally mounted in this fitting. Due to it, the glass panel closes with a light touch of the hand, the sash closes smoothly, without shocks. This is a big plus for glass: with a door closer, doors made of fragile material will not be damaged.

In addition, during their operation there will be no pops or unnecessary noise. These are fittings that guarantee the comfort of residents and the durability of the door. The hinges are quite strong, each canopy can withstand a load of up to 20 kg.

Dimensions and assembly technology of a bath door

Typically, the dimensions of a door to a bathhouse with a frame, or more precisely, the future opening in the wall for installing a trap, are determined by the number of whole boards laid in the door leaf. To do this, take the width of the processed board, multiply it by five, and adjust it to more or less acceptable dimensions of the bath door. Next, 2x35 mm is added to the required width - the thickness of the two sides of the door opening plus an installation gap of 10 mm. The height of the door for a bathhouse is calculated in the same way, and for the bottom edge you will need to add another 5 mm for shrinkage.

In addition, you need to take into account the peculiarities of the technology for assembling entrance doors for a bathhouse. The door leaf for the entrance to the bathhouse can be assembled in two ways:

Cut a tenon and groove at the ends of a standard forty, as is done for a tongue and groove board. In this case, the total width of the canvas will decrease by 10x5=50 mm;
Mill a groove 15 mm deep at the ends of the prepared and cleaned wooden workpiece; the joining of two boards is carried out on an inset dowel. In this case, the width of the doors and the dimensions of the opening in the wall of the bathhouse do not need to be adjusted.

You can make doors for a bathhouse using both methods, there is not much difference, although doors with dowels are more flexible and durable. The question of technology, how to make a door to a bathhouse, depends on the wishes of the customer and the availability of woodworking equipment.

For your information! For a novice carpenter, it is easier to make a door to a bathhouse step by step with your own hands using a doweled connection of the canvas.

Firstly, keyed doors for a bathhouse are considered a classic manufacturing option, and secondly, in the event of an accidental defect, you can always replace the key and redo the joint.

Making a door

From the array

It is difficult to make doors to a bathhouse using this method without experience in carpentry. This is due, first of all, to the figured selection of wood and the accuracy of marking the canvas. The procedure is clearly illustrated by the diagram below.

The sash elements cut from the board are laid out on a flat “hard” base and adjusted to each other.
Places for installing dowels are marked to connect parts and strengthen the bath door.
Arrangement of grooves.
Manufacturing of crossbars and jib (if provided).
Assembly of the canvas.

On a note! Such a door for a bathhouse is significant in weight, so the frame must be installed quite massive. Accordingly, select powerful canopies.

Frame structure

Before you put it together, you need to check the dimensions. In a bathhouse, even the densest and best-dried wood will gradually begin to absorb moisture. Therefore, it will swell over time. Therefore, the dimensions of the frame are chosen to be slightly smaller than the opening with a jamb. The recommended gap between them around the perimeter is 5 mm.
Since the door to the steam room will have to be insulated, it is made prefabricated; You will need 2 frames with identical parameters.
It is easier to make all connections “overlapping” with additional reinforcement of the door with wooden spikes. As an option - metal corners.

Sheathing

The frame structure consists of two parts. The one that will face the inside of the steam room is finished with a tongue and groove board. But for the second, the cladding material can be chosen from several options: MDF, OSV, chipboard.

Door insulation

The timber used to make frames has a certain thickness; The recommended value is indicated above. All that remains is to lay insulation in one half of the frame. Which? Despite all the advantages of mineral wool, it is hygroscopic, and a steam room in a bathhouse is a room with excess humidity. Therefore, not an option. It is advisable to use sheet polystyrene foam. Cutting and laying it is easy, as is sealing the gaps between it and the frame.

Door assembly

The second half is placed on the insulated frame and leveled.
Both parts of the bath door are rigidly fastened (with self-tapping screws).
The gap around the perimeter of the canvas is carefully sealed. To do this, it is advisable to use a jute cord, on top of which a sealant (heat-resistant category) is applied.

All that remains is to fasten the hinges, decorate the outer part, and the bath door is ready for installation on site.

Hinges on the door to the bathhouse: hinge material and door leaf material

When purchasing hinges for bathhouse doors, you should pay special attention to the material from which they are made. It could be:

As you can see, the screws have already begun to rust

They differ significantly in cost, strength, and resistance to oxidation in the hot and humid bath environment. You know that magnetic stainless steel rusts at high temperatures? Therefore, stainless steels have a limit of heat resistance. On a door this is, of course, not as significant as on a chimney.

For the purpose of protection and to make the fittings more attractive, they are usually anodized with chrome or nickel.

Glass doors use special plugs, which can be made of metal or plastic. Both are anodized.

We have already mentioned above that the material of the door leaf determines the type of hinges. Now let's break it down into pieces.

Internal doors in the bathhouse can be either made of wood or glass. The entrance can be made of metal, but they come with their own box and metal fittings.

Any hinges and canopies are suitable for wood, except those made under glass. With known restrictions - you remember that screw-in ones need a false quarter.

Only special fittings are suitable for glass - the already mentioned clamping or ordinary hinges, which are a specific type of screw-in hinges.

The weight of the door is another important factor that determines both the quality and quantity of hinges and hinges used.

On the other hand, there are companies that produce models specifically designed for heavy or frequently used doors. Let's take ASSA ABLOY Group Company as an example.

You should also know the principle of calculating the number of fittings:

Methods of fastening canopies and design features

For doors that are made of wood or metal, PVC and plastic, holes must be drilled to fix the awnings.

According to the method of fastening for glass products, there are two types of fittings:

with drilling;
without drilling.

Each method has its own pros and cons. The main factor that determines the choice of fixation method is the weight of the canvas. Depending on the type, design, and purpose, canopies can be pendulum, with a built-in closer, or with a ceiling, or hinged. Special requirements apply to fittings for shower cabins or saunas, as well as doors for furniture (cabinets, sideboards). Before purchasing, you need to understand the features of each type of canopy.

Another point in which fasteners differ is the installation location. They are not always located at the end. In the case of glass sashes, the canopies can be located at the top or bottom, in the corners. Such options are more suitable for attaching frameless panels.

Application of Thermal Insulation Curtain

And, probably, the easiest way to insulate a bath door is a thermal curtain attached to the frame. Typically, this method is used as an additional method, after first insulating the door structure itself.

Material cutting

A canvas is made from dermantin or tarpaulin that will serve as a heat-insulating screen. The dimensions are calculated as follows: the length and width of the door plus 20 centimeters for fixation.

The screen should completely cover the door and be securely attached to the walls above and on the sides of it. Several eyelet rings are sewn onto the top edge of the curtain.

General requirements for canopies

The main difference and advantage of glass models is their transparency. Such structures are installed at the entrance to country houses, shopping and office centers. Glass systems are popular in apartments; they are suitable for bathrooms, baths and saunas. The products are also in demand in furniture production. Loops are the main element that holds the transparent fabric. Of course they must be strong.

But besides this, they are subject to the following requirements:

External attractiveness. Since glass doors come without a frame, if the door is completely transparent, the hinges must not be too large and look nice from any side. The fittings should not visually weigh down the canvas, otherwise the whole meaning of the design will be lost.
Protection. Metal elements should not scratch the sash. To do this, pads made of polymer materials are usually installed under the canopies. Also, additional glue can be used for maximum fixation.
Possibility of mounting without holes. If the door leaf has a frame made of plastic, wood or metal, then there are no problems with fixing the fittings. In the case of frameless models, awnings are sometimes secured using clamps. In this case, no holes are drilled.

For the manufacture of doors, the most durable types of glass are used, such as triplex or tempered material, but they also do not like drilling after processing. All technological holes for canopies are made in the doors at the stage of their production, in the conditions of the enterprise. This reduces the risk of material cracking. To make holes, special drills are used that are coated with diamond dust, as well as cooling lubricant.

Basic materials

In addition to their direct purpose - to support the weight of the canvas, the loops must also perform a protective function. Despite tempering or the use of polymer films, glass still remains a fairly fragile material. Awnings prevent and soften the shocks and impacts of the canvas that occur when opening incorrectly or in a draft. Shock-absorbing properties are provided by rubberized gaskets that are installed under the awnings. They are also made of PVC. They prevent the appearance of cracks during the installation of fittings and the further functioning of the structure.

Canopies for glass doors are produced from the following metals:

Steel, definitely stainless. This is the most durable material that can withstand the heavy weight of the canvas. If the thickness and geometric dimensions of the sash are significant, then it is better to purchase steel canopies. Their number is calculated taking into account the weight of the door. Steel is not afraid of moisture, if it is stainless, or any temperature fluctuations. Therefore, such products are useful for the bathroom, kitchen, bath or sauna. The metal does not need polishing and is easy to care for. This is the most durable material, products made from it will last a long time. Steel hinges can be smooth (glossy) or matte (rough).
Aluminum or silumin. Aluminum and its alloys have an affordable price and attractive appearance, therefore they are widely used in the production of accessories for glass products. This metal is not subject to corrosion. It is suitable for not too massive structures. Otherwise, it is also a practical material that will last a long time. All aluminum alloys combine well with transparent fabrics.
Brass. This material has an attractive appearance, but may darken over time. Therefore, brass fittings will have to be periodically cleaned and polished. Brass is often coated with a coating that imitates gold, and it is aged. Fittings made from this alloy are especially popular when arranging bathrooms. In its pure form, this material is quite soft, so its composition must include additives.

The color of the material varies greatly. It needs to be selected so that the hinges are the same shade as the rest of the fittings (handle, lock). The most popular are steel and silver, black, gold and bronze colors for decorative finishes.

Hinges

Another very popular type of canopy. There are many varieties of them, but the principle of operation is the same. The hinge is similar to two doors that are connected to each other by a hinge. The products are durable and wear-resistant. Each canopy can withstand a weight of 20-25 kg. Another advantage is their wide opening angle: the door on such canopies opens 165 degrees.

Hinges for glass doors are used when installing swing-type systems. They can be hidden, practically unnoticeable and quite difficult to hack, as well as semi-hidden. Their variety is four-ball canopies, which are fixed in three planes. They are in demand for interior and furniture doors. There can be hinges for glass doors without drilling, hidden or semi-overlay.

Overhead hinges

No drilling or overhead. The most famous manufacturer producing glass doors is Leroy Merlin. This method is used only when the canvas is completely transparent and does not have a frame. Buying hinges for glass doors without drilling is required for systems installed inside apartments, shopping centers, and offices. Such canvases perform rather a decorative and delimiting function, so their canvases are light in weight and have a slight thickness. Canopies that are made in the shape of the letter P can easily withstand them.

A sheet of glass is inserted between two metal surfaces, after which it is fixed with clamps (pressure bolts). The adhesive gasket under such canopies is used for thin 5 mm glass, which is more often found in furniture doors. For thicker doors and interior partitions with a thickness of 8-10 mm, plastic or rubber gaskets are used. The weight of the canvas should not be more than 25 kg, then such loops will hold it. This hardware is much easier to install. Furniture hinges for glass doors without drilling are more noticeable on a transparent sash, so you need to choose neat and not too bulky models.

The main advantages of overhead fittings:

the loops are installed opposite each other;
they are suitable for interior doors and furniture;
It is not necessary to fix such a canopy to the wall; it can also be fixed to the ceiling;
You just need to clamp the glass sheet; installing such fittings yourself is not difficult.

There is a third mounting option - with partial drilling. In this case, no hole is made in the canvas, but only a small depression is made. This is a cross between the two methods. This approach provides a strong fixation, but it is acceptable for not too heavy sashes. This method is often used to install glass doors for furniture. Partial drilling does not violate the integrity of the glass sash and prevents its displacement, since the fastening elements fit exactly into the grooves made for them.

Glass doors

Specialists, offering such a procedure as installing doors in a log bathhouse with glass elements in the structure, introduce modern trends in the arrangement of the premises. The maximum efficiency of glass doors is observed when they are installed between the steam room and other rooms of the bathhouse (more details: “How to choose glass doors for a sauna and bathhouse - tips on selection and installation”).

The production uses high-strength tempered glass, processed through repeated heating and cooling. This material is absolutely safe for humans to use. There is no need to be afraid of getting injured if the glass is accidentally broken, because the resulting fragments do not have sharp edges.

It is worth noting the high thermal conductivity of glass doors, but at the same time the material is absolutely inert to high humidity and temperature fluctuations, which makes it universal. The cost of glass doors is high and varies due to the prestige of the brand of the manufacturing company.

A separate material is thermoplastic, which also has excellent characteristics:

inertness to high humidity and temperature;
maintaining shape;
the presence of a transparent structure similar to thermal glass.

Canopies with overlap

They are more often used for showers. The design of the fittings allows the door to open 180 degrees, the door swings outwards. Stainless steel is more often used for their production, because the resistance of the material to moisture is important for these premises.

On such canopies you can fix sashes with a thickness of 6 or 8 mm.

Another area of use for overlapping awnings is glass doors for furniture and curved doors. When installed, the sash can open 180 degrees.

Hinges for heavy bath doors

The weight of the door is another important factor that determines both the quality and quantity of hinges and hinges used.

On the other hand, there are companies that produce models specifically designed for heavy or frequently used doors. Let's take ASSA ABLOY Group Company as an example.

You should also know the principle of calculating the number of fittings:

How to change the canvas?

Often during repairs, only replacement of the door leaf is required. The procedure is much simpler than installing an interior door from scratch.

The old fabric is removed from the hinges. Awnings usually consist of two detachable halves. To remove the interior sash, it is enough to pry it open from below with a pry bar. If the axial rod is inserted from above in the hinges, the canvas will not be removed. First, a screwdriver is inserted under the head of the rod, then it is knocked out of the socket with hammer blows. Dismantling begins from the bottom loop. After removing the rods, the sash can be easily removed.
Two canvases are compared in size, laid on top of each other. If the new fold is larger than the old one, mark the boundaries with a pencil. Excess sections are cut off with a hand-held circular saw. The cuts are adjusted with a plane and processed with a grinder.
The door leaf, adjusted to size, is equipped with hinges, a lock, and a handle.
Hanging on the hinges occurs in the reverse order.

If the new canvas has been adjusted, the cut points need to be masked. The paint material is selected to be similar in color or the entire canvas is completely repainted.

Installation of glass-to-glass hinges in a shower stall

If it is necessary to secure two glass sheets as part of one glass structure, then a glass-to-glass shower hinge is used. The design features of this element may vary.

In particular, the loops can have a chamfer or be made without one. However, the presence of a rubber gasket is mandatory. A layer of rubber will make the junction of two glass sheets softer and, more importantly, airtight.

In addition, the rubber layer guarantees the absence of vibration at the installation site. It is known that a glass cabin is a potentially dangerous object. To avoid traumatic situations, the structure must have 100% stability and immobility.

Products designed to connect two glass sheets may not have a rubber layer. However, only with them can the consumer be completely confident in the immobility of the structure and their own safety.

How to install a plastic door

Installation of a plastic door is carried out according to the same scheme as similar structures made of any other material. Decide right away which door you need - interior or entrance. They have different designs and purposes. The material must be of high quality and certified.

The most rational option is to choose a door frame made of a metal frame. Experts recommend using a five-chamber profile. It is desirable that longitudinal or transverse stiffeners be present. It is recommended to take into account the following design features when choosing:

When installing plastic doors with your own hands, it is advisable to use hinges that have a multi-layer structure.
Degree of tightness.
Availability of insulation.
Quality of the glass unit - it is recommended to use armored or triplex.
Quality lock and handle.

Before you begin installing a plastic door, read the instructions. If the installation quality is high, there will be no need to adjust the door. You can start using it immediately.

Preliminary preparation of wooden and conventional openings

When installing a plastic door in a wooden house, it is necessary to carefully treat all surfaces. First you need to completely clean the opening. Dismantling the old structure involves removing the fabric from the hinges. Then, using a crowbar and a grinder, you need to disassemble the box and completely dismantle it.

You need to get rid of the plaster, remove all dust with a brush, and apply primer to the slopes. If the structure is made according to your design, it will fully correspond to the size of the opening. After this, you need to install the fasteners yourself. The installation process is carried out in two ways:

Using anchors. If you choose this option, you will need to drill holes.
Using special brackets. They must be installed on the back of the box in a special groove.

If you decide to install using anchors, the appearance of the block will suffer. But this method is used in practice more often. If you decide to use brackets, then the appearance will not deteriorate, since all fastenings will be masked by slopes. Both methods are not difficult to implement.

Some important points

When installing plastic entrance or interior doors, you must adhere to the following recommendations:

Do not make a door threshold yourself - the best option would be to purchase a finished product. To secure the box on both sides, install wedges. It is not recommended to use nails, as they can deform the wall. After fixing, it is necessary to make holes for attaching the door frame. It is advisable that the holes are made at the production stage. You need to drill three holes on the left and right: in the center and along the edges at a distance of 20-30 cm. Two holes are made in the upper and lower crossbars at the same distance from the edges. Dowels must be installed in all holes. Screw the bolts into the dowels. You need to start from the side on which the hinges are installed. Screw in the bolts 2/3 of the way, then carefully check the position of the box relative to the vertical and horizontal with a level. Once the box is level, you can tighten all the bolts all the way. It is impossible to install a plastic door in a wooden house using anchors, so it is necessary to use other fasteners. The door frame must be in the opening and secured with nails or self-tapping screws. After putting the fabric on the hinges of the box, it should be pressed evenly to the base

A few hours after the foam has hardened, the wedges are removed and the doors are closed for a day.

Features of correct installation

Before inserting the plastic structure, it is necessary to measure the opening. Only in this case will you achieve a quality installation. In order for all the work to be done correctly, you need to know three parameters:

The thickness of the opening.
Height.
Width.

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.

Installation of a two-chamber door

Installing a two-chamber type of door in a bathhouse also does not require special knowledge and skills. It is installed using the generally accepted method - using a socket and combs on logs. For installation using this method, grooves are cut with a milling cutter along the ends of the logs, the size of a doorway 50*50 mm. Carriages are made according to the height of the door, while the upper crossbar of the frame is made of a 50*150 mm board.

The cracks formed after installation are filled with polyurethane foam, and after it dries, hinges are attached, on which the door can soon be hung.

In this article, we reviewed the most effective and cost-effective methods of thermal insulation, as well as insulating the door in the bathhouse. They include not only the production of the thermal curtain itself, but also the use of basic insulation methods. More global work that can be performed in this case is replacing the door frame and installing a two-chamber door, nothing more.

All presented options have been tested in practice, so you are provided with material for your own analysis and choice. Whichever insulation method you use in your bathhouse, you are guaranteed good thermal insulation and protection from dampness and fungus.

Installing a door frame

To carry out high-quality installation work, you must have the following set of tools:

long measuring device;
sharpened axe;
chisel;
hacksaw for wood;
screwdriver

The wooden walls of a log house have a distinctive feature in the form of an uneven structure, since after installation such a structure usually settles. To install the box, 4 beams are used. Along the vertical ends of the doorway, grooves are cut for the ridges on the doorway. At the ends of the beams, fastenings are prepared taking into account the thickness of the door leaf. The door frame is fixed using a tongue-and-groove system and is additionally secured with screws or dowels.

Materials recommended for thermal insulation

Having determined the basic criteria of insulation, you can select a material that meets all safety requirements.

Foamed polyethylene with a layer of foil does not burn, allows steam to pass through and retains moisture. The aluminum layer of the material repels heat waves back into the room, which allows you to maintain a high temperature inside the bath. Polyethylene foam is safe, durable, and easy to nail or staple.

Felt is a proven wool insulation material; it does not lose its heat insulating properties even when wet. Natural material does not burn, is resistant to high and low temperatures. Felt is used for the outer door and for the entrance to the steam room.

Ecowool is a cellulose-based material; antiseptic and antipyrine are added to its composition to increase resistance to rot and fire. Natural insulation dries easily from moisture and has natural vapor permeability.

Production of bath doors

Oversized doors with a height of 1.5-1.7 meters and a width of about 0.7 meters can reduce heat loss as much as possible. Naturally, before properly installing the doors in the bathhouse, it is necessary to make an opening of the appropriate size.

The cutting process is performed using a hacksaw, and pieces of wood are removed with a regular chisel. A 5-centimeter key is inserted into the formed groove and secured by driving it in with a handy tool. The ends of the keys are cut to a cone shape.

It is worth mentioning coniferous wood, which is not recommended for use as a material for the production of doors to paired compartments. The reason for this was the peculiarity of coniferous species to release resin when heated. First of all, such secretions will be unsafe for visitors, since they have excessive temperature and can cause painful burns.

What kind of doors are there?

Before tackling the question of how to install a door in a bathhouse, you need to understand what we are installing. We have already talked about bath doors, let’s briefly go through the essence of the issue. The main materials for their manufacture are:

Wood. This material is the most popular and most widespread. It is accessible, well processed, and has good environmental performance. With a certain approach, from wood of various species it is possible to obtain, if not a unique, then at least a product that is far from ordinary. Wooden doors come in a wide range of ready-made industrial options, to suit every taste, color and budget. Amateur craftsmen are given a great opportunity to show themselves in all their glory by making a door with their own hands;
Glass. Glass sheets appeared in bathhouse use relatively recently. The point here is the peculiarities of industrial technology. Just some three decades ago, in domestic realities, not only a glass door leaf, but a normal window was a rarity. Today's industry's ability to produce thick, hardened material of increased strength, while being injury-resistant, is incomparable to what it was decades ago. Technologies for decorating glass sheets have radically improved. We admit that the home craftsman’s arsenal has also been replenished with tools, primarily made from super-hard materials, which greatly simplify glass processing, although this material remains very difficult to work with and requires accuracy, skill, prudence and technical savvy. Glass has almost zero water absorption, so they are widely used in oriental baths - hammams, which are characterized by an extremely high absolute humidity, and as a result - the danger of swelling of hygroscopic materials, which, of course, includes wood. Glass also offers interesting design solutions when arranging modern steam rooms, in fashionable innovative keys. In the end, glass, when used carefully, is very durable and does not require special measures to protect it from pathogenic microflora - a real scourge of wood;
Combined designs are primarily a combination of glass and wood. They embody the positive qualities of both materials. Among other things, this option is somewhat cheaper than a canvas made only of glass, and it is also somewhat more convenient and easier to install the accompanying fittings.

How to insulate the door leading to the steam room

A common question when building or renovating a bathhouse is whether it is necessary to insulate the door in the bathhouse leading to the steam room. The main argument of insulation supporters is the fact that it is necessary to reduce heat loss by all possible means. One cannot but agree with this if the power of the stove is barely enough to warm the volume of the steam room.

In this case, you should approach it rationally and insulate the walls, doors and ceiling in the steam room.

Doors to the steam room come in different sizes: size, material. Glass can only be insulated if the seals around the edges are leaky. The presence of a gap between the floor and the canvas below is acceptable only for doors in saunas, regardless of the type: wooden, glass. In a Russian bath you need to make a threshold that will close this gap. Or reduce the size of the box.

Wooden ones are different. If solid wood is used, then the source of cold may be dried wood. However, this only happens if it is not dried properly. Check the ventilation, let the stove work for some time after completing the bath procedures (a brick stove will cope without this, but an iron stove cools down too quickly). As for the door itself, you can put clapboard on it on both sides, then the cracks will close.

If the door is framed, that is, has a void inside, then you can use foil to reflect heat back into the steam room

It is important that there is a little void in front of the foil, otherwise it will not work, giving off heat through the contact. The foil is installed between the frame and the shield

ATTENTION! A lot of controversy arises about the use of mineral wool to insulate the frame of the door to the steam room. Most people are inclined to believe that there is no need to use it here - it will release harmful organic matter from the impregnation

There should be enough foil. But, in principle, if you really want to, you can use insulation designed specifically for baths - Rockwall, for example.

Another type of insulation of a bathhouse door is felt padding. This can be used for the outside of the door to the steam room, and for other doors, for example, the entrance. However, in conditions of high humidity, the felt will definitely get wet, so we recommend using this method only in bathhouses with good drying - well-designed ventilation and for those who have a brick oven.

Door materials

Each owner of the plot can independently decide which design and style of the bathhouse to choose. Manufacturers made sure that everyone could choose the most suitable material for the job.

Design option for a wooden door with forged elements

Most often, the choice is made on the following raw materials for making doors:

Wood.
Glass.
Plastic.
Metal.

Each of these materials has its own advantages, disadvantages and features. Therefore, before placing a bet on any of them, you need to familiarize yourself with the nuances.

Wood

There are different materials for making doors leading to the bathhouse. People choose to finish the structure using eurolining prepared for the process, while other owners prefer to buy a solid frame and carry out the construction on their own.

Homemade wooden door for a bathhouse

In any case, wood is at the top of the list of materials for bathhouse doors.

Material advantages

Resistance to moisture.
Adaptation to temperature changes.
Wood itself is a heat insulator, so the owner of the site will not have to spend a lot of money on additional materials to insulate the canvas.
And of course, aesthetic characteristics. Wood fits perfectly into the overall interior of the bathhouse. A wooden door will look harmonious and create a pleasant atmosphere in the room where you can steam.

Flaws

The material requires additional processing and not all types of wood are suitable for bathhouse door construction.

Important nuances

Also, due attention should be paid to the question of what material to make the door handle from. It makes the most sense to also use wood for this purpose, because metal, plastic and similar materials under the influence of high temperatures can become deformed and also heat up, which reduces the level of safety in the bathhouse;

Therefore, when the question comes about what material the entrance door to the bathhouse should be made of, it is worth paying attention to wood

It is best to give preference to aspen or linden wood. Internal doors leading to the steam room can be achieved by installing a glass door.

Glass

To enter the steam room, as well as the shower room located inside the steam room, glass doors are often installed.

Advantages

This design looks harmonious in the opening.
The glass door is easy to clean.
The material tolerates high temperatures well, which are not uncommon in a steam room.
There are many designs of glass doors, so everyone will choose the best option for themselves.

Flaws

the cost of such a design is quite high, because the glass must be durable and quite thick if the question is about a door;
You won’t be able to make such a door yourself, unless the owner of the site with the bathhouse has his own workshop for the production of glass products.

In any case, the glass in the doorway of a steam room or shower looks elegant and harmonious.

Plastic

If you prefer plastic, you need to choose a heat-resistant one; other options are not suitable for installation in a bathhouse.

The process of installing a plastic door to a bathhouse

Advantages

Heat-resistant plastic is a fairly durable material.
This door raw material is durable.
Withstands changes in air temperature.
Able to tolerate high levels of indoor humidity.

Flaws

The material is not natural, which means it will not release aromas into the air that one would like to hear in a steam room or dressing room.

Design options for plastic doors for baths

Metal

If you wish, you can create an armored metal door with your own hands, however, this will require additional materials and tools.

Advantages

Such a canvas will certainly protect the dressing room from drafts.
This design looks harmonious.
A large selection of designs of such canvases will help satisfy the needs of even the most demanding apartment owners.

Flaws

high price;
such a canvas is not suitable for installation at the entrance to the steam room.

The choice of material depends solely on the preferences of the owner of the land plot. Any raw material will fit perfectly into the space of the bathhouse, the main thing is to do the work with soul.

Rules for installing doors in a bathhouse

To prevent your steam room from becoming a hot trap for visitors, you need to take the installation of doors to the bathhouse responsibly, carrying out the installation in full compliance with the rules for installing doors in the bathhouse. Simple rules for installing doors in a bathhouse:

All doors installed in the bathhouse open outward! — it will be easier for visitors to knock them out if they jam
As for the door locks, neither the outside nor the inside of the bathhouse door should be fitted with latches or locks whose locking mechanism can operate without a key - otherwise you can accidentally lock yourself and your friends in the bathhouse
traditionally, builders make the door to the steam room smaller than standard entrance doors, and always install a threshold 14 - 16 centimeters high
the hinges in the sauna door cut in from the outside - if the metal hinges on which the door is hung are located inside the steam room, condensation will accumulate on them, as a result of which they quickly rust
The hinges in the installed sauna door must be lubricated in any case!
the door leaf should be noticeably narrower than the door frame so that it does not jam when it swells
the door handle on the inside should be wooden, metal will burn
just in case, it is worth making a small window in the bath door, which will be closed with a flap from the inside
the bath door must have heat-insulating properties, which can be provided by mineral wool or felt
the door to the bathhouse should be treated with an antiseptic and also impregnated with a waterproof substance

Installation of windows in the bathhouse
Grinding tool
reference Information

How to hang a bath door correctly

To hang the bath door correctly, you need to mark it with a pencil.

put the door in the box
15-20 centimeters from the top and bottom of the bath door, select the location for installing the hinges, preferably without knots
the place for the hinges (the recess for the hinges) is prepared using a chisel or an electric cutter
depth equal to loop thickness

When the recesses are ready, loops are placed in them and recesses for self-tapping screws are made using a drill. Drilling is necessary when the diameter of the screws is large and in places where there are still knots, so that the wood does not crack. In other cases, you can do without drilling. The diameter of the recesses should be slightly smaller than the diameter of the screws themselves, with the help of which the hinges are attached to the door leaf.

The recess for the valve is made using a drill and a large-diameter drill. It must be deep enough so that the body of the valve intended for it does not extend beyond the boundaries of the door leaf body. The latch is attached to the door in the same way as the hinges, using the same screws (or dowels).

To install a finished door in the door space, you will need wooden wedges - a full description and sequence of work with illustrations can be found in specialized literature.

Combinations of different materials

Before installing a door to a log bathhouse, you should consider the harmonious combination of the interior of the room with the door itself. It is worth noting that the combination of wood and glass looks very harmonious against any background.

Accordingly, designers have many options for decorating the premises in the bathhouse and designing doorways. Glass allows you to improve natural light, and natural wood creates an atmosphere of comfort, provides a lasting aroma and releases substances beneficial to the human body.

Also, a two-frame structure can be inserted into the doorway in the log house of the bathhouse, protecting the room from heat loss several times more effectively. Wooden frames are knocked together using two sheets of wood fiber fabric, separated by thermal insulation material: mineral wool, polystyrene foam or felt.

The surface of such a structure is sheathed with the thinnest board. If such insulation is not enough, then the surface can be upholstered with felt. Maximum connection between the door leaf and the frame is ensured by a double lock: a latch at the top, a hook at the bottom.

Handles for bath doors: shape and material

Handles for bath doors should be chosen according to the following principle: where it is hot it is better to use wood, otherwise the choice is determined by the taste of the owner and the style of the interior.
Even for the doors to the steam room, wood can be placed only on the inside, and on the outside - what you like best. Glass doors to the steam room with wooden handles are a classic option. A separate article is devoted to the dimensions of the doors to the steam room. The material from which handles can be made can be the following:

metal;
tree;
glass;
plastic.

All of them have the right to be used in the bathhouse.

As for the shape, specifically wooden bath handles are:

arc and its variations;
U-shaped brackets;
round knobs;
artistic - carvings, asymmetrical branches, etc.

Glass handles are either a variation on the U-shaped bracket or a knob.

Others can be of any shape, applicable for interior and entrance doors.

Useful video

We invite you to watch a short video about how you can make wooden handles with your own hands.

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So, to summarize: bath fittings should not be afraid of moisture and heat, should be suitable for the material of the door panels - that’s all the requirements, the rest will be at your discretion. The criteria for choosing the best door for a bathhouse are presented and analyzed in the corresponding article.

Canopies for sliding models

Glass doors, both interior and entrance, are often made in the form of sliding systems consisting of two leaves. They do not require free space to open; they simply roll away to the side. This is an ideal option for small rooms, rooms loaded with furniture. The doors move on rails, which are located at the top and bottom or in only one place.

Installation instructions

Installation of the product requires a clear sequence of actions. Step-by-step instructions will allow you to get an overall picture of the entire scope of work and not lose your way. Installing a metal door consists of four stages.

Preparing the opening

The locations of openings in the building are provided for by the design. They are made at the construction stage or cut out with a chainsaw after the house is built.

The width of the opening should be 150 mm larger than required by the door structure. This is necessary to install a casing box with a width of 65 mm. It is also necessary to leave a gap of 15 cm at the top, which will be closed over time by the settled crowns.

When replacing an old frame door, preparation of the opening begins with its dismantling. Disassembling the structure will not be difficult. To do this you need:

Remove the canvas. If it was held on collapsible hinges, then open the door and lift it with a crowbar. If the hinges were not removable, use a screwdriver to unscrew the screws holding the sash in the frame.

Clean the opening from worn-out insulation, remaining fasteners, and pieces of plaster.

Assembly and installation of casing

The frame or casing is the name given to the bars around the perimeter of the opening, which form a rigid base for fastening the door. It does not prevent the shrinkage of the wooden structure, but at the same time protects the openings from distortions that appear under the influence of settling crowns. When installing the casing, a groove is made at the ends of the opening using a router.

Then a beam is inserted into it. It is also called a sliding bar, along which the entire house settles. The contours of the opening remain unchanged.

It is also possible to use other casing structures that perform exactly the same function. The choice of connection type is a matter of taste.

Casing options

A cross-bar is installed at the top, and soft insulation is placed in the gap. The beams are extended on the sides with boards, the width of which is equal to the width of the end. As a result of these actions, a rough frame is obtained to which the iron door will be attached.

Installation of box and canvas

For buildings made of wood, frames with a high degree of rigidity are usually chosen. As a rule, this is a welded mechanism made of sheet material with a thickness of at least 2 mm.

Before inserting the front door frame into the opening, it should be insulated with mineral wool and thereby seal the joints. Often there are products with an insulated box. In this case, no additional manipulations are required before installation.

The gap between the door frame and the casing should be in the range from 1.5 to 3 cm. It is filled with polyurethane foam.

Once you have managed to place the iron box in the opening, align it and secure it. To ensure that the load is evenly distributed over the entire wall, it is recommended to increase the number of fastening points.

The next step is hanging the sash. There are 2 fastening methods used in iron doors:

Welded external hinges. To put the fabric on, you need to lift it and place the top of the loop on the pin. This fastening is considered unreliable, since the loops are easily cut off.
Hidden loops. They are inserted into the sash or hatch and are considered burglar-proof. To carry out installation, you will need a hex key, which is used to tighten the fittings.

The correctness of the door hinge is checked by opening and closing it.

Filling cracks with foam

After installation is complete, it is necessary to foam the cracks around the iron box. If you don't want traces of foam to remain on the frame, cover its edges with masking tape.

Installing hinges

It is the overhead type of fastener that is easiest to install on your own, since it does not require drilling the glass. The hinges always come with everything you need: clamping screws, plastic or rubber gaskets, and instructions.

The general installation diagram is as follows:

First you need to make markings - mark the location of the canopies on the frame and glass sheet. If it is necessary to mount two canopies, then retreat 5-7 cm from the top and edge of the canvas.
Fix the awnings on the door frame. To do this, you need to drill holes in it. Then install the glass partition into the fastener until it stops. We must not forget that protective gaskets must also be installed.
The inner part of the hinge must be pressed against the glass; the outer part is secured using fastening screws.
To make the fastening as strong as possible, glue must be applied around the perimeter of the overlay element. If decorative trims are provided, install them.

After the leaf is installed, you need to check the correct operation of the door and the tightness of its fit. It is important that there are no distortions and that the canvas does not rub off.

If the awnings are mortise, then you will have to turn to specialists for help. They must make all the necessary holes. After this, installing the fasteners will be easy. You just need to secure the fittings with self-tapping screws.

Without hinges, no door can function properly. For glass sashes, it is important to choose not only durable, but also visually attractive fasteners. Depending on the weight of the canvas, you need to select their quantity and material. Only in this case will the door open smoothly and silently. You can buy hinges for glass doors to a sauna, apartment or office in a specialized store. There are representatives of the Leroy Merlin company in Ukraine who offer high-quality fittings at an affordable price.

Mortise hinges

Drilled or mortise hinges are a more reliable installation method and should be chosen when it comes to massive panels. For them, at the stage of cutting glass before it is tempered, all the necessary holes are made. Making them yourself in canvas is quite problematic: at the slightest stress, the material can burst. If the awnings are fixed in this way, then the rest of the fittings (lock, handle) will have a similar fastening. This is the best option for doors that have a frame and glass inserts, entrance products, and panels with a thickness of more than 10 mm.

The main advantages of this fastening method:

the mounting location is clearly defined;
fixation is the most durable and reliable;
the load is distributed evenly across the canopies;
there cannot be any displacement of the loops.

The disadvantages of mortise fittings include the fact that it is difficult to install it yourself; you cannot make a hole without a special tool. If the holes need to be large, then they can be made on a machine. In the case when the blade cracks during the drilling process, but there is no way to fix it. Therefore, all holes for installing mortise fittings must be provided by the seller (manufacturer) of the door.

Main parameters for selection

It just seems that buying hinges for glass doors is not a problem. The selection of these parts in stores is truly huge, but it’s easy to get lost in this variety. It is necessary to take into account some features that affect the performance and attractiveness of the design.

First of all, it is worth highlighting the following characteristics:

Sash weight. This is the main parameter that you need to know before purchasing awnings. Each of them is able to withstand a certain number of kilograms. The thicker, taller and wider the sash, the heavier it will be and the greater the number of hinges will have to be used. In addition to the glass itself, the weight of the door is affected by the frame, if provided, and the rest of the fittings.
The angle at which the door opens. It’s good when the sash can be opened 90 degrees or more. In this case, not only will people be able to move freely, but furniture can also be carried through the opening. If necessary, install a special limiter so that when opening the canvas does not hit the wall or interior items.
Door control. If the hinges are adjustable, then this is a good option. If necessary, you can independently correct their work and fix them in a certain position.
Design. This is also a significant characteristic, because elements of a transparent design should not only work well, but also create a pleasant impression and harmoniously combine with the glass, taking into account its texture, shade, and patterns.

When choosing hinges, it is not superfluous to check their completeness for the presence of gaskets and fixings. They will help you install the fittings correctly.

As for the weight of the sash, if it is from 25 to 40 kg, then 2 or 3 canopies are enough. If the weight of the door leaf is at least 60 kg, then at least 4 hinges must be installed, and for a door weighing 80 kg or more, 4 fastening elements must be provided. In addition to the weight of the structure, the geometric size of the product and its length also matter. If the partition is interior and not too large, then fasteners up to 7.5 mm in size will be useful. In the case where the structure is heavier and weighty, then you need to choose canopies with a length of 10-12.5 mm. You cannot save too much on purchasing accessories.