There is nothing better than relaxing in a country house or country house. Especially if this vacation includes such a pleasure for the body as a bath. When thinking through a bathhouse project, it is important to take into account many nuances. This is the choice of location, building materials, the question of how to carry out interior finishing work, how to install the stove correctly, and much more. In this article we have collected information for you that will be useful at the decision-making stage. With its help, you will decide how to arrange your individual place for relaxation.
When designing a bathhouse, the following factors should be taken into account:
- location on the site, whether it will be a separate building or acts as an extension to the house;
- heater power;
- how many visitors there will be;
- wall thickness, finishing, presence or absence of insulation.
Types of baths
The diversity of baths arises from the difference in cultures and traditions. Thanks to this abundance, we can choose the microclimate in the bathhouse that optimally suits us in terms of temperature, humidity and steam production.
The microclimate is most important for well-being, and according to it, baths are divided into types.
Steam bath: Turkish hammam
In such a bath, the temperature reaches 40-45°, humidity 90-100%. Due to such a low temperature, a soft microclimate is created. In the bathhouse you can not only have a good rest, but also take care of yourself, pleasing your body with cosmetic procedures.
Steam sauna: Russian bath
45-70° in temperature and low humidity - 40-65%. The steam condenses on the skin, forming a kind of film, and the body heats up much more due to the thermal conductivity of the water.
Dry air (Finnish) sauna
Low humidity, 8-20%, is combined with high temperatures of 70-110°. The lack of steam and high temperature contribute to maximum warming of the body;
Wet sauna: sports
Temperature 75-95° at 100% humidity . It is one of the subtypes of the Finnish sauna. The temperature is deliberately increased by watering the stones with water. Such a sauna becomes a place for endurance competitions and poses harm and even danger to the body.
Water bath: Japanese ofuro bath
A traditional bath with a temperature of 40-60° and a humidity of 100% is an exotic type of bath. This is usually a wooden barrel that is heated. Warming the skin under water promotes sweating and washing away toxins and sweat.
The method of heating and steam injection also differs in the baths . Knowing these features, you will choose a bathhouse with characteristics that will suit you and your family as much as possible.
Frame
Frame-panel structures became popular among consumers several years ago. They are quite easy to assemble and do not require a large amount of natural wood or special equipment.
An inexpensive frame bathhouse is placed on a lightweight foundation, most often a columnar one is chosen. This significantly reduces construction costs since it does not require as much concrete to pour the foundation.
The walls of the bathhouse are most often mounted from ready-made frames, which are immediately manufactured in the workshop. If desired, to further reduce costs, you can assemble the frame yourself, but this will slow down construction. To create good thermal insulation and for a long service life of the building, it should be sheathed with suitable boards. To save money, coniferous species are suitable.
Attention! For frame baths, timber and logs are often used. But these materials are very expensive, although they are of excellent quality and long service life. Unplaned timber will allow you to save as much as possible on material. It is not as beautiful, but very affordable.
Since frame baths have thin walls, they require mandatory insulation. Among inexpensive insulation materials, mineral wool is most often chosen. It is laid in the walls in the form of slabs. They are not only affordable, but are also reliable and have a long service life, provided they are installed well.
Attention! When building frame-panel baths, you cannot skimp on protecting the frame and vapor barrier. If you have very little money, then give your preference to polymer film and aluminum foil. They are quite hopeful and belong to the economy segment.
Main rooms in the bathhouse
Each type of bath includes the following functional premises:
- dressing room (dressing room);
- steam room;
- washing room;
- restroom.
Dressing room (locker room)
The dressing room is also called a vestibule. Here visitors leave their clothes, brooms and firewood are stored here. The dressing room performs a number of functions :
- is a zone with a buffer function that equalizes the temperature transition from the climate outside to the temperature inside the bathhouse;
- serves as a place for drying firewood;
- often also serves as a room in which to rest.
The dressing room door should open outward.
Steam room
This room is the main, base room of the building. This is where the highest temperature is maintained and where the furnace is located. In the corner of the steam room there are stones that create steam. There should be a heat-resistant coating underneath.
There are also benches arranged on steps. Two, as a rule, are intended for sitting, one for lying. When arranging a steam room, you need to think through the nuances:
- the material with which the ceiling and walls are sheathed is characterized by certain thermal insulation properties, taking them into account, the depth of thermal insulation of the rooms is calculated, and constructive techniques are used;
- The effective operation of the ventilation system is ensured by a special box or swinging window with double glazing. The location of the window is opposite the stove;
- the doorway is designed with a higher threshold: this way, cool air does not pass under the door and thermal efficiency is not reduced. The door itself swings outward;
- The steam room and washing room must be separated, otherwise the quality of steam and temperature decreases and fuel consumption increases.
Wash room
The washing room, often a shower stall, is located near the steam room . If the size of the building allows, these zones are separate from each other; in small buildings they are combined. In large buildings, a swimming pool or plunge pool is also equipped here.
The average area of the washing room is 2000x2000mm, then there is a place to take water procedures and place containers with water, hot and cold.
The window is built one and a half times larger than the window in the steam room. The doorway has also been enlarged – 1800x800mm to provide greater comfort. The requirements for heat conservation are lower than in a steam room. The threshold is made high, and the floor is laid with special tiles to prevent slipping and related injuries.
Restroom
Designs of bathhouses with a relaxation room give room for imagination. When there is only one recreation room, it can be made multifunctional through zoning . Eating, drinking tea, watching TV, billiards - all this happens in one room. Zoning is done using partitions, windows, furniture, and finishing materials. Additional comfort will be created by a fireplace in the corner and a couple of armchairs in front of it.
Standard solutions
In order to make it easier for you to prepare for the construction of a frame bath, we have collected for you the best projects and drawings that will help you cope with the task. These materials will be great for DIY construction if you are faced with the task of building both a rather modest 3x4 frame bathhouse and a more spacious 3x6 one. Let's consider other popular options: 5x5, 6x6, 6x8. Dividing by building area will help you better navigate this variety of promising solutions.
5x5
6x6
6x8
3x6
3x4
Choosing a place to build a bathhouse
The correct place for a bath should be at some distance from other objects:
- between the bathhouse and the fence of the neighboring area - 1 m or more;
- from any wooden building - from 15 m;
- be away from the garage, wells, swimming pools, children's areas;
- from a residential building - at least 8 m;
- from the roadway (street) - at least 5 m;
- do not cast a shadow on the neighboring area.
It is worth considering some more nuances:
- the optimal place to build a bathhouse is the backyard;
- you should decide in advance: the bathhouse is a separate building or an extension to the house;
- when designing, it is necessary to provide for ventilation and wastewater disposal;
- wind direction and cardinal directions should be taken into account. It is better to choose a location in the southern part of the site, the windows face west. Entrance is from the south to avoid snow accumulation;
- It is recommended to avoid slopes and damp areas;
- It is necessary to take into account climatic conditions and soil. The surface for construction is chosen to be flat.
In general, the site must comply with the requirements of regulations and legislation.
Shower room
The correct location of the shower is between the steam room and the locker room. The number of showers is calculated so that for every four places in the steam room there is one cabin. Shower diffusers are installed at an angle of 30ᵒ at least 1.7 m from the floor.
Shower room
Shower room
Note! A hand shower is the most convenient, as it allows you to thoroughly wash your entire body after bath procedures.
The water temperature in the shower should not exceed +45ᵒС. Hangers and soap racks should be easy to clean. Typically, the walls in this room must be washed to a maximum height of 2.2 m, and everything above (including the ceiling) is covered with lime-based plaster with a small amount of antifungal substances.
Shower room
Light-colored non-slip tiles are used to cover the floor; a slope must be made towards the garbage bins, which are often covered with grates. There is a separate place for drying - there you need to install a tap with a long hose to make it more convenient to carry out wet cleaning.
Prices for the range of floor tiles
Floor tile
Bath dimensions
The layout of the bathhouse is designed primarily taking into account the parameters of the site. There are several options for baths, differing in their sizes. Let's see what dimensions of the building exist and what is typical in such projects.
Bathhouse 2x2 m
This unassuming compact building consists of the most important things: a dressing room and a steam room. Sometimes there is a place for a rest room. Therefore, the stove must be placed so that it fits into both rooms. It is preferable to use a steel electric furnace. If desired, a washing room is located in the steam room.
This construction has its advantages:
- compactness;
- efficiency;
- ease of construction;
- little time for construction;
- The steam room heats up very quickly.
Such a bathhouse saves space and budget. The correct layout of the structure will make it comfortable and perform many functions.
Bathhouse 3x3 m
The 3 by 3 bathhouse project allows you to do more serious planning. The relaxation room is planned separately, the washing room and steam room are combined. They can exist separately, occupying 1.5 m each.
The bathhouse is designed to serve 2-3 people. A veranda or attic can easily be attached to it.
Bathhouse 3x4 m
The interior space is divided into three parts. You can add a shower room or washing room to the building. Typically, such baths have a relaxation room occupying 4.5 m2. The stove firebox is located in the dressing room - this makes it easier to maintain the temperature in the steam room. The boiler for heating water is located at the maximum distance from the entrance door.
The design assumes the presence of a locker room. The terrace will increase the area of the building.
Look at the photos of 3x4 bathhouse projects with your own hands.
Bathhouse 4x4 m
The 4 by 4 bath design allows the steam room and washing room to occupy a larger area than in previous compact versions. Such buildings are usually built from logs, which reduces the space inside. Therefore, one room performs several tasks, for example, the dressing room also becomes a locker room and steam room. In such a room two or three shelves 0.5-0.6 m wide will fit. The corner is reserved for a wood-burning or electric stove.
You can create more comfortable conditions, for example, equip a rest room and an additional washing room. By installing a stove in the steam room, you can use it to heat the adjacent room, so it’s easy to set up a relaxation room there, combined with a locker room.
The attic, which can easily accommodate a recreation room or a place to play billiards, will help increase the usable area.
Bathhouse 5x4 m
This option allows you to set up a separate washing room and steam room. The rest room becomes more comfortable and spacious, and can be combined with a locker room or dressing room. Due to the direct absence of a dressing room, this design cannot be used on cold days. The rest room is located just outside the entrance door. Its spaciousness allows you to install a sofa, armchair, and TV. The washing room is equipped with a shower, toilet, and sink for washing hands.
Convenient and free access is provided to any room.
Bathhouse 5x5 m
Such dimensions of the building make the premises comfortable. These parameters are very popular for a bath. You can combine a bathhouse with a terrace under one roof.
Often 10-12 square meters are allocated for the dressing room. m, which is half of the total space. The rest of the room houses a sink and a steam room. This design allows you to comfortably take bath procedures and relax. The relaxation area is decorated with a sofa and an armchair.
In the attic attached to the bathhouse there is a bedroom or a children's room. Now the building is ready to receive guests.
Bathhouse 5x8 m
The building effectively uses the first floor and allows for the addition of an attic. It can be divided into several zones, for example, a bedroom and a billiard room. You can add a balcony. However, the larger the premises and the total area, the more acute the questions arise about how to provide the premises with heat and how to waterproof them. The issue of fire safety is important. When installing a steam room, it is important to carry out all the work correctly, which will require expert advice.
Bathhouse 6x6 m
A 6 by 6 bathhouse design is considered optimal in size. The bathhouse will provide comfort in all functional rooms. It becomes possible to install all the necessary heating equipment and furniture without much space saving. There is an opportunity to arrange an attic, veranda, terrace, further increasing the usable space. A brick stove in a steam room will ensure longer heat retention.
The bathhouse can be used by 8-10 people at once. Each visitor accounts for approximately 1.1 m. The steam room is designed larger than the washing room, and the sewer pipe is located next to the drainage pit.
There is room here to place a dressing room, a steam room, a wash room, a bathroom and several rest rooms.
Bathhouse 8x8 m
Such a design will not fit into every area. This is a large spacious building, including everything you need and more. Here the construction of a swimming pool and hammam becomes available.
The complex includes four rooms: a dressing room, a steam room, a wash room and rest rooms. The steam room has several rows of shelves and a stove. The size of the room depends on the planned number of people. The recreation room is spacious, accommodates a group of vacationers, allows you to arrange furniture, a billiard table, and a TV.
There is space for a bathroom and a guest room. If you equip it with a kitchen, it will become an additional house on the site.
Waiting room
Waiting Room
The first room of any bathhouse is the waiting room. It should accommodate 2/3 of the number of seats in the steam room. Regarding the arrangement, there must be clothes hangers, a place for shoes, as well as an appropriate number of chairs.
Bathhouse layout
Bathhouse project 6x4
Prices for various types of construction boards
Construction boards
Material for building a bathhouse
When building a bathhouse, you can choose one of the types of buildings:
- from rounded logs (or timber);
- made of stone, brick, blocks;
- frame building;
- from wood concrete.
Let's take a closer look at each of these materials.
Wooden bathhouse
The advantages of wood as a building material are undeniable: availability, environmental friendliness, comfortable living, low price. Projects for bathhouses made of timber allow you to build a warm, durable structure. Such buildings do not require additional insulation. Walls can be erected from beams or logs. Wood creates a special atmosphere with a healing effect through its smell and appearance,
The following types of logs are taken for the construction of a bathhouse:
- debarked: a quick processing method that requires additional refining;
- scraped: a more deeply processed log that gives a durable structure;
- planed: gives the building thermal insulation properties;
- Lafetted: ensures tight, high-quality laying during installation;
- rounded: has the most attractive appearance, standardized dimensions, gives the building a long service life.
Bathhouse projects made from laminated veneer lumber are popular . The material retains the qualities of wood and is not prone to deformation in various climatic conditions. The material is well treated with a protective coating, due to which it lasts for a long time. Projects for bathhouses made of laminated veneer lumber can be purchased on a turnkey basis or thought out independently, with the support of specialists. Many designers and companies will provide designs and prices for a bathhouse made of laminated veneer lumber.
Bathhouse made of stone, brick, blocks
Stone and brick are used less frequently, since such a building requires a solid foundation, and the walls need to be heated for a long time. Brick as a building material for a bathhouse has many advantages:
- it is durable and does not require additional finishing work;
- has high thermal insulation properties;
- allows you to build a complex and attractive project;
- does not rot, is not susceptible to pests.
However, the bathhouse is more expensive, requires a complex ventilation system, and puts a greater load on the foundation. The appearance of a brick wall is inferior next to a log wall.
Bathhouse made of blocks
Heavy bricks can be replaced with blocks, which are much lighter and do not require strengthening the foundation . The blocks are easily cut with a hacksaw; special cement glue is used during installation. The material must be treated to reduce heat transfer to the outside.
Bathhouse projects made from foam blocks and gas blocks are cheaper.
Frame bathhouse
Inexpensive option with low weight, does not require a foundation . Construction is accessible even to beginners and is inexpensive. It does not shrink, so interior finishing can be done right away. Among the disadvantages: the building comes out with a low level of vapor barrier, the walls need to be additionally protected from moisture.
Arbolite bathhouse
Budget wood concrete is lightweight, retains heat well and is very durable.
All materials must be of high quality. Wooden parts need processing and impregnation.
Heating device
The heating device can be either an electric or a conventional heater. In the first case, the only mandatory conditions are grounding and waterproofed wiring.
Heating device
If we are talking about a stone or brick oven, then there will be more requirements:
- the furnace is installed on a special foundation;
- the walls and floor next to it are covered with heat-resistant material (for example, asbestos);
- the oven should be located as far as possible from the shelves;
- the chimney is also insulated;
- It is advisable to build a brick screen made of good brick around the stove.
Prices for fireplaces and stoves
Fireplaces and stoves
Options for interior design and layout
Previously, a bathhouse could consist of one room. Nowadays, a classic bathhouse consists of several rooms, each of which performs its own task .
Thanks to the zoning of the premises, the steam room warms up faster, while the rest room has a normal temperature. It should be easy to enter all rooms from the dressing room.
The interior arrangement of a bathhouse depends primarily on its type . The washing room and steam room can be equipped in the same room if it is a Russian bathhouse, and must be separated if it is a Finnish version. If the building has a swimming pool, then a steam room, a relaxation room and a washing room should open into the room with it - this option will be optimal.
The bathhouse, equipped with a veranda with barbecue, will become a favorite place for the family and its guests. The recreation room can accommodate not only a billiard room, but also a hookah room.
A successful design would be bathhouse projects with a relaxation room and a terrace . Here you can relax inside during the cold season or enjoy nature on the terrace in summer. We offer a mini review of bathhouse projects with a terrace.
The selected project for a bathhouse with a swimming pool will be a wonderful place to relax.
An interesting option would be a bathhouse with an attic and a balcony in it. A gable or sloping roof is suitable for such a project. It can be coated with ondulin, which will ensure the strength of the roof and the durability of the entire building.
When designing a bathhouse, you should consider some important points:
- room layout;
- water supply system;
- wiring of the electricity network;
- sewerage and drainage system.
A convenient option would be a bathhouse, in which there will be an exit from the dressing room or rest room to the terrace, and the stove can be located in the rest room and serve as a fireplace
Roof
Roof vapor barrier
The cost of construction is affected by the design of the roof. The best option in terms of cost is single-slope, gable. Hip roofing is suitable for attic structures. The terrace is covered with the same roof as the bathhouse, with a single rafter system.
The step between the rafters is made according to the project calculations. For the adjacent, protruding terrace, which is built later, separate rafters and sheathing for the roofing are installed. The area for the extension is planned and fenced off in advance.
The following roofing materials are used: roofing felt, soft tiles, ondulin, corrugated sheets. It all depends on the design features of the project.
How to arrange the interior
Finishing materials are presented on the market in such a wide palette that their choice will allow you to realize any idea in any style. The main thing is to combine the originality of the interior with ease of use and not clutter the space with unnecessary details .
Wooden objects, ladles, brooms as decor, and hand-woven rugs on the floor are suitable for a Russian bath. The style of the chalet will be recreated by bouquets of fragrant herbs, tablecloths, tea sets, and hunter’s attributes. High ceilings and accent lighting deepen the contemporary style.
Furniture is chosen depending on the size of the bathhouse . The dressing room can be marked with a wooden hanger, and a small cabinet is sufficient to store cleaning supplies. Don't forget about a bench for easy changing.
A wooden table, sofa or soft chairs will be placed in the relaxation room. You can equip the walls with shelves for storing dishes and accessories for the bath.
The walls are wooden or painted in light colors. All items perform specific functions, nothing superfluous. The furniture and interior are in harmony with each other .
Which project you should choose depends on the type of bathhouse, since each requires its own conditions and materials . The traditional project includes a dressing room, washing room, and steam room. The remaining rooms and areas are planned based on the size of the site. The bath complex may include a swimming pool, an attic, and a veranda. The premises can perform combined functions. Popular wood projects require additional treatment and protection, and foam block buildings represent the most budget-friendly option. The style of the bathhouse is created using materials, furniture, and decorative items. The interior should be practical, environmentally friendly and safe.
Save your budget
If you have a small budget, you can save on several points. Such savings will not affect the quality of construction, ensuring the construction of a reliable structure.
You should not buy a stove with a remote firebox. Such a purchase will not only be cheaper, but will also allow you to heat up the steam room much faster, and this will save firewood.
If the soil allows, give preference to a removable foundation. It is very inexpensive, allows you to quickly carry out the necessary repairs if necessary, and is easily dismantled and replaced with another.
If you plan to have a window in the bathhouse, be sure to insulate it in the winter; regular film with bubbles, which is used for packaging, is suitable for these purposes. It is used to trim the frame from the outside.
There is no need to install a shower stall or install a shower in the washroom. Just put basins or tubs for water. It is not so convenient, but very economical.
To reduce the cost of the roof, you should not make it very high. This will not only reduce the cost of cladding, but will also make the chimney not so high.
Attention! In a budget bathhouse, you will also need to abandon full sewerage and water supply. For cold water, you can put barrels or equip a hose. Water in such baths is usually simply poured onto the floor, from where it is immediately absorbed into the ground.
Monthly expenses
- Taxes on commercial real estate - 1.5% of the cadastral value. To avoid wasting your time calculating taxes, hire an accountant to work remotely - 5000;
- payment to the pension fund - 5000;
- electricity, water, firewood - about 7000;
- monthly advertising expenses - 18,000;
- salary to employees (if you still decide to hire) - 40,000;
- fire alarm maintenance - 2000;
- additional expenses - 10,000 (amount varies).
Total: 87,000 rub. But this amount may change from month to month, everything is individual. For example, if you don’t hire employees and work yourself, you will reduce costs by 40,000 rubles.
Walls
For the construction of a Russian bathhouse from logs or beams, as mentioned above in the article, coniferous types of wood are best suited. Usually they take logs from 200 to 220 mm. The dimensions of the timber are 150 by 150 mm.
This is what a beam for building a bathhouse looks like
It can be edged, glued or profiled.
The Russian wood-burning bathhouse was originally built from chopped logs. Now this material is used either by villagers or by those who strive for everything natural. If you are building a bathhouse with your own hands, then it is most economical to cut down the necessary trees. Or you can order a log house project with installation, and then complete the further details yourself.
The process of building a bathhouse from logs and from timber is somewhat different. It is easier to build a bathhouse yourself using the last mentioned material. The construction of a building from logs requires a lot of knowledge and skill.
Hiring
If you decide to build a sauna on your property, it will be enough to hire two bathhouse attendants who will work in shifts, interact with clients and, of course, provide maintenance.
Many entrepreneurs who have opened a sauna business on their site prefer to work independently, thus significantly reducing costs.
If you open a bath complex, you will need to hire employees such as: administrator, bath attendant, stoker, cook, kitchen assistants, security guard, electrician, cleaner.
When the business starts to grow, you will have to increase your staff and hire: a bartender, a massage therapist, a cosmetologist (spa treatments will bring good additional income).
List of documents required to open a business
The first step is to open an individual entrepreneur or LLC. If you are the only owner and there will be only one bathhouse in the foreseeable future, then it is recommended to register as an individual entrepreneur, with taxation under the simplified tax system.
To open an LLC you will need the following documents:
- the decision of the sole founder or the minutes of the general meeting on the creation of the organization;
- agreement on its establishment;
- LLC charter;
- receipt of payment of state duty;
- notification of transition to simplified tax system
The tax office may request information about your legal address (if you rent premises).
- permission of local authorities;
- permission from the sanitary and epidemiological service;
- fire service permit;
- contract for sanitary treatment of premises;
- waste removal agreement;
- contract for washing and disinfection
- liquor license
- OKVED for retail trade
Bathhouse made of beams
Again, we initially select good material. The timber should not have wormholes or traces of being eaten by beetles, it should look perfectly even and smooth. The easiest way to build is to order a ready-made project with detailed drawings and numbered beams. It will be a little harder to do it with your own hands, but the joy from constructing the structure will be greater. The foundation, as in the version with logs, must be finished with various waterproofing materials.
Slats are laid on it, the purpose of which is to protect the base from subsidence and the timber from rotting. The space between the foundation and the tree is filled with foam. After this, the first crown is laid. For it you need to choose the thickest and most reliable materials. So, if our main beam measures 150 mm by 150 mm, then it is better to take 200 x 200 mm for the lining. The following crowns are stacked one on top of the other, strictly maintaining a horizontal level. There are three ways to fasten the beams together:
- Nails without heads;
- Wooden quarter-deck;
- A spring unit called “Strength”.
The top balls of the crowns are not attached, since they will need to be removed to lay the floor. If desired, each level can be caulked for better heat retention.
