A house or bathhouse made of rounded logs (for readers interested in timber for a bathhouse, go here) is a widespread practice, to the point where you can know nothing at all about the subject, order some kind of construction project and get the finished result.
But it’s unlikely that you would read our articles if you were happy with everything in this version. And we ourselves believe that a good owner will definitely consider it necessary to delve into the subject, to find out more about the material itself - which log is better for a bathhouse, what size, diameter, how they differ, what properties they have. This knowledge will be useful both in order to understand what construction is being made of and to control some parameters or processes. And after that, too - the log house is not to say that it is capricious, but it still requires care.
So let’s figure it all out, and at the same time, you’ll see, we’ll dispel some myths.
Project
When choosing the size of the bathhouse, you need to focus on the number of visitors.
A small building of 3x4 m is quite enough if there are not many people. However, more often they order bathhouse projects of 4x6, 5x5 m. Many opt for complex projects. Bathhouses with a veranda and attic are very popular. Some choose bath houses with a complex layout, create an entire bath complex, and decorate the area next to the building with decorative elements - for example, an original gazebo. A fairly popular option is a two-story building. On the second floor you can equip, for example, a kitchen.
The largest baths are usually designed for significant traffic. They can accommodate additional rooms: for example, intended for spa treatments.
Bathhouse made of planed logs
Building a bathhouse from this type of material is considered the most difficult. After all, processing of all logs is done manually, without the use of special machines. Only a professional can take on such work, since he will have to work with an ordinary plane. To build such a bathhouse will require a lot of time and effort. But at the same time, a correctly constructed room will be able to please its owners for more than one year.
And all because there is no factory processing, during which the most durable layer of wood is removed, so such a bathhouse can last almost 100 years, without requiring major repairs.
Features of the layout of a bathhouse made of 6x4 timber
The design of a 4x6 bathhouse must be carefully thought out. Despite the fact that smaller complexes are often built, every square meter still needs to be distributed with maximum benefit.
The layout of a 6x4 bathhouse may differ in the size of the rooms. The area of the steam room can be increased due to the relaxation room. You can do the opposite - plan a more spacious living room, but reduce the area of the steam room or dressing room. In some cases, owners consider it mandatory to have a separate dressing room; for other owners, it is more important to have a large, comfortable shower. There can be many nuances of planning, it all depends on how the owners see their ideal bathhouse.
Features of arranging a rest room
In the bath we want to receive healing from illnesses, relax our soul and body. That is why a lot of attention is paid to the creation of leisure areas. When it comes to a room, it is important to furnish it correctly. You need comfortable furniture, a small kitchen corner where you can prepare simple snacks, and a good TV. Sometimes a small fireplace is made in the living room or transparent glass is placed on the firebox, which allows you to see beautiful fiery reflections. You can make a billiard room near the recreation room - this type of outdoor activity is very popular.
Materials
The ideal building material for a bathhouse is a rounded log, profiled or glued beam. The speed of construction of a building from these materials is high - this will allow you to start using the premises within a short period of time after the start of construction.
A rounded log is much more durable than a regular log. This is explained by the processing technology: after rounding, the sapwood is removed from the trunk - the wet part of the trunk located under the bark. What remains is the hard core of the tree, it is impregnated with resins or tannins, is almost devoid of moisture and lasts much longer than an ordinary log. The workpiece has a cut on one side of the log that perfectly matches the convex part of the other. In addition, such a structure has a very beautiful appearance and does not require external or internal finishing.
Profiled timber simplifies construction so much that assembling a small structure can take 1-2 days. Such a beam has a profiled surface that connects the material into a lock. There is no need to waste time fixing connections. The pressure on the walls eventually closes the beams into a monolith. Finishing all sides does not require wall paneling unless for decorative purposes.
Log houses made of laminated veneer lumber are becoming increasingly popular. A distinctive feature of this material is its high resistance to aggressive atmospheric influences. Its cost is quite affordable, the walls do not require additional insulation. A structure made of laminated veneer lumber is not subject to shrinkage, so the bathhouse can be used immediately after construction is completed.
A frame bath is the most budget-friendly solution. Construction of this type will cost much less than construction from logs or timber. Experts advise using materials that have undergone chamber drying in the construction of a frame bath - this minimizes the effects of shrinkage, which can affect the integrity of the walls. The structure will require careful antiseptic treatment and good insulation. Moreover, the frame structure has high fire resistance.
Advantages and disadvantages
Demand for baths remains high. These can be either separate buildings or extensions to private houses. A log sauna can have any shape and size. This is an ideal place for recovery, relaxation and a pleasant pastime.
Other advantages of log baths:
- Natural material is lightweight compared to other common options. There is no need for a bulk foundation.
- High quality wood boasts a long service life. With proper care, it will retain its declared characteristics and attractive appearance for a long time.
- The natural resource has excellent sound insulation.
- Due to its special properties, the room remains warm for a long time. This saves energy consumption.
- Material of natural origin is safe for health and the environment.
- The tree has an amazing texture and unique pattern. Some varieties emit a pleasant aroma when exposed to heat.
- Natural building materials are considered expensive, but logs are cheaper than foam concrete or bricks.
The following characteristics can be noted as disadvantages:
- long-term shrinkage of some varieties;
- wood is susceptible to rotting;
- high fire hazard rate;
- Due to sudden temperature changes, the wood may crack.
Special cases
It probably remains to clarify a couple of points related to special cases - what material is suitable for a log bathhouse with a second floor, and are there log barrel bathhouses?
For a bathhouse with a second floor
A two-story wooden bathhouse is often built from logs with a diameter of 20 to 28 cm . We came to this conclusion after reviewing the proposals of a variety of construction companies that build such turnkey baths. However, the customer is sometimes given the opportunity to choose the diameter of the logs himself.
From this we can conclude that no special requirements for the thickness of logs are provided in the case of a two-story building, but the foundation must be appropriate for the future load. A civil engineer must calculate the foundation.
For a barrel bath
Let's say right away: a log is not used for a barrel bath . In all the options that we saw, it was an edged board. As an option - edged tongue and groove.
Barrel baths arose as a type of mobile baths, which were also relatively cheap. It is logical that neither in design, nor in purpose, nor in price, solid logs are suitable as wall material here.
But if any of the readers have seen something that proves the opposite, we will be glad to see the proof link
