Help with Sauna floor

diz79

Hi

Before I start I’ve never
really done any wood work or built anything so I am a layman I’ve just got
advice from family and used YouTube videos.

 
I think I’m nearly there, I’ve built the
floor up with posts in in postcrete, I’ve also added some concrete blocks for
extra support, I’ve then played down some pressure treated wood across. I’ve
read lots of posts in different forums on the internet about how important it
is to stop any bad chemicals getting into the sauna, some have said its not
that big of a deal because the floor doesn’t get that hot, but II think as many
would prob agree a sauna is meant to be healthy so any bad chemicals coming in
will cancel out the good effects.

I’ve followed several videos ....these were
helpful

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-GXlSEfyRy4&t=225s

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zu_FhM3lWYU&t=4s

This one below was
especially helpful as shows what he does to negate the bade chemicals...It
should start where he talks about the floor but if not its time 23.59

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9swssaQbM8&t=1453

He says he uses 1cm wet room boards, i Just
want to confirm wet room boards are the same as tile backer boards or
backerboards I assume they are but I am a novice. Below are the two I am
considering for the floor

https://www.diy.com/departments/qboard-basiq-square-edge-10mm-backerboard-h-2400mm-w-600mm/4025345158052_BQ.prd

https://www.diy.com/departments/onboard-tile-backer-board-pack-of-10-h-1200mm-w-600mm-t-6mm/5065017007966_BQ.prd

 

Now the other option is
concrete backer boards as shown in this post (I also know you can actually
cement the whole floor but don’t think I have the skills for this yet).

https://www.reddit.com/r/Sauna/comments/1b3t3n9/concrete_backer_board_alternatives/

 

Is there a preference or much of a muchness? If you need pictures I can try and upload,

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

moneysaver1978

I cannot help with your questions but big kudos to you for DIYing the sauna! Yes please to sending photos.

Just curious, is insulating the roof and shed walls important?

FreeBear

Marmox type tile backer boards are not the same as (solid) cement boards - The difference is the former has an insulating core. Both can be used on walls, floors, and ceilings (make sure to use stainless steel screws & mushrooms). And with the Marmox type boards, thicker is better if you want to benefit from the insulation.

mlz1413

I have a lot to do with Saunas but want to set out by saying I have NOT watched any of the videos you linked.

But as a quick overview a sauna floor can just be tiled, so whatever the construction is, if you tile it then no bad chemicals will come through. 

When you create the cabin you need to ensure the heat you create inside your finished sauna stays inside, so think about a good insulation and a foil that will reflect heat back into cabin. Also T&G is normally used to clad the inside as it allows for some movement when the timber heats and cools.

Seating should be a knot free timber to reduce risk of burning.

Do not use stains, varnish or paint inside as these will blister. Plus are chemicals which you rightly want to avoid. 

Good luck with your build.

Kiran

I think I'm right in saying the walls get treated with paraffin oil to stop issues with mould forming once the sauna cools?

Good luck with your build, would love to see some photos as its something I've been considering doing for a while, although it's been low on the priority list unfortunately 

diz79

Thanks for quick replies, Ill get some photos sorted and upload, had a busy weekend.

diz79

This is the floor ive built