Tip

Sauna size: Inner dimension

As a rough rule, we recommend planning one side with a minimum internal dimension of 200 cm, so that a lying person can comfortably find space in it. Of course, it is also possible to plan a smaller sauna: depending on your height or if you are not lying down, but sitting while using your sauna. Or a larger sauna is recommended if the space is available and the sauna is to be used with the whole family .

Sauna size: Outdoor dimension

It is important that you do not plan the interior dimension as an external dimension! The sauna wall thickness must be added to the internal dimension. At corso, the wall has a thickness of 8 cm. If the sauna connects to a room wall, a wall spacing of 6 cm must be added in order to allow the sauna to be sufficiently ventilated.

Sauna size: example calculation

Example: The sauna size inside shall be 200 cm. The sauna is located in a niche, i.e. right and left a room wall connects to the sauna:

• External dimension:
  200 cm (inside) + 2 x 8 cm (sauna walls) = 216 cm sauna exterior
• Total space requirement:
  216 cm (external dimension) + 2 x 6 cm (wall spacing) = 228 cm space requirement

Please consider this only as an example calculation to illustrate the difference between the interior dimension and the external dimension.

More interesting information about sauna:

How do I plan an indoor sauna?
How to clean a sauna?
What are the health effects of sauna?
Who is not allowed in the sauna?

In addition, we were looking for these questions on the topic:

How big must the sauna be?
What size should the sauna be?
How much space do you need for a sauna?
Sauna what wall spacing?

Finnish sauna: the oldest type of sauna.

• Temperature: 80 to 110° C
• Humidity: about 20%

The Finnish sauna is the classic and oldest type of sauna, there is a dry and hot climate. Infusions on the sauna stones increase the humidity to up to 30% in the short term. This causes a strong heat stimulus. Of all sauna types, the Finnish sauna has the most intense effect on immune system & Co. All information about SAUNA & HEALTH > . We plan your Finnish sauna for home freely according to your wishes as an indoor sauna or outdoor sauna.

Bio Sauna: “Sauna light”

• Temperature: 50 – 60° C
• Humidity: 40 – 50%

With “sauna light” the bio sauna can best be brought to the point: you go to sauna in a humid warm air bath, which is much gentler than in the Finnish sauna. The circulatory load is lower and thus meets sensitive people. Optional light elements with changing colours transform the bio sauna into a relaxing oasis. The mood is positively influenced (blue = soothing, red = stimulating, green = regenerating, yellow = mood-enhancing). The bio sauna is recommended for beginners, children and the elderly. The skin feels well-groomed, the breath becomes free, the sauna has a cleansing and stimulating effect. By installing a combi-heater, every Finnish sauna can also be used as a bio sauna.

Infrared cabin & infrared sauna

The temperature in the infrared cabin (sometimes also referred to as an infrared sauna) is 38 – 50° Celsius. Unlike the Finnish sauna, the body is not warmed by the hot ambient air, but by the infrared radiation. The rays warm the skin, from where the heat then spreads throughout the body and creates a pleasant feeling. Due to the lower temperature, the infrared cabin is very circuit-friendly. In addition, it is quickly ready for operation, the beneficial effect starts after only a few minutes. Ideal is a stay of about 30 minutes. The resulting heat can relieve muscle and joint pain and counteract various skin problems. An infrared sauna can be designed as an independent cabin or integrated into the Finnish sauna/bio sauna as an “extra”. All information: INFRARED >

Which sauna is healthiest…?

Which type of sauna is the best choice for you ultimately depends on your personal taste and your individual physical constitution. The most sweating is in the Finnish sauna, so that the health effects in terms of detoxification, strengths of the immune system, etc. are also greatest here. More info: SAUNA & HEALTH. However, if the Finnish sauna is not suitable for you due to blood pressure or similar, you should consider an alternative. If you choose a sauna at home, it is helpful to try out the different types of sauna yourself beforehand – either in a suitable wellness hotel or SPA. Ultimately, you should choose your favourite sauna according to your personal taste – because it is crucial how you best relax and regenerate.

More interesting information about sauna:

What do you need for the sauna?
How to clean a sauna?
What are the health effects of sauna?
Who is not allowed in the sauna?

In addition, we were looking for these questions on the topic:

Which sauna is the best for home?
Which sauna for high blood pressure?
In which sauna do you sweat the most?
Which is the best sauna?
Which sauna for a cold?
Which sauna is the best?

Sauna materials: wood and stone elements

The main material of a sauna is the wood used for the loungers and for the interior cladding of the cabin. The different types of wood differ in appearance, feel and smell. Wood such as spruce, aspen, oak or hemlock are often used – but the choice is much larger with over 100 different sauna woods. We will be happy to advise you and select your personal wish wood together with you. All information about SAUNA WOOD >

In order to visually enhance the sauna, salt walls or stone wall elements can also be installed, for example. A stone wall behind the stove also has the advantage that any splashes of water leave no stains in case of strong sauna infusions.

Sauna design with glass elements

In order to make your desired sauna a real eye-catcher and to give you a “wide view” from the inside, you should not neglect the topic of glass: Especially with a design sauna, people like to work with a lot of glass in order to achieve a lightness and transparency in terms of design.

For the sauna doors 8 mm thick ESG (single-pane safety glass) is used here, for the rest 10 mm ESG glass is used. There are hardly any limits to your design ideas, regardless of whether the glass is to be framed or frameless and floor-deep. We look forward to your ideas and wishes, which we are happy to accept as a challenge!

Sauna lighting: LED, wall lights, starry sky

The light is a very important design element: only with a well thought-out lighting concept is the sauna perfectly staged and the entire ambience is enhanced. We recommend high-quality LED lighting systems, which are specially manufactured for sauna construction and can withstand the extreme stresses of heat and humidity. The lighting is dimmable and depending on the bulb used, color changes are also possible to positively influence the mood. There are also wall lights to choose from or a starry sky can be installed in the sauna ceiling. Let us advise you!

Sauna material: No metal in the sauna

No metal objects are used in the equipment of a sauna, as the metal in the sauna heats up too much, so that one could burn up very quickly during contact with it.

Construction: How is the sauna wall structured?

We are also happy to give you a look “behind” the sauna cladding:
At the corso sauna manufactory, the saunas are built with a sturdy frame wood underconstruction, which give the entire sauna a special strength. In the case of the sauna in element construction, a high-quality thermal insulation made of rock wool with additional aluminium vapour barrier is introduced into this frame construction.

The connection of the wall elements is obscured so that no fittings are visible. The side walls stand on a height-adjustable base frame, so that floor unevenness can be compensated. This prevents moisture from penetrating the wood. The sauna must be set up at a distance from the room wall to ensure back ventilation! Further information: SAUNASIZE >

Sauna without floor

The sauna cabin is delivered without floor, i.e. it is placed on the existing floor at your site. You can read which floor is suitable here: SAUNA PLANNING INDOOR >

Further information on sauna planning:

How do I plan an indoor sauna?
How do I plan an outdoor sauna?
How much does a corso sauna cost?

In addition, these questions were put:

Construction of sauna wall?
Is it possible to attach the sauna wood directly to the wall?
Will the sauna be delivered without a floor?

Sauna oven: what kW power is required?

The size of the sauna is crucial for the selection of the optimal sauna heater. From our many years of experience, we recommend heaters with the following output:

• Sauna size between 3 and 6 m³ = > sauna heater with 4.5 kW capacity
• Sauna size between 5 and 9 m³ = > sauna heater with 6.0 kW capacity
• Sauna size between 8 and 11 m³ = > sauna heater with 8.0 kW capacity
• Sauna size between 10 and 12 m³ = > sauna heater with 9.0 kW capacity

If the glass content of the sauna is high, however, a sauna heater with higher performance may have to be chosen. When planning a sauna, we advise you on the right selection. In general, a distinction is made in the sauna heaters between an oven suspended on the sauna wall (wall-hanging oven), a free-standing oven (e.g. in front of a glass front) or a rear wall furnace (hidden oven behind the sauna wall). We match the selection of the right oven to the sauna design.

Which power connection is required for the sauna oven?

For a high-performance sauna oven, high current with 400 V is basically required. Here you will find detailed information: Sauna planning: electricity connection and cables >

Tip: free-standing sauna heater

If your sauna has a glazed corner, a free-standing sauna heater is particularly fine. In order to ensure that no visible connection cables disturb the perfect optics at the end, we recommend – if feasible – to lead an empty pipe under the screed to the planned heater position in good time during construction. Please contact us early if you are planning your house construction or conversion, so that the power connections and cables can already be laid appropriately.

Bio sauna: What is a combi sauna heater?

It is not only the kW performance of the oven that matters – it is also crucial how you want to use your sauna: a normal sauna heater is sufficient for the Finnish sauna (approx. 90 °C/10 % humidity). If you also want to use your sauna as a bio sauna (approx. 60 °C/40 % humidity), the sauna heater must be equipped with an evaporator. This is then a so-called combi heater or combined sauna oven. With the water vapor from the evaporator, the humidity in the sauna is increased. With a combi heater you are completely flexible: the evaporator can be switched on or off, i.e. you can sauna with it in the Finnish way, but also use the sauna cabin as an bio sauna on another day.

In the case of a bio sauna, it should be noted that exhaust air is necessary to actively guide the moisture from the sauna to the outside after sauna use (to avoid mould formation). All information about the sauna forms can be found here >

Replacing the sauna heater

You already have a sauna and would like to retrofit your sauna heater…? On request, corso also provides you with a new sauna heater or a new sauna control system if your previous model is defective or if you want to upgrade to a newer model (whether your existing sauna was built by corso or not or if you want to build your own sauna DIY). In view of the large selection, we recommend you to talk to us in advance, so that we can offer you the most suitable technology for your sauna. We are looking forward to the conversation! CONTACT >

Changing sauna stones

The sauna stones should be renewed after 3 to 6 years, but at the latest if they become brittle or start to smell. Otherwise, small splinters could damage the heating rods of your oven. Order new sauna stones: SHOP >

Further information on sauna planning:

How do I plan an indoor sauna?
How do I plan an outdoor sauna?
What materials are used for sauna construction?

In addition, these questions were placed:

Which electricity connection for sauna?
Which cable for sauna?
How often do sauna stones need to be changed?

Maintaining and cleaning the sauna properly:

• Shower before you go to sauna and put a large towel on the bench so that the wood is protected from sweat.
• Air your sauna and sauna room well after each use to get the humidity out.
• Do not clean the sauna until it is no longer in operation and completely cooled down!
• Simply wipe off dust and dirt with a damp cloth. We recommend that you lightly moisten the cloth with the special sauna cleaner PURUVESI (see below for details). Important: please do not use a wet cloth so as not to damage the dry wood!
• The sauna wood must NOT be cleaned by high-pressure cleaner or water hose, because it is very dry and sensitive to moisture.
• We advise against disinfectants in the case of sauna wood: the Consumer Centre NRW also notes that the dosages are often too low to really disinfect, allergies are promoted and good bacteria are also killed and the environment is polluted.
  
  If you follow these steps, you will keep your sauna cabin as beautiful as it was on the first day!

How can I protect the sauna wood from sweat and water stains?

In order to protect the sauna wood from stains by sweat and/or water, we recommend the high-quality products for sauna cleaning from Lahti, which are tested and approved for the cleaning and care of sauna wood. Please do not use normal household cleaners! The products can be ordered directly at THE CORSO e-SHOP >

For the cleaning of the sauna wood use PURUVESI, for the impregnation of the clean sauna wood OULUJÄRVI is used:

Clean sauna wood: PURUVESI

If your sauna wood already has stains, you should first remove them with the sauna cleaner PURUVESI and clean the wood completely. On the picture at the top you can see the spotty sauna wood, on the right the same wood after cleaning with PURUVESI. This special sauna cleaner is a 100% biological agent, odourless and without pollutants or solvents. Dosage: Depending on the surface/absorbency, you need approx. 30 – 90 ml PURUVESI per m2. (We strongly advise against using normal household cleaners, as the high sauna temperatures could harm both your health and sauna wood.)

Impregnate sauna wood: OULUJÄRVI

If you have a brand new (or freshly cleaned) sauna, the sauna wood can be impregnated with OULUJÄRVI. This bio-based sauna care creates a lotus effect, so that your wood is effectively protected from stains: water drops simply peel off without entering the wood. Dosage: Depending on the surface/absorbency, you need approx. 30 – 250 ml OULUJÄRVI per m2. The impregnation should be refreshed in the private sector every 2 years in order to protect the wood optimally. The sauna care product OULUJÄRVI is a completely harmless natural product based on the health of the organic, odourless and environmentally friendly. (In commercial sector, the wood should be impregnated every 12 months; 5-litre containers are available.) Order sauna products in CORSO e-SHOP >

Tips for the care and maintenance of your sauna

Lime or water stains at the sauna oven are most appropriately removed with a solid brush and a lye made of citric acid or vinegar. The door snapper should be oiled regularly and re-enacted if necessary. All fittings, in particular the fittings of the door hinges, should be checked regularly and, if necessary, tightened.

It is important to have a good ventilation of the cabin, so that no damage to the sauna or to the technology is caused by masonry moisture. In order to ensure adequate ventilation of the sauna cabin, we plan all corso saunas with a wall spacing of 6 cm. Further information can be found under the key points for sauna size and sauna planning.

How do I remove very heavy dirt?

In the case of untreated solid wood, very strong dirt or discoloration can be sanded off with fine-grained sandpaper (160 grain) if required. Please note, however, that this is not possible with thermal wood. The interior cladding of the sauna and the interior equipment (loungers, etc.) may not be painted. The wall cladding can be wiped from time to time with a fog-moist cloth.

Further interesting information about sauna and sauna:

What materials is a sauna made of?
Which sauna is right for me?
Why is sauna so healthy?

In addition, we have been asked the following questions:

How to clean the sauna?
How to remove stains in sauna?
How to maintain sauna?
What cleaning products do you need for the sauna?
Buy sauna detergents.

When, how much and what should I drink when taking a sauna?

After sauna, you should drink at least one litre of water or Spritzer. Or you can weigh yourself before and after to determine the exact loss of fluid during the sauna sessions. This loss of fluid should then be (at least) completely compensated. If you don’t drink enough, even headaches can result – and you certainly want to avoid that!

Experts do not entirely agree on the right time to drink. Some recommend for the best detoxification effect, to drink only after the end of the complete sauna and not already between the sauna sessions. However, your well-being is crucial: if you are thirsty beforehand, it is always better to drink something and listen to the signals of your body. If you do not have a thirst between the sessions, you should drink plenty before and after the sauna visit, which will in any case promote detoxification.

What should you eat before sauna?

Before and after sauna bathing, you should only eat light food: because during the sauna, your heart already has to pump significantly more blood, the circulation and metabolism come on full speed. If you do this with a full stomach, your body will have to compensate for a double load – and this is not particularly conducive to the relaxation effect. Therefore, fresh fruit or a salad are recommended to provide the body with vitamins.

More information: SAUNA & HEALTH >

How does detoxification work when sauna bathing?

By sweating in the sauna, the body loses liquid. As a result, the blood is thickened as water is removed from the blood. The thicker blood then absorbs more pollutants, which are then filtered through the kidneys and excreted with the urine. The toxins are thus not primarily sweated out by sweat, but filtered and “discarded” via the internal organs.

Further interesting information about sauna and sauna:

How do I go to sauna properly?
How often is sauna healthy?
Who is not allowed in the sauna?

In addition, we have been asked the following questions on the topic:

What should I eat before sauna?
How much should you eat before sauna?
How much should you drink before going to sauna?

At what age are children or infants allowed to go to the sauna?

There are no clearly defined ages for when an infant or toddler is allowed to go to the sauna. According to the recommendations of the German Sauna Federation, it is already “possible from the 4th month” if the baby is completely healthy according to U4. The professional association of paediatricians and adolescent doctors BVKJ, on the other hand, advises against using a sauna before the first year of life. Ultimately, it is up to parents to decide whether to take their child to the sauna before their first birthday. But from then on, nothing should stand in the way of the common sauna pleasure if the child is healthy and enjoys it (which is usually the case with infants in our personal experience!).

Sauna with children: what do I have to consider?

It is important that you proceed slowly and carefully and pay attention to your child’s reactions: it is best to start with comparatively low temperatures of around 60 degrees in the Finnish sauna without infusions. Start with a short session of 3 to 5 minutes on a middle or lower bench. For the first time, you should limit the common sauna bathing by one session. To cool off, the child should take a lukewarm shower, go to the fresh air, drink enough – and then cuddle and relax together with the parents.

Depending on how your child likes it, you can increase to two sauna sessions after a while. It is important that the child is always together with you as a parent and that it is not unaccompanied in the sauna! Of course, it is best to sweat together with the offspring in your own sauna at home. If you want to take your child to a public sauna, inform yourself in advance whether and at what age it is possible or if there are special times for the “infants or children’s sauna” if necessary.

More info: SAUNA & HEALTH >

Further interesting information about sauna and sauna:

How to use sauna properly?
How often is sauna healthy?
Who is not allowed in the sauna?

In addition, we were looking for these questions on the topic:

From when sauna?
Sauna visit from what age?
When can a child go to the sauna?
From when sauna with baby?

From when is it allowed to go to sauna with a new tattoo?

With a fresh tattoo, it is important that the tattoo is completely healed. Otherwise, there is a risk that the tattoo will break open and lose color. In a good tattoo studio you will usually receive a leaflet with the exact instructions and times.

When can I go to the sauna again after a surgery?

When you are allowed to go back to the sauna after surgery depends on the type and course of the surgery. You should clarify this with the attending doctor in any case.

Is it allowed to go to the sauna with rheumatism?

Basically, you can go to the sauna with rheumatism, but only outside an acute inflammatory interval. Talk to your doctor in advance.

In case of which diseases should you not go to the sauna?

People with kidney problems, inflammation or acute infections, heart failure or heart disease, as well as problems with dizziness, are some indications in which the sauna must/should be dispensed with. Not every disease picture and every expression can be discussed in detail here. Please consult with your doctor if you have an illness, whether sauna is suitable for you or what points you may need to consider when sauna bathing.

Is it allowed to go to the sauna during pregnancy?

If there are no acute health problems, then pregnant women can go to the sauna without any problems to enjoy the warmth and to relax.

Further interesting information about sauna and sauna:

How do I go to sauna properly/correctly?
How often is sauna healthy?

In addition, we were looking for these questions on the topic:

From when sauna after surgery?
When sauna after tattoo?
How long after tattoo not in the sauna?
Until when sauna in pregnancy?
Until when pregnant in the sauna?