Sauna bench layout

Upper bench and ceiling

Harvia recommends 1100–1200 mm between the upper bench and the ceiling, noting that extra space above bathers wastes heat near the ceiling.

HUUM's DROP manual puts the top bench 44–51 in (1100–1300 mm) below the ceiling.

Finnleo gives an average sauna ceiling height of 84 in, generally 77 in minimum and 96 in maximum.

Depth, width and steps

Harvia says upper benches should be at least 500 mm deep, or 600 mm or more if you want to lie down or sit with your feet up.

Harvia uses about 600 mm of bench width per seated person as a rule of thumb. Finnleo plans about 2 ft of upper-bench length per bather.

Harvia gives 350 mm as the right step height between bench levels.

Room width

Harvia suggests a sauna at least 2200 mm wide, with 2500 mm giving extra legroom.

NASS recommends a room at least 6 ft wide if you want to lie down, with the main upper bench along the longest wall. (North American Sauna Society)

Read next

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• Sauna wood types
• Sauna ventilation