Materials for the construction of a Russian bath. What material is best for a bath?

Own bathhouse summer cottage or on the territory country house- the dream of many owners. The benefits of bath procedures are obvious - they strengthen the spirit, improve blood circulation, improve skin condition, and are an effective prevention of colds.

Today the construction market offers a lot of building materials for the construction of a bathhouse.

Peculiarities

All steam rooms for private use must comply with SNiP standards. The requirements for the rules for the development of personal plots are set out in SNiP 30-02-97, the requirements for the creation of projects for a personal plot - in SNiP 11-106-97. You need to start building a bathhouse by reading this documentation.

It is also important that the requirements for the construction of bathhouses are stricter than standard standards for residential premises - this is due to the high fire hazard of bathhouse buildings due to the presence of a stove in it.

When purchasing materials, you should focus not only on personal preferences and cost, but also on the compliance of the products offered with the conditions inside the steam room and in adjacent rooms.

The materials used for the construction of the facility must meet the following requirements:

provide high levels of thermal insulation;
have the required fire safety threshold;
be environmentally friendly - do not emit toxic compounds during operation and heating;
be resistant to moisture.

It is almost impossible to find a material that simultaneously meets all of these requirements. However, special processing or use auxiliary materials allows you to achieve balance. For example, wood is an environmentally friendly and warm material, characterized by durability. Impregnation with fire retardants allows you to increase the moisture and fire resistance of wood.

When planning the construction of a bathhouse, you should understand that even a small structure needs preliminary design. Drawing up drawings and having calculations guarantees high-quality and reliable design, so it’s better to start by creating a project.

Do not forget that the bathhouse should be built at a distance of 10-15 m from residential buildings.

Which material to choose?

When installing a bathhouse, the climate, its size and number of floors are taken into account. For example, if a residential bathhouse is intended, for example, having a second floor or an attic, then a solid foundation is required, selection certain materials for the construction of walls.

The walls of the structure are traditionally made of wood or brick. However, today the construction market also offers new materials. Each of them has characteristic advantages and disadvantages, therefore the choice of one or another option should be approached responsibly.

A mandatory element of most baths is insulation. The only exceptions are steam rooms in the country, which are used only in the warm season, and it is desirable that they be built of wood.

Exterior decoration of baths allows you to increase the protection of the wall material and give the building an external appeal. It is recommended to choose a single finish for the house, bathhouse and other buildings, which will create a single exterior.

Wood

Wooden buildings- it's kind of a classic. Depending on the type of wood used, the structure will have certain characteristics. Among the popular varieties are the breeds described below.

Pine

Thanks to the resin released, this wood is protected from mold and pests. The material is moisture resistant, pleasant to look at, has no high cost. However, during the heating process, pine releases resin, which can burn you.

Linden

Aspen

At first glance, it seems that aspen is the optimal variety for organizing a steam room. It has such qualities as high density, which only increases over the years, moisture resistance, the ability to retain heat and a pleasant reddish tint. However, due to its increased density, the material is difficult to process and also has a considerable cost. The main feature is the release of substances when heated that negatively affect a person (the head begins to hurt).

Fir

Alder

The wood has a beautiful reddish hue and does not shrink and does not emit toxic substances when heated. The use of special impregnations allows you to prevent rotting of the material. Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting the ability of the material to darken after several years of operation, as well as the high cost.

The construction of a bathhouse can also be carried out from timber - rounded or profiled. The first type is considered environmentally friendly and attractive, and therefore the structure does not require external or internal cladding. Thanks to the ability to connect beams at different angles, it is possible to implement a variety of design solutions. Another advantage is high thermal insulation. You should know that the material shrinks, so it is important to follow the installation technology and give the building time for the frame to shrink.

Profiled timber can be solid or glued. Unlike its rounded counterpart, it does not shrink. Thanks to special impregnations (fire retardants and antiseptics), it is possible to improve the performance characteristics of the material.

The one-piece option is environmentally friendly because it does not contain adhesive components, and laminated veneer lumber has greater strength and is not subject to cracking.

A wooden sauna retains heat well and removes gases and toxins. Being lightweight, it does not require additional reinforcement of the foundation. It is worth noting the environmental safety of wood - during the heating process it releases useful elements. Wood is able to absorb moisture, so the walls are “breathable”, moist air does not accumulate in the room, and the steam in the bathhouse is dry and light.

However, this ability negatively affects the condition of the wood itself - it darkens, becomes damp and rots. Finding the “golden mean” allows you to use special impregnation. Another disadvantage of the material is its increased fire resistance. Treatment with pyrine retardants can improve the fire safety of wood. Finally, the shrinkage of wood is about 13%, which is quite a lot, so a year and a half after construction, the bathhouse will have to be caulked again.

It is unacceptable to use birch, beech and maple to build a bathhouse.

A frame bath is considered a budget option - this is due to the lower cost of the frame compared to brick and timber baths. However, it should be borne in mind that when installing frame baths, costs for insulation and internal lining of the building will increase, and you will have to abandon the use of mineral wool and foam thermal insulation materials and look for another material that would be moisture-resistant and fire-safe.

The advantage of frame baths is the high speed of installation (on average 2-3 weeks), which is partly due to the low weight of the material. This, by the way, allows you to avoid additional strengthening of the base. Finally, such a bath can be assembled at any time of the year, including at temperatures down to -15C.

The construction material is environmentally friendly, “breathable”, and in terms of its thermal insulation characteristics frame construction not inferior to analogues made of timber or brick.

Brick

The most important advantages of this material are the following:

long service period (the average operating period is 15-20 years, but in practice this period is 2.5-3 times longer);
visual appeal and no need for external cladding;
fire resistance - the material is not flammable;
low moisture absorption coefficient, which ensures the durability of the bathhouse and the absence of mold and mildew on its walls.

However, the brick is characterized by considerable weight, so it is necessary to make a strip base for the steam room.

This determines the duration of the construction process - it is necessary to build concrete foundation and wait for it to gain strength. Laying brick walls also takes a lot of time. In addition, the material is more expensive compared to a frame or block bathhouse.

Brick walls do not “breathe”, so ventilation gaps should be left during construction. It is better to insulate a bathhouse from the inside. When erecting a brick structure, it should be taken into account that it will take quite a long time to warm up - about 1-1.5 hours.

The most convenient for work is red one-and-a-half or gas silicate brick. The ceramic bricks used have slotted holes, which significantly increases the thermal efficiency of the material. In addition, it is durable and attractive in appearance.

Solid brick has a large margin of strength, so it is recommended to use it for the construction of load-bearing walls and parts of the building that are subject to increased loads. Sand-lime brick has high thermal insulation properties, but at the same time it is affordable. Cement mortar requires cement with a grade strength of at least M200.

Red brick is usually used for the construction of walls, and fireproof or ceramic brick is used for the steam room area. Refractory bricks are based on a clay mixture that is dry pressed. The result of this technology is a solid brick with impeccably even shapes, smooth surface and high ability to absorb moisture. Only such material is capable of removing gaseous waste generated during the combustion process, and at the same time not being destroyed under the influence of high temperatures. The brand of such brick must be at least M200.

Ceramic bricks are produced by high-temperature firing of clay solutions. Thanks to this technology, hollow bricks with high thermal insulation properties are obtained. Bath from ceramic bricks warms up faster than from a solid analogue, which is achieved due to the presence of cavities in this material.

However, ceramic bricks quickly collapse under the influence of hot moisture, which implies high-quality steam and waterproofing of the bathhouse.

For styling sauna stove use fireclay brick, which is the only material that can withstand the impact open fire. It is based on clay, to which quartz grains, graphite powder and other additives are added. The raw materials are fired at high temperatures that reach 1500C.

For a sauna stove, fireclay bricks of the ShB-5 and ShB-8 brands are suitable, which can withstand temperatures up to 1400C. Fireclay bricks are laid using refractory clay or special mixtures. Ordinary cement mortar will not work - it will crack under the influence of heat.

Blocks

When constructing a bathhouse, blocks are becoming increasingly popular, which is due to the ease of installation of such a structure, the high speed of construction and the availability of material.

When constructing a bathhouse, gas or foam blocks are usually used, which are considered a type of cellular concrete. They are based on cement and quartz sand, as well as foaming agents. The product has the correct rectangular shape and is characterized by increased strength. Strength can be achieved by processing in special autoclaves.

Among the advantages of the material are the following indicators:

fire resistance;
high strength;
light weight - thanks to this, you can refuse to additionally strengthen the foundation;
ease of use - if necessary, the material can be easily cut into pieces with a hacksaw; holes can be made in it using a drill.

An obvious disadvantage of the material is the hygroscopicity of the blocks. The absorption of moisture by the material can be avoided by special processing of the blocks, as well as the use of a hydro- and vapor barrier system.

The thermal conductivity of a material varies depending on its density: the lower the density, the lower the thermal conductivity, which means the warmer the bath. This is because low-density blocks contain a small amount of air bubbles.

When heated, they expand and prevent heat from escaping to the outside - the effect of a “thermos” is obtained. The average thermal conductivity coefficient of blocks is 0.072-0.141. When moisture gets inside the material, this indicator decreases.

Cement adhesive is used to install the blocks. The use of cement is unacceptable because it contains water.

A more durable type of aerated concrete blocks are gas silicate analogues. Their increased reliability is due to the presence of quartz sand in the composition.

The most affordable type of blocks are cinder blocks. They contain cement mortars and waste from coal and other industries (slag). This material has low moisture resistance and is therefore not recommended for use in bathhouse construction. Once damp, the material becomes brittle.

In addition, cinder blocks have low thermal insulation rates, so when building a steam room from cinder blocks, you need to take care of a reliable heat and waterproofing system.

Before use, the material should be kept for outdoors throughout the year - this is necessary so that harmful fumes and toxins are removed from the blocks.

A better analogue of cinder blocks are almost hollow expanded clay concrete blocks. Thanks to the voids inside, the material is lighter in weight compared to other blocks, which speeds up the installation process and does not require strengthening the foundation.

The basis of the material is a cement mixture and expanded clay (fired fine-grained clay). It is characterized by environmental friendliness, low thermal conductivity (depending on the expanded clay fraction - on average 0.15-0.45) and low moisture absorption. This allows you to create an inexpensive and warm steam room from expanded clay blocks that will last for several decades. It is important to use M100-M150 grade materials for construction. Less durable blocks are suitable only for cladding buildings.

Expanded clay blocks are optimal for building a bathhouse in the northern regions, since their frost resistance (and therefore service life) is 2 times higher than that of foam blocks, and 5 times higher than that of gas blocks. Basalt fiber with a foil paper layer is recommended as insulation. When laying thermal insulation, it is important not to forget to leave 2-3 cm of air gap.

One more budget view blocks are ceramic blocks. It contains a cement mixture and ceramic powder, which makes it possible to talk about the environmental friendliness of the material. Like expanded clay analogues, this material is characterized by low weight and durability. However, ceramic blocks have high thermal conductivity, which forces them to install a thicker layer of thermal insulation.

For construction, you should use blocks whose strength is at least M100.

Stone

The stone bath looks monumental and unusual. The material has many advantages: fire safety, low shrinkage, long service life. The stone is publicly available and has a low cost. The shrinkage of a stone bath is only 5%.

However, along with positive qualities, the stone has many disadvantages, which is why it has gained little popularity in the construction of baths.

The complexity of construction is one of them. Due to the irregular shapes of stones, it is not easy to create a building of the correct shape. Stone does not retain heat well, so it requires careful thermal insulation, as well as increased consumption of raw materials for igniting the stove. In addition, the material has low gas permeability, so it is necessary to provide a powerful ventilation system to prevent air stagnation.

Since the stone is large in size, the thickness of the walls of the bathhouse will be very large - on average it is 75 cm. For comparison: the thickness of the stonework is 51 cm, wooden walls– 15-20 cm. Large sizes and, accordingly, weight of the material require strengthening of the foundation.

In addition, stone buildings do not “breathe”; condensation forms on their walls. This disadvantage can be mitigated only by organizing ventilation and a powerful vapor barrier system.

Despite the low cost of the material, building a bathhouse made of stone will cost more than building a bathhouse even from an expensive type of wood. This is due to the peculiarity of the installation of a stone steam room, a large number thermal insulation material, the complexity of processing and the large weight of the stone itself.

Other materials

To build a bathhouse, you can use other materials, for example, wood concrete blocks. Their basis (up to 90% of the composition) is wood waste, pre-crushed to the required size. They are filled with a mixture of cement with the addition of liquid glass or calcium chloride. The latter prevent the destruction of wood under the influence of resin acids, and also accelerate the hardening process of concrete.

The material has the following features:

low thermal conductivity;
environmental Safety;
high hygroscopicity, which necessitates the use of high-quality waterproofing;
low cost.

In addition, other points can be noted:

Higher heat capacity of the material compared to the heat capacity of air, which means the ability to create a favorable microclimate in the bathhouse. First, the air in the room warms up, and then the walls. In a brick bathhouse everything will be the other way around.
Low strength of the material, which means inability to withstand heavy loads. It does arbolite blocks suitable exclusively for low-rise construction.
The need for external cladding of the building from wood concrete. For these purposes, it is better to use lining (the most affordable option in terms of price), brick or wood impregnated with moisture-repellent mixtures.

In addition to choosing and purchasing materials for the walls of the bathhouse, difficulties may arise when choosing materials for the foundation and insulation.

Below are the types of foundations that can be used in the construction of baths.

Tape

It is a “ribbon” of concrete, which is located along the perimeter of the building. Thanks to this, the strip foundation is considered not only the most durable and reliable, but also the most expensive.

Such a foundation is required for brick and stone baths, as well as high-rise buildings (more than one floor, baths with attics).

Columnar

It has concrete bases and columns located at equal intervals from each other. The columns are connected wooden profiles, on which the walls are then laid. The advantage of the base is ease of installation, as well as the ability to place them on uneven areas. Suitable for small wooden baths on one floor. This type of foundation is recommended for wooden baths, as it allows for additional ventilation of the room, which is important in conditions of high humidity.

Pile

This type is somewhat similar to the columnar version, but instead of concrete columns, piles screwed into the ground are used. The advantage of the method is the ability to carry out construction even with frozen ground, that is, in winter. For bathhouses of large area or number of floors, after installing the piles, concrete is poured, and in some cases, the piles are welded around the perimeter.

Slab

This type of foundation is suitable on moving soils, including those in the vicinity of groundwater. A simpler option is to use finished slabs. If you need to save money, they resort to reinforcing the base, after which they fill it with concrete.

Having considered the features of the materials usually used for the construction of a bathhouse, you can decide on the choice of a specific option.

A wooden sauna made of spruce and pine is considered to be of the highest quality. Ideally, if it is produced in the northern regions - such material is characterized by increased strength and moisture resistance. This option will allow you to maintain the necessary microclimate in the steam room and give you a pleasant feeling. As wood warms up, it fills the air with a forest aroma, which has a beneficial effect on the human condition. In addition, wooden baths are attractive and durable.

If you choose thermally modified wood, it will not absorb moisture and swell, which means it will last longer. It is recommended to cover at least the “wet” areas of the bathhouse with this material. In addition, thermally modified wood has lower thermal conductivity compared to conventional wood types. If funds allow, you can line the bathhouse with thermally modified lining - this will make the structure warmer and save on insulation.

Wood for wooden baths should be harvested in winter, since at this time of year it has greater density and, therefore, moisture resistance.

If logs are used, their diameter should be 18-25 cm. If the diameter of the logs is larger, this will contribute to greater heat loss. Logs from the same batch must be identical - the maximum permissible difference between individual logs should be no more than 3 cm, since otherwise they will not fit tightly together in the log house.

For the lower crowns of the building, larch is suitable as a more moisture-resistant material that is not afraid of mechanical stress and frost, the rest of the crowns are made of pine or spruce. Special processing or the use of thermal wood can avoid the release of resin from conifers. Another option is not to use coniferous wood for the interior decoration of the steam room. Cedar (an expensive option), alder, poplar and linden are well suited for these purposes - these tree varieties are characterized by increased moisture resistance and the ability to retain heat.

High-quality logs do not have dark spots on the cut, the cut itself is hard, and the core occupies a third of the cut of the log and is distinguished by a uniform dark color. The surface of the logs has a dark or light yellow color, without branches, cracks and resin pockets. Similar requirements apply to timber.

During construction, you should choose profiled timber that has better processing - this is a material that has undergone chamber drying. If funds allow, then you can choose laminated veneer lumber. In addition to a more aesthetic appearance, it shrinks less and does not “turn out” during use. However, the glued version is not suitable for those looking for environmentally friendly pure material, as well as people suffering from allergies, chronic diseases upper respiratory tract.

The cheapest type of timber is considered to be the unplaned version. The reduction in cost is due to the fact that it is dried not in special chambers, but on fresh air. However, the low cost of the material does not always mean that the construction process is economical. When using unplaned timber, high-quality thermal insulation is required, external and interior decoration. In addition, the material shrinks, so after constructing the base of the bathhouse, it is recommended to wait a year before proceeding with further construction.

Before use, wood must be treated with an impregnation that increases its waterproofing capabilities, fire and bioresistance. It is recommended to repeat a similar treatment every two years during operation.

If you need a cheaper structure, then you should pay attention to expanded clay concrete. The structure can be built quickly thanks to convenient sizes blocks. Moreover, it can be of any size: 2 or even 3 floors. The material has low thermal conductivity and durability.

When trying to build a budget steam room, you don’t need to choose the cheapest materials - foam and cinder blocks or aspen. Such a bathhouse will last only about 10-12 years, and during operation it will cause a lot of trouble.

If you analyze the cost of the material, then wood is considered the most expensive for building a steam room. If you carry out calculations in cubes, then it is 2 times more expensive compared to bricks and blocks. However, when analyzing the overall cost of construction, using wood is cheaper. This is due to the lack of large expenses on the foundation (some types of baths, for example, an assembled barrel bath, do not require the usual foundation), thermal insulation, exterior and interior decoration.

An expensive wooden material for building a bathhouse is a log; timber is slightly less expensive (the cost varies depending on the type). Next in price is the carriage, which is a log hewn from opposite sides (especially popular in Scandinavian countries), and double beam(represents two boards with grooves - between them there is insulation, usually mineral wool).

It is important to choose the right insulation. Some baths require higher quality thermal insulation, while other options require only interventional insulation. However, regardless of the material used, any bathhouse requires insulation of the ceiling - this is due to the fact that warm air always tends to the top.

To insulate the ceiling in a bathhouse where the attic is not intended to be used, bulk insulation materials (expanded clay, sawdust) can be used, or a clay ceiling can be installed. When organizing an attic, it is recommended to use tile materials or organizing screeding of the attic floor with the addition of components that provide thermal insulation to the concrete screed composition. Ready mixes can be found in stores. For bathhouses with an attic, insulation of the roof slopes with mineral wool or foam materials is required.

All bathhouses, with the exception of log ones, require wall insulation. This is especially true for block and brick steam rooms. Frame buildings require the presence of “standard” thermal insulation material inside the frame. However, if you plan to heat the bathhouse in winter and at the same time live in a rather harsh climate, then it makes sense to take care of additional insulation of the walls.

The most fire-resistant insulators are mineral and basalt wool. Such material can withstand heating up to 800 C, which is due to the peculiarities of the production of materials - rocks are heated to 1500 C.

If the bathhouse is intended to be used year-round, then thermal insulation of the floor will also be required. The choice of material depends on the type of foundation and the characteristics of the floor. Screw baths require a rough and finishing floor, between which a layer of mineral wool, extruded polystyrene foam or penoplex is laid.

For pile foundation Expanded clay is suitable. It is important that it be of different sizes: the larger one will retain heat, the smaller one will fill the free space between the expanded clay balls. Since expanded clay is hygroscopic, and when wet it loses its heat-insulating properties, it is important to carry out high-quality hydro- and vapor barrier.

You can create a comfortable atmosphere in the steam room and protect the walls from high temperatures. internal insulation. By protecting the walls with a layer of insulation and waterproofing, the owner protects them from moisture and thereby extends the service life of the bathhouse. For greater thermal efficiency of the steam zone when finishing it, it makes sense to use a double layer of insulation. The area around the stove - walls and floor - is additionally insulated with protective screens. If we are talking about a wooden building, then a fire-resistant layer is required, made of asbestos sheet covered with iron.

The minimum thickness of insulation for brick baths operating in winter time, must be at least 10 cm.

When choosing insulation and flooring, it is important to purchase an option that does not emit harmful components when heated. From this point of view, the use of linoleum is unacceptable.

It is not recommended to use in the steam room area mineral wool, which is due to the release of phenol-formaldehyde resins, which are the binding component of the insulation, from it when heated. Ecowool is also unsuitable for use in a steam room, as it is highly hygroscopic. In the steam room area, it is not recommended to use foil-coated polyurethane foam, as well as polystyrene foam and polystyrene foam, which emit toxic substances when heated above 60 C. However, they can be installed in the washing area and dressing room - that is, where the temperature does not reach the specified values.

From an environmental point of view, the use of basalt wool is preferable. The disadvantage of the material is its tendency to shrink, which means thinning of the insulation layer during operation.

Foamed glass is used on walls that can withstand heavy loads, such as brick. It is the optimal insulation for a bath - it retains heat, does not burn, does not shrink, is bioresistant and environmentally friendly. The only disadvantage is the high cost and the need to strictly adhere to installation technology.

External thermal insulation is usually combined with decorative cladding, choosing suitable materials for this. Brick and block baths do not require external insulation if they are intended to be used seasonally.

Log baths always insulated from the outside. For this purpose, natural or synthetic insulating materials can be used. The most common natural insulation is jute, as well as flax, their combined versions and moss. Their main advantage is absolute environmental friendliness, but the disadvantage is the laboriousness of the insulation process.

Synthetic insulation is represented by thermal insulation tapes and combined materials.

Separately, we should highlight insulation based on sheep wool, which is considered the best option for a bathhouse made of profiled timber. The material is practical because it functions not only as insulation, but also as a moisture- and windproof material. It is important that the material does not become thinner during the use of the bathhouse. Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting the high price, as well as the risk of moths appearing in the insulation.

Wooden models are the most widely used for creating a door in a bathhouse. You should immediately refuse to use the paneled version - it warps when exposed to moisture. The best option is a door made of solid wood.

It consists of boards or glued panels up to 5 cm thick. A cheaper option is a frame structure - a frame made of bars, covered with clapboard on both sides. If necessary, insulation can be laid between the frame and the lining. The best variety the wood in this case is linden.

How nice is the Russian cozy bathhouse. Many owners summer cottages they dream about her. It is possible to bring this idea to life. To do this you need to invest effort and money. If there is a construction site on a suburban area, proceed with the construction of a soap house, as it is also called. But keep in mind that the main advantage of a bathhouse is in the interior decoration, and not in the appearance of the structure.

With even a little skill, you can build a room equipped for washing a person with the simultaneous action of water and hot air with your own hands. If you are not confident in your abilities, hire a team of professionals for interior cladding. But any builders need supervision, so you need to be aware of how the interior in the bath space should look.

Photo 2. Log house of a Russian bathhouse made of pine

It is not recommended to use metal parts for interior cladding, even for fastening wooden beams. These tips are given to ensure safety in the bathhouse, because if you accidentally touch them, you can easily get burned. If you use fasteners, then only hidden ones, for example a clamp.

Steam room cladding

The small size of the steam room does not imply decoration of the room. Here nothing should interfere with the free circulation of hot air. Then mold will not grow in the bathhouse, and condensation will not collect on the walls.

For finishing a steam room, it is not recommended to use lining made from coniferous trees, since spruce, larch or pine release sticky resins when heated. The best option is cedar lining and cedar shelves. Cedar cladding retains its original beauty for a long time and does not overheat, and also smells wonderful. You can also combine wood with brick. These materials are also not afraid of high temperatures and humidity.

Photo 3. Finishing the steam room linden

Chipboards or linoleum should not be used in the steam room. When heated, these materials become toxic and flammable. In a damp room they quickly deform and lose their aesthetic properties. appearance.

The shelves in the steam room are made stationary. The best option is to place it against a blank wall. The lounger can be rearranged. Their surface must be perfectly processed. There should be no unevenness that could cause a sharp piece of wood to pierce the skin.

The shelves, like the lining in the steam room, must be treated with special heat-resistant wax Hartwachs GNature. Thanks to this procedure, you will not only double the life of the finish, but you will also be able to easily wash off green splashes from the broom. The steam room will always be clean and new.

Photo 4. Steam room in a Russian bath

To make it comfortable to sit on the top shelf, the distance between it and the ceiling must be at least 1.2 m, but the width is made up to 1.5 m, then you can lie comfortably on it. The steps are made different sizes. The lower they are, the smaller the width.

Interior decoration of the dressing room

The dressing room is assigned the functions of a hallway, and accordingly, the interior decoration in this room should be comfortable and conducive to relaxation. Of course, the size of the room depends on the free space on the site, but still summer residents are trying to make it larger.

The material for interior decoration is selected taking into account the specifics of the dressing room. There is high humidity here, so it must retain heat. Tile would be out of place here, as it creates a feeling of coolness. This means that it is necessary to choose cladding wood. It quickly absorbs heat and slowly releases it. In addition, wooden lining emits a pleasant smell that has a beneficial effect on the body.

The walls are finished with wooden panels, and they are laid in the desired position. different directions. Ceiling covering It is made from a wooden board, and a vapor barrier must be installed.

It is necessary to install a high-quality ventilation system in the sink for good air exchange. If the surface is finished wooden clapboard, it must be laid with the spike facing up. This will prevent water from getting under the sheathing. To make cleaning easier, the walls are finished tiles. This material is practical and durable.

The floors in the washing bath room are decorated with tiles, but in mandatory we need wooden slatted ladders that can be knocked together with my own hands, or rubber roll covers for safety. If you are using wavy tiles, it is not necessary to use bridges.

Interior decoration of the rest room

For the main bath rooms, the main thing is practicality, and for the rest room - aesthetics. As the name implies, it serves for relaxation, that is, for relaxation. The rest room is decorated with wooden paneling, but coniferous wood can be used here, for example, spruce or pine, as well as larch and cedar.

Good material for internal lining baths - cedar, distinguished by a very pleasant aroma and the ability to withstand the highest loads without changing its geometry. This type of wood contains tannins that protect the lining from rotting.

Photo 6. Barbecue area

When decorating the interior of bath rooms, you don’t need to skimp on details, then the perfect original house for taking water procedures and recuperating.

When finishing a bath, it is unacceptable to use chipboards and fiberboard, linoleum, plastic panels. It is unacceptable to have surfaces coated with paint, and even in the dressing room, use natural oils or waxes.

The LesoBirzha company thanks you for your attention. Our team hopes that our experience will help you realize your dreams. Our line of bath materials is for you. Choose!

Many people have thought about creating a small, cozy bathhouse on their own summer cottage. With its help you can receive high-quality water procedures and recharge your batteries and relieve stress.

But at the stage of design and installation of structures, most face serious problems. One of the most common ones is the choice the right material for construction.

To help you understand, we will consider this issue in detail, and also determine the main advantages and disadvantages of various construction solutions when constructing a bathhouse.

Basic requirements for a country bath

The arrangement of a bathhouse, like other structures, requires compliance with general architectural standards and building regulations. However, our case is complicated by the need to comply with general fire safety rules during construction.

Did you know?The bathhouse's roots go back to the 6th millennium BC. e. During this period, special steam rooms appeared everywhere in Ancient Egypt, accessible to all segments of the population.

So, in order to arrange a bathhouse at your summer cottage correctly, you must comply with the following requirements:

Compliance with architectural standards: The best place for a bathhouse is the area that is as far away from all kinds of structures as possible. However, in modern conditions, achieving complete absence building structures It won't be easy near the bathhouse. Therefore, such a structure must be at a distance of no less than 8 meters from a residential building, no closer than 8 meters to the neighboring plot and no less than 12 meters from the well. In addition, the site for construction must be leveled relative to the entire site, since on a hill the bathhouse will have too much visibility, and in the lowlands it will suffer from spring flooding every year.
Compliance sanitary standards: the structure must be equipped with ventilation and also be equipped with a water drainage system. Otherwise, this will lead to stagnation of air and moisture, and with this, to the development of fungus and other pathogens.
Compliance with fire safety standards: all parts of the structure that are subject to heating must be made of non-combustible materials. The part of the building in which the heating furnace is installed must be additionally protected with insulating materials that prevent the structure from igniting.
Environmental friendliness of the building material: A bathhouse is a place with high temperature and humidity, so the materials for its construction should be made from natural and non-toxic components to the maximum, without adding any synthetic compounds.

Video: fire requirements for a bathhouse

Important!If the proximity to the neighboring plot does not allow the construction of a bathhouse, the distance of the structure to it can be reduced to 1 meter, but this must be agreed upon with the neighbors, and their permission must be certified in writing by lawyers.

Advantages and disadvantages of a wooden bath

Most often, a bathhouse is constructed of wood. Wood is quite easy to process, so you can use it to create almost any part of the structure, both load-bearing elements and cladding.

Such structures are characterized by strength, and their shrinkage on the ground occurs evenly, without the occurrence of cracks and breaks. In addition, wood is resistant to fluctuations in moisture and temperature, and also has high thermal insulation qualities, which makes this material almost ideal.

However, it also has many disadvantages, first of all these:

fragility;
wooden baths require particularly careful compliance with fire safety standards;
shrinkage continues long time and can be more than 10 cm;
A wooden bathhouse needs at least 2 years to dry thoroughly;
After drying, wooden structures must be caulked.

Did you know?Finland is the leader in the number of steam rooms per capita. In a country with a population of about 5 million, there are more than 2 million of them.

This is the most common wood in construction, so it is not surprising that bathhouses are often built from this material.

Pine has many advantages:

wood grows in almost any conditions, so it is one of the cheapest and most common materials;
pine has a smooth and even trunk, which makes it easier to process;
this wood is light but durable and rarely cracks, so such structures are reliable and shrink slightly;
Pine contains a huge amount of aromatic resins, so water procedures in such baths are especially beneficial for general human health.

Pine has few disadvantages, but they still exist. First of all, this is an increased release of resin from the wood, so often in such baths the resin from the walls will have to be cleaned over the next few years.

Also, pine is not resistant to all kinds of atmospheric conditions, fungi and insects, so such a tree requires additional processing costs protective equipment.

Spruce

Baths made of no less quality than those made of pine, however, are less common. Like the conifer described above, spruce is also quite easy to process, practical and has a low price.

In addition, this material, like pine, is enriched with many resinous compounds that can saturate the bathhouse with aromas beneficial to the respiratory system.

However, structures made of spruce are rarely found in our open spaces, since, in addition to the disadvantages described above, this coniferous species is less resistant to various atmospheric conditions and fungi, and also shrinks more than pine. Therefore, such structures not only require constant treatment with protective agents, but are also short-lived.

Cedar

They are not found in every region, so bathhouses from this wood are built exclusively in Siberia and the Urals. This material has the same positive qualities as the conifers described above, but has a number of advantages.

First of all, this is a more aesthetic appearance of the structure. Cedar wood has a pinkish-red center and a golden-pink tint to the outer layers, this gives the bathhouse a more interesting look.

In addition, cedar is highly resistant to all kinds of fungi and other microorganisms, as well as to conditions of high humidity, so such structures are more durable and less expensive to maintain than pine or spruce.

The main disadvantages of this wood are:

excessive release of resin during the first few years after construction;
high cost of material.

Larch

It is a rather rare species, so this tree is rarely found as a building material. But, despite this, relative to its coniferous counterparts, this wood has a number of advantages:

The main disadvantage of larch is its high price, so bathhouses made of this tree can only be found in areas of massive tree plantings. In addition, this wood has an excessively dense structure and is not easy to process.

Oak

It is rightfully considered a unique material. This wood has a noble shade and cut pattern, is highly durable, resistant to moisture, temperature, fungus and rot for decades.

However, this material is not considered the easiest to process, as it has an overly dense structure. In addition, oak is a rather weighty material, so such structures experience significant shrinkage. We should not forget about the high cost of oak, so such a bathhouse is only possible if there is an unlimited budget for its construction.

Aspen

A less popular material for construction, since the price-quality ratio of this wood is inferior to the above varieties of wood. It is not easy to create a building from aspen; each individual tree has own sizes and shape, so designs made from this wood are possible only after careful processing.

We should not forget that aspen is not resistant to various atmospheric conditions and pests, so the tree will darken in a few years, and the building itself will become unusable within a few decades. But aspen also has its advantages: the tree perfectly absorbs varnishes and paints, so such a building can be given external aesthetics without even having special skills.

Did you know?IN Ancient Rus' aspen was the most common material for building baths, since only the nobility could afford coniferous wood as a building material.

Blocks for building a bathhouse

Block buildings are an excellent and inexpensive alternative to wood for arranging a steam room on your own site. This material makes it possible to quickly create robust construction, which will last for more than one year. In addition, all kinds of structures made from blocks are particularly easy to create, as well as maintain, which is why they are gaining more and more popularity every year.

The main advantages of blocks:

cheapness. Structures made from even the most expensive types of blocks are much cheaper than structures made from any other material;
low weight of structures, which contributes to minimal shrinkage of the entire structure;
ease and speed of installation, so steam rooms from blocks can be created with your own hands, without specialized knowledge.

But this material also has its drawbacks. First of all, this:

insufficient resistance to high humidity and sudden temperature changes, which reduces the durability of the blocks significantly;
the material does not have low thermal conductivity, so such structures must be insulated;
buildings made of blocks require a solid foundation, at least 70 cm deep (in the northern regions - at least 1 meter);
both internal and external walls of such a room require mandatory finishing.

Aerated concrete is cellular concrete material, made of cement, quartz sand and special foaming agents. The dry components of aerated concrete are thoroughly mixed, and then poured into special molds and water is added.

Under its influence there is an active chemical reaction, as a result of which the necessary structure of the material is created. To improve strength, some brands of aerated blocks are treated with steam in special autoclave machines.

Today there are a large number of types of aerated concrete on the market, differing both in their quality and conditions of use. The best option for a bathhouse would be D500 brand blocks. They have the necessary strength to create durable one-story structures.
This material has many advantages: ease of installation, light weight, strength, high fire safety. But there are also no less disadvantages: significant hygroscopicity, a fairly high price (relative to other types of building blocks), the need for a special expensive glue for laying blocks.

Important!When choosing aerated concrete, preference should be given to material that has been pre-treated with high steam in autoclaves, since only in this case will the blocks have the necessary strength and moisture resistance.

Basic specifications aerated concrete:

strength, kg/cm2 - 5-20;
thermal conductivity, W/(m K) - 0.15-0.3;
volume weight, kg/m3 - 200-600;
frost resistance (number of cycles) - 50-75;
shrinkage, mm/m - 1.5;
water absorption,% - 45.

Video: aerated concrete bathhouse

Gas silicate

Gas silicate can be called a more profitable analogue of aerated concrete. This material is made according to the same principle as the previous one, but it contains quartz sand and a small amount of lime as a binder.

Unlike aerated concrete, in order to obtain high-quality gas silicate, the blocks must be subjected to steam treatment high pressure. The material has the same advantages and disadvantages as aerated concrete, but from a technical point of view it is inferior to it.

Since gas silicate contains lime, this block quickly absorbs moisture and quickly collapses under its influence. Therefore, such surfaces require careful waterproofing and all the associated additional costs.

Main technical characteristics of gas silicate:

strength, kg/cm2 - 28-40;
thermal conductivity, W/(m K) - 0.1-0.2;
volumetric weight, kg/m3 - 480-720;
shrinkage, mm/m - 0.3;
water absorption,% - 47.

Enough inexpensive option cellular concrete are foam blocks. They are made from a mixture of sand, cement and water, which are additionally enriched with foam from a special generator.

To build a steam room, it is best to choose material grade D 600 or higher, since less durable foam concrete is used exclusively as insulation. Foam concrete is quite seriously inferior to the aerated concrete or gas silicate described above in terms of technical characteristics, but their main advantage will be the price.

Main technical characteristics of foam concrete:

strength, kg/cm2 - 10-50;
thermal conductivity, W/(m K) - 0.2-0.4;
volumetric weight, kg/m3 - 450-900;
frost resistance (number of cycles) - up to 25;
shrinkage, mm/m - 0.6-1.2;
water absorption,% - 52.

Cinder block is a building material made from cement mortars, as well as slag - waste from coal production and other industries. This is a fairly cheap material, since its production often has one goal - to utilize slag formations to the maximum.

However, a cinder block is not best choice for the construction of a bathhouse. Such blocks absorb moisture quickly and for a long time, and are also not very durable, especially in conditions of high humidity.
Even with high-quality insulation such a bathhouse will function for no more than 15-20 years, after which it will require serious repairs.

Important!It is strictly forbidden to use cinder block as a building material immediately after production, since the slag releases various toxic substances for quite a long time. Therefore, before use, it must be left in the open air for at least 1 year.

Sawdust can also be used as the main component in the production of cinder blocks, in which case it is possible to obtain not only a cheap, but also environmentally friendly material. To create one-story structures, you will need material grade no lower than M 75, since less durable options are used exclusively as facade insulation.

Main technical characteristics of cinder block:

strength, kg/cm2 - 25-75;
thermal conductivity, W/(m K) - 0.3-0.5;
volumetric weight, kg/m3 - 500-1000;
frost resistance (number of cycles) - up to 20;
shrinkage, mm/m - 0;
water absorption,% - 55.

Video: cinder block bathhouse

Expanded clay concrete blocks are an almost complete, but higher quality analogue of cinder blocks. This material is made from a cement mixture, as well as expanded clay - fired in special conditions fine clays. Expanded clay blocks have a lot of advantages over other cellular blocks.

First of all, it is environmentally friendly, light weight, which almost completely eliminates the risk of shrinkage. In addition, this material has a low percentage of water absorption, as well as low thermal conductivity, which makes it an almost ideal option for creating a high-quality but inexpensive steam room.

However, to equip a bathhouse you will need blocks of the M100-M150 brand, since the less durable expanded clay concrete is used exclusively as facade insulation. Main technical characteristics of expanded clay concrete:

strength, kg/cm2 - 50-150;
thermal conductivity, W/(m K) - 0.15-0.45;
volumetric weight, kg/m3 - 700-1500;
frost resistance (number of cycles) - up to 50;
shrinkage, mm/m - 0;
vapor absorption,% - 12.

Ceramic block is not such a common material in modern construction than the above, but you can often see a budget bathhouse made from it. Ceramic blocks are quite environmentally friendly, since they contain only cement, sand, ceramic powder and water.

Like the materials described above, such blocks are characterized by their low cost, ease of installation, low weight, and durability. The main disadvantage of the material is its higher thermal conductivity.
In addition, you should not forget about the fragility of the material, so when installing a bathhouse made of ceramic blocks, be sure that the calculated amount of material will have to be increased by at least 5%. That is why you should not skimp on the quality of this product; the brand should be no lower than M100.

Main technical characteristics of ceramic block:

strength, kg/cm2 - 25-175;
thermal conductivity, W/(m K) - 0.08-0.18;
volumetric weight, kg/m3 - 650-1000;
frost resistance (number of cycles) - more than 50;
shrinkage, mm/m - 0.3;
water absorption,% - 10-15.

Important!Block structures require additional reinforcement of the masonry with metal mesh every 2-3 rows, otherwise the durability of the structure is reduced significantly. This feature must be taken into account when creating an estimate.

A brick sauna is one of the best alternatives to arranging a steam room at home.
Using brick, you can create a reliable and high-quality structure that will delight its owners for many decades. That is why an increasing number of lovers of life-giving steam prefer this material.

The main advantages of a brick steam room are:

reliability and durability;
low water absorption coefficient. This not only contributes to the durability of the structure, but also helps to resist the development of fungi and dangerous bacteria on the surface of the walls;
versatility. Brick makes it possible to use it for almost any purpose: from erecting walls to arranging a stove;
exclusivity. By using brickwork it is possible to create any design architectural form and sizes;
simplicity. Brick is easy to use and maintain; in addition, it is quite aesthetic and does not require mandatory internal and exterior finishing;
high fire safety. Even at critical temperatures, brick is not flammable, which makes it an ideal (from a fire safety point of view) material;
environmental friendliness. The brick contains the maximum amount of natural ingredients.

Video: brick bathhouse However, a brick bathhouse is not without serious drawbacks:

high price. Even the simplest brick structure will be noticeably more expensive than any wooden or block building;
high thermal conductivity. This negatively affects fuel consumption, as well as the overall speed of heating the bath and achieving optimal temperatures.

Traditionally, red brick is used to build a bathhouse in modern construction practice. To build a steam room, several types are used: although they have a common task, they must be used exclusively for highly specialized purposes.

These are the so-called pipe, ceramic and refractory types. Next, we will consider in more detail the need and tasks of each of these materials. .

Important! A high-quality fired brick has a uniform shade throughout its entire volume, and when struck with a hammer, it characteristically “rings.” If these signs are absent, the material must be rejected.

Pipe (solid)

The purpose of the pipe brick is to remove gaseous waste resulting from the combustion of fuel when lighting a sauna stove. This is perhaps one of the few building materials that can cope with such a task without being negatively affected by sudden temperature changes.

It is made from a special clay mixture subjected to semi-dry pressing. As a result, it is possible to obtain a product with high hygroscopicity, a smooth surface and strict dimensions. This helps create an ideal tightness for removing combustion derivatives.

Today there are many varieties of such bricks on the market, but the most suitable are exclusively solid pipe bricks. Despite the higher price relative to hollow ones, it is not recommended to use excessively porous materials at elevated temperatures, as this may cause its destruction.
However, the completeness of the material is not the key to reliable chimney. In conditions of elevated temperatures, strength plays a decisive role in preserving the integrity of the structure, so the optimal choice would be a brick of at least grade M200.

Main technical characteristics of bricks for pipes:

thermal conductivity, W/(m K) - 0.3-0.8;
volumetric weight, kg/m3 - 1500 – 1900;
heat resistance, °C - up to 1000;
shrinkage,% - 5;
water absorption,% - 10.

Ceramic (tube)

Ceramic pipe brick is a type hollow brick, which is used for the construction of buildings no higher than 2-3 floors. It is made from special clay solutions subjected to high-temperature heating in ovens at a temperature of about 1000 °C.

This building material is practically no different in composition from solid ceramic bricks and has the same advantages and disadvantages.
The advantage of such bricks is their low cost. Each of the molds for the production of the material has small convexities, which creates artificial cavities in each brick, as a result of which a reduction in the amount of raw materials for production is achieved, and with this the final unit price.

In addition, the presence of cavities improves the thermal insulation capabilities of the product, so steam rooms made of hollow bricks heat up much faster than those made of solid bricks. This type of brick also has many disadvantages.

Did you know?The largest steam room is located in the German town of Sinsheim, its area is 160 square meters. meters.

First of all, it is low strength, as well as the ability to collapse under the influence of high moisture. This leads to increased costs for high-quality finishing and vapor barrier of the material, otherwise the durability of the structure is reduced significantly. The optimal type of hollow ceramic brick for building a bathhouse will be a grade of at least M200.
Main technical characteristics of ceramic hollow bricks:

strength, kg/cm2 - 75-300;
thermal conductivity, W/(m K) - 0.2-0.5;
volumetric weight, kg/m3 - 1300 – 1500;
frost resistance (number of cycles) - more than 75;
heat resistance, °C - up to 1000;
shrinkage,% - 5;
water absorption,% - 10.

Did you know?In the old days, in order to determine the quality of a brick, 600 bricks were placed on a wooden pallet, after which the pallet was raised to a height of about 2 meters, and then abruptly dropped to the ground. If even one broke, the whole batch was rejected.

Fireproof (fireclay)

Refractory or fireclay brick is used for both stone and wooden baths as the basis for making a stove. This is the only building material that can withstand direct exposure to fire.
It is made from a mixture of special refractory clay and various additives (coke, graphite powders, large quartz grains, etc.), fired at a temperature of 1300...1500 °C. This makes it possible to obtain a material that is resistant to sudden temperature changes and durable.

On modern market There are a lot of different types of fireclay bricks (Sha, ShB, ShAK, ShUS, ShV, PV and PB). For the construction of a home steam room, the most profitable materials will be ShB-5 and ShB-8. This is the so-called class B fireclay brick, capable of withstanding a maximum temperature of 1400 °C.

These are one of the cheapest types of refractory bricks, but despite this, this choice will be an ideal option in terms of price and quality.

Main technical characteristics of refractory bricks:

strength, kg/cm2 - 100-150;
thermal conductivity, W/(m K) - 0.6-0.9;
volumetric weight, kg/m3 - 1800-2000;
frost resistance (number of cycles) - up to 50;
heat resistance, °C - up to 1500;
shrinkage,% - 5;
water absorption,% - 5-8.

Important!For laying fireclay bricks, heat-resistant mixtures or refractory clay are used. Simple cement mortars instantly crack and collapse when exposed to high temperatures.

Stone bath: pros and cons

Stone in construction is the best option for those regions where acquiring wood is not so easy. In addition, a stone bath looks impressive and unusual, which will definitely help you create a truly unique steam room.

The stone has a lot of advantages, first of all, these are:

low price;
general availability;
high fire safety;
durability;
low shrinkage rate.

However, despite its advantages, the stone also has many disadvantages, which are main reason low prevalence of stone baths.

These include:

technological complexity. Due to the uneven size of the stones, it is much more difficult to create a building of the correct shape than from brick or wood;
high cost. Even the most expensive wooden bath will be much cheaper than a stone one, since such a steam room requires a large amount of related materials;
high thermal conductivity. Stone is difficult to retain heat, so for high-quality ignition of a bath, an order of magnitude more fuel is required than for steam rooms made of other materials;
low gas permeability. A stone bath requires quality system ventilation to avoid air stagnation;
excessive design dimensions. The walls of a stone bath are constructed with a thickness of at least 75 cm, which negatively affects the amount of space required for construction.

Video: which sauna is better, wooden or stone?

Optimal choice

Today, in modern market conditions, choosing the optimal type of material for a home bath is not so simple, since for most domestic consumers the question of the expediency of the money spent is not only acute, but is also the dominant factor in budget planning.

Let's analyze all of the above and find out what is the best way to build a bathhouse, and what materials are best to abandon. The highest quality structure is a wooden steam room (pine, spruce).

A wooden bathhouse will perfectly cope with all the responsibilities assigned to it and will give a lot of positive emotions, as well as pleasant sensations. In addition, such a steam room looks very colorful and will last for several decades.

Video: how to choose materials for building a bathhouse

If you don’t have extra funds, you can build a bathhouse from building blocks - you should turn your attention to expanded clay concrete. This material not only has low thermal conductivity and durability, but also makes it possible to quickly and inexpensively create a full-fledged steam room of any size and number of floors.

However, in pursuit of cheapness, you should not choose the most cheap materials, since such structures will not only last only a couple of decades, but will also cause a lot of trouble in maintenance. Therefore, you should not build a bathhouse made of aspen, foam blocks or cinder blocks on your site.

In this case, even with a gentle regime, after 10-15 years your steam room may become completely unusable. A properly equipped bathhouse is the best thing that can please you during the cold winter season in your own summer cottage.

Today there are many materials with which you can create a full-fledged steam room in just a few months, even with your own hands. However, if you don’t have extra funds in reserve, it is best to postpone the construction of a bathhouse until a later time, since a cheap steam room will soon become a serious headache.

Bathhouse on personal plot or a dacha - the dream of many owners. Such water procedures are not only pleasant, but also useful - they cleanse and strengthen the body, and help improve blood circulation. Friendly communication over a cup of aromatic tea after a steam room can hardly be overestimated. When it comes to choosing a material for building a bathhouse, you need to take into account not only the price factor. This is a specific room with special functions, high humidity and temperature. Therefore, it is important not to get lost among the diversity that the market offers. To choose what to build a bathhouse from, it is recommended to consider different building materials in advance from the point of view of their suitability for the construction of a given building. This will allow you to understand which one will be optimal for your needs and conditions.

General requirements for materials from which bathhouses are built in the country

The construction of bathhouses, like any other objects, is regulated by SNiP standards:

SNiP 30–02–97, which describes the rules for the development of garden and personal plots;
SP 11–106–97 - rules for creating a site development project.

Many owners are surprised to learn that the requirements for baths are in some aspects even stricter than for residential buildings. This is primarily due to the increased fire hazard due to the presence of a stove. In addition, there are technical requirements to building materials. They have to:

provide good thermal insulation;
be resistant to high humidity and temperature.

The issue of price in this case comes in last place, although it also matters, other things being equal.

What to build a bathhouse from: advantages and disadvantages of different materials

The market offers us many options:

tree;
aerated concrete;
expanded clay concrete;
brick;
wood concrete;
cinder block.

Gas block or foam block

Aerated concrete blocks are made from cement, quartz sand and foaming agents. The material belongs to cellular concrete. The resulting blocks are processed in autoclaves to increase strength. They have the right geometric shape and are, in fact, a synthetic stone.

Advantages of aerated concrete:

Fire resistance. This important indicator the material from which the bathhouse will be built.
High strength that increases over time.
Light weight. Thanks to this, you can save on the foundation.
Ease of processing. It is easy to cut with a hacksaw and drill with a drill.

The main disadvantages of this material are its high cost and hygroscopicity (the ability to absorb and accumulate moisture). Therefore, the use of aerated concrete for the construction of a bathhouse requires some measures. To reduce the amount of moisture absorbed, special additives are added to the material.

Additionally, during construction it will be necessary to create vapor and waterproofing.

For a bathhouse, such a material characteristic as its thermal conductivity is important. For aerated concrete it depends on its density. For material of different grades from D300 to D600, the thermal conductivity coefficient ranges from 0.072 to 0.141. The lower the density of gas blocks, the less they conduct heat. At low density, the cells of the material contain a lot of air, which heats up slowly and is an obstacle to heat transfer. It turns out to be a thermos effect. It should be taken into account that the thermal conductivity indicator is given for aerated concrete at zero humidity. When moisture is absorbed, it increases noticeably.

Another feature of building with aerated blocks is that they need to be laid with a special glue that looks like cement mortar. The latter is not recommended to be used, since the blocks absorb moisture from it, thereby reducing the thermal insulation of the room.

Frame bath

Frame baths are gaining more and more popularity due to their advantages:

Light weight, thanks to which it can be mounted on a lightweight foundation.
High speed of construction. On average, a frame bath can be assembled 3 times faster than a timber or brick one. Construction takes no more than 2–3 weeks.
Good thermal insulation. In terms of warmth, it is comparable to log and timber buildings.
It can be erected at any time of the year, including in winter at temperatures down to -15 degrees.
The material of the walls absorbs and allows air to pass through, allowing them to “breathe”, so this bathhouse has a pleasant microclimate.
Natural frame materials are safe for human health.

Such a bathhouse is not without some disadvantages:

Shrinkage within 2 years, during which the building can settle by 10 cm. To reduce it, you need to use chamber drying materials.
Additional costs for insulation and finishing. The frame itself is cheaper than timber or brick baths, but costs increase due to interior and exterior decoration.
Difficulty making a choice effective insulation. Mineral wool or polystyrene foam will not work here. You will have to look for insulation that does not absorb moisture and does not ignite.

A frame bath is considered the best budget option.

Brick

Brick as a material for building a bathhouse has three main advantages:

Durability. Brick baths can last more than a hundred years, while the average service life of wooden ones is 15–20 years.
Attractive appearance. The brick does not require additional finishing. You can use it to create any design elements of buildings.
Fire resistance. Unlike wood, brick does not burn.

There are many more disadvantages of this material in the context of building a bathhouse:

Need to create strip foundation. This is an expensive and time-consuming process.
The brick takes longer to warm up. For kindling wooden bath takes on average no more than 1–1.5 hours. To warm up a brick one, you will need much more time and, accordingly, fuel.
Poor ventilation. Brick walls “breathe” much worse than wooden or frame walls.
High price.
Long construction period. You need to wait until the concrete in the foundation dries and gains strength. Laying walls also takes a lot of time and effort.

Due to its long service life and fire safety, many owners prefer brick. A beautiful appearance is an additional incentive. If you also decide to build a bathhouse from it, use some tips:

The best option in terms of price and quality is one-and-a-half red bricks. And gas silicate is also often used.
In such a bathhouse, you need to think through the ventilation system and leave ventilation gaps.
Cement for the solution must be taken at least grade M200. It will ensure the reliability of the seams and good thermal insulation.
Insulate brick bathhouse It is better from the inside so as not to spoil the external appearance.

Expanded clay concrete

This is a monolithic material, naturally cured, which contains cement and expanded clay - foamed and fired clay. Expanded clay concrete has a number of advantages - it is non-toxic, does not absorb moisture well and has low thermal conductivity. In addition, such blocks have low mass. This makes construction easier and the foundation cheaper. A bathhouse made of this material requires less insulation than, for example, one made of aerated concrete or a heat block. Frost resistance, and therefore durability, of expanded clay concrete is 5 times higher than that of aerated concrete blocks, and 2 times higher than that of foam blocks. Another indisputable advantage of the material is zero shrinkage.

Thermal conductivity depends on the filler fraction, therefore it ranges from 0.15 to 0.45. The larger the fraction, the lower it is, but also the lower the density of the material.

To lay walls made of expanded clay concrete blocks, you can use ordinary cement-sand mortar or special adhesive mixtures.

cinder block

This is a cheap building material that is obtained by pouring concrete into waste products - combustion products of coal and other materials or sawdust. In the second case, the material is called sawdust concrete (it is absolutely non-flammable).

Cinder blocks come with voids inside and solid ones.

Advantages of the material:

long service life - up to 50 years;
fire resistance;
low cost compared to wood or brick;
A variety of fillers allows you to choose the material for different needs.

Among the main disadvantages are:

hygroscopicity - when using the material to build a bathhouse, it will require waterproofing;
increased thermal conductivity - the bathhouse will have to be additionally insulated.

Cinder blocks have another important feature. Before using them in construction, they must be weathered under open air during a year. Otherwise, the blocks will release harmful substances. Therefore, the only obvious advantage of this material is its low price. This is not the best option for building a bathhouse.

Tree

A wooden bathhouse is a classic option. Wood comes in different species, and lumber from it also differs in characteristics. Industrial are:

Pine. This tree has a natural defense against mold and pests - their resin. Wood has high moisture resistance. Pine is available - there is a lot of it on the market, it has a low cost compared to other species. Its disadvantage as a material for building a bathhouse is its ability to “cry” at high temperatures. Needs additional treatment against rotting.
Linden. This type of wood is easy to process. Suitable for building a bathhouse because it has an important property - good heat resistance. However, without additional processing, the linden darkens. She is also afraid of moisture.
Aspen. It is not afraid of moisture, has a high density, and becomes even denser over the years. Aspen exhibits low shrinkage. It is durable and practically does not crack when dried. In addition, the wood has a beautiful red color. The disadvantages of aspen are the high price and difficulty of processing due to high density. And it is also believed that aspen is not suitable for building baths, because it makes you feel worse and causes headaches.
Fir. It is rarely used in construction for two reasons - it is susceptible to rotting and has soft and fragile wood.
Alder. It is widespread in Russian forests, but still has a fairly high cost. The wood has a beautiful color - from flame to brick. Gives little shrinkage. Practically does not warp. It is easy to process and does not twist, which is important for building a bathhouse. However, it darkens after several years of service and is susceptible to rotting.

Log house

Rounded logs are considered a completely ecological product, unlike laminated veneer lumber. A bathhouse built from it will not need additional external and internal finishing, since the log has a natural, chic appearance. Thanks to minimal gaps on the crowns, log houses made of rounded logs are characterized by increased thermal insulation. The ability to connect logs at any angle allows you to implement unique design solutions in the construction of buildings. The disadvantages of logs are twisting, cracking, and bowing. The material has high shrinkage.

timber

Profiled timber can be solid or glued. In general, it is not subject to deformation, like a log, and has good performance characteristics. It is impregnated with antiseptics and fire retardants to increase resistance to biological factors and fire. Solid profiled timber is considered more environmentally friendly because it does not contain adhesives. At the same time, glued wood is less susceptible to cracking and has increased strength and resistance to deformation.

Building a wooden bathhouse with your own hands requires certain skills. If you do not have sufficient experience, it is better to hire specialists for this.

Arbolite blocks

This material has been known since the times of the USSR. The blocks consist of 90% wood waste. They are brought to the required size in a chipper and crusher, then filled with cement with the addition of calcium chloride or liquid soda glass. These additives are needed in order to neutralize resin acids, which destroy wood, and accelerate the hardening of the mass.

Wood concrete as a building material has a number of advantages:

low thermal conductivity;
the ability to maintain a comfortable level of humidity in the room;
environmental friendliness;
low cost.

Provided you buy high-quality blocks, this material can be called a good option for a bathhouse. Another important feature of wood concrete is its heat capacity, which is higher than that of air. This means that in a bathhouse built from it, the air will warm up first, and then the walls. When using brick, the opposite happens.

Arbolite is suitable only for low-rise construction, since it has low strength and is not able to withstand heavy loads. It is worth considering its high hygroscopicity. You cannot do without waterproofing and a good ventilation system. It is not possible to use ordinary plaster for finishing.

It is best to finish the outside of wood concrete walls facing bricks, clapboard or moisture-resistant wood. For a bathhouse, lining will be the best option, otherwise the cost of construction will increase, which will defeat the purpose of using this material.

What material to choose to build a bathhouse (reviews)

Nothing helps you make a choice more than reviews from people who have experienced something themselves.

Before building my own bathhouse, I thought that it had to be made of wood, but wood breathes. But no matter how much I walked around such baths, no matter how long I stayed inside, I never saw (didn’t feel) this breath. Today I am sure that a bath is the conditions that should be created in a steam room, the optimal ratio of humidity and temperature. The project was born quickly, because I clearly understood what I wanted from it: a steam room and a wash room must be separate, a large and comfortable relaxation room, a firebox must have a fireplace effect and... the opportunity to spend time comfortably in the winter. A bathhouse in winter is a song. That’s why I chose foam blocks for the walls.
Konstantin
https://www.forumhouse.ru/threads/394720/

My steam room/sink is a log house made of aspen d=250\300 and the dressing room is a frame building. Under pouring floors I didn’t pour concrete, but welded a frame of 12 reinforcement bars with slopes in the center towards the scupper (aka ladder) and stretched a thick plastic film. I also made “eternal” joists under the floors, fortunately we sell inexpensively used thick-walled timber (76\6 mm), welded strip pads to it along the edges (so as not to spin) and scattered 6 pieces. with an interval of 0.5 m (the ends of the pipes lay on the lower strapping beam, in the places where half-logs are placed near the log house). Another “know-how” is to ensure that the floorboards of the pouring floors are not attached to the joists (you can always lift them to dry, or clean the drain under them) and that they do not run together and lie at equal intervals. Along the edges of the boards (with an indentation of 10 cm) you drilled and inserted PVC “mushrooms” to attach the insulation to the facades, then you measure 10 mm and cut the mushroom with a hacksaw. The result is a board with spaced chips along the edges, simple and reliable, it won’t rot and holds tightly.
Andrey
https://www.forumhouse.ru/threads/282522/page-2

In fact, in terms of quality, frame 100 or timber 100, raw, unplaned, and frame 200 optimal technologies respectively for an unheated and heated bath.
Viant
https://www.forumhouse.ru/threads/389121/

Good afternoon The wood concrete material for a bathhouse is not bad, but you need to use it wisely. Namely, it is possible to insulate if the wood concrete is not plastered, it breathes wonderfully, the cake will turn out like this: internal lining (solid wood) ventilation gap 1.5–2 cm, vapor barrier, basalt insulation 5–10 cm, wood concrete, windproof film, ventilation gap 2–5 cm, outer skin. Why is it used? basalt insulation? Because the thermal conductivity of the insulation is much lower than that of wood concrete, therefore there are fewer losses and faster warming up. If you plaster the outside, then such a structure will not be able to breathe towards the street and will accumulate moisture, and it can even penetrate through the vapor barrier, since small leaks and damage are possible. In terms of vapor permeability, materials must follow each other in order of increasing vapor permeability (from the inside to the outside); there are no plasters comparable in vapor permeability to wood concrete.
Tooth
https://www.forumhouse.ru/threads/100295/

Regarding the construction of a bathhouse from laminated timber. A definite plus, from my point of view, is minimal shrinkage and understandable behavior of the timber in the future. Of course, provided that the timber is of high quality.
Konstantin
https://www.forumhouse.ru/threads/390466/

Video: how to choose material for building a steam room

There are many options for building materials for a bathhouse, and each of them is good in its own way. Making a smart choice requires careful consideration of the pros and cons of each. If you know what is your priority - price, appearance, ease and speed of construction, or thermal insulation properties, then you can easily determine the appropriate material for yourself.