SaunaTimes is pleased to introduce Jack DeGonda, a Gustavus Adolphus College and University of Minnesota Structural Engineering graduate. He currently works for an engineering firm as well as founder of DeGonda Custom Sauna Builders. Jack is keen to help other sauna builders. For this installment, Jack applies knowledge and schooling on structural load capacity for sauna benches. Welcome Jack!
Big picture Idea: Designing a better sauna bench
Jack is a big fan of the bench design detailed in the SaunaTimes build your own sauna book. The design minimizes or eliminates the need for vertical supports. Vertical supports get in the way of the lower bench. A floating bench delivers a cleaner aesthetic, simplifies maintenance beneath the benches, and enhances the sense of openness and craftsmanship in the sauna. Benches set on 2×4 “cleats” or “headers” screwed directly through t&g cladding into wall studs (as detailed in the book Sauna Build Start to Finish).
So, Jack took the SaunaTimes bench design one step further.
Material matters
Different wood species offer different loads/strengths. For this exercise, we highlight Western Red Cedar, a premium choice for North America sauna building.
If there’s a better bench design, we’d sure like to see it. This method has proven itself over decades and we’re happy to support it (cough!) with professional load capacity analysis. More on this bench design is here.
2 thoughts on “Stress loads for sauna benches”
Jack, Glenn,
My wall width is about 7.5′ and I like the floating look that you show. I plan to have four guys on the bench at times, probably not 200lbs each, but want to be sturdy. I see your 7′ design is good for 7′ span and 600lbs. Instead of adding corbel, do you think doubling/sistering up the front 2×4 would make this work? I realize the wonderful look is compromised now being nonsymetrical, but I’d say worth it not to sag. Thoughts?
Thanks
Ben
Ben,
I say follow above best you can. I think if you were to hit Jack up with that question, you may end up sending him into a stress load tail spin, but let’s see if he chimes in.