My Sauna Build - changing room benches, shelf, towel / hat hooks build

Introduction

Introduction

We've been enhancing our sauna-changing room, and the next step involves constructing some benches, shelves, and hangers to store your cups, towels, and other items. Here, I’ll walk you through how I built all these custom pieces using leftover Cedar wood and even forged some hooks from railroad spikes.

Building the Benches

Initial Setup

I first thought about placement: one bench at the back, and maybe a slimmer one against the wall while ensuring the door wouldn’t hit it. I realized I’d need shelves after a trial run in the sauna to place cups, towels, and so on.

Materials and Design

Using leftover Cedar wood, I decided to make the benches. I used full-size 6-inch boards without cutting them down. For supports, I mounted them directly into the studs for extra durability.

Construction Procedure

• Boards and Support: Used three full-size 6-inch boards for the seat. I attached them with supports at the sides, which were fixed into the wall studs.
• Finish: Added the same edge finish for a nice look.
• Placement: The back bench was aligned similarly to the internal sauna benches. Another bench was placed on the opposite wall using the triangle method for metal supports - very sturdy and efficient.

Adding Shelf and Hooks

Shelf Construction

I used a Cedar board to make a small shelf to hold accessories.

• Design: Gave it a natural, rustic finish using a W-cut with a bit saw and attached cut-out legs for support.
• Smart Cutouts: I included a hole to accommodate a wireless phone charger.

Hanger Hooks

I decided to forge some hooks:

• Material: Used railroad spikes due to their robustness and aesthetic appeal.
• Custom Offer: If there's interest, I can customize these and offer them in my ETSY shop.

Final Touches

• Trim: Added finishing trim at the corners.
• Decoration: Included Polaroid pictures board and a little space for all the sauna events.
• Infrared Lights: Considering adding infrared lights for ambiance.

Future Projects with Cedar

I have a hefty piece of Cedar (2 inches by 13 inches and about 9 feet long) and plan to make a mini table and another bench. I aim to enhance its look by filling its holes with resin - a technique I’ve yet to try but am excited about experimenting with.

Resin Filling Process

• Preparation: Sanding multiple layers.
• Dremel Work: Cleaning all the nooks and crannies for better resin binding.
• Next Steps: Final cleanup touches before applying the resin.

Conclusion

This comprehensive build is coming together beautifully. Please watch the full video to see the sauna-breaking process and how it all fits together.

Keywords

Sauna, Cedar Wood, Benches, Shelf, Hooks, Railroad Spikes, Forging, Resin Filling, Infrared Lights, DIY

FAQ

Q1: What materials did you use for the benches? A: I used full-size 6-inch Cedar boards along with metal supports attached directly into the wall studs.

Q2: How did you make the hooks for towels and hats? A: I forged the hooks out of railroad spikes, giving them a rustic and robust finish.

Q3: Are the shelves also made of Cedar? A: Yes, the shelves are made from Cedar, with a natural finish created using a W-cut and bit saw.

Q4: What kind of lights are you considering adding to the room? A: I am considering adding infrared lights to provide additional warmth and ambiance.

Q5: Any woodworking tips for beginners attempting similar projects? A: Ensure you use sturdy supports for benches, and when working with Cedar, maintain its natural look for a beautiful finish. Also, don’t shy away from custom add-ons like resin-filled holes; they offer a unique touch to your projects.