Installing a stove in a bathhouse with your own hands, step-by-step instructions

The bathhouse has always been a traditional place for Russians where a person relaxes, as they say, “cleanses the spirit and body,” and receives a charge of vigor and health for the entire upcoming working week. But in order for a bathhouse to live up to the expectations placed on it, it needs a good stove. It doesn’t matter whether this heating unit is purchased ready-made or built with your own hands - the main thing is that it is able to create the necessary specific atmosphere in the premises and is as safe as possible in operation.

Installing a stove in a bathhouse with an external firebox

There are two main ways to install this heating device:

— Installation of the stove in a bathhouse with an external firebox.

— Placement of the entire structure in the steam room.

Each of the proposed options has its own positive and negative sides, but it is advisable to decide on the choice of installation method at the stage of building the bathhouse. If you plan to move the furnace firebox to an adjacent room, then when constructing a dividing wall between the steam room and the dressing room, an opening is immediately installed in it. However, if you decide to reconstruct an already finished bathhouse, then it is quite acceptable to cut out the necessary window in the wall to remove the furnace door of the stove into the dressing room.

Basic options for installing a sauna stove

The sauna stove is installed in accordance with regulated fire safety rules. As a result, several installation options can be distinguished. Everyone decides for themselves which one suits them best:

Location inside the steam room. As a result, it is quite easy to regulate the temperature by adding firewood right away. However, oxygen burns out quite quickly and humidity must be constantly maintained.
Installing a stove in a bathhouse with an external firebox. You will need to make a technological hole. But this means cleanliness, space saving and increased safety.
Stove in a bathhouse with a fuel channel on the street. This significantly saves space, but during vaping it is very inconvenient to add firewood or coal in order to maintain the desired temperature for a long time.

There is no single solution for how to properly install a stove in a bathhouse. It is necessary to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each option and choose the optimal solution for a particular situation.

How to install a stove in a bathhouse, at what distance from the wall

The installation of a metal stove in a bathhouse must comply with fire safety rules. The distance from the wall is one of the most important points. The firebox should be placed at a distance of 1 meter from objects, but this rule is quite difficult to comply with. Cladding is often used. Clay or brick is used to insulate materials that can easily catch fire. Let’s assume that the stove is installed in a bathhouse with a distance of 80 cm from the firebox. This distance must be maintained.

When installing on a wooden floor, it is also necessary to additionally insulate the material. Fire is possible not only from the firebox, but also from hot metal.

Fire door

The features of its arrangement during installation depend on where it goes:

If it is in an adjacent room, then the opening must be lined with bricks and insulated with fire-resistant sheet material. The gaps between the wood and the masonry will need to be foamed, and the joints will need to be sealed with heat-resistant mastic.
When going to the steam room, the wall should be covered with a stainless screen. The thickness of the steel should be at least 3 mm, and even better 4-5 mm.

Where to install the stove in the bathhouse

Installation of a sauna stove begins with choosing a location for installation. You need to know exactly how remote tanks, external heat exchangers, and connecting pipes are located. There are several basic conditions that are relevant to the requirements of SNiP:

If there is no insulation of materials that can catch fire, you should maintain a distance of 1 m.
The installation of sauna stoves must maintain a distance from the ceiling of at least 0.8 if it is plastered and insulated, and without protection it increases to 1.2 m.
It is necessary to maintain 1.25 m from the firebox to the wall. The hot body itself should be located at a distance of 0.5 m.
The partition for the outlet of the channel-sleeve must be covered with fire protection.

Based on these rules, you can individually decide how the installation will take place and choose the optimal safe place for it.

Installation base

Installing a stove in a bathhouse begins with the design of the base for it. It is worth considering that this is hot metal, which means you will need to shield the floors. To do this, you can use a simple concrete screed or a special base that is fire resistant.

It is important to consider that the boiler must be installed in a bathhouse on a durable surface. A structure loaded with firewood or other fuel, along with stones for steam, is quite heavy. When installed on wood, it will gradually be pressed and deformed.

Finishing the room

Treat surfaces with linseed oil, special antiseptics and wax.

Sanded lumber is used in finishing the floors, walls, and in the construction of benches, so after installation it is enough to go over it with sandpaper. This is how to remove raised fibers that appeared during the process of working with wood. For finishing, compositions are used to add attractiveness and emphasize design elements.

Purchase natural-based products for treating wooden floors, walls, and benches. Painting is carried out with the steam room not working so that the products dry under natural conditions. Synthetic dyes and varnishes are not used for the steam room, as they release harmful substances.

Treat surfaces with linseed oil, special antiseptics and wax. Sometimes oil and wax are combined for better impregnation. Wait at least 12 hours between applying several layers to allow the product to absorb and dry.

Choosing the type and size of foundation for the furnace

Installing a stove in a bathhouse with your own hands begins with organizing the foundation. Based on construction norms and rules, several options for installing the base can be distinguished:

Installation can take place on a monolithic reinforced base. It is not part of the structure, but is laid lower than the soil freezing line.
A pile-slab base is an ideal option if you plan to install a stove in a bathhouse on moving ground. It will provide stability and security.
A foundation with a slight depth can become one with the main foundation. This will allow you to decide how to install the stove in the bathhouse from the dressing room and ensure its stability even on moving soil.

It is worth considering its size and location, everyone determines it for themselves. The dimensions of the foundations can be different and are calculated after it has been decided how to install the sauna stove and what it will be like.

Options for the internal layout of a 4x5 m bath: the best projects

The procedure for designing such elements as the foundation, wall construction material, roof characteristics, etc. determined by the characteristics of a particular situation and remains primarily at the discretion of the owner. You are also invited to familiarize yourself with the most popular and successful options for internal planning of the space of a 4x5 m bathhouse with separate steam room and wash room.

The simplest design of a 4x5 m bathhouse

The so-called “minimum set”.

The simplest design of a 4x5 m bathhouse

The bathhouse consists of one floor and has dimensions of 4x5 m. There is no vestibule/dressing room, which makes the use of such a bathhouse possible only in warm weather (the reasons were described earlier). The entrance to the building leads to a fairly spacious recreation room measuring 2.85 x 4 m. It is proposed to install a table and a corner sofa or benches here. If desired, the room can be equipped with a TV and related equipment. From the rest room you can get into a wash room measuring 1.8 x 2 m, equipped with a shower, toilet and sink. The door from the washing room leads to a steam room measuring 2x2.1 m with a stove occupying 1 m2.

Project of a 4x5 m bathhouse with a terrace

The set of interior spaces remains similar to the previous version, but a quite spacious terrace appears. The proposed dimensions are 1.5 x 4 m. If desired, the terrace can be glazed to create a veranda. Often, an additional seating area is organized on the terraces/verandas, or even a barbecue oven is installed, if free space allows.

Project of a 4x5 m bathhouse with a terrace

The entrance from the terrace leads to a recreation room measuring 2x3.5 m. Recommendations for equipping this room are similar to the previous and all subsequent projects. The internal door from the relaxation room leads to the shower room (1.5x2 m), and from there to the steam room (2x2 m). Thus, even the presence of a terrace made it possible to correctly fit all the necessary premises into the available space.

Bathhouse 4x5 m with dressing room

In this project, a small dressing room with dimensions of 1.1 x 1.7 m appears. The presence of this room will allow you to comfortably operate the bathhouse in cold weather. It is also proposed to store firewood here.

Bathhouse 4x5 m with dressing room

The exit from the dressing room leads to a small corridor, and from there to the rest room. The latter is connected by a door to the washing compartment, and it is connected to the steam room. Recommendations regarding the dimensions and internal arrangement of each room are given in the diagram. You can take it as a basis, changing the necessary parameters at your discretion, or implement an identical project - the finished bathhouse, despite its relatively modest dimensions, will be very convenient.

Bathhouse 4x5 m, complemented by a vestibule and a bathroom

In this project, in addition to the main premises, there was a vestibule and a bathroom separated from the washing room, which is very convenient.

Bathhouse, complete with vestibule and toilet

The door from the vestibule leads to the rest room, from where you can go to the bathroom or washroom. The washing room is connected by a door to the steam room. The project is one of the most successful and popular.

Bathhouse 4x5 m with porch and attic floor

The presence of an attic tier allows you to use the space of the construction site with maximum benefit and efficiency.

Bathhouse 4x5 m with porch and attic floor

Additionally, it is recommended that the building be equipped with a porch measuring 1.5 x 2.5 m. If desired, instead of a porch, you can make a vestibule, which will allow you to use the bathhouse throughout the year. It is proposed to equip a bedroom on the attic floor. If desired, the space can be divided into a place for sleeping and a relaxation room, or you can make a billiard room here.

Preparing a wooden floor for stove installation

Often this structure is a log house. That is why great attention should be paid to the question of how to properly install a stove in a bathhouse on a wooden floor. To do this, you need to undergo a little preparation:

Outline the location, decide on a place for it. It is necessary to provide a margin of up to 10 cm around the perimeter.
The base can be a mineral slab; you need to cut a suitable base from it. Then it is fixed to the floor; you can use simple self-tapping screws.
It is necessary to build horizontal brickwork, which will necessarily be supported by fire-resistant mortar.
The last layer will be porcelain stoneware, which is attached using glue that can withstand impressive temperatures.

Installing a cast iron stove in a bathhouse always requires a similar approach. Even lighter models can push through the floor. With the help of a well-designed foundation, the durability, safety and reliability of the structure will be ensured.

Specifications

Before understanding the technical characteristics of the equipment, you need to consider the features of this metal:

Cast iron, used for the manufacture of furnace equipment, has a high heat resistance. Its surface does not collapse during sudden cooling (for example, when exposed to water).
The material transfers heat better than brick or other types of metal. Bathrooms heat up quickly with low fuel consumption.
Cast iron parts must be cast because it is very fragile. Welded joints quickly lose strength when exposed to high heat. Therefore, individual parts are fastened together using a tongue-and-groove system or using bolts.

When considering the technical characteristics, you need to pay attention to several indicators:

Power - selected depending on the size of the steam room. To correctly calculate the power, you can use a special formula - multiply the area of the steam room by 1.5. The resulting result is considered the optimal power indicator.
Thermal capacity. The optimal range is from 15 to 35 kW. It is better to choose models with a heat capacity of 20 kW. They consume a small amount of fuel and retain heat for a long time.
When choosing a material, it is better to give preference to gray cast iron.

The technical characteristics of furnace equipment are influenced by additional functions:

secondary gas combustion system;
ash drawer pull-out mechanism;
vertical stiffeners that increase the strength of the structure.

Some stoves are equipped with a clean combustion function. It involves the location of a special hole above the firebox door. It is designed to remove air from the combustion chamber.

Cast iron furnace with secondary combustion

Safe installation standards

To decide how to install a stove in a bathhouse, you must study fire safety standards. They are easy to follow, provide safety and can truly save not only property, but also lives. It is worth highlighting several basic standards:

Be sure to maintain the specified distance around the perimeter, as well as from the ceiling.
It is advisable to treat nearby walls and objects with fire protection and not to place flammable objects nearby.
Prepare the base or foundation to protect against fire.

If all rules and regulations are observed, installing a sauna stove in a wooden bathhouse is truly safe.

Flaws

Since the fuel in this case is wooden firewood, and the metal surface of the equipment is subject to strong heating, operation of the stove is associated with a high risk of ignition of surrounding elements.

Due to these circumstances, quite serious fire safety requirements are put forward for the use of a heating unit, especially when the stove is a privately produced product.

To carry out engineering work independently requires special knowledge. In addition, a homemade design is susceptible to all sorts of malfunctions, since such manipulations require the most accurate compliance with all technological standards. It is extremely difficult to achieve such a result in non-production conditions.

Base structure

The rules for installing a stove in a bathhouse require a careful approach to arranging the base. To do this, you will need to create a special pillow, which is especially important for wooden floors. It is convenient if during construction the foundation was immediately laid in a designated place. Or the place where the unit will be is initially marked.

Installing a stove in a bathhouse with your own hands begins with the pillow. An excellent base would be a mineral slab, which will ensure a stable position. Then continues with the creation of the foundation. This is brickwork with fire-resistant mortar, which is located horizontally. Step-by-step instructions involve attaching porcelain tiles, which can easily withstand high temperatures. This is the most popular pillow option.

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Calculating the weight of the furnace to select a base

To understand how to install a boiler in a bathhouse, as well as prepare a podium for the stove in a bathhouse, you need to calculate its weight. To do this, you need to find out the weight of the material and structure, add about 20-30 kg. This is the approximate weight of stones and firewood with a small margin. After this, the installation of the sauna stove and chimney begins.

Restoring air exchange

In your case, the chimney is clean, the doors are fitted, but doesn’t that make it any easier? Then why does the stove smoke? Possible reasons can be found below:

The pipe does not have a protective cap. In windy weather, blowing occurs. Wait until the disaster ends and take measures to install a life-saving “cap”.
The cause of smoke from the stove door or ash pan may be a branchy tree hanging over the chimney. The obstacle prevents the outflow of air, gusts of wind are reflected into the pipe. A reverse draft appears, the smoke does not go up, but into the room. Exit: remove branches in the near-pipe space. By the way, try the method if you are puzzled by finding an answer to the question of why a new stove smokes. Possible reasons are on the surface, you just need to analyze the situation and inspect the area: is there a high wall nearby? This is also a risk factor in terms of air backflow. It is not necessary to destroy the barrier or cut down all the surrounding trees - protect the pipe with a cap.
The roof ridge is located above the chimney. This interferes with normal air exchange. Extend the pipe and everything will go as usual.
The masonry was destroyed by bad weather (it’s not in vain that evil winds, heavy rains, and severe frosts try their best). The wind blows through the crack. Air pockets form. The craving is broken. In this state of affairs, urgent repairs are needed.

Preparing the wooden base

If there is a wooden floor, the arrangement must begin from the base. These can be different options:

Installation takes place on a brickwork pad.
We are thinking about how to install a boiler in a bathhouse on a pile-grillage foundation.
A shallow, integral base is used.

Additionally, it would be a good idea to use fireproof protection. Its role is played by a steel sheet or porcelain stoneware slab. With such a foundation, it’s easy to figure out how to install an iron stove in a bathhouse and maintain safety.

The final touch

Finishing the firebox with natural stone or decorative brick is required to obtain the effect of a Russian bath - fine steam and light “good” heat. Without additional work, the result may be not a bathhouse, but a sauna.

Open metal parts of the fuel apparatus emit aggressive heat, burn out oxygen in a steam room, and are dangerous. Unfinished ovens create pronounced convection and produce heavy water vapor.

Chimneys also transmit heat and need to be enclosed. In addition, brick finishing of pipes will make the stove more fireproof.

The temperature of combustible gases in the chimney pipe will be significantly reduced due to the masonry. When heated, the finishing material itself will serve as an additional source of heat.

In many models, stone finishing of the outer contour is provided by the manufacturer. Brickwork is carried out independently taking into account:

gaps required for metal expansion;
entry and exit of air flows (convection), the ability to block them.

Serpentine stone, soapstone chloride, soapstone magnesite and others are used as natural finishing materials. In addition to its heat-resistant and aesthetic properties, when heated, natural stone saturates the air with ions that are beneficial for the human respiratory, cardiovascular, and digestive systems.

Wood stove installation

In this case, it is quite easy to figure out how to properly install the stove in the bathhouse. It is enough to mount the structure on the prepared base and remove the chimney. However, installing a boiler in a bathhouse with your own hands has some subtleties. It is worth dwelling on them in detail. In particular, this concerns the base and how to ensure the safety of the firebox.

Rules for laying an opening around the firebox

Installation of a stove in a steam room must be accompanied by the filling of an opening around the firebox. Be sure to leave small gaps so that the heating is not too high.

To lay it down, you should understand the algorithm of actions, and then line the firebox with ceramic bricks. This will ensure compliance with all safety measures. Installing a wood-burning stove in a bathhouse requires careful attention to fire safety.

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