In short: If there's no damp damage behind the panelling and the sauna smells clean, a refresh is often enough: sanding, new benches, a new heater and lighting. If the sauna smells of mould or the panelling is soft, the insulation and vapour barrier must be replaced too.
The sauna is a special place in an Estonian home. Over time the wood darkens, the benches wear and the heater tires. Is a refresh enough, or does everything need redoing? It mostly depends on what's behind the panelling.
When a refresh is enough
If there's no moisture damage behind the panelling and the sauna smells clean, it can often be renewed without stripping everything:
- sanding the wood and applying a new protective finish
- replacing or renewing the benches
- replacing the heater
- new lighting under or behind the benches
- a glass door or glass wall instead of a wooden door
When a full renovation is needed
If the sauna smells of mould, the panelling is soft or has dark patches, or the washroom walls are damp, the problem goes deeper. Then the panelling is removed and the insulation and vapour barrier replaced. The vapour barrier is a membrane that stops moisture getting into the wall – if it's damaged or missing, the wall gets damp from the inside.
Choosing a heater
The heater's power must match the size of the steam room. Materials count too: a glass wall or stone walls need more power than timber panelling. With an electric heater, the electrical system needs checking as well.
Sauna and washroom together
A sauna renovation is a good moment to renew the washroom too: waterproofing, tiling and shower. For example, in the Tammenurme house the sauna and washroom got a glass wall and form a single whole.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell if the sauna needs a full renovation?
Warning signs are a mouldy smell, soft or dark-stained panelling and damp walls in the washroom.
What heater power should I choose?
It depends on the size of the sauna room and the materials. A glass wall or stone walls need more power than wooden panelling.
Can a wooden door be replaced with a glass one?
Yes, it's a common choice when updating a sauna and makes the room lighter.
Read more about our sauna building and renovation service or ask for a free quote.
