The use of glass in a sauna can be a real game changer if done correctly. If done wrong it can be a total disaster. 

Success or failure all comes down to accurate computational volume calculations. This is a calculation that takes into consideration the actual volume of the sauna space and combines this with factors for the area of single or double glazed glass, such as windows, doors and glass walls, as well as the type and R value of insulation. The more glass and lack of insulation, the more powerful the sauna heater needs to be. 

The computational volume is important to consider in comparison with the maximum power rating of the sauna stove achievable in your sauna. In essence, too much glass will mean a sauna which is never capable of getting up to temperature. This is just one of the many reasons why it is important to speak to a sauna specialist like Finnmark when designing your ideal sauna!

Full glass walls are an excellent way to curate your beautiful sauna installation. This can help turn your custom sauna into a real showpiece. A sauna with a full glass wall can also help make the sauna feel like a cohesive part of a larger space such as a poolside,  a relaxation space, a gym, a bathroom or a wetroom shower room area. When installing a full glass wall, this will often include a frameless glass door and one to two full panels of glass depending on the sauna layout, hinging from the glass or the wall respectively.

For all sauna glass walls or glass doors, hinges and glass hardware are a key consideration. For our glass walls we have searched exhaustively to find manufacturers that guarantee their hardware for sauna usage, and many don’t. We specify sauna safe hydraulic, smooth-close hinges as standard. For glass doors we create a custom door frame to suit your needs from a matching timber type. We use non-perishable silicone or rubber seals rather than plastics, and have a range of stainless steel and aluminium glass hardware options. With glass walls you also have considerations on the U channels that hold the glass in place. These can be coloured on request, or depending on your space, sometimes they can be recessed to create a frameless feature.

Large windows can frame a beautiful view and be an excellent choice for saunas that look out onto a garden. We also sometimes specify ‘letterbox’ windows that allow users to look out and enjoy the view from the top bench but maintain privacy for the users. We love a sauna with a view and allowing natural light in is an added bonus. When installing sauna windows that look to the outside, we typically have two options. If the space we are installing into has an existing window, especially one that cannot be removed due to its location or perhaps as part of a listed facade, we would create an openable internal window in front of the existing frame that would protect it from the high temperatures and humidity of the sauna. If we are installing into a new build space or have the opportunity to fit a new window, we specify our ultra heat resistant double glazing units. Standard butyl-sealed double glazing will fail in the heat and lead to a condensation filled unit.

All of our bespoke installation glazing types, glass walls, doors and windows, come in an array of options for finishes and tints. Grey (darkened) and bronzed tints are popular choices for colour tints that improve privacy. Custom frosting and etching is also possible on request. Where large glass walls are fitted, the use of low-iron glass is a consideration as this removes the greenish tinge from exposed glass edges, a natural phenomena caused by iron in the glass. For all glazing exposed to steam and moisture, hydrophobic treatments such as Ritec are worth considering for one or both sides. Whilst a premium addition to the glass, it will reduce the amount of cleaning required for the glass considerably.