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Sauna wall panels

10/4/15       
Damir Dehlic  Member

A designer asked me to make some wall panels for a sauna similar to those in the picture.

Did anybody make some similar panels?
We are thinking of using a marine grade plywood for the substrate and gluing veneer with UF glue on both sides using a hot press.
Is their a better substrate for this application?

The sauna temperatures are from 50 degrees Celsius (122 Fahrenheit) to 80 (176 Fahrenheit) degrees and the air humidity is from 20% to 50% depending on the sauna type.

Thanks


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10/4/15       #2: Sauna wall panels ...
Adam

Do not use epoxy resins. Typical stuff like West System start to lose mechanical properties around 120F and melt around 200F.

10/5/15       #3: Sauna wall panels ...
Damir Dehlic  Member

Thanks Adam.

I don't plan to use epoxy, it is expensive and takes a long time to cure.

I looked at some sauna panels and they were cracked because of the high temperature and low humidity.

This is why I plan to use thin veneer and a hard glue. I'm curious if there is a better substrate to use.

10/11/15       #4: Sauna wall panels ...
karl  Member

Website: http://www.benchwerks.com

Here are some Boat guys discussing MDO v Marine plywood.

I of course realize that you have the additional problems of extreme temp fluctuations, and they aren't talking about veneering, but I was interested in some of the opinions/experiences with regards to the paper, and thought it might have some application for you.

MDO v Marine Plywood

10/20/15       #5: Sauna wall panels ...
Gene Wengert - Wood Doc

Most common epoxy adhesives, once cured, can withstand 250 F to 300 F before they begin to lose strength. There are even epoxies made for high temperature use that go even higher. Note that this is "in use" but the temperatures for curing and post curing must be much cooler. The spec sheet for epoxy should give you the service temperature.

Wood is not affected by temperature changes, so the temperature variation you will have is not a problem with the correct adhesive. (If the temperature variation causes humidity changes, then there can be an issue...see next paragraph.)

Here is the problem, however. You will have a widely varying moisture condition, meaning that the wood will tend to move quite a bit. It is virtually impossible to stop this movement. So, we need to consider a wood species that is not prone to much movement. One species often used is aspen (also called aspen poplar, quaking aspen and a few other names). This wood is also splinterless, which can be an advantage in a sauna.

Marine grade means that the adhesive used is stable when wet (The adhesive is that same as used in CD-X plywood.) and also that the lowest grade veneer within the panel is fairly high quality (B grade or higher). The plywood will still move slightly with moisture changes. Some of the movement will be warping, so fastening the plywood to the frame is critical. You also want to leave room for expansion and contraction.

11/24/20       #6: Sauna wall panels ...
Lynne Member

Website: https://www.supawood.com.au/products/supaline/

I found some options for walls and ceiling panels. It is available in a variety of different finishes.They are also good for decorative panels for pillars or beams or office partitions.

11/24/20       #7: Sauna wall panels ...
GeneWengert-WoodDoc

The product you cited is not recommended for high humidity. Therefore, use in a sauna is inappropriate.

Further, I could find no information on heat limits. Also, the name is a registered trademark, so should have the R with a circle, or other designation. The product is wood and resin sold as a panel. It is made in South Africa. Is it available in the U.S.? What makes this different from other wood resin products...particleboard, fiberboard flake board, MDF, etc.?

1/10/22       #9: NotifyOnlyPost ...
Keystone Linings

Website: https://keystonelinings.com.au

I found good options for Acoustic Wall Panels and Ceiling Panels. It is also available in various dimensions with different finishes. They are also good for Acoustic Wall Panels and Ceiling Panels or office partitions.

Architectural Wall Panels Ceiling Panels

1/13/22       #10: Sauna wall panels ...
Xenia

Website: http://jgrabner.at

There are sauna panels - veneered plywood, suitable for sauna.
Water and heat resistant glue --> delamination warranty; fomaldehyde free (tested by T=90 °С). Big variety of wood species, textures and colours.
Check "saunaboard" on www.jgrabner.at.


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