How to Install Sauna Room Doors: A Complete Guide

Sauna room doors are an essential component of any sauna, playing a key role in maintaining heat efficiency, safety, and aesthetics. Whether you’re upgrading your existing sauna or installing a brand-new one, choosing the right pre-hung sauna door and installing it correctly ensures a long-lasting and effective sauna experience.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about installing a sauna door, including step-by-step instructions, important considerations, and maintenance tips.

Why Proper Sauna Door Installation Matters

A properly installed sauna door helps retain heat, ensures safety, and enhances the overall look of your sauna. Since sauna environments expose doors to high temperatures and humidity, the door frame, hinges, and handle must be durable enough to withstand these conditions over time.

Additionally, a poorly installed door can lead to heat loss, reducing the efficiency of your sauna and increasing energy consumption.

To ensure you select a high-quality, durable door, explore our collection of pre-hung sauna doors designed specifically for sauna environments.

Why Choose a Pre-Hung Sauna Door?

Most of our sauna doors come pre-hung, meaning they are already mounted on a frame with hinges, a threshold. This makes installation much easier compared to standalone doors that require precise alignment and additional framing work.

Benefits of Pre-Hung Sauna Doors

• Easier Installation – No need to frame or hinge the door separately.
• Better Heat Retention – Pre-hung doors fit snugly, preventing heat leaks.
• Higher Durability – Built to withstand sauna heat and humidity.
• Enhanced Aesthetics – Available in various styles, including clear glass, tinted glass, and wood with windows.

How to Install a Pre-Hung Sauna Door

Installing a pre-hung sauna door is a straightforward process. Here’s how to do it correctly:

Tools and Materials Needed

• Wooden shims
• Level and square
• Drill and screwdriver
• 6d and 4d finishing nails
• Hammer
  

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

1. Position the Door Frame

• Set the pre-hung door and its frame into the rough opening of your sauna.
• Use wooden shims to hold the frame in place temporarily.

2. Align the Frame

• Adjust the door so it sits evenly within the opening.
• Use a level and square to ensure the frame is plumb and true.
• Shim between the studs and the door frame, focusing on where the hinges and door latch will attach.

3. Check the Door Alignment

• Close the door and inspect the spacing around it.
• The gaps should be even on all sides.
• If necessary, adjust the shims to correct misalignment.

4. Secure the Frame

• Nail the door frame to the wall studs using 6d finishing nails.
• Attach the molding to the outside of the frame using 4d finishing nails.
• Countersink all nails

Important Considerations for Sauna Doors

1. Sauna Doors Must Open Outward

Unlike standard doors, sauna doors are designed to open outward for safety reasons. This prevents blockages in case of an emergency and allows for easy exit.

2. Avoid Locking Mechanisms

Sauna doors should never have locks, knobs, or anything that could trap a person inside. Instead, use a magnetic or roller catch for easy opening and closing.

3. Standard Sauna Door Sizes

Most pre-hung sauna doors come in two standard sizes:

• 24” x 80” with a rough opening of 26” x 82”
• 36” x 80” (ADA Compliant) with a rough opening of 38” x 82”
• We do have other sizes available as well such as 23x56, 23x65, 24x73, 30x80, and 33.5x80

4. Use Tempered Safety Glass

If your sauna door has a glass panel, it should be made from tempered safety glass to withstand high heat and humidity. Avoid lexan acrylic, as it scratches easily and can discolor over time.

Browse high-quality sauna doors made from durable materials to ensure long-lasting performance.

Troubleshooting & Maintenance

What to Do If Your Sauna Door Swells

Over time, heat and humidity may cause wood to swell, making it harder to close. If this happens:

• Check for tight spots and lightly sand the edges if needed.
• Ensure the frame remains level and plumb by adjusting shims.
• Apply a sauna-safe wood finish to protect the door from excess moisture absorption.

Regular Sauna Door Maintenance Tips

• Wipe down wooden parts after each use to prevent moisture buildup.
• Clean glass panels with non-abrasive cleaners to maintain visibility and shine.
• Inspect hinges and catches periodically to ensure smooth operation.

For replacement doors or upgrades, check out our collection of sauna doors designed for all types of sauna setups.

Final Thoughts

Installing a sauna door properly is essential to maintaining heat efficiency and creating a relaxing sauna experience. A well-installed pre-hung sauna door prevents heat loss, enhances safety, and adds a stylish touch to your sauna space.

For premium pre-hung sauna doors that are easy to install and built to last, explore our full sauna door collection today.