Which is better for a steam room: linden or aspen? Linden or aspen for a bathhouse - which is better? Choice by appearance

Options for lining for a steam room
Choosing a lining for a waiting room
Choosing a lining for a steam room
Choosing a shower lining

After erecting a building for a bathhouse on a personal plot, you need to decide on an option interior decoration. And here many questions arise. The interior design of the bathhouse can be made using various materials. Whether it’s the well-known lining from different varieties wood or more expensive material (for example, finishing or salt stone).

Of course, you should opt for lining. This natural and environmentally friendly material will become great solution For interior design baths The attractive design of the bathhouse will delight the eye not only of true connoisseurs, but also of ordinary lovers of taking a steam bath.

Lining for a bathhouse, what to choose? Aspen, linden or cedar

In order to understand which lining is best for a bathhouse, you need to familiarize yourself with the characteristics and classification of the future cladding.

As a rule, any bathhouse consists of a dressing room, a steam room, and sometimes a shower room. For each of these premises there are a number of safety and environmental requirements. Therefore, finishing materials must differ in their functionality, appearance and technical characteristics. But general rule is resistant to water, moisture and high temperatures.

The interior decoration of the bathhouse is an aesthetic component. But the main criterion for choosing one or another wooden covering is safety. When heated, seats and walls should not leave burns on the human body. In addition, some types of wood (for example, conifers) emit characteristic resins that can be harmful to health. Prolonged stay in a room with such finishing can cause allergic reactions.

Options for lining for a steam room

Cladding with clapboard is a popular way of cladding walls in a bathhouse. The type of material used, class and processing method determines the main criterion for choosing lining for a bathhouse. You should also choose the appropriate material for seats, shelves and additional decorative elements.

For installation work in the steam room, panels made of deciduous trees (alder, aspen, beech, ash, etc.) are used. This material has a flat and smooth surface without any kind of damage. A useful material, released under the influence of high temperatures, have a beneficial effect on human health.

Depending on the density of the structure and the outer surface, the lining is divided into classes. Classes "Extra" and "A" are of the highest quality ( smooth surface without damage or deformation). Classes “B” and “C” are slightly lower in quality due to the presence of visible surface imperfections (knots, cracks). Eurolining is classified as a separate subspecies. Due to the different way wood is processed, it differs large size tongue-and-groove connections and the ability to remove excess moisture through special grooves.

Choosing a lining for a waiting room

The dressing room serves as a rest room in the bathhouse. This room is not exposed to high temperatures. Therefore, the material for covering the walls can be lining made of any type of wood (read also: “How to finish a dressing room - stages of work and arrangement options”). Wall paneling made from coniferous species(pine, spruce or fir) will fill the entire room with its unforgettable aroma. Aspen, linden and birch are also popular materials for finishing walls in a bathhouse.

It should be remembered that it is best to use the same material to cover the ceiling and walls. Here's the application paint and varnish materials Not best idea. To extend the service life of the lining in the dressing room, special protective impregnations and varnishes are used.

True gourmets of bathing relaxation recommend decorating the walls in the dressing room with pine clapboard. The special structure of wood perfectly withstands high humidity, and the release of pine oils is minimized. An additional advantage is the low cost of the material.

Choosing a lining for a steam room

The walls and ceiling of this room are lined with the highest quality clapboard. It perfectly withstands high temperatures, high humidity, as well as constant exposure to water and steam.

Knowing the technical characteristics of different types of trees, you can easily decide which lining to choose for the steam room. Undoubtedly, the best option- panels made from deciduous trees, since coniferous trees will release toxic resins when exposed to high temperatures.

Manufacturing of lining from various breeds trees determined its characteristics and properties. Knowing all the benefits wood material, answering the question of which lining is better for a steam room will not be difficult.

Linden

An excellent material that is durable and wear-resistant. High resistance to water prevents the appearance of small cracks and deformations during drying.

Linden panels have high thermal conductivity. Linden lining for a bathhouse is capable of quickly and evenly distributing heat in the steam room, while at the same time reducing the cooling time of the walls. Low heat capacity will not allow you to leave burns on the human body in case of accidental contact with the surface.

Even at its low cost, the material has a dense structure and excellent characteristics. The pleasant aroma of wood is known for its relaxing and calming effect on the human body. The linden lining will become excellent option for interior decoration of the steam room.

Aspen

Just like linden, aspen lining has a number of advantages. First of all, this material has a low traumatic ability (does not leave burns on the body), and also does not deteriorate after drying.

Great demand for aspen lining contributed to the development and creation of a huge assortment various shapes and the sizes of the finished panels (read: “Which aspen is best for a bathhouse - planning a log house”). Which is better for a steam room, linden or aspen, is a strictly individual question. Before purchasing, you must carefully check the surface for damage, chips and small knots. High quality material determines the durability and visual appeal of the finished coating.

Alder

Alder lining for bathhouses appeals to more authoritarian lovers of bathhouse relaxation. This material is slightly more expensive than the previous ones and is of higher quality. The perfectly smooth surface has no defects, so after installation it does not require additional processing with a grinding machine.

Various design options, technical characteristics of the material and the choice of colors directly depend on financial viability and individual wishes. Alder for a bath is an excellent choice in favor of sophistication and functionality.

Cedar

Panels made from this material are used for finishing in more expensive and elite establishments. This material has gained particular popularity due to its extraordinary beauty and special healing properties. Cedar wood does not require a special approach during manufacturing, processing and during installation work.

The essential oils released by wood have a beneficial effect on the human respiratory system (read also: " Essential oils for a bath - application, origin, rules of use"). Therefore, cedar lining for a bath is used not only for decoration, but also for therapeutic prevention. Of course, over time it becomes somewhat more difficult to catch a pleasant woody aroma, but the delightful appearance of the cedar finish remains for a long time .

Larch

The most the best material Larch is rightfully considered for finishing walls in a bathhouse. This material is distinguished by an unusual internal pattern, durable structure, and due to the special composition of the wood, it is highly moisture resistant.

Larch for a bath has its drawbacks. This material is difficult to process - there is a high risk of splitting and various damages. It also does not have any special thermal insulation properties.

Rare breeds

“Extra” class lining is highly expensive due to the quality of the wood used. Excellent technical characteristics, durability and beautiful materials distinguish it from other, cheaper options.

Oak is considered the most exquisite material. Heavy panels installed from this material have a beautiful texture. There is also no need to talk about the durability of the material.

The use of the African Abashi tree is gaining considerable popularity. Its unique property is the ability of wood not to heat up when exposed to high temperatures. Due to this, this material is more often used in the manufacture of shelves in the steam room. Options for finishing walls and ceilings are not excluded.

Panels made from wood of the pine family - Hemlock, brought from North America. The material is highly durable and durable.

Choosing a shower lining

As a rule, all rooms in a bathhouse are usually lined with wood. The shower room is no exception. Panels made from coniferous species trees (for example, pine or spruce).

Improve properties, protect against rotting and extend service life flooring can be done by applying special water-repellent agents. To do this, the cleaned and sanded surface of the sheathing is coated with protective wax or water-based paint.

Sometimes several layers are applied for a better effect.

Waxing creates an invisible barrier to water and air and enhances the beauty of the natural wood grain. The use of paints allows you to paint the surface in any color and shade (read: “How and with what to treat lining in a steam room - practical tips”).

Depending on the purpose, each room in the bathhouse is finished with a certain material. The lining for a bathhouse made of aspen or linden has characteristics that meet all safety requirements.

When calculating the cost finishing works it is necessary to take into account the costs of purchasing cladding panels, materials for frame structures and fasteners, as well as antiseptics.

Which lining is best for a bathhouse - a review of materials for a bathhouse, dressing room and shower

Let's talk about how to decorate a bathhouse with clapboard. As you know, this material can be different. The best option for a bath (especially for a steam room) - aspen lining. Why exactly her - an inquisitive reader will ask. The advantages of such a coating are obvious: the wood is distinguished by its texture, has a noble color - all this fits very easily even into exquisite interiors. Aspen lining is good because it does not darken over the years, cracks do not appear on the surface, and it tolerates moisture well. That is why this tree is often chosen for finishing baths, saunas, and steam rooms.

Make shelves from abasha or aspen? Review of the properties of wood for shelves - from species to cut shape

However, first things first, because finishing a bathhouse with clapboard is a serious matter.

The main advantages of aspen

Before we figure out how to decorate a bathhouse with clapboard, let's talk in more detail about the material. Aspen is a deciduous species, the wood density is about 490 kg per cubic meter. It is an excellent alternative to coniferous trees - it has excellent characteristics, a very reasonable cost: thanks to all this, aspen is in great demand as a finishing material.

How to decorate a bathhouse with aspen clapboard so that it looks something like this? It's possible.

The structure of the wood is inexpressive - it is faintly visible, and no pronounced odors are felt. The wood itself is homogeneous, soft, and if we talk about strength, it corresponds to the characteristics of linden.

Another one interesting feature aspen - it dries out moderately, cracks very little, bends well and gives in perfectly different types processing. It splits easily, polishes without problems, and paints wonderfully.

Many may ask how to decorate a bathhouse with clapboard so that in the future you don’t get burned when touching the walls. It’s very simple - use aspen material: there will be no burns, even at fairly high temperatures in the steam room. But it is better to postpone the use of dry finishing mixtures for another room.

How to decorate a bathhouse from the inside with aspen lining - this topic worries many

Finishing the bathhouse with aspen clapboard will give you walls a pleasant white color, fiber structure of this material very thin. What’s most interesting is that it is both moisture- and heat-resistant. This option is as practical as flooring parquet board on the floor in any room.

Aspen is good because it has very few knots, so it can easily be processed in any way. That is, finishing the inside of the bathhouse with clapboard is not only possible, but also recommended experienced builders. Moreover, aspen materials retain their aesthetic appearance for a long time and do not crack, which also speaks in favor of the previous statement.

Products made from aspen (including lining for finishing baths) boast impressive strength and resistance to rotting. Although there is still one drawback - the aspen core often rots, especially if the tree is mature. Therefore, in construction and finishing it is customary to use only those trunks that are not older than 40 years.

Nice White color— aspen eurolining may look like this

Do not forget that building materials made from aspen are distinguished by antibacterial properties; they have a beneficial effect on human health - they have an antitussive and anthelmintic effect. In other words, it is difficult to find a material that would be better suited for finishing bath rooms.

Types, varieties and sizes of aspen lining

What sizes of aspen lining are most common?

Dimensions

• Thickness from 12 to 15 mm;
• Working width from 80 to 88 mm;
• The total width (including the tenon) is 97 mm.
• Lengths can be from 100 to 300 cm (it is extremely rare to find aspen paneling 400 cm long).

The lining is ready for packaging

Kinds

What can you say about the types of material? If you are thinking about how to decorate a bathhouse with clapboard, you should talk about standards. In the Russian Federation, GOST 8242-88 applies, while in Europe they adhere to DIN 68126.

What are the differences between these guests? In fact, there are many parameters: quality of processing, humidity, grade, size.

What is most interesting is that Russian lining is produced without longitudinal grooves (they are usually on the back side of European material - they are needed to remove condensate and provide ventilation).

Eurolining, in turn, has an increased ridge (up to 8 mm) and groove, respectively, that is, this minimizes the risk of gaps occurring between the boards, especially when exposed to high temperature in a humid environment. In other words, the strength of eurolining joints is much higher. Finishing the bathhouse inside with clapboard is very a good choice, many have already seen this.

Types of eurolining

It is known that eurolining can be of four grades - they are also the main ones. Let's figure out how one variety differs from another and which is the best when decorating a bathhouse with clapboards with your own hands.

• Extra - this eurolining is considered the highest grade, has no knots or any defects.
• Grades A, B, C. They differ from each other in the number of defects and quality. The lowest grade of them can be called C - this lining contains many falling knots. However, the cost of this material is also low.

As part of the final production, the eurolining is sorted and packaged in a special film (shrinkable material), each package includes ten boards.

The bathhouse is finished

Finishing with aspen lining - features

When finishing a bathhouse with clapboards with your own hands, the material should be installed in only two directions - vertically or horizontally. When vertical installation you can use short, cheap boards, but in this case the joints are simply hidden under decorative elements or shelves.

In addition, under the shelves, where the aspen paneling is almost invisible, you can use boards of a lower grade than on those sections of the wall that are visible. This method will allow you, when finishing a bathhouse with clapboards, not only to reduce the risk of cracks due to high temperatures, but will also provide additional savings.

Finishing with clapboard in the bathhouse

How to install aspen lining in a bathhouse? In fact, there is nothing complicated.

1. First of all, you need to insulate the walls and ceiling. Basalt is perfect for this. stone wool, a thickness of 50-100 mm is quite sufficient. Depending on the thermal conductivity of the walls, the thickness of the thermal insulation should be determined.
2. Cotton wool is placed between the bars. The bars themselves have a cross-section of 5 by 5 cm, there are also options 100 by 50 mm - the sheathing is made both on the walls and on the ceiling.
3. When the cotton wool is laid, a vapor barrier is placed on top of it - how to decorate a bathhouse with clapboard without this and whether this is possible: it’s difficult to judge. What is a vapor barrier? This is foil that reflects heat. All joints need to be connected - foil self-adhesive tape will help with this work.
4. Now the frame is installed. Planed slats with a cross-section of 20 by 40 mm are ideal for arranging the frame. In the places where you attach the slats, you must also install gaskets 10-20 mm thick so that there is a ventilation gap between the aspen paneling and the wall.
5. And now, after all this, finishing the bathhouse with clapboard can begin. Usually they get down to business from the left corner.

A very convenient way to install aspen lining is installation using clamps. They are attached with screws or nails to the sheathing.

The final stage

• When installation work completed, the joints of walls, ceilings, and corners of the room are closed - fillets and internal corners are used for this. If necessary, you can also use external corners and strips.
• You can install shelves, backrests, and other decorative elements, without which you can hardly feel comfort in a sauna or bathhouse.
• It is also recommended to treat aspen lining with protective compounds: oils, wax. This will help avoid contamination, and the service life of the wood will increase significantly.

Be sure to watch the educational video.

Finishing a bathhouse with clapboard is shown here quite clearly; even a person without construction experience will be able to understand the whole principle of operation.

At the stage of arranging a bathhouse, you can safely use different inserts from a different type of wood: cedar, alder, linden. The room will look more sophisticated, which will please any owner.

Not only lining - various products are made from aspen

The excellent properties of aspen - good strength, impressive durability, excellent moisture resistance, all this allows developers to use this species as a finishing material in different rooms. Finishing a bathhouse with aspen is not the only thing you can afford. This wood is often used to make benches, shelves, cabinets, and other products. Aspen is also known for the fact that it is used to make ploughshares - specially shaped planks that are used in wooden architecture. For example, the ploughshare has been used to decorate the roofs of churches and temples for a long time.

Outside, lining is often used for finishing work

This coating will serve you well for decades, because aspen wood reacts well to negative external influences (it will not crack). What else can you say about this wood? Aspen is actively used in the match industry (when burned, the material does not produce soot). Carved products are often made from it; it is in demand in turning work due to its softness.

You can evaluate the article “How to decorate a bathhouse with clapboard”:

Aesthetic and useful linden lining often used to decorate a bathhouse, but it is important not to confuse it with other breeds. Unscrupulous sellers or simply companies, due to employee mistakes, may sell boards not made of linden, but, for example, aspen. These trees are very similar in appearance, but knowing all the differences between them, everyone is able to gain a skill that helps them avoid making mistakes.

Why is linden lining better than aspen?

Linden has a more pleasant aroma, so it is purchased more often for interior decoration. Other motives are presented below.

Advantages linden lining:
. High tensile strength. Linden has 85 units, and aspen only 69 (N/mm2).
. Low humidity. When felled, linden has only 60%, while aspen has 82%.
. Bactericidal effect. Aspen does not have the ability to kill bacteria, as linden does.
. Easy color restoration. Surface linden linings It gets dark over time, but it is very easy to revive it. Just sand it and the original shade is restored.
. Donor tree.

Linden or aspen for a bath, which is better?

Since ancient times, linden has been considered a wood that fills a person with energy. Aspen has a controversial reputation: the tree, on the contrary, takes away energy (albeit negative), according to Old Slavic beliefs.

Price for linden lining higher by 15-25% (about 800 rubles versus 650 when choosing a 3-meter board), for this reason, irresponsible sellers can deliberately pass off aspen boards for it.

Fact. Linden lining and aspen are similar in several parameters: density, thermal conductivity (low values), high resistance to cracking and resistance to swelling. Even without the use of protective impregnations, the aesthetic appearance is maintained for a long time.

5 ways to recognize linden lining

The main attention should be focused on the aroma, but it is not the only “clue” that helps identify a “fake”.

Signs of lime lining:
1. Color. There are more than 80 varieties of linden with different shades (from almost snow-white cream to pink), so determining the “original” by this criterion is difficult. The buyer should pay attention to the presence of inclusions, which are present in linden and absent in aspen. Another sign is the presence of a golden tint, which aspen often lacks.
2. Aroma. Linden board has a honey and faint spicy aroma, but in a store the lining may emit a weak aroma or not smell at all. Only when heated can the olfactory organs sense the linden aroma. Taking a small piece from the board (or chips obtained by scraping), the potential buyer places them on the stove. Linden produces a spicy-honey smell, while aspen produces a sour or even tart-bitter smell.
3. Heat capacity. If the board is placed in a steam room, it will heat up only slightly (like an abash). For this reason, linden canopies are very often created to protect the body from burning when it comes into contact with the bench.
4. Weight. Identical aspen or linden boards differ in weight: the second type will always be heavier.
5. Layers. If on linden lining, which raises doubts, there are resinous layers, then the board belongs to coniferous species.

Distinguish linden lining from aspen it is almost impossible in terms of hardness: both options refer to soft species, which, when subjected to rough impact, leave defects on their surface.

Attention. Uneven shade and damage are revealed on the surface of the linden tree if the board is grade C or D.

At one time, I had to see steam rooms made of various types of wood: pine, larch, linden, and aspen, and I must say that they are all good in their own way, or even very good, take your pick.

ABOUT ASPEN
Folklore created an aura of mysticism and mystery around the aspen. In proverbs and sayings it is characterized unflatteringly:
"Aspen is ugly, bitchy and noisy."
"Aspen does not burn without kerosene."
“The aspen keeps whispering, damned tree.”
“There is blood under the bark on the aspen tree” (the bark under the skin is reddish).
“Fever and teeth are spoken to the aspen tree” (rubbing the gums with bark until they bleed).
Wood carvers love aspen, like linden, for its ease of processing, for light tone, fine fiber texture, and because it is accessible and even more common than linden. In the handicraft industry, aspen is also “respected” for the fact that it is not afraid of moisture and for its low density. Only Siberian fir and poplar have a density less than that of aspen, and linden has the same density. Therefore, aspen is used to make lightweight toys and dishes. Previously, troughs, tubs, and gangs were made from it. In addition, it does not crack or prick from impact. In addition, aspen peels well - it is used to make shingles and matches.
Healthy tree aspen, if it has dried out for at least two or three months, burns very well even without kerosene. When aspen is burned, the chimney of the stove is cleared of soot, since it has an amazing ability to burn during its combustion the soot that remains in the stove from other types of trees. Therefore, it is used to fire rural and regional bathhouses, village houses, and boiler houses. The practice of our ancestors confirms what has been said, although it does not fully reveal all the reasons and secrets. It turns out that the walls of the huts, built from aspen many years ago, still amaze with their strength, whiteness and cleanliness. The ax bounces off such wood and, at best, penetrates only shallowly. It is not for nothing that aspen is now used in villages for making shelves and benches in bathhouses, and for lining their walls - it is hygienic, light and clean, not afraid of moisture, does not warp or crack.
Experienced villagers make handles and handles for agricultural implements, when the combination of lightness and strength, just from aspen, is worth its weight in gold. Only for this purpose it is necessary to cut down a young aspen in the spring, when the wood is filled with sap, and give it the opportunity to dry well in the shade - to wither. Then it will become both light and strong, like bone.
Obviously, the aspen does not just dry out, some kind of polymerization occurs under the influence of the components of its juice.
In terms of chipping strength, aspen is similar to linden and is superior in this to coniferous species, as well as poplar. And in terms of resistance to splitting from impact, it stands next to birch and ash, even ahead of beech, oak, maple, walnut, linden, and coniferous trees. This indicates the viscosity of aspen.
We can also mention the famous property of the silvery glow of aspen, which we observe on the roofs of the cathedrals of wooden architecture of the North of our country covered with ploughshares (curly carved planks). It must be assumed that for the ploughshare, the old masters used high-quality wood blanks, i.e. cut down while filling the aspen with spring sap.
http://www.rusbani.ru/files/about_14.html
Aspen or trembling poplar

A little history...
Since ancient times, the remarkable properties of this wood have been used by our ancestors in the construction of cellars, wells, roofs of houses, temples and, of course, baths.
At proper drying and processing, products made from aspen acquire unexpected qualities - they become unusually durable: the ax bounces off, and it is impossible to hammer a nail. At the same time, the wood is absolutely not afraid of moisture and remains light, clean and hygienic, it does not warp, crack or chip from blows. Therefore, aspen products were widely used in everyday life: shelves, benches, and aspen floors were used in steam rooms, baths and saunas.
Experienced craftsmen know that the best axes for joiners and carpenters are made from aspen. Handles for agricultural implements made of aspen are stronger and more durable.
Dry aspen products are practically not subject to rotting. The shelves and walls in the steam room of the bath, lined with aspen clapboard, do not burn upon contact with them.
An aspen log placed in a tub of sauerkraut kills fermentation, mold and rot fungi. This was used to prevent the cabbage from becoming sour.
Here is a description of aspen from Dahl’s dictionary: “For headaches, a log of aspen is placed under the head, and when the leg cramps, it is placed under the legs.”
The unusual and noble property of aspen - the silvery glow of the roofs and domes of wooden churches, covered with ploughshares (carved figured planks), was widely used in Northern architecture. Famous Kizhi in Karelia, a clear confirmation
http://www.srub-osina.ru/index/pro_osinu/0-6

Steam room, design features

Now a few more words about the “heart of the bath” – the steam room. It is this that determines what is called “bath quality”.
We have already chosen the sizes. Now about the material. There are many points here that give rise to heated discussions. Which wood do you prefer, can you mix it? different varieties in the same room, etc. Most often it is recommended to cover the walls and ceiling with hardwood. main reason– absence of secreted resin. Usually, in our area, they choose from linden and aspen. There is also an expensive exotic - abashi, but for me this is very controversial. This tree is African - blacks do not take steam in baths, and what the long-term consequences of using this material are is unknown.
I personally like aspen. It remains light for a long time, only over time it turns a little gray, acquiring a noble silvery tint. Aspen heats up slightly. It is impossible to get burned by it. And, most importantly, aspen contains and constantly releases bactericidal substances. In a cleanly washed steam room there is a subtle sour smell. But only until you heat it up hot. We must not forget that aspen is the cheapest tree. But cheap doesn't mean it's bad at all. Therefore, straighten your fingers and take the aspen - you won’t regret it.
http://entus.narod.ru/Banya_kap_4.html
Aspen wood
Aspen wood has a number of amazing qualities: it is whiter than other tree species middle zone; its resistance to abrasion is almost equal to that of oak wood; perfectly processed on lathe and easy to cut. The homogeneity of the wood allows you to make cuts in almost any direction without chipping or crushing it.
Light and durable dishes have long been made from aspen. To make a carved ladle or spoon, craftsmen steam the blanks in boiling water. After this, it is cut with sharp tools as easily as a turnip. They claim that cabbage soup and pickles do not even turn sour in aspen dishes. Apparently, there are some substances in wood that kill putrefactive bacteria. And it was not for nothing that in some places housewives put sauerkraut aspen log.
Wood is also good because it lasts for a long time in water, and when dried it does not crack or warp. Therefore, from ancient times, well frames were knitted from aspen logs. You can’t find a bathhouse to build the best wood: strong and durable, retains heat well, and does not burn the body when touched - therefore there will be no need to lay a rug on the shelves. Even in areas rich in timber, they preferred to build baths from aspen, however, such preference was given to it only where aspen trees with straight trunks and healthy wood were found.
Standing aspen is short-lived, as it is quite easily affected by heart rot. Therefore, it is necessary to cut down a tree at the age of 40 - 45 years.
Previously, the domes and roofs of churches and other buildings were covered with aspen ploughshare (all the domes of churches in Kizhi are covered with aspen chips), which over time became silvery from the sun and rain. Such a roof is not only beautiful, but also strong, it does not rot for a long time.
An interesting incident speaks about how strong this tree can be. Not long ago, a house was found in the Leningrad region, built more than a hundred years ago from aspen. It was preserved perfectly. The ax bounced off the dry, stone-like logs with a ringing sound.

It is not without reason that they say that in such a matter as a bathhouse there are no trifles. But indeed, when building a Russian bathhouse, the question often arises: better aspen or linden for a bath. After all, real craftsmen often use both aspen and linden when decorating steam rooms, building beds and making bath accessories.

The history of both the Russian bath and the Finnish sauna is based on the beneficial effects of steam and temperature on the human body. Bath procedures have become an integral part of the history of many peoples, where they were given a special place - cleansing the body and getting rid of illnesses. It is not for nothing that the Russian bathhouse was one of the most important attributes of the life of the Slavs. But is it only thanks to steam and high temperature that a bathhouse has such miraculous properties? Of course not, steam and temperature can be present in a room made of concrete and brick, but there will be no effect in such a steam room. So, only natural materials capable of donating their properties for the benefit of man. And here linden and aspen have a special role.

Features of aspen

The use of aspen as a building and finishing material in the construction of a bathhouse has a special place. The wood, which has such an interesting white color with light brown stains, is excellent for arranging both external walls and interior decoration of the bathhouse. The aspen cut has a pure white color, which has no analogues among deciduous and coniferous species. The wood itself lends itself well to processing. Thanks to its relatively low density, it is easy to give it any shape. But this is only part of the beneficial properties of aspen. The fact is that, unlike coniferous species, wood contains a very small amount of resins and oils, which makes it possible to use wood for finishing the most important rooms - steam rooms and relaxation rooms. The second important property is the improvement of wood strength over time. While other types of wood, under the influence of moisture and temperature, begin to lose color, strength, and undergo warping and rotting, aspen, on the contrary, acquires durability and strength. When finishing a steam room, after just a couple of years of use it can compete in hardness with such hard wood as oak.

It is also important that aspen is not subject to rotting; on the contrary, it has antiseptic properties; it was not for nothing that the Slavs used aspen as one of the attributes of the fight against evil spirits. Well water from aspen log house not only differs taste qualities, but also bacterial composition. It does not spoil for a long time, and bacteria do not multiply in it.

Since ancient times, several technologies have been used to process aspen, one of which provided specific drying of the wood, after which aspen could be used for the construction of walls; in this regard, it was not inferior in quality to spruce and pine.

It is worth saying that aspen is cheaper compared to linden, and this cheapness makes it the main competitor of linden as the main material when building a bathhouse.

Features and characteristics of linden

In Slavic mythology, linden was credited with miraculous properties as a healing tree that could relieve many diseases, give strength and protect against illnesses. Linden, according to many healers, has the ability to take away negative energy, and next to it you feel lightness and calm. Of course, with such characteristics, linden has become one of the most necessary materials for the construction of a bathhouse.

Like aspen, linden has a beautiful natural white color. But at the same time, unlike aspen, warm tones predominate in it; warmth and lively energy are felt in it. Another factor that has contributed to the popularity of linden in the construction of baths and saunas is the softness of the wood. Indeed, linden has very soft and pliable wood. It is very easy to work with, it cuts well, and is easy to plan. With linden as one of the most comfortable materials sculptors prefer to work.

Well, as for the bathhouse, it is worth mentioning that the royal bathhouse is the name of a log house in which only the lower crown, standing on a stone foundation, is made of bog oak, and all other logs are necessarily linden. The whole point here is that linden, unlike white aspen, has no odor; nevertheless, the smell of aspen with its characteristic bitterness is felt for quite a long time, while linden is completely devoid of this smell.

True, it is worth mentioning the disadvantages of linden. Unlike aspen, linden wood can have many flaws, because in addition to healing properties near a tree, often becomes a habitat for birds. The tree has many knots and is often attacked by pests.

Comparative characteristics and selection of materials for finishing the bath

Knowing the general characteristics of the material, before ordering the material, it is worth carefully comparing linden and aspen as the main material for the log house and for the interior decoration of the steam room.

For a log bathhouse

For a real Russian bath and Finnish sauna, a log house is ideal option building structures. Wooden frame not only has high constructive qualities, but also provides best preservation heat. Wood warms up faster, retains heat longer and is not subject to deformation due to temperature changes. Wooden log house responds more easily to external factors such as humidity and temperature fluctuations.

However, when choosing a material, it should be taken into account that when building a bathhouse from logs, the frame will shrink, and this will require additional costs for insulation. Today, for the construction of baths, ready-made sets of materials that have been pre-processed are mainly used. Rounded logs or beams are used for the bathhouse. Linden or aspen in the form of pure, solid timber or solid wood is rarely used today. Basically it is laminated timber, made from natural wood. Wood manufacturing and processing technology today allows manufacturers to talk about a 25 and even 50 year guarantee of the integrity of the material.

But when it comes to a solid wood frame, it’s worth remembering:

• Aspen for a log house is taken at an age of 50-70 years, while linden must be at least 100 years old;
• Aspen does not require lengthy and expensive processing, while linden requires careful selection, removal of affected knots, and additional antiseptic treatment;
• An aspen log house can be erected entirely; the tree is not afraid of moisture, and is more durable for outdoor use.
• When building a log house, linden definitely needs reliable waterproofing(this is why the lower crown of the linden bathhouse is built from oak);
• An aspen log house will cost 25-30% less than a linden log house, due to the low cost of the material.

For finishing the steam room

When the question of finishing a steam room and making beds arises, the situation here is somewhat different. When comparing aspen and linden, you need to remember that lining is mainly used for finishing. A board with a selected groove on one side and a tenon for such a groove on the other. The thickness of the lining, the length of the planks, and the width play a secondary role here and are mentioned mainly when calculating parameters at the project development stage. But consumer qualities need to be compared in more detail.

The pleasant white color of the wood, good structure, absence of knots and low price often become the determining factors when choosing aspen lining. Indeed, professionals advise purchasing aspen lining for finishing a steam room. This is optimal both for a steam room with intensive use and for a room in which people steam from time to time. Over time, wood acquires increased strength, which also has an excellent effect on the performance of the material. But as for the shortcomings, here it is worth remembering the specific smell of the material; of course, it will go away over time, but at first the bitter aroma will be clearly audible.

The structure of linden lining is much nicer than that of aspen. The lightness and warm shade of the wood itself make this material a favorite for finishing a steam room. Linden wood has low thermal conductivity; the steam room warms up faster and retains heat. The wood itself is devoid of any odor and therefore is excellent for finishing a steam room. At the same time, it is worth remembering that linden, unlike aspen, quickly loses its natural color and becomes darker. This is noticeable in the steam room, where an oak broom is used - tannins with steam eat into the fibers and change the color to deep brown.

On the other hand, linden lining is practically not subject to warping; it retains its original shape for a long time. During repeated heating and cooling cycles of the room, linden does not swell, which means fasteners, nails, and screws will remain in place.

When finishing a steam room, it is not recommended to use linden lining to the very bottom; unlike aspen, linden is susceptible to rotting, especially if the steam room is constantly saturated with steam. Therefore, during construction, it is recommended to tile 10-15 cm from the floor, and cover everything higher with clapboard.

For the dressing room and rest room

To decorate the dressing room and rest room, the lining is selected taking into account the fact that the temperature in the room will be significantly lower than in the steam room. Many even install pine lining in these rooms. Perhaps there is a reason for this, because pine has an interesting structure, and in terms of cost it is one of the most available materials. But if we are talking about an individual bath, then professionals advise not to consider any other materials other than aspen or linden.

Firstly, the costs of decorating the dressing room and rest room are not so large as to save. Secondly, the atmosphere of both the dressing room and the resting place is just as important for well-being as the atmosphere of the steam room. Thirdly, from a technical point of view, it is not rational to use other types of wood for finishing.

Why is it not rational to use other types of wood for finishing the dressing room? Everything is very simple. This room often houses a shower, bucket-waterfall, pool or plunge pool. splashes of water, and increased dampness at lower air temperatures contribute to the rapid development of fungal infections of the tree. And if pine with varnish or other special coating will last only a year or two, then for aspen lining a period of 10 years is not terrible. This will be especially visible near the entrance to the steam room, where the wood will begin to deteriorate most quickly.

For the relaxation room, where time will be spent between visits to the steam room, it is necessary to create comfortable conditions. And for this, the lining for a bath should be natural, without paint or varnish, the wood should be enveloped in the smell of wood, and not exude the smell of paint.

When constructing bath buildings, linden or pine wood is most often used. This is due to the excellent technical characteristics of these building materials. However, the following question naturally arises: “Which bathhouse is better - linden or pine?” Let's try to find the answer together.

Pine (photo), as a building material, is highly valued by bathhouse attendants for its softness and fairly low density, making it easy to process. Along with this, pine tolerates humidity quite calmly, which is a definite plus, because the atmosphere of bath rooms is almost constantly filled with hot and humid air.

Pine is highly valued for its characteristic pattern, which is created by clearly visible annual rings.

However, this wood has one very serious drawback - under the influence of a high-temperature environment, it abundantly releases resin, which, in turn, emits a rather strong odor. Moreover, if it comes into contact with the skin, these secretions can cause burns.

Linden has the same positive qualities, which are inherent in pine. Moreover, it is not capable of releasing resin, which makes it absolutely safe in use. Thus, the advantage of linden for a bath becomes clear.

In this article we invite you to take a closer look at linden building materials. You will be provided with the characteristics of the specified wood, as well as instructions for choosing linden products.

Characteristics of building materials

The pros and cons of a linden bath are determined, of course, by the operational and technical characteristics of the material used in construction.

Advantages

1. As a cladding, linden is good because it does not release resin at all, so you don’t have to worry about the presence of various impurities in the hot air of the steam room. This determines the high safety of using linden for interior cladding of bathhouses.
2. Linden wood can breathe, which has a positive effect on the entire structure as a whole. Indeed, in this case, the building material retains its natural qualities for quite a long time. This means that linden can be used not only for interior decoration, but also for the construction of all kinds of buildings, as well as as a building material for the construction of walls and roofs.
3. The fact that linden wood is excellent for constructing a bathhouse is evidenced by its pliability to various types of processing. Consequently, all preparatory manipulations, along with subsequent installation, can easily be done with your own hands.
4. Linden in a bathhouse, when heated, can fill the atmosphere of a steam room with an amazing smell. Moreover, hot air does not deprive linden wood of its healing and performance qualities.

Flaws

However, linden also has disadvantages.

1. The most important thing is that it is not durable. In order to extend the service life of this building material, interior spaces The baths must be ventilated after each use of the steam room. This will make it possible to avoid the rapid occurrence of rotting processes.
2. By the way, it will be said that linden begins to rot from the inside, which quite often does not allow us to detect the problem in time and promptly replace the element that has begun to deteriorate.
3. Separately, it is necessary to say about the cost of linden wood. This indicator depends on the method of procurement of building materials. If drying was carried out artificially, the price of linden products will be slightly higher than in the case of a natural occurrence of this process.

A little about construction

timber

Advice! When choosing linden timber for building a bathhouse, you must carefully ensure that the surface of these elements is clean. That is, the presence of cracks, chips and other unwanted inclusions should be completely excluded. In addition, the color of the product should be evenly distributed over its entire surface.

Before installing the timber, the foundation must be insulated, and special slats must be laid on top of the thermal insulation, which will prevent the beams from touching the base, and will also ensure ventilation of the building material.

As for fixing this row, this manipulation is not required for two reasons:

1. The weight of the structure will reliably fix the lower crown without corresponding elements.
2. If such a need arises, loose beams will be easier to remove.

After the lower beams are in place and are perfectly aligned using special tools, you can begin laying the second row. Here you can no longer do without fastening elements, which are metal pins or wooden dowels.

To carry out the installation operation, holes are made at the ends of each beam through which the building material is placed on the fasteners. It is important that these perforations exactly match the size of the pins.

It is necessary to lay a heat-insulating layer between the crowns in order to additionally protect the structure from the influence of various negative factors related to the environment.

A linden bathhouse has one feature that distinguishes it qualitatively from its sisters, built using other types of wood. We are talking about two upper crowns, which are usually not fixed until the structure shrinks.

This is due to the fact that the upper beams, after the bathhouse shrinks, must be dismantled in order to lay the ceilings. In the case of linden, everything is different, since a linden structure is not subject to such a phenomenon as shrinkage. It is for this reason that the upper crowns are fixed immediately, after which the roof is installed.

Lining

Before installing the lining, you need to build a frame. To do this, guide bars are nailed to the wall, between which additional slats are attached.

Then thermal and waterproofing is laid. Lining is sewn on top of these elements (photo).

Advice! The direction of fastening the cladding should be foreseen in advance, since the method of installation of the guide bars, which are always installed perpendicular to the lining boards, depends on this.

Conclusion

Every owner would like to have at home good steam room or sauna. It is needed not only to steam and take a shower, but also to have a great time with friends after a hard week.

In order for the steam room to serve you for a very long time and not bother you with frequent repairs, you need to choose the right one for it. finishing material. Tile or plastic, as well as other synthetic materials, are absolutely not suitable. They will not withstand high temperature conditions. That's why it's perfect here the best one will do lining for a bath.

Lining is boards of small thickness that are used for finishing baths, saunas and residential premises. With its help, a unique rustic flavor is created. This material is universal. They can cover both walls, floors and ceilings. Walls finished with wood do not need to be further treated with anything.

The only requirement is that the weather outside be dry during your cladding work. And if you are doing plating in winter time, so that the room is warm. Lining varies in its properties and characteristics.

Choosing the best material

In order to sheathe inner part baths or saunas, it is better to take lining from trees such as linden, alder, aspen or cedar. Linden lining does not deteriorate from water and does not become rotten. It has a pleasant smell of honey and a beautiful creamy shade. It is well processed, as it has a small number of knots. Linden improves the condition of the liver and has an anti-cellulite effect. It can also give a person strength and energy. This is the best lining for a sauna.

If you choose alder material, your steam room will have a pink tint. Alder is very water resistant. Therefore it has always been used as construction material for wells and piers. Aspen lining is very durable. It is not susceptible to chipping and is not susceptible to mechanical stress. But you need to carefully select the boards so that there are no knots on them. They can cause burns.

Aspen promotes the recovery of people who suffer from bronchitis and joint diseases. The smell of this wood has a slight bitterness. It has anti-inflammatory and anthelmintic effects. It’s not for nothing that aspen is considered a vampire tree. It takes away negative energy from a person and thereby alleviates his condition.

The walls of the steam room can also be lined with pine clapboard. But provided that the air temperature in it does not exceed + 100*. Otherwise wooden walls they will “cry” tears of resin. In addition, pine is a species that does not tolerate moisture and large temperature changes. The lining may lose its shape and presentation.

In terms of price, the most expensive is cedar lining. But it will fully justify itself. After all, the smell of cedar in conditions of moisture and high temperature is not only pleasant, but also very useful. It is very easy to breathe in a bathhouse lined with cedar wood. Especially for people prone to upper respiratory tract diseases.

But we must remember that lining made of pure cedar is quite rare. More often found on sale finishing board from cedar pine. And this is not the same quality at all. Thermal conductivity is higher and the presence of resin on the walls, which heats up quickly and can lead to burns. Resin fumes also make breathing difficult. Cedar cladding can be of different colors, ranging from the lightest to the darkest, as in the photo.

First you need to put slats on the walls in a horizontal direction. The distance between the beams is up to 70 cm. This is the so-called lathing. Treat it with a special paste against wood bugs and other pests. Then attach the lining itself to them. You will learn how to do it correctly by watching the video.

Usually the lining is secured with small nails or self-tapping screws. But this is not the best option. Nails can become rusty over time if exposed to constant humidity. Cracks may form in the wood around driven nails or screws. It is better to choose special brackets for this - clamps - pressing the boards to the base (see photo).

It is also important to fasten the boards in a vertical position. Water will flow freely down the wall without lingering in the grooves. AND wood paneling will serve you for a long time (see photo).

The void between the lathing slats is filled with insulating material. It could be mineral wool or something different. Then, using a stapler, the waterproofing film is attached. The cladding itself begins to be done from the corner, gradually moving along the perimeter of the room and treating each wall.

When everything is finished, you can cover the lining with some protective composition, for example, varnish or wax. If you did everything according to the rules, then the appearance of your bathhouse or sauna will be attractive for quite a long time.