Sauna Bench Depth: How Deep Should Your Bench Be?

Sauna Bench Depth: How Deep Should Your Bench Be?

Sauna bench depth is the measurement from front edge to back edge of the bench surface. It determines whether you can only sit on the bench or also lie down comfortably - and lying down in a sauna is one of the best ways to enjoy an even, full-body heat experience.

Standard Bench Depth Measurements

• Sitting-only bench: 18-20 inches deep. Enough to sit comfortably with your back against the wall or a backrest. This is typical for lower benches and smaller saunas.
• Lie-down bench: 24-28 inches deep. Deep enough for most adults to lie on their back with their full body supported. This is the ideal for upper benches if your sauna has the space.
• Extra-wide bench: 28-32 inches deep. Found in larger custom saunas and commercial installations. Allows generous room for lying down or two people sitting side by side.

If you have to pick between the two, prioritize depth on the upper bench. That is where you will spend most of your time, and being able to lie flat up in the hottest zone is a solid upgrade for relaxation.

Ergonomic Considerations

Getting bench depth right is about matching human body dimensions to the bench surface:

• Seated thigh support: When sitting, your thighs should be fully supported from hip to just behind the knee. Most adults need 18-20 inches for this. A bench that is too shallow leaves your thighs hanging off the edge, creating pressure points behind the knees that become uncomfortable fast during a 15-20 minute session.
• Lying shoulder width: The average adult shoulder width is 16-20 inches. A 24-inch bench supports the full shoulder span with a few inches to spare on each side. Below 24 inches, your arms start hanging off the edges.
• Hip support when prone: Hips are typically the widest point when lying down. Most adults need at least 22 inches of bench width to keep their full hip span supported.
• Backrest angle: If you use an angled backrest, account for the space it takes. A typical backrest leans at 15-20 degrees and uses about 3-4 inches of effective sitting depth. On an 18-inch bench with a backrest, your actual sitting surface shrinks to 14-15 inches, which is tight.

Why Depth Matters

A bench that is too shallow is genuinely uncomfortable. You end up perching on the edge, which gets tiring fast during a 15-20 minute session. Too deep, and you waste interior space that could go toward walkways or a second bench tier.

For sitting, your thighs should be fully supported without the bench edge cutting into the back of your knees. For lying down, your shoulders and hips need full support. Most adults need at least 24 inches for a comfortable prone position.

Custom Bench Options

If you are building a custom sauna or modifying an existing one, you have flexibility to tailor bench depth to your needs:

• L-shaped layouts: One leg of the L can be deep (24-28 inches for lying down) while the other is narrower (18-20 inches for sitting). This gives you both options without needing a massive footprint.
• Fold-down extensions: Some builders add a hinged section that folds up against the wall when not needed. When folded down, it extends the bench depth by 6-8 inches for lying down. When folded up, it opens floor space.
• Removable sections: Bench sections that lift out let you reconfigure the layout as needed. Want to lie down? Add the extension piece. Hosting a group? Remove it for more seating space.
• Graduated depth: In larger saunas, build the upper bench deeper than the lower bench. The upper bench gets 24-28 inches for lying down; the lower bench gets 18-20 inches since it is primarily a step and footrest.

Bench Depth in Different Sauna Styles

Barrel saunas have curved walls, so bench depth varies depending on placement. Benches against the curved wall are often shallower at the edges. Square cabin saunas give you consistent depth across the full bench length. L-shaped bench layouts can offer different depths on each leg of the L, which gives you both sitting and lying options.

Infrared saunas tend to have shallower benches (16-20 inches) because the heating panels need to be close to your body. You sit upright facing the panels, so a deep bench that pulls you away from them defeats the purpose. Traditional saunas with a stove have more flexibility because the heat fills the entire room regardless of where you sit.

Plan Your Layout

Use our sauna size calculator to figure out what bench dimensions work for your space. It accounts for bench depth, height, walkway clearance, and heater placement.

Related Terms

• Sauna Bench Height
• Sauna Backrest
• Sauna Headrest
• Sauna Dimensions

Saunas Designed for Comfort

Our saunas feature well-proportioned benches built for real relaxation. Browse our indoor saunas and outdoor saunas to find the perfect layout for your space.