u/Feisty-Employment1

Long story should, designing a wooden barrier around a wood stove with tight clearances. Most concerning would be a vertical support stanchion (sketched roughly in red) 1.5” from the side wall.

Obviously this is not ideal and tighter clearance than a stove manufacturer would recommend, but working with limited clearance for foot traffic on the opposing side. I would at first find the most fire-retardant 2x4 known out there. Then I would expect some additional shielding needed.

I’m thinking a reflective layer of sheet steel 1/2” off the stove, leaving a 1” air gap from the wood. Does anyone have any suggestions if this seems crazy or attainable through some design?

Newer to the sauna community, looking for some advice with a mobile sauna I’m in the finishing stages of prior to renting it to the public.

Wondering if anyone has any opinions on how critical a stove barrier might be? I do have liability insurance and a safety waiver required for all customers of course. Regardless, I can’t help but wonder the risk not having any stove barrier could be from the customer’s standpoint. It’s only 17” from the stove to nearest side of the bench as built.

If it is absolutely critical, I sketched a couple potential designs. I personally like the later “free floating” design without a stanchion support, which would either get in the way of the stove door or pose a trip hazard. Just unsure how sturdy it would be or if it would need to be designed for the worst case of someone leaning on it.

Any advice or examples from other saunas is welcomed.