Sauna and Steam Doors FAQs

The steps to installing the self-closing hinge for the sauna door

This hinge allows your sauna door to self shut, thus keeping more heat in the sauna.

Here are the easy to follow instructions:

1. Basically as you rotate the nut clockwise atop the hinge you will see a hole appear; we'll call it the "tension hole".
2. Count the number of holes that pass.
3. On the third one, insert the tension pin into the hole and test if the door will close on its own.
4. If not, then let the pin stay in the hole to hold the tension. Make sure to leave enough of the pin hanging out to grab it easily.
5. Now, use the wrench again. Rotate the nut slightly so you can remove the pin.
6. Continue rotating until the fourth hole appears.
7. Reinsert the tension pin. Test the door again.
8. If it closes to your satisfaction, then you can push the pin in a bit further, else return to step 4 to continue adding more tension.

These are the OFFICIAL instructions:

1. Do NOT exceed three (3) holes tension for 180° door opening, or four (4) holes tension for 90° opening.
2. Always rotate the hex wrench in the clockwise direction regardless of right or left hand door application
   1. Hinge installation: Install hinge in normal manner with the adjustment end of hinge up, as shown above.
   2. Adjusting spring torque:
      1. Adjust torque only after the hinge is installed, and with the sauna door closed.
      2. Rotate adjustment capstan clockwise using the hex wrench to adjust proper spring tension, then insert tension pin into the tension hole, as shown above
      3. Remove hex wrench and try door for closing. To achieve proper closing force, change adjustment from one hole to the next in either direction with the hex wrench as tension pin is removed and reset

Generally, your sauna door should open out

This will give you more options when designing your sauna layout; ie, where to place your sauna heater and sauna benches. Also, if your sauna door opens out, it will protect sauna bathers. It's easy to linger too long in the sauna, overheat and rush for the cold plunge, thus it's better if the door opens out. Your sauna door can swing to the left or to the right depending on your sauna approach. Our standard hinge is on the right when facing the door while standing outside the sauna room.

The door swing diagram below will help you visualize the swing you need:

You are standing on this side.

Steam Doors Fitted Perfectly For Your Steam Room

We know steam doors of all types. So if you have questions, we usually know exactly what you are looking for.

• A steam door is a glass door specifically designed for a steam room.
• Steam doors require special gasketing to prevent steam from escaping.
• Not all shower door manufacturers offer the water and steam tight door system required by steam rooms.
• When ordering, always specify "for steamroom" or "steamer", since many of these glass doors are also manufactured for other applications.
• Steam doors are not completely airtight; they have a small gap at the bottom for ventilation. This does not allow steam to escape, since steam is lighter than air, and rises.
• Some steam doors have an adjustable/sliding jamb (Holcam MX models) to correct out-of-square openings.
• Sliding glass doors are also available. They also make tub height sliding doors to make that area a steam bath or steam/bath/shower.
• We have both sliding and hinged doors that can be set up in any size or arrangement for the front wall of your steam room.
• Commercial models are typically sized for wheelchair access.
• All steam doors must swing out.
• Additional fixed glass side panels are available for some steam doors.
• For more information, please call our showroom at 800-426-3929.

Installing your sauna door

Sorry this question is answered in the DIY: How to Build FAQ area. See: How do I install a sauna door?

Venting your sauna heater under the door

Yes, this is quite common, and removes the need for the lower sauna vent and sauna vent cover. Leave a good gap of an inch or more under the sauna door. Your sauna heater should be placed next to the sauna door for good air intake. Just to be clear, your sauna still requires a sliding upper vent. See our article on Sauna Venting and Framing Info for more information.

We offer several glass sizes for our sauna doors

• No window – Taking a sauna is NOT a spectator sport … Enjoy your privacy!
• 13"x13" – Just enough window to let in some light and take a peek.
• 10"x18" – A bit more light but still plenty of privacy.
• 16"x55" – This glass fits our solid rails and styles sauna door. See our
• 16"x67" – Let's in the most light and the least privacy. Designer finishes or custom etchings available, see our Rain Glass
• Portal – A stylish portal window that'll have you singing sea chanties.
• All glass – If you prefer maximum light, designer finishes or custom etchings, we sell glass sauna doors by Holcam, and others.

We also offer etched glass, matte glass and custom glass etchings.