First, thanks for taking the time to help us out on this! I agree with the pipe/drain gap, which is why we thought originally that the pipe should/would connect directly to the drain (but, as I said, the landscaping guy said that then more sediment could get in the drain?). I don't think a larger grate would readily do the trick - the water level rarely reaches the level of the grate (which is elevated off of the "bottom" of the trench. It enters the drain primarily through those holes drilled in the side, as I mentioned. So you think the water would move well enough through soil? I thought in general that rocks were better at moving water quickly - hence the commonality of dry creek beds, surrounding french drains in gravel, etc.?

Oh, dear. I'm the one who told everyone ages ago (when succulents first started getting popular) to simply use Dry Stall rather than trying to track down pumice. Tack and feed stores were an inexpensive source, but it took some explaining to get people to understand why they sell pumice (it absorbs excess moisture in horse stalls) and why it's good for succulents (it absorbs excess moisture in soil so roots don't rot, and it also helps to aerate the soil). For some unknown reason, Dry Stall has vanished and Stall Dry now is everywhere. It's basically kitty litter. Don't use it as a soil amendment for potted plants, succulents or otherwise. Instead go to Google (or Amazon) and search for "horticultural pumice." It's become widely available due to demand. Learn more on the "Succulent Soil and Amendments" page of my website.

OK, now I am no expert in sauna or horticulture, but your question about Aspen vs Poplar is this; they are in the same family of trees. This also encompasses Birch, and Cottonwood. Although the Poplar makes a nice wood for furniture, Aspen and the other types usually do not. Now, that is not to say that you couldn't make furniture from Aspen, as I see it all the time, but it is rather "curvy" and knotted, so it's hard to get any great length of board out of it. All these types of trees are Deciduous or they loose their leaves and go dormant. They are classified as a hardwood, but if it's not too confusing, the grain of the wood is soft and takes to carving well. I have no idea about the temperature thing. I know from being a woodcarver that most woods, when burned or are ground into dust can be a threat to your lungs. I thought in saunas and steam rooms, that Redwood, Cedar or Teak was used.....Teak, you know is used on sailboats or where the wood will be wet alot. Of course, Teak is very expensive. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. Good luck! Greg

It depends on the fence posts you're using, but you're most likely fine with dry concrete. As a general rule of thumb, if you have to question it, go wet because it's stronger but it sounds like you are okay in this situation.