Eugene asks every first-time customer the same question before we ship: "Have you ever stood barefoot on gravel?" The answer tells us whether to recommend a 10 mm pitch or push them toward 8 mm. Most beginners think the choice is about courage. It is not. It is about surface density, body weight, and how the foot loads when you first step on.
In our Kostopil workshop, Roman drills boards at four nail pitches: 8, 10, 12, and 20 mm. An 8 mm board carries roughly 380 brass nails across a standard footprint; a 20 mm board carries about 85. Same foot, very different distribution of pressure. Eugene has practiced daily since 2018 and now stands almost exclusively on 20 mm — but he did not start there, and we do not recommend anyone else does either.
This guide walks through the decision the way we walk a customer through it on a call: pitch first, then size, then nail material. By the end you will know which board belongs under your feet, and why the second board you buy will probably be different from the first.
How to choose the pitch of the nails on sadhu board?
Level 1 — distance 8 mm (Sadhu board for beginners)
For beginners, or those who have tried nails with a long distance and could not stand more than 2 minutes, but do not give up. For those who want to painlessly and gently enter the practice. Suitable for especially sensitive natures. It's a pleasure to stand on such nails.
Level 2 — distance 10 mm
A versatile board for regular practice. Suitable for both beginners and those who have already tasted nails and know what it is. This is the basic version, suitable for independent development. In 90% of cases, with a careful attitude to oneself and a firm intention, anyone can master this level of nails. If you are in doubt which nails to choose — take these.
The most interesting thing is that on our website, you can select any board design, and we will create a Sadhu board for beginners with a nail distance of 8 mm or 10 mm just for you.
Level 3 — distance 12 mm
Board for deep study. If you already have the experience of standing on nails and can stand for more than 15 minutes. And also if you are confident in yourself and firm in intention, you know how to work with resistance, there were other practices related to accepting strong sensations and letting go (Kali marathon, Oslo -meditation, Kundalini yoga, etc.) you can safely decide this option for practice.
Level 4 — distance 15 mm
The highest level of nailing. Not recommended for beginners, but real experts will appreciate unquestioningly. Suitable for those who have been using Sadhu Boards for daily practice for a long time.
How to choose the material of nails?
Sadhu board copper nails
Copper has a beneficial effect on the body. Metal is a strong antiseptic. It has long been noticed that copper treats not only many bodily diseases, but also relieves mental illness! This is explained simply — this metal has a high conductivity. Copper increases the intensity of energy circulation throughout the body.
Therefore, our sadhu board copper nails are perfect for everyone.
The copper nail aspect is the mother aspect. The action is deep and voluminous. Copper has a very unusual, incomparable color: it resembles the reflections of fire and the burning heat of autumn leaves.
Galvanized nails
Galvanized nails also act deeply, but the sensations are brighter, sonorous, comparable to the parental aspect.
The galvanized nail is simple in its appearance, but no less attractive. Products with galvanized nails are noticeably lighter.
Copperplate nails
We have already talked about copper: it is a unique metal with a wide range of useful properties, but, unfortunately, expensive. If you choose a board with copper-plated nails, you get all the useful properties of the metal, but do not overpay.
Also, a significant plus of copper-plated steel is that it has greater rigidity than copper (copper is considered a soft metal), that is, the nails will always remain sharp.
Copper-plated nails are considered more durable than galvanized ones.
The Sadhu board with copper-plated nails looks noble, strong, and reliable.
Combination of copper and zinc
Copper-galvanized nails are harmony. Here you can feel the aspects of the two metals and their harmonious influence on each other. The aesthetics of this board pleases the eye and the soul.
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About the author. This piece was written by Eugene Oliynyk, founder of METADESK, together with the workshop team in Kostopil, Ukraine. Eugene has practiced daily on sadhu boards since 2018, including the most advanced 20Â mm nail-spacing boards. METADESK has been handcrafting wooden wellness tools since 2016. Reach the team at metadeskukraine@gmail.com.