Sauna Construction

There are many ways to build your own sauna. Many companies sell home sauna kits that even I can set up with relative ease.

On the other hand, it’s quite a major project to build a sauna from scratch.

Basically, you'll have to…

• buy or design the construction plans
• find or buy the wood
• carefully measure and cut the wood (if you don’t buy it precut)
• assemble all the pieces, including the door, heater and bench

If you're strongly considering building a sauna, The Art Of Sauna Building could be a great resource.

Location – an important factor

An important factor in your sauna construction plans is location. After all, it's the main thing that will influence the design and make up of your sauna…

• Will it be in the city or country?
• Will it be freestanding? Or…
• Will you convert an existing room into a sauna?
• Do you want it inside or outside your house?

When your location is set, you have to decide what kind of sauna heater you want to install.

Depending on where your sauna will be located, you might not have much of a choice in the matter.

Choosing A Heater

Obviously, you'll need to have access to electricity if you want to use an electric sauna heater.

Plan on building a sauna in the country? If so, a wood sauna heater would not only be a good choice, it may the only option you have.

A gas sauna heater is another choice, but they are more expensive and they also require more clearance than electric heaters.

Before making any final decisions, it's best to know local building codes first. For example, there may be an ordinance for your community that restricts the use of wood burning stoves.

Construction

If you plan on using an existing room for sauna construction, you’ll have to take protective measures against the moisture that’ll come from the sauna. The room will have to be properly insulated and have a vapor barrier to guard against moisture damage.

You’ll have to find-and-buy or special order the wood you’re going to use, then you may need to carefully measure and cut it.

Unless you purchase tongue-and-groove lumber, you'll have to make tongue-and-groove joints in the sides of the wood for strength and tight seals. It takes a special tool for that.

You’re also going to need a sauna door. They’re sold in many shapes, sizes and styles.

You can buy a bench for your sauna or you can build your own.

More reading on sauna construction:

The Art of Sauna Building - a definitive resource for building a sauna

Building a Sauna in a Bathroom

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