How to build a Sauna - guidelines for sauna plans, sauna Rocks, Sauna Benches

How to Build a Sauna - Helpful Guidelines

How to Build a Sauna – That's the Question

How to Build A Sauna that is Right for Me

A Sauna is Part of the Individuality That Makes Up Your Home

Home Sauna Kits mean less work overall, and possibly have a more predictable outcome. They come in two types – a prefab sauna or a pre-cut sauna. The prefab sauna will take less work than the pre-cut, which will require you to build a frame, perhaps lay a floor and do other minor preparation.

With a prefab kit it is just a matter of joining the dots – so to speak. Most can be assembled within a few (some say 1-2) hours. These saunas can be put almost anywhere there is enough space, and moved at a later date if need be. Instruction guidelines are a part of each package.

A pre-cut sauna will need a little more forethought. The area needs to be framed and insulated – the type of floor is a matter of choice. You can either do it yourself or have it included in the sauna kit.

The sauna kit can then be assembled and installed. The kit will include wall and ceiling boards, assembled benches, a pre-hung door, heater, guardrail and a varying number of accessories, depending on your choice of manufacturer.

If you want to be your own interior designer, you can start from the very beginning and design your own Sauna Room. For the latest design features just surf the net for online interior decorating ideas and Sauna Designs, go to the library, buy one of the excellent books available on Sauna Design or check out interior decorating magazines. But, be sure to be honest with yourself about your budget and your lifestyle, in order to avoid any expensive mistakes.

Sauna Kits for How to Build a Sauna

How to Build a Sauna - Sauna Plans

If you really want to let the creative juices flow and build your own Personal Sauna from scratch, take a little time to plan in order to get a result you can live with – for a long time.

To do this you can start at the proverbial ‘drawing board’ or use pre-drawn plans. Plans will need to include not only dimensions and material but also guidelines for placement of the heater, vents, lighting, sound system etc.

Cheap Saunas

How to Build a Sauna - Location

A Sauna Room can be located anywhere. An Indoor Sauna or Outdoor Sauna – it’s your choice. Where ever is most convenient, or where ever is the best place for your overall interior design or exterior landscaping – that’s the best place.

It is better to have a shower nearby as having a sauna is the body’s ultimate cleanse. Heat induces the pores to open and toxins or impurities are flushed out through the skin. For this reason taking a shower directly after is essential. So for the sake of convenience, having a shower in the bathroom, next to the bathroom or near an outdoor sauna – it’s all good.

If space permits, a cooling bench is a good addition as it feels really good to come out of a sauna and relax for a while. In countries where saunas are a way of life, such cooling of or relaxing areas are always part of the overall sauna experience.

How to Build a Sauna - Size

A Personal Sauna need have sitting room only but being able to lie down in a larger sized Family Sauna is really what the experience is all about. If you are tall, be sure to take that into consideration.

How to Build A Sauna - Ceiling, Floors and
Walls

Ceiling

The ceiling need not be higher than 7 feet as the heat needs to be as near to the occupants as possible. This height will also allow for the Sauna Room to heat up more quickly as well as being more economical. It is estimated that for every 6 inches above 7 feet the heat loss is around 20%.

Floors

A waterproof floor is best as it can easily be kept clean and sanitary. No one wants to share foot fungus! Washable floors made from tile or heavy duty vinyl work well. If using tile, a dark grout wears better.

Walls

A sauna doesn’t always require insulation but many sauna kits will have it included. Foil-faced fiberglass for walls and ceiling is good because it reduces noise and will keep some warmth inside the sauna, making the starting temperature a little higher. The foil should face towards the interior of the sauna. The application of an aluminum vapor barrier to cover the joists and studs is recommended.

Drywall is not always necessary, but you should really check your local building regulations.

Sauna Accessories

How to Build A Sauna - Power

Electricity

Most saunas operate on 220v or 240v power. Your electrician will tell you what kind of breaker you will need. The final hookup needs to be done by a certified electrician – that’s important! Of course most Portable Saunas can be plugged into an outlet.

Electric heaters are probably the most popular nowadays as wood is more difficult to come buy and more labor intensive. The heater will need to be installed carefully, with no leads or plugs inside the sauna. You will need an electric power source for an Infrared Sauna, too.

Gas

Gas heating is usually cheaper than electricity and often available. It is quite often used in commercial saunas. Don’t forget to check for carbon monoxide should you choose gas as your heating source.

Wood-fired

Traditionally Saunas were constructed from wood, so many people that like to go the traditional route may opt for wood-fired Sauna. Wood gives of a pleasant aroma and adds to the traditional atmosphere. However, local laws or regulations governing wood burning stoves need to be taken into consideration, as does the availability of the wood itself. Possibly need to check your insurance policy as well – just to be sure.

Controlling the temperature in a wood-fired sauna means using a small heater for a small room and a larger heater for a bigger room – easy! The more wood you use the hotter the heater will get – also easy! The type of wood you burn will also have some affect on the temperature – some just burn hotter than others.

Wood is obviously a better choice for an outdoor sauna, rather than an indoor one, particularly if electrical wiring is not suitable due to location.

Wood Burning Heaters

How to Build A Sauna - Heater Installation

Electric Heaters can be directly attached to the wall with brackets. Good support is essential due to the weight of the rocks. All heaters need to be fastened to the floor.

Near-enough may not be good-enough for this procedure. Heaters need to have a guardrail for protection and do not need extra heat protection (such as asbestos) behind the heater as this may increase the wall temperature.

The heater output should be matched to the cubic volume of the Sauna Room – in other words it needs to be the right size. Make sure clearance requirements are met, or there may be a fire hazard. Never put anything on the heater – towels etc. The heater should ideally be put on the same wall as the door and they will then work together to ensure correct air flow.

Sauna Heaters

How to Build A Sauna - Rocks

The rocks provide a hot surface to produce steam and store the heat. Ideally, they should be as hard as possible in order not to crack when heated. Granite is a good choice. River rocks also work well and look nice. Only pour a small quantity of water over them at any one time.

Do not use spa or pool water on the rocks as it will corrode them. Rocks may need to checked and some replaced after about 1 year of use. Don’t use stones that are too small, and when putting them in the heater make sure they sit together loosely.

In the country where I live, great importance is given to the rocks and rocks from different areas are said to have various healing properties.

How to Build A Sauna - Temperature Control

If you have in Indoor Sauna, the heat and humidity from your sauna will not cause problems to the surrounding area. As it is not a steam bath, there is no steam to escape and cause problems. The wood absorbs the moisture and the heat will dry it out.

The thermostat will have a cut off control that switches off the electricity if the temperature reaches beyond a certain point. Should this fail to happen, tracking the cause is necessary.

Vents

Vents are always part of a sauna package. One vent lower in the Sauna Room (for incoming air) and one upper vent (acting as an exhaust) are usually adequate.

Vents should be closed during the heating up period. Incorrect ventilation may result in overheating and scorching of your sauna. All saunas should be heated up and run a few times before use.

How to Build A Sauna - Lighting and
Drainage

Check with your electrician about special requirements regarding definition of zones for lighting in Sauna Rooms. Sauna lighting must be vapor proof and be labeled as being suitable for use in a sauna. Light bulbs should be less than 75 watts and not installed directly above the heater.

Drainage

Not all saunas require a drain as the amount of water that accumulates on the floor is negligible. In a wet sauna the water poured onto the rocks evaporates. Of course, a commercial sauna may be a different situation.

How to Build A Sauna - Doors and Benches

All sauna doors should open outwards and never have a lock – for obvious safety reasons. A small gap between the door and the floor is not a problem. Doors should not have metal handles. All glass in doors should be tempered and be heat resistant.

Benches

It is advisable to assemble benches upside down so as to ensure that no screw heads are exposed, as this will cause burning. Stainless steel screws are best as they will last longer than others.

How to Build A Sauna - Maintenance

Very little in the way of maintenance is necessary. Keeping the floor sanitary by using appropriate disinfectant and occasionally scrubbing the benches with soap is really all that is necessary. Don’t use too much water. When the wood becomes stained from use a light sanding will bring it back to life. No wood varnish or paint should be used due to toxic vapors. It is a good idea to leave the doors open for a short time after use to ensure change of air. Bathers should always sit or lie on a towel to minimize discoloration.

How to Build A Sauna - Sauna Dealers and
Warranty

The internet has made the world a much smaller place, with information available at the click of a mouse. Shopping has also gone global, so there is every opportunity for you to source your Home Sauna from anywhere in the world. Check out what is available and take some time to feel sure about your final decision, which will vary depending on your own personal requirements.

Warranty

As with everything else, always check the warranty on your sauna kit and its accessories.

Check out this video for a complete DIY job

The above information should be treated as a guideline only. Each Sauna Kit will come with its list of instructions for installation.