How to Build a Sauna

Posted on by Myron Dallas

Planning

Building a sauna can be a rewarding experience, bringing a sense of luxury and relaxation to your home. It is important to plan out your project to ensure it fits your available space and budget. The planning stage will also help you determine what materials you need to build your sauna and how much time it will take to complete the project. Let’s consider what you will need to consider when planning your sauna.

Choose a location

Choosing an ideal location for your sauna is one of the most crucial steps in building a sauna. Certain areas of your home might be off-limits due to plumbing and electrical limitations, so it is important to plan and identify the best place for your new sauna.

When selecting a location for your sauna, consider factors such as access to power and water, possible privacy from neighbors, ventilation, available space indoors and outdoors, and common humidity levels in the environment or climate of the area. Ideally, you should choose a spot with direct sunlight and sufficient ventilation.

To install an electric heater, you will need nearby electrical outlets and wiring, which must meet the requirements outlined by local safety codes. If you build near existing utilities or plumbing, consult a professional to ensure that any work done matches local regulations. When working with wood-burning stoves, it is recommended that you build outside as wood-burning stoves require more ventilation than electric heaters.

Regardless of whether your sauna will be inside or outside your home, always check on local zoning laws before beginning construction on any building project.

Decide on a size and shape.

Deciding on the size and shape of your sauna is an essential step in the planning process because it will determine the type of heater you can buy, any necessary insulation, and the amount of space you need for installation. Sauna sizes typically come in three categories — 1-2 people, 3-4 people, or 5-7 people. In addition, the shape can be round, square, or irregular. Consider your size requirements and where you plan to install the sauna before making any decisions.

When measuring for a space, remember that a four-person sauna usually requires 6 to 10 square feet of floor space, while a larger sauna may require up to 15 square feet. You should also allow a 4 ft clearance around the area for heat transfer and circulation. If possible, opt for insulated walls and double-glazed infrared glass doors to save more electricity during operation.

Sketch out a design

Before building a sauna, creating a detailed plan and sketching out your design is important. This design should include the measurements of all the components in your sauna and the type of materials you need for construction. It’s important to plan for sufficient airflow throughout the sauna, as good airflow is vital for efficient heat and steam circulation. Considerations such as size, the shape of walls, the number and placement of benches, and the heater’s location should also be considered when designing a sauna. When making your customized plan, consider any characteristics specific to your homes, such as room height or width. To ensure proper air circulation, all sides must remain open. It is also important to pay attention to insulation – floors, walls, and ceilings should be adequately insulated for safety and energy efficiency. Lastly, electrical wiring must be carefully planned to meet local safety codes and ensure no accidental sparks occur inside the sauna chamber. With careful planning in place, you can get started on building the perfect sauna!

Consider insulation needs

Before laying out plans for building your sauna, it is important to consider insulation needs. Bare minimum, your sauna should have double walls and be built from moisture-safe and fire-resistant materials. Further insulation with additional multi-layers of different materials may be necessary depending on the size and layout of your structure.

The purpose of the insulation is to ensure that heat is evenly distributed while keeping in enough humidity to keep the air humid and comfortable. Ensure all seams are well sealed, and any gaps or cracks in doorways or walls are filled to avoid unnecessary air leakage. If you decide to use wood as a frame material, choose an appropriate variety that is durable over time, such as cedar or pine, both impervious to decay even when exposed directly to water vapor and high temperatures associated with saunas. Plywood can also be used; however, a 1/2 inch thickness should be selected, followed by a vapor barrier layer between each stud bay, given the extreme humidity levels within the room.

Considering all these factors before beginning construction will help ensure that your sauna provides health benefits for years to come!

Materials

Building a sauna can be an exciting project and a great addition to your home. This article will cover all the necessary materials to build a sauna, from basics such as insulation, boards, and screws, to more specific items like sauna heaters and benches. You’ll need all the right parts to ensure your sauna is built properly. Let’s check out what materials are necessary for this project.

Purchase or build the walls

Building the walls for your sauna is an important step, and there are two main ways to go about it: purchase pre-built sauna walls or build them yourself. You may find that pre-made walls are more cost-effective while building them yourself allows you to customize the look and feel of your sauna.

When purchasing sauna walls, you have a variety of materials to choose from, including tongue and groove paneling, glass block construction, prefabricated tile or stone panels, or pre-stacked panels. Each material has a different price point and offers different benefits depending on what is most important to you in terms of budget, aesthetics, and convenience.

If you choose to build the walls yourself, there are some basic materials that you will need: 

  • 2×4 lumber for the framework; 
  • framing boards for the sides;
  • foam insulation for insulation; 
  • drywall sheets; 
  • caulk and tape to seal intersections; 
  • tile backer board; 
  • grout and tile adhesive for creating tile accents. 

It is important to research the best supplies available from local stores before starting any project since different areas may have regulations or codes that require specific building materials.

Choose the flooring and ceiling.

When deciding the type of materials for your sauna, the flooring and ceiling should be the first surfaces to consider. The flooring can range from a basic concrete foundation or a simple tiled surface as long as it can resist high temperatures and moisture. When it comes to the ceiling, a high-grade plywood or tongue and groove board will work well, but ensure it is warm enough so that people are comfortable sitting under it.

Consider if you would like electric or lighting fixtures in your sauna area. If so, you should use 12×12-inch thick ceramic tiles under any electrical fixture for added safety and stability in areas prone to steam buildup or splashing water when bathers use the sauna/steam room. It is also recommendable to install heat guards on both floors and ceilings of your saunas to safeguard against over-heating electric devices.

Using cedar wood for your walls, floors, and sauna ceiling will give you an authentically traditional Scandinavian atmosphere while also creating a warm scent that many people enjoy while relaxing inside their home saunas. Cedar wood is usually used unfinished but can also be finished with special oils; additionally, it easily withstands higher temperatures than other woods, making it an ideal choice for traditional steam rooms.

Select the heating elements

Several factors should be considered when selecting the heating elements for your sauna. Electrical elements provide heat without the need for installation and do not generate carbon monoxide fumes. However, they require regular maintenance and use considerable energy, making them expensive to run.

Wood-burning stoves are a traditional heating element that many find satisfying, as watching the logs burn can provide a certain ambiance. They are also efficient in terms of energy usage as a large proportion of the energy generated is used directly for heating, plus their installation is minimal and easy.

Gas stoves may be a more modern option, but they come with all the associated dangers of burning gas indoors, plus additional installation requirements such as adequate ventilation. They produce less heat than the other options but consume fuel more efficiently. Infrared heaters may also be used in some instances and offer low operating costs, minimal installation requirements, and reliable temperature control – ideal if you plan on using your sauna regularly or commercially.

Select the ventilation system

Ventilation is the most important part of any sauna build, as it allows for clean air to enter and exhaust steam and other air pollutants. Proper ventilation also helps to maintain a comfortable temperature and humidity inside the sauna. A few key components must be present for your sauna to have adequate ventilation:

  • An intake vent: This vent allows fresh air into the sauna. When choosing an intake vent, ensure it’s sized correctly and is far enough away from any possible heat sources, such as a fireplace or heater.
  • An exhaust vent: This type of vent allows steam, smoke, and other gases to escape from the sauna into the outdoors. It must be large enough to allow for efficient air exchange without introducing drafts.
  • A fan system: A fan system is necessary for larger saunas to create an ideal flow of air in and out of the room. An exhaust fan should move at least one cubic foot per minute (CFM) per square foot of room size; while this amount can differ depending on user preferences or building codes, it’s usually a good starting point when selecting a fan size or type.

When selecting materials for your ventilation system, look for rust-resistant metal, such as stainless steel, that can stand up against changing temperatures and moisture levels inside and outside the sauna. Weatherstripping should also be used to reduce drafts where needed. With these components selected and installed correctly, your sauna will have suitable ventilation while maintaining the correct temperature balance you need for an enjoyable experience!

Construction

Constructing a sauna can be intimidating – it involves working with tools, wood, and other materials that may be out of your comfort zone. But with a little knowledge, you can create your own even if you don’t have a lot of experience with woodworking. In this section, we’ll look at all the necessary steps to build a sauna so you can DIY your own.

Install the walls

Install the wall covers/panels that serve as your interior sauna walls. The panel covers consist of wooden, tongue-and-groove boards that are easy to cut and nail into place. First, you’ll need to decide how many panels you’ll need according to the size of your sauna — usually three walls and a bench. Next, make sure to use heated glue in between the panels for added water protection and stability. Finally, secure each panel with a slightly countersunk screw for a finished look.

Once the walls are complete, you can move on to finishing touches like wall benches and flooring made of tongue-and-groove boards. Depending on the size of your sauna, you might want two or three wall benches and flooring for additional seating if desired. Next, ensure all edges are securely glued before fastening them together with screws predrilling some small holes if necessary. Finally, use a special water-resistant sealer or paint coating before installing the flooring.

Now your walls should be ready for insulation (if needed), followed by the installation of doors and sauna heaters such as an electric heater or wood-burning stove. Finally, finish off any remaining details such as grilles on windows/doors, skylights/ceiling lighting fixtures (or just standard overhead bulb sockets), and wiring supplies/electrical connections — which can range from installing switchable private pull cords per door area up near the ceiling towards back side wall panel near utility room(can act similar too but not necessarily the same thing at all). All these steps should give way to completing this project!

Install the flooring and ceiling

When installing the flooring and ceiling of your sauna, there are a few important things to consider. First, you need to choose the type of flooring suitable for withstanding high humidity levels in a steam sauna. It is recommended to use a mineral board or tongue-and-groove planks. You must ensure these materials are properly supported and mounted using screws and reinforcing plates.

For the ceiling, it is important to ensure it can hold up any weight added to it and withstand water splashing onto it during use. Plywood panels and tongue-and-groove planks are common materials used. The ceiling should also be insulated with fiberglass batting or rolled foil/fabric vapor barrier material to reduce heat loss through the top surface. Once the insulation material has been applied, some people like to finish off their sauna by applying wood paneling (traditionally made from cedar) for an additional aesthetic touch.

Install the heating elements

A sauna’s primary purpose is to generate heat, so the heating elements must be installed properly to function correctly. The most common type of sauna heater is an electric heating element, which can be installed on the floor or wall of the sauna. These electric heaters usually contain a stainless steel chamber that contains stainless steel heating elements. To ensure proper installation, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installing and using this type of heater.

In addition to traditional electric heaters, other heating elements can also be used. For example, wood-burning stoves are sometimes installed in a sauna room to provide more direct heat and add a pleasant aroma. When installing a wood-burning stove, all safety precautions must be taken, and the instructions provided by the manufacturer are followed precisely to ensure proper operation and safety.

Finally, infrared heaters are often used in saunas because they distribute warmth evenly throughout a space without creating high heat or large concentrations of humidity. However, using these infrared heaters requires a power source, and each model has specific installation requirements that should be followed closely for safe operation and optimum performance levels.

Install the ventilation system

Installing the ventilation system is one of the key aspects of building a sauna. Ventilation is necessary to provide air circulation and remove excess moisture inside the sauna. Without proper ventilation, you could experience a lack of airflow, condensation on walls/ceilings, and potential health risks from high humidity levels.

When installing a ventilation system for your sauna, you must choose the appropriate ductwork for your particular design. Common duct sizes for saunas range from 4″ to 12″ in diameter, with 6″ or 8″ being the most common. Use insulated metal ductwork whenever possible to ensure that the hot air from your heater can flow through the ducts quickly and efficiently. It is also important to select a fan that is appropriate for your space – an oversized fan won’t necessarily move more air than a correctly sized fan, but it may use more energy.

Once you have determined what size and type of ductwork and fan you need, you can then begin installing them following the manufacturer’s instructions provided with each product. When cutting holes in walls or ceilings for vents and fans, use an appropriate saw without exposing yourself or anyone nearby to potential injury from flying debris or sparks created by an electric saw blade. It may also be helpful to wear protective gear such as eye protection when drilling any kind of hole in drywall or wood studs – this will help protect your eyes from dust and debris generated by power tools during installation.

Finishing

Finishing the sauna is an important step towards enjoying the relaxing effects that a sauna can provide. It is time-consuming but well worth it when you have a fully finished sauna. There are a few important steps to consider when finishing the sauna, such as selecting the right materials, ensuring a smooth finish, and sealing the wood to prevent damage. We will look at each step in more detail.

Install the benches

The properly installed sauna benches are important to any authentic sauna experience. Constructed from tight-grained, knot-free woods like cedar, these benches can be purchased from specialty sauna retailers or built with simple lumber and tools. Begin by building a frame for the benches using two-by-fours (2x4s). Place the 2x4s together in an L shape, then screw them together. Be sure to use outdoor-rated screws that can stand up to moisture. Use a level to ensure the frame is even on all sides, then cut and fit planks of wood into the frame to make a uniform benchtop that lets air circulate easily underneath. Next, secure the benchtops with screws on their underside along the frame and undersides of adjoining planks. Finally, sand down all edges of each plank and benchtop for comfort against the skin when your sauna is in use.

Install the lighting

Installing the lighting is an essential part of building a sauna. The best lights for a sauna are either LED bulbs or incandescent bulbs. LED bulbs are ideal because they produce less heat than incandescent bulbs. You may also consider using Low EMF LEDs or Far-Infrared LEDs since they create less EMF radiation than standard LED bulbs.

For general lighting, you should use a light fixture that can support up to 75 watts in a standard 110-volt socket. Installation of the light fixture and bulb is fairly straightforward — just make sure you follow all safety protocols when installing electricity in wet areas such as a sauna room.

The size and number of lights you choose will depend on your preferences and budget, but the National Electrical Code advises that “at least one lamp socket should be provided at each level” of the sauna room. Depending on how big your sauna is and how much ambient light it has from outside sources, you may need to install multiple light fixtures to achieve optimal lighting results.

You may also want to consider adding dimmer switches for lower ambient lighting levels or timer control switches so that you can set lights up for times when no one will be around for added safety purposes. Lastly, if possible, consider adding accent lighting, which adds additional ambiance and visual appeal without needing additional power sources.

Install the door

Once the sauna walls, ceiling, and benches are constructed, it’s time to install the door. A proper sauna door seals tightly against the frame to create an airtight seal. This will help the sauna maintain a consistent temperature and is essential for creating a traditional steam environment in your sauna.

Choose a door made of durable materials with proper insulation — this is important when balancing energy consumption with operational safety. Common choices include pine doors with an insulated core, or Nordic spruce doors finished with lacquer. Make sure you measure before you order your door, as replacement doors can be difficult to find in an exact size once installation has begun.

When installing the door, ensure it fits securely into the frame and check for any gaps around it that could allow air to escape or warm air to seep out from your sauna room into your home or onto adjoining walls and floors. To ensure the door swings freely, apply silicone lubricant on all contact points as necessary and check that there are no obstructions before closing it for good.

This will finish your build and provide access to the refreshing luxuries of a personal steam room!

Install the sauna accessories

To complete the sauna building process, you must install the necessary accessories. This includes lighting fixtures, windows, vents, and other items to ensure optimal functioning and heat efficiency. Before installing electrical items, check that all wires and connections meet local codes and regulations.

Lighting: Install any special vapor-proof light fixtures in your sauna. Hardwired lights are often included with prefabricated models or purchased separately. If fitting your fixtures, ensure they meet the required safety standards for steam rooms and saunas.

Windows: Depending on your sauna model, the manufacturer may have included a window designed specifically to vent out moisture while letting natural light in during use. If you are not purchasing this as part of a prefabricated model or adding a window unit, always look for one designed as ‘vented,’ such as those produced by Klima Windows or Arctic Saunas.

Vents: Your preferred contractor should be able to fit specialist vents to enable fresh air circulation throughout the space while keeping hot air from escaping at high speed. To create an evenly heated space, ensure that vents are fitted professionally at both low level (for cool air) and high level (for warm air).

Storage Buckets: Traditional saunas require large wooden buckets known as ‘visa’ so users can ladle water over heated stones placed inside a stove part way through their session to create larger clouds of steam within the area. These are available online from suppliers such as Woodfired Saunas, who also pass on extensive information regarding installation, guidelines, and advice to achieve maximum effect when using them correctly within saunas or steam rooms.

Maintenance

Building a sauna is a great way to relax and enjoy. But, like all things, maintenance is required for a sauna. Proper maintenance will ensure that your sauna is functioning correctly and that its heat and steam are maintained. This section will cover some of the things you need to do to keep your sauna in good condition.

Clean the sauna regularly.

Keeping a clean and organized sauna is important for preserving its look and appeal and critical to maintaining its proper functioning. Regular cleaning will help ensure the sauna’s interior and exterior are free of dirt, dust, mold, mildew, and any other contaminants.

When cleaning the interior walls of a sauna, it is important to use an all-natural cleaning solution such as white vinegar or lemon juice to protect the wood from water damage. In addition, interior surfaces should be wiped with a soft cloth soaked in this liquid solution after every use to remove sweat, dust particles, and other debris.

The benches should also be wiped down with a damp cloth after each use and occasionally vacuumed, depending on how often it is used. It is important not to saturate the wood with too much liquid when wiping down the benches and walls because this could cause warping over time.

For tougher stains on benches or walls, it may be necessary to use steel wool along with the natural cleaning solutions stated above. However, before using it over larger areas of the sauna, you should test steel wool on an inconspicuous area first to ensure no damage occurs. Additionally, all glass parts must be cleaned regularly to maximize visibility in the sauna. A glass cleaner can be used for this purpose, but care should be taken not to leave streaks across any surface by wiping in straight lines rather than circular motions.

Inspect the heating elements

The safety and proper functioning of your heating elements should be inspected regularly. These vital components of your appliance need to be checked for signs of wear and tear and damage caused by inappropriate use. If any faults are detected, it is important to address them immediately to prevent further damage.

During a routine inspection, you should always look at the following components:

  • The wiring – ensure connections are secure and there are no exposed wires; check the color of the cable, ensuring it is not charred or frayed.
  • Thermostat – ensure it is correctly calibrated, is not overloaded, and any rusted or corroded parts are replaced if necessary.
  • Burners – check they are free from food residue buildup, debris, carbon deposits, or other obstructions; replace any worn or faulty parts if necessary.
  • Ignition switch/ system – check that the spark is strong when ignited and that all connections are secure; replace any malfunctioning parts if required.
  • Gas line – check for kinks or bends in the flexible line; inspect for corrosion or leaks and replace accordingly.

Act promptly when something goes wrong to prevent bigger problems from occurring with your heating elements and keep your appliance running reliably for longer!

Replace the ventilation system filters

A regular maintenance routine for your sauna is important to ensure maximum enjoyment and usability. Make sure to inspect the components of the ventilation system regularly and replace the filters as often as necessary. To replace the filters, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the power source to your sauna’s ventilation system.

2. Remove both intake and exhaust vents from their openings in the wall/ceiling of your sauna room.

3. Carefully inspect each filter for signs of blockage or damage and replace any that show wear or aren’t working properly. If you can’t find a replacement filter, contact qualified personnel to install a new one suitable for your specific brand and model of ventilation system.

4. Return both exhaust and intake vents to their respective locations in the wall/ceiling of your sauna room once you’ve replaced any worn-out filters with new ones, and check that they are securely attached with screws or some other fastening method before proceeding with turning on the power source again.

5. As a final step, test out your newly-installed filters by turning on all settings (temperature, humidity, fan speed) and using a thermometer to measure temperature within 10 minutes or less so that you are sure everything is working properly before resuming normal use of your home sauna system again!

Check the insulation

To ensure that your sauna is as efficient and relaxing as possible, it is important to check the insulation of the walls periodically. Poor insulation can cause the excessive heat loss and make it difficult to maintain a consistent temperature.

To test the walls, start heating the sauna until it reaches its normal operating temperature. Once the desired temperature has been reached, use an infrared thermometer to measure the wall’s surface temperature at several locations. Extra insulation may be needed in that area if any readings fall below 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Additional ventilation may be required if your wall temperatures are consistently above 155 degrees Fahrenheit.

Be sure to check for any gaps between the individual wall panels or components and fill them with a suitable sealant or thermal barrier material if necessary. Always use materials specified in high-temperature environments when making repairs or upgrades to your sauna’s insulation system. Properly insulated walls help maintain a comfortable atmosphere while ensuring that the energy necessary to heat your sauna is not lost due to inadequate insulation levels.