Building Your Own Sauna - Use the Experts to Advise

Building your own sauna is a doable task. Save money in the process and take pride in accomplishing the task. When well constructed, a modular sauna is a great place to escape. For best results a sauna building plan and quality construction materials are essential.

Building a sauna at home

One of the easiest ways to build your own sauna is to buy a ready-made kit. This may come in the form of a pre cut kit or a material package. These two options provide all of the materials necessary to build a sauna yourself quickly and professionally. A kit provides materials needed - all that has to be done is the assembly and trimming of parts as needed.

DIY sauna - outside or inside?

Whichever option you choose, make sure the municipal by-laws allow for specialized construction, particularly as it relates to outside saunas. Size and location may be restricted.

If possible face an outdoor sauna to the west with a view of the setting sun. Peaceful surroundings add to the value of a relaxing sauna experience.

An indoor sauna built near a bathroom is an ideal combination. It can be used to cool off or as a change room. Making a sauna indoors also requires less work since the foundation will not have to be reinforced.

Starting from scratch

Before beginning to build a sauna, consider the size and the amount of space that's available and where it is. Drawing a diagram does this best. Find out where the electrical outlets are in relation to the sauna since 240-volt power supply is necessary to handle the load.

Other considerations

Adequate ventilation requires two ventilators for exiting air - one under the benches and another close to the ceiling. Proper ventilation between sessions ensures a fresh smelling sauna. Don't use direct lighting - it is too harsh for a relaxing atmosphere.

Build benches in an L shape or opposite each other for easier conversation. Stay away from metal screws or nails that will burn skin once the sauna is heated. Benches should be 2 ft wide for comfortable sitting or lying down. Place them high enough to take advantage of rising heat.

All surfaces should be easy to wash and they should dry fast.

Sauna floors

For the base of the floor pour plain concrete with a slight slope. Cover with a sealer and lay duckboards or removable wood planks on top. Tiles and rubber matting are suitable alternatives to duckboards.

Include a drain to remove standing water. Although it's not absolutely necessary, it is better for safety purposes and for taking better care of the flooring and heater.

Talk to the experts

Don't be afraid to get information from sauna manufacturers even if you don't plan to buy their products. They are a resource for useful information on the best types of materials and requirements. Make the most of their hints and suggestions based on experience and use them in the construction of your own sauna.