How To Build Saunas: 13 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Home » How To Build A Suana » How To Build Saunas: 13 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Build Saunas PDF download Download Article Step-by-step instructions to help you build your very own sauna Explore this Article Steps Steps Other Sections Questions & Answers Video Tips and Warnings Things You'll Need Related Articles References Co-authored by Agustin Renoj

Last Updated: October 1, 2024 References

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This article was co-authored by Agustin Renoj. Agustin Renoj is a Home Improvement Specialist with Renoj Handyman based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 18 years of construction experience, Agustin specializes in carpentry, painting, and exterior, interior, kitchen, and bathroom renovations. Renoj Handyman is a family-owned business that consists of craftsmen trained in all areas of construction. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 804,165 times.

Saunas are small interior spaces that are heated and fed with water to create a hot, steamy environment where people can relax and ease muscle pain. Building personal saunas is relatively simple if a good location is selected and the adequate materials are purchased. Although styles and sizes of saunas vary, the basic principles of sauna construction are the same, and these steps will give you a general outline of how to build a home sauna.

Steps

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  1. Step 1 Choose a spot for your home sauna where plumbing, heating and electricity are easily accessible. 1 Choose a spot for your home sauna where plumbing, heating and electricity are easily accessible. Clear a space that is removed from overhanging trees and running water.[1]
  2. 2Install any necessary pipes, wires, or gas lines. Advertisement
  3. 3 Dig a space for rocks if you are using lava rocks to heat your sauna. If using infrared heating, make sure you have enough power for the heating system.
    • Personal saunas are generally heated in two ways: lava rocks, which are heated in a stove and over which water is poured to create steam, or infrared heating, which uses a heater inside the sauna.[2] Step 3 Dig a space for rocks if you are using lava rocks to heat your sauna.
    • Lay a simple foundation for your sauna and build the inner frame.[3] Step 3 Dig a space for rocks if you are using lava rocks to heat your sauna.
  4. Step 4 This should be a simple structure consisting of wooden boards. 4 This should be a simple structure consisting of wooden boards. Leave room for three ventilation points: one in the ceiling, one on the floor, and one above the heater. Add spaces for benches and windows as desired.[4]
  5. Step 5 Insulate the inner frame with fiberglass and add a vapor barrier to keep moisture off the fiberglass and help it last longer. 5 Insulate the inner frame with fiberglass and add a vapor barrier to keep moisture off the fiberglass and help it last longer.
  6. Step 6 Build a simple outer wall about a foot (or 30 cm) outside the inner frame. 6 Build a simple outer wall about a foot (or 30 cm) outside the inner frame.
  7. Step 7 Roof the sauna with simple wood or tile and remember to keep a ventilation spot open for steam to escape. 7 Roof the sauna with simple wood or tile and remember to keep a ventilation spot open for steam to escape.
  8. Step 8 Install your heating system, following instructions given with the system, and leave a wide space for the sauna heater. 8 Install your heating system, following instructions given with the system, and leave a wide space for the sauna heater.
  9. Step 9 Place the first layer of flooring using ceramic tile. 9 Place the first layer of flooring using ceramic tile. This goes over your heating system and will collect moisture.
  10. Step 10 Lay a second layer of flooring using unsecured boards. 10 Lay a second layer of flooring using unsecured boards. You should be able to easily remove these and clean the tiles.
  11. Step 11 Install the sauna heater. 11 Install the sauna heater.
  12. Step 12 Add any benches, windows and other fixtures as desired. 12 Add any benches, windows and other fixtures as desired.
  13. Step 13 Test the sauna by turning on the heating system and observing the functioning of the ventilation points before using. 13 Test the sauna by turning on the heating system and observing the functioning of the ventilation points before using.[5]
    14. Advertisement

Community Q&A

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  • Question Can you describe a vapor lock in detail? Community Answer Community Answer It is common for unknowing builders to use plastic vapor barriers for Sauna construction, as these products have been used in residential work for many years. These barriers do not hold up in Sauna conditions. Builders foil, typically foil with a kraft paper backing, is the appropriate material for vapor lock. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 7 Helpful 53
  • Question What would be inside dimensions of the room (length, width and height)? Community Answer Community Answer It could be 6' x 6' x 7' high, which is great for two on bunk platforms plus the heater. Don't forget to use a well sealed plastic vapor lock on the ceiling and walls unless you want to re-build a good portion of your house in a few years. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 17 Helpful 21
  • Question What accidents can happen when one is using a sauna? Community Answer Community Answer The heater can overheat and you can become too hot. You can also burn yourself on the lava rocks. It really hurts, so have a bucket of cool water nearby just in case. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 8 Helpful 6
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Video

Tips

  • Personal saunas should always be made with wood, as wood can take on and release humidity and heat better than other materials. Cedar and white spruce are two popular woods for saunas, given that they tend not to expand or contract too dramatically.[6] Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
  • Many countries require a building permit to make significant changes to the outside of your home and some will require additional permits for the plumbing and electric work, so be sure to check with your local authorities in advance.[7] Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1
  • If possible, use tongue and groove lumber for the outer wall. This eliminates the necessity of using nails, which will heat up when the sauna is in use and can cause injury. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
Show More Tips Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • Personal saunas requires constant upkeep. Remember to remove the floorboards to clean the ceramic tiles, clean the sauna heater, check the wood for any excessive bulging, and keep the ventilation points clear.[8] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
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Things You'll Need

  • Access to plumbing, heat, and electricity lines
  • Sauna heating system (rocks or infrared)
  • Sauna heater
  • Wood boards
  • Roofing material
  • Ceramic tile

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References

  1. ↑ http://www.saunasociety.org/build-a-sauna
  2. ↑ http://www.agardenbuilding.co.uk/create-outdoor-sauna-room.html
  3. ↑ https://www.sauna-talk.com/building-an-outdoor-sauna.html
  4. ↑ http://www.agardenbuilding.co.uk/create-outdoor-sauna-room.html
  5. ↑ https://build.com.au/sauna-ventilation
  6. ↑ https://www.sauna-talk.com/sauna-plans.html
  7. ↑ https://www.sauna-talk.com/building-an-outdoor-sauna.html
  8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUxhaLvglvk
  9. http://www.agardenbuilding.co.uk/create-outdoor-sauna-room.html
More References (1)
  1. http://www.sauna-talk.com/how-to-build-a-sauna.html

About This Article

Agustin Renoj Co-authored by: Agustin Renoj Home Improvement Specialist This article was co-authored by Agustin Renoj. Agustin Renoj is a Home Improvement Specialist with Renoj Handyman based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With over 18 years of construction experience, Agustin specializes in carpentry, painting, and exterior, interior, kitchen, and bathroom renovations. Renoj Handyman is a family-owned business that consists of craftsmen trained in all areas of construction. This article has been viewed 804,165 times. 257 votes - 81% Co-authors: 12 Updated: October 1, 2024 Views: 804,165 Categories: Spa Treatments In other languages Spanish French Japanese
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Reader Success Stories

  • Hector W.

    Hector W.

    Dec 11, 2023

    "It helped me to think more about building a sauna. My wife will decide. Thank you."
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Agustin Renoj Co-authored by: Agustin Renoj Home Improvement Specialist Co-authors: 12 Updated: October 1, 2024 Views: 804,165 81% of readers found this article helpful. 257 votes - 81% Click a star to add your vote Hector W.

Hector W.

Dec 11, 2023

"It helped me to think more about building a sauna. My wife will decide. Thank you." Brendan Mclveen

Brendan Mclveen

Feb 12, 2017

"Wood being used in sauna was good, also how to measure square feet." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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