How to Make Wooden Sauna Buckets

Saunas are renowned for their restorative qualities, both for health and for recovering from day-to-day worry. A sauna bucket is a symbol of this relaxation and is used to cast water onto the hot stones and provide steam. A sauna bucket can also make a great gift basket for a stressed-out friend. Fill it with CDs of relaxing music, scented oils and soaps and bath salt. This article will teach you how to make your own sauna bucket.

Things You'll Need

• Pine wood Hammer Small nails Wooden rings Rubber mallet Hand saw Sandpaper

Instructions

1. 

   Begin by cutting the pine wood into tapered foot-long sections. Cut another piece into a 6-to-8-inch-in-diameter circle for the base. Cut another piece with a handle. Use a fragrant wood like pine as the water stored inside will take on the subtle scent of the wood.

2. Sand the pieces thoroughly using progressively lighter grains. A handy trick after you reach the lightest sandpaper is to turn the paper over and rub the wood to create the smoothest finish possible.

3. 

   Place the pieces around the circular bottom of the bucket. Carefully hammer them in place, one by one. Make the fit as tight as possible to prevent leaks.

4. 

   Hammer the largest wooden ring down from the bottom of the bucket to the top with a rubber mallet. Do this until the ring reaches about two thirds of the way up the bucket. Take the second smaller wooden ring and hammer this about one third of the way up the bucket. These rings will help ensure a water tight seal.

5. 

   Turn the bucket over and clean up the top and sides with sandpaper. Pour some water into the bucket and hold it up to test for leaks. A small amount of wood putty can be placed inside the bucket if there are any leaks. Now you have your own sauna bucket, and it's time to relax with a nice hot sauna bath.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't leave water in untreated wood or it can warp or rot. Empty the bucket after each use and leave in a dry place.