How Do You Construct a Sauna?

Regular visits to a sauna are known to provide health benefits, but those trips can be costly when compared with having a sauna at your home. Constructing a sauna at home is an easier task that you might think. While there are plenty of do-it-yourself sauna kits for sale, a sauna can be built without one.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hammer Nails Level Electric saw Electric drill Stove Wood door Vents Fiberglass 2 feet by 4 feet wood that is soft, such as cedar

1. Get a plan or simple design for your sauna. It must be a rectangle and tall enough for you to stand in.

2. Construct a ceiling and four walls with wood. Leave space for a door and at least two vents.

3. Insulate the inside with a layer of fiberglass about 3 inches thick. Cover the fiberglass with wood.

4. Build benches in the sauna with wood. Brace the benches on the sides and in the middle.

5. Install a door. Use a wood door because metal would get incredibly hot.

6. Install a stove. The size depends on the size of the sauna.

Tips & Warnings

• A good rule of thumb for stove size is about 1 kilowatt for every 50 cubic feet of space. Cover any nail heads so they will not be hot when you are in the sauna.
• If you are not familiar with installing an electric stove, get the help of an electrician to prevent electrocution.

Resources

• The Home Sauna Center