DIY Steam Sauna

Used in Finland for over a thousand years, saunas are a great way to relax and unwind after a long day. As the Finns know, they also have many wonderful health benefits. Taking a sauna or steam bath causes you to sweat, which not only deep cleans your pores but also releases toxins. Steam is created by pouring water onto hot igneous rocks placed on the sauna heater. Saunas may seem like a luxury available only to the wealthy. However, they are actually quite inexpensive and easy to install, especially if you do it yourself.

Things You'll Need

• 2-by-4s--cedar or other soft wood
• Fiberglass
• Hammer
• Screwdriver
• Nails
• Screws
• Putty
• Thermometer
• Lights
• Sauna Heater
• Measuring tape
• Wooden sauna door
• Wooden sauna bench

Instructions

1. Choose a place to put your sauna. It's a good idea to put a sauna near running water so you can shower and return to the sauna. Most people put saunas in their bathrooms for this reason. Measure the size of the area where you want to put the sauna. It should be at least 45 square feet.

2. Gather the materials. You may need to order the sauna heater online.

3. Frame and build the four walls and the ceiling with the 2-by-4s. Leave spaces for two or three vents. One of these vents must be very close to where the heater will be. One wall should have space for a door. If you choose to have a window, leave a small space for this.

4. Connect the walls and install the ceiling. Apply a 3-inch of layer of fiberglass to the inside of the sauna.

5. Nail unfinished cedar to the inside of the walls. Cover the exposed nail heads with putty.

6. Install the sauna door and sauna bench. If you have the space, you may want to consider installing two benches, with one higher than the other.

7. Arrange for an electrician install the heater. Install the thermometer and the lights.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are looking for an easier method, buying a prefabricated sauna is a good option.

• Make sure that your sauna is properly ventilated before using it.

• If you are building outside, make sure that your sauna is in-line with local municipal lines. Also, make sure you that you build the foundation of your sauna below the frost line, or you may end up with a damaged sauna when winter begins.

• Saunas get very hot. Be very careful near the sauna heater. If you have a medical condition, consult your doctor before going into a sauna. Make sure you are fully hydrated when going into a sauna.

• Make sure that you don't leave any nails exposed. These can get very hot and burn or prick your guests.

References

• Home Saunas 'n Kits: Build A Home Sauna--Indoors and Outdoors
• Repair-Home: How To Build A Sauna
• Sauna and Steam Bathing: Homemade Sauna

Resources

• Aaland, Mickel. Finnish Sauna: History of the Nordic Bath. 1997.