Constructing a sauna in your yard appears like a dream, doesn’t it? An ideal, cozy escape from the hustle and bustle of day by day life. Someplace you may unwind, loosen up, and benefit from the therapeutic advantages of warmth remedy. A minimum of, that’s what I believed once I determined to tackle the challenge of constructing my very own sauna.

I envisioned a fast weekend challenge, a day of hammering away, and earlier than I knew it, I’d have a good looking little oasis of heat and wellness in my yard.

Spoiler alert: I used to be fallacious.

Seems that constructing a sauna isn’t so simple as throwing some wooden collectively and plugging in a heater. It’s a course of that requires planning, persistence, and an entire lot of studying alongside the best way. I’m so glad I caught with it, regardless of the challenges and setbacks. The ultimate result’s greater than value it, plus I received some nice instances with pals, and also you get to learn this overly-detailed weblog publish! 

On this publish, I stroll you thru my sauna-building journey, sharing the teachings I discovered the exhausting manner. From understanding the distinctive Finnish model of sauna constructing to selecting the right warmth supply (and sure, a LOT about air flow). So, seize a cup of tea, get comfy, and let’s dive into how I constructed my very own outside sauna—and what I discovered within the course of.

Why Sauna?

Earlier than we soar into the step-by-step of constructing a sauna, let me let you know why I made a decision to tackle this challenge within the first place.

 If you happen to’re something like me, you’ve most likely learn concerning the quite a few well being advantages of sauna use. Every part from enhancing circulation and relieving muscle rigidity to boosting your immune system and detoxifying your physique. I’ve mentioned many instances that if the sauna had been a capsule, we’d all take it. However because it isn’t, I made a decision to construct one!

A 2015 Finnish research checked out the advantages of sauna 4-7 instances per week, and for this to be even remotely sensible, a house sauna is absolutely useful. In fact, there are sauna kits and pre-made saunas, and I hyperlink to all those I’ve tried and favored under. It’s truly an embarrassingly great amount. However I like doing issues the robust manner, so DIY it was. 

Lesson 1: Planning Is Key (And Even Then, It’s Nonetheless Arduous)

The primary lesson I discovered was that planning is essential in relation to constructing a sauna. Even with the most effective intentions, issues don’t at all times go as easily as you hope. I believed I had all the pieces mapped out completely. I measured the house in my yard, researched supplies, and even watched a couple of YouTube movies on do it your self sauna constructing. A DIY sauna challenge could be a weekend challenge—nothing too loopy, proper?

However right here’s the factor: it’s simple to miss all of the small particulars once you’re caught up within the pleasure. The complexity of the sauna building began to develop into clear fairly shortly. There are such a lot of components to think about once you construct it your self, from the muse to the insulation to the sauna door. One of many largest challenges I encountered was getting the sauna to be correctly insulated. Saunas are all about retaining warmth. With out the precise insulation, all the hassle you set into constructing the construction received’t outcome within the cozy heat you’re after.

I additionally discovered that constructing a sauna is a bit like fixing a puzzle—it requires loads of trial and error. Particularly once you’re working with completely different constructing supplies and determining how you can match all the pieces collectively. The method wasn’t quick, and it positively wasn’t simple, however the satisfaction of finishing one thing by handcrafted all of it value it ultimately. (Unrelated: I additionally discovered that I’m not the most effective at spacial drawing and mapping out dimensions. Fortunately, that ended up all being fixable, although the sauna grew a few ft within the course of… whoops!). 

The constructing supplies I used after a lot analysis:

• Untreated pine lumber because the body
• Smartside siding on the surface for sturdiness
• Mineral wool as a non-toxic insulation contained in the partitions (as an alternative of fiberglass)
• Aluminum vapor barrier on the within as soon as insulation was put in
• Exhaust fan for mechanical downdraft
• Alder wooden and a few cedar for the inside and sauna benches
• Two 4-light infrared panes from Creatrix for purple gentle and close to infrared: https://www.creatrixaffiliates.com/208.html (sure, this technically breaks the principles of a pure conventional Finnish sauna, however my pores and skin loves it, so it’s staying) 
• Huum heater (extra on that later)

These similar supplies can be utilized to refinish/repurpose an present outbuilding. Simply be certain all handled wooden and something that may offgas is sealed inside the vapor barrier. Or, as I did, these supplies can be utilized to construct a sauna from scratch. 

Lesson 2: The Finnish Type of Sauna Constructing

One of the essential issues I found throughout this challenge was the Finns model of sauna constructing. Finland is the birthplace of the sauna, and their conventional saunas are the gold commonplace for sauna lovers worldwide. To really admire the artwork of sauna constructing, I knew I needed to perceive the rules behind it.

In a Finnish-style sauna, there are two principal components that make it really distinctive: warmth and air flow.

Warmth: The Secret to Sauna Remedy

The warmth in a sauna is what provides you that satisfying, enjoyable expertise. It’s additionally what makes the sauna such a robust device for selling well being and well-being. When constructing my sauna, I had to consider how you can generate the proper of warmth. This wasn’t nearly selecting a heater (we’ll get to that later) however about creating an atmosphere the place the warmth could be evenly distributed all through the room.

Conventional Finnish saunas typically use wood-burning stoves to generate warmth. Nonetheless, there are different choices, like electrical heaters, that may work simply as properly. The secret’s to make sure the warmth is ready to flow into successfully, making a constant temperature. That is the place the correct design and insulation come into play and the place I bumped into a couple of hiccups early on.

On the subject of the well being research on sauna advantages, the primary mechanism studied and recognized is the warmth itself. It’s up for debate if infrared sauna gives a “deeper warmth” or helps with detox. But the info is evident that with the correct amount of warmth and time, sauna may be very helpful. 

For that reason, I knew I had to ensure the sauna might get to 170 levels at a minimal. I then added the infrared/purple lights as a bonus. 

Correct Air flow: The Lacking Piece in Many Saunas 

Now, right here’s one thing I didn’t totally admire earlier than I began constructing my sauna: it’s not simply the warmth that makes a sauna efficient, it’s the air flow. Actually, I shortly discovered that warmth alone is just not sufficient to forestall fatigue or discomfort throughout sauna use. It’s truly the CO2 buildup within the room that may trigger us to really feel drained or lightheaded. Take a look at my podcast with Mike Feldstein the place we delve extra into CO2 right here. 

To keep away from this, it’s important to have correct air flow. That is the place the downdraft system is available in. There are two principal varieties of downdraft: mechanical downdraft and guide downdraft.

• Mechanical downdraft makes use of a fan or vent system to flow into the air and take away extra CO2 from the sauna. This can be a extra trendy answer and may be efficient in making certain the air stays recent and breathable.
• Handbook downdraft is the standard strategy, the place you depend on strategically positioned vents to permit recent air to movement into the sauna naturally. Many pre-made saunas both don’t have air flow or depend on this sort.

I selected the mechanical downdraft methodology for my sauna as a result of I knew we’d wish to have longer sauna classes and have the ability to host greater teams. By putting in a vent above the heater and a fan below the bench, I used to be capable of enable for the right movement of air and hold the CO2 ranges in verify. This setup not solely made the sauna extra comfy to make use of but in addition ensured that the warmth remained environment friendly.

Lesson 3: The Regulation of Löyly – Why I Selected Taller Partitions and an Elevated Bench

One of many key design selections I made when constructing my sauna was to go for a taller construction with 8-foot partitions. This determination was pushed by a deep respect for the standard Finnish sauna expertise and a want to honor the regulation of löyly—the guideline of sauna warmth distribution.

In Finland, the sauna is rather more than only a room with a heater; it’s a ritual and a science. The Finnish idea of löyly refers back to the mushy, enveloping warmth and the sense of heat that fills the house when the sauna is correctly designed. It’s all about making a harmonious steadiness between the temperature and the airflow. This fashion, the warmth circulates evenly all through the room. The regulation of löyly emphasizes the significance of warmth rising to the higher benches, making certain that the individual sitting there enjoys the most effective of the sauna’s warmth.

In conventional Finnish saunas, the higher bench—the place individuals usually sit to benefit from the sauna—is positioned above the heater, permitting the physique to be uncovered to the most well liked air. To make this occur, the sauna will need to have sufficient peak to permit the warmth to rise naturally and envelop the person. I ensured that the higher bench could be positioned on the good peak by choosing 8-foot partitions. This allowed my ft to take a seat at or above the extent of the sauna rocks, the supply of the warmth.

It wasn’t nearly creating extra room; it was about aligning the sauna with the rules of löyly. This positioning permits the warmth to rise and flow into across the physique, creating an immersive expertise of heat with out overheating or discomfort.

The Advantages of Taller Partitions and Elevated Benches

1. Even Warmth Distribution: The principle purpose I selected a taller sauna was to present the warmth room to rise and unfold evenly. With the higher bench positioned greater than the heater and the person’s ft positioned at or above the extent of the sauna rocks, the nice and cozy air naturally fills the higher a part of the sauna. The air then creates a extra constant and mild warmth. This setup encourages higher warmth circulation. Your physique additionally stays heat from head to toe whereas avoiding the discomfort of scorching spots or cool zones.
2. A Extra Genuine Finnish Expertise: In Finland, saunas are an artwork kind, and the expertise is all about steadiness. Taller partitions and correct bench positioning make sure you’re sitting in the precise place to really feel the true essence of löyly. The rising warmth ought to fill the room naturally, creating that signature soothing heat important to the Finnish sauna expertise. After I sat on the higher bench of my sauna for the primary time, I instantly felt the distinction. There was a clean, enveloping heat that felt prefer it got here from throughout, not simply from the heater under.
3. Improved Air flow and Airflow: By permitting the warmth to rise and flow into freely all through the sauna, the design additionally helps with air flow. Taller partitions create an area the place the hotter air rises naturally and the cooler air flows downward, selling the perfect alternate of air. That is particularly essential in conventional saunas the place guide downdraft air flow performs a vital function in making certain recent, breathable air.
4. Snug and Enjoyable: When your ft are positioned at or above the extent of the sauna rocks, it additionally permits for a extra relaxed sitting posture. You’re not sitting too low to the bottom, which implies you’re uncovered to extra of the nice and cozy, rising air. This setup helps create a extra comfy and therapeutic sauna session. Right here you may really loosen up and really feel the complete advantages of the warmth.

Lesson 4: Selecting the Proper Heater

One of the essential choices I made through the constructing course of was selecting the best heater. In spite of everything, that is the guts of the sauna expertise. The correct heater could make all of the distinction in relation to warmth high quality, power effectivity, and total expertise.

I did loads of analysis earlier than selecting a heater, and finally, I went with the HUUM Hive heater. Right here’s why:

• Vitality Effectivity: The HUUM Hive is designed to be extremely energy-efficient. This implies I can take pleasure in lengthy sauna classes with out worrying about excessive power payments. It additionally heats up shortly and evenly, offering a snug and constant temperature.
• Design: The smooth, trendy design of the HUUM Hive suits completely with the aesthetic I wished for my sauna. It’s minimalist but fashionable and provides to the general ambiance of the house.
• Efficiency: The HUUM Hive makes use of high-quality stones to generate warmth. This helps preserve a constant temperature and create that mushy, enveloping heat I like.
• Measurement: The HUUM Hive is available in numerous sizes, which was good for my sauna. I used to be in a position to decide on the precise measurement based mostly on the house I had out there and the extent of warmth I wished to attain.

The heater measurement may be very particular to the dimensions of the sauna and the specified temperature. This heater wouldn’t be acceptable for smaller saunas and there are extra budget-friendly choices for heating smaller saunas. I used this heater from Vevor once I needed to change the heater in my barrel sauna.

Right here’s how you can calculate the dimensions of a sauna heater:

• Measure the amount of your sauna room in cubic ft.
• As a common rule of thumb, allocate 1 kilowatt (kW) of heating energy for each 50 cubic ft of house. Primarily, divide the cubic footage by 50 to get the required heater measurement in kW. At all times spherical as much as the closest out there heater measurement if mandatory.
• You too can use a device like this one to calculate your heater measurement.

Lesson 4: Be taught Some Endurance 

I feel one of many largest classes I discovered all through this course of is the significance of downtime and persistence. When issues don’t go in response to plan, it’s simple to get pissed off. Nonetheless, taking a step again and permitting issues to come back collectively slowly could make all of the distinction. There have been loads of days once I was tempted to hurry by way of the challenge, however ultimately, I’m so glad I didn’t.

The method of constructing my sauna took longer than I anticipated, however it gave me the chance to make changes, enhance my design, and study alongside the best way. Now, I’m capable of admire the tip outcome much more as a result of I understand how a lot effort went into making it good.

The Ultimate End result

After months of labor (and a few occasional setbacks), my yard sauna is lastly full. Nicely, apart from the ultimate roof, however that’s a narrative for an additional day. It’s a comfy, heat, and welcoming house the place I can escape from the world and deal with my well-being. Each time I step inside, I’m reminded of the teachings I discovered, the errors I made, and the enjoyment of constructing one thing with my very own fingers.

If you happen to’re contemplating constructing your personal sauna, I hope this publish has given you some useful insights and sensible ideas. Constructing a sauna isn’t simple, however the finish result’s completely value it.

Don’t Need to Construct?

If my expertise deterred you from wanting to construct one (wouldn’t blame you for that), I’ve additionally tried loads of different varieties of saunas through the years. These have included numerous sizes of transportable, pre-made, indoor saunas, and build-from-kit saunas. A few of these embody wooden burning saunas, whereas others are transportable, private saunas (like a blanket).

These are those I’ve tried and would suggest:

Do you employ a sauna? Is that this one thing you’d wish to strive or incorporate extra into your well being routine? Go away a remark and let me know!