How to Build Saunas

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Step-by-step instructions to help you build your very own sauna
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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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    Clear a space that is removed from overhanging trees and running water. [1]
  2. 2
    Install any necessary pipes, wires, or gas lines.
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  3. If using infrared heating, make sure you have enough power for the heating system.
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    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]
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    This goes over your heating system and will collect moisture.
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    You should be able to easily remove these and clean the tiles.
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    [5]
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Can you describe a vapor lock in detail?
    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.
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  • Question
    What would be inside dimensions of the room (length, width and height)?
    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.
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  • Question
    What accidents can happen when one is using a sauna?
    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.
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      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]
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      • 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]
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      • 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.
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      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]
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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
      1. http://www.sauna-talk.com/how-to-build-a-sauna.html

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      Reader Success Stories

      • Hector W.

        Dec 11, 2023

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