Constructing a sauna in your yard feels like a dream, doesn’t it? An ideal, cozy escape from the hustle and bustle of each day life. Someplace you may unwind, chill out, and benefit from the therapeutic advantages of warmth remedy. Not less than, that’s what I assumed once I determined to tackle the undertaking of constructing my very own sauna.
I envisioned a fast weekend undertaking, a day of hammering away, and earlier than I knew it, I’d have an exquisite 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, endurance, and an entire lot of studying alongside the way in which. I’m so glad I caught with it, regardless of the challenges and setbacks. The ultimate result’s greater than value it, plus I obtained some nice occasions with pals, and also you get to learn this overly-detailed weblog submit!
On this submit, I stroll you thru my sauna-building journey, sharing the teachings I discovered the laborious manner. From understanding the distinctive Finnish fashion of sauna constructing to picking the proper 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 out of doors sauna—and what I discovered within the course of.
Why Sauna?
Earlier than we bounce into the step-by-step of constructing a sauna, let me inform you why I made a decision to tackle this undertaking within the first place.
In the event you’re something like me, you’ve most likely learn in regards to the quite a few well being advantages of sauna use. Every little thing from bettering circulation and relieving muscle stress to boosting your immune system and detoxifying your physique. I’ve mentioned many occasions that if the sauna have been a tablet, 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 occasions per week, and for this to be even remotely sensible, a house sauna is admittedly 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 Exhausting)
The primary lesson I discovered was that planning is essential on the subject of constructing a sauna. Even with the most effective intentions, issues don’t at all times go as easily as you hope. I assumed I had the whole lot mapped out completely. I measured the area in my yard, researched supplies, and even watched a number of YouTube movies on do it your self sauna constructing. A DIY sauna undertaking can be a weekend undertaking—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 development began to change into clear fairly rapidly. 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 greatest challenges I encountered was getting the sauna to be correctly insulated. Saunas are all about retaining warmth. With out the suitable insulation, all the trouble you place into constructing the construction gained’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 a whole lot of trial and error. Particularly once you’re working with completely different constructing supplies and determining how one can match the whole lot 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 toes 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 crimson mild 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 identical supplies can be utilized to refinish/repurpose an current outbuilding. Simply ensure 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 Fashion of Sauna Constructing
One of the essential issues I found throughout this undertaking was the Finns fashion of sauna constructing. Finland is the birthplace of the sauna, and their conventional saunas are the gold customary for sauna fanatics worldwide. To really recognize the artwork of sauna constructing, I knew I needed to perceive the rules behind it.
In a Finnish-style sauna, there are two predominant parts 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 strong device for selling well being and well-being. When constructing my sauna, I had to consider how one can generate the correct of warmth. This wasn’t nearly selecting a heater (we’ll get to that later) however about creating an setting the place the warmth can be evenly distributed all through the room.
Conventional Finnish saunas usually use wood-burning stoves to generate warmth. Nevertheless, there are different choices, like electrical heaters, that may work simply as properly. The secret is 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 number of hiccups early on.
In the case 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 offers a “deeper warmth” or helps with detox. But the information is evident that with the correct quantity of warmth and time, sauna could be very useful.
For that reason, I knew I had to verify the sauna might get to 170 levels at a minimal. I then added the infrared/crimson lights as a bonus.
Correct Air flow: The Lacking Piece in Many Saunas
Now, right here’s one thing I didn’t absolutely recognize 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 rapidly discovered that warmth alone shouldn’t be 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 predominant forms of downdraft: mechanical downdraft and handbook downdraft.
- Mechanical downdraft makes use of a fan or vent system to flow into the air and take away extra CO2 from the sauna. It is a extra trendy answer and could be efficient in guaranteeing the air stays contemporary and breathable.
- Handbook downdraft is the normal method, the place you depend on strategically positioned vents to permit contemporary air to circulation into the sauna naturally. Many pre-made saunas both don’t have air flow or depend on this kind.
I selected the mechanical downdraft technique for my sauna as a result of I knew we’d need to have longer sauna periods and be capable of host larger teams. By putting in a vent above the heater and a fan underneath the bench, I used to be capable of permit for the proper circulation of air and hold the CO2 ranges in test. This setup not solely made the sauna extra comfy to make use of but additionally 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 normal Finnish sauna expertise and a need 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 gentle, enveloping warmth and the sense of heat that fills the area when the sauna is correctly designed. It’s all about making a harmonious stability 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, guaranteeing that the particular person sitting there enjoys the most effective of the sauna’s warmth.
In conventional Finnish saunas, the higher bench—the place folks sometimes 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 top to permit the warmth to rise naturally and envelop the person. I ensured that the higher bench can be positioned on the good top by choosing 8-foot partitions. This allowed my toes 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
- Even Warmth Distribution: The primary purpose I selected a taller sauna was to provide the warmth room to rise and unfold evenly. With the higher bench positioned larger than the heater and the person’s toes 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 delicate 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.
- A Extra Genuine Finnish Expertise: In Finland, saunas are an artwork type, and the expertise is all about stability. Taller partitions and correct bench positioning make sure you’re sitting in the suitable 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. Once I sat on the higher bench of my sauna for the primary time, I instantly felt the distinction. There was a easy, enveloping heat that felt prefer it got here from throughout, not simply from the heater under.
- 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 best alternate of air. That is particularly essential in conventional saunas the place handbook downdraft air flow performs an important position in guaranteeing contemporary, breathable air.
- Comfy and Stress-free: When your toes 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 chill out and really feel the total advantages of the warmth.
Lesson 4: Selecting the Proper Heater
One of the essential selections I made throughout the constructing course of was selecting the best heater. In any case, that is the center of the sauna expertise. The correct heater could make all of the distinction on the subject of warmth high quality, vitality effectivity, and total expertise.
I did a whole lot of analysis earlier than selecting a heater, and in the end, I went with the HUUM Hive heater. Right here’s why:
- Power Effectivity: The HUUM Hive is designed to be extremely energy-efficient. This implies I can take pleasure in lengthy sauna periods with out worrying about excessive vitality payments. It additionally heats up rapidly and evenly, offering a cushty and constant temperature.
- Design: The glossy, trendy design of the HUUM Hive matches completely with the aesthetic I needed for my sauna. It’s minimalist but fashionable and provides to the general ambiance of the area.
- Efficiency: The HUUM Hive makes use of high-quality stones to generate warmth. This helps keep a constant temperature and create that gentle, enveloping heat I really like.
- Dimension: The HUUM Hive is available in varied sizes, which was good for my sauna. I used to be in a position to decide on the suitable measurement primarily based on the area I had accessible and the extent of warmth I needed to attain.
The heater measurement could be very particular to the scale of the sauna and the specified temperature. This heater wouldn’t be applicable for smaller saunas and there are extra budget-friendly choices for heating smaller saunas. I used this heater from Vevor once I needed to substitute the heater in my barrel sauna.
Right here’s how one can calculate the scale of a sauna heater:
- Measure the quantity of your sauna room in cubic toes.
- As a normal rule of thumb, allocate 1 kilowatt (kW) of heating energy for each 50 cubic toes of area. Basically, divide the cubic footage by 50 to get the required heater measurement in kW. All the time spherical as much as the closest accessible heater measurement if essential.
- You can even use a device like this one to calculate your heater measurement.
Lesson 4: Be taught Some Endurance
I feel one of many greatest classes I discovered all through this course of is the significance of downtime and endurance. When issues don’t go in accordance with plan, it’s simple to get annoyed. Nevertheless, taking a step again and permitting issues to return collectively slowly could make all of the distinction. There have been loads of days once I was tempted to hurry via the undertaking, 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 way in which. Now, I’m capable of recognize the top outcome much more as a result of I understand how a lot effort went into making it good.
The Ultimate Outcome
After months of labor (and a few occasional setbacks), my yard sauna is lastly full. Nicely, aside from the ultimate roof, however that’s a narrative for one more day. It’s a comfortable, heat, and alluring area the place I can escape from the world and concentrate on 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.
In the event you’re contemplating constructing your individual sauna, I hope this submit 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 a whole lot of different forms of saunas through the years. These have included varied sizes of transportable, pre-made, indoor saunas, and build-from-kit saunas. A few of these embrace wooden burning saunas, whereas others are transportable, private saunas (like a blanket).
These are those I’ve tried and would suggest:
Do you utilize a sauna? Is that this one thing you’d prefer to attempt or incorporate extra into your well being routine? Go away a remark and let me know!
