6 Useful Steps in Building an Outdoor Sauna
Building an
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to build an
From selecting materials and designing the layout of your sauna, to installing it and enjoying its benefits for years to come – let’s get started on how to create your very own
Why Build An Outdoor Sauna ?
Building an
From selecting materials and designing the layout of your sauna, to installing it and enjoying its benefits for years to come it’s all the sorts of fun you can do.
We know, buying a premade sauna kit in the market will save you all the hassle. However, what if the time comes that the sauna you bought suddenly has a malfunction? Warranty won’t always save you, and you won’t always know how to fix it.
Unlike having your own
Types of Outdoor Saunas
Wood-Burning Sauna
Wood-burning saunas have been around for centuries. Early versions of these saunas were used by ancient cultures in Europe and North America to bring people together for social events, as well as for healing and wellness purposes.
Wood-burning saunas are still popular today because they offer a unique experience that can’t be found in other types of saunas.
Unlike traditional electric or gas-powered saunas, wood-burning saunas burn wood (usually birch wood) to create steam and heat up the room. As the wood is slowly burned, it creates a relaxing aroma that adds to the overall pleasant atmosphere of the sauna.
The heat created by the burning wood is dryer than other types of sauna, making it more intense. Many people appreciate this more intense heat in a wood-burning sauna, giving them an invigorating feeling after a session.
The benefits that come with using a wood-burning sauna are numerous. Aside from being able to relax in an inviting atmosphere, sitting inside one can help relieve stress and headaches, improve sleep quality, reduce inflammation, and increase circulation throughout the body. Additionally, sweating out toxins through its use can also improve overall health and well-being.
For those looking for the ultimate relaxation experience with all of its added health benefits, a wood-burning sauna is definitely worth considering. With its gentle heat and subtle aroma from burning birchwood logs, it’s no wonder why these types of saunas have been around for so many years – and why they remain popular today!
Electric Saunas
Electric saunas are becoming increasingly popular as a convenient and efficient way to enjoy the many health benefits of sauna sessions. Unlike wood-burning saunas, electric models don’t need firewood and can be powered with electricity or natural gas.
Many modern electric saunas are also equipped with advanced features such as radio, sound systems, adjustable heat settings, and even air conditioning that make them even more comfortable for users.
The main benefit of using an electric sauna is its convenience. They require minimal setup and are easy to use since you just need to turn it on and set the desired temperature.
Additionally, they usually come pre-assembled and ready to use, so you won’t have to spend time constructing your own structure like with a wood-burning model.
Electric saunas also produce less steam than wood-burning models but offer higher temperatures more quickly, making them ideal for short but intense sessions.
This makes them great for those looking to sweat out toxins in a brief amount of time or who don’t have access to outdoor space where they can build a traditional wood-burning model.
However, electric saunas do have some drawbacks when compared with their wood-burning counterparts. For example, they tend to cost more up front due to the installation of electrical wiring and other components needed for operation.
Additionally, they aren’t quite as efficient in terms of energy consumption since they use electricity instead of burning firewood directly in order to create heat. And lastly, since there is no real flame present in an electric sauna session, users may not experience the same enjoyable scent that comes from burning logs like in a wood-burning sauna session.
Infrared Saunas
Infrared saunas have gained growing recognition in the past few years because of their health advantages and lower risks than other types of sauna. Rather than traditional wood-burning or electric styles, infrared saunas generate heat by utilizing infrared light which is then transferred to the body resulting in a pleasant deep sweat.
Additional advantages from using an infrared sauna are muscle pain relief, promotion of better blood circulation, enhanced immunity system functioning, weight loss assistance and minimized stress levels.
Instead of needing to be heated at a tremendous rate, like wood-burning and electric saunas do (reaching around 200 degrees Fahrenheit), infrared saunas provide a more comfortable experience as they typically remain between 100-140°F.
This is due to the fact that their light penetrates much deeper into users’ skin than traditional heat sources can, allowing them to reap all the therapeutic benefits while avoiding potential damage from intense temperatures. Infrared saunas are thus safer for those who may not tolerate high heats well.
One of the key advantages of using an infrared sauna compared to traditional models is its energy efficiency. As it uses less electricity than other types, you will be saving a lot every month in your electric bills – making it perfect for anyone looking for an economical way to reap all the benefits from regular saunas sessions.
Unfortunately, there are some drawbacks to using infrared saunas as well. For instance, since they don’t reach high temperatures like traditional models do, many users feel that their sessions aren’t long enough or intense enough with an inadequate sweat being produced.
Moreover, since they use solely infrared light instead of regular heating elements such as wood-burning and electric ones utilized by other models – if something goes wrong with your unit over time then repairs can be costly and replacement even more so.
What You’ll Need For Your Own Sauna
- Scrap & sheet metal
- Styrofoam panels
- Concrete cubes
- Insulating foam sealant
- Bricks
- Plumb bob
- Heat, plumbing, and electricity
- Silicone roofing cement
- Paper-backed fiberglass
- Pitched ceiling support kit
- Sauna heater (w/ sauna rocks)
- Wood boards
Building your Backyard Sauna
In this eight-minute video, YouTube creator unboxingexperience7 builds his own simple sauna with materials you can buy at your local hardware store. In the video he makes his own wood-fired sauna and makes it look easy–because it is!
Steps in Building Your DIY Sauna
1. Start Choosing A Location
When choosing a location to build an
First and foremost, the location should be away from any structures or trees that could potentially catch fire from the heat generated by the sauna.
Additionally, you should ensure that the area is level in order to create a safe and comfortable experience for those using it.
Furthermore, it should be in a place with good air circulation – ideally near an outdoor area with plenty of fresh air as this will help to keep the sauna cool when not in use. It is also important to consider whether or not you have access to an outdoor electrical source for electric models, as well as any other features such as benches, windows, and ventilation systems.
Once these factors have been taken into account you can begin looking into other considerations such as privacy and noise levels. For instance, if you wish to avoid disturbances then it would be wise to locate your
Alternatively, if you would like others to enjoy your
Finally, before deciding upon a location make sure to choose one with enough space around it so you can safely enter and exit your
2. Prepare The Needed Materials
First, is the type of wood. The type of wood used for outdoor saunas is very important as it affects performance, safety and the overall look of your
Certain woods are more resistant to cracking, fires, bugs and rot while others are known to be more attractive when finished with stains or paints. Selecting a high-quality wood that performs well while also meeting your budget is key in constructing an
Cedar is the ideal wood for outdoor saunas, as it has excellent heat insulating properties and resistance to fire, cracking, bugs and rot. Cedar has a pleasant aroma when used in outdoor saunas which adds to the overall experience, while its natural oils help prevent moisture build-up inside the
Its attractive appearance makes cedar wood ideal for outdoor saunas that are meant to be displayed in yards or other outdoor areas for an enjoyable look. Finally, cedar is very durable and can last a long time without requiring replacement – making it one of the best woods to use when building an
You can pick between concrete and wood for your floor, and it won’t really affect much how your
And now the crucial part, you need to choose between wood-burning, electric, and infrared saunas. If you want that traditional, and authentic experience of a sauna get the wood-burning type of sauna. For this guide, we’re gonna focus on building the wood-burning sauna.
3. Start Building
Building the foundation of an
It should also be built with sufficient insulation and waterproofing materials to protect against moisture, mold, and rot.
The most common type of
A professional contractor can help you determine the best method for your specific
To prepare the site, it’s important to clear away all organic matter such as trees, plants, rocks, soil and sand. Digging down around 6 inches below grade allows room for gravel to be poured in as necessary for proper drainage systems.
Once this is done, lay down polyethylene sheeting over the dug area before pouring in 4-5 inches of concrete or masonry blocks—or both if needed—to form your
If planning on insulating your
This helps reduce energy costs associated with heating up your
Once finished building your
As always, when attempting DIY projects like these it’s crucial to consult local laws and regulations regarding outdoor structures beforehand so that you can make sure you stay compliant during construction.
4. Setup your Heating
Since we’re aiming for a traditional sauna, we’re going to be focusing on setting up your wood-burning stove sauna heaters.
When setting up a wood burning
Opt for hardwoods such as oak, ash, and birch which create a higher heat output and burn for longer periods of time without needing to be replenished.
Next, it’s essential to make sure the
When installing the
Additionally, placing insulation boards between the foundation and walls can help reduce heat loss while also increasing energy efficiency.
Once all of these steps have been completed you can begin building your outdoor wood-burning stove. Generally speaking it should be constructed near an opening in one of two walls that allow easy access for firewood and air intake/exhaust for ventilation purposes.
The stove should be made from durable materials like cast iron to ensure optimal performance over time and its design should include both an oven chamber and a heating chamber with a chimney above it allowing smoke and heat to escape easily yet efficiently.
When constructing the stove itself make sure there is enough space between components to avoid overheating and potential fire hazards while ensuring proper airflow throughout.
When your
Additionally, always keep safety in mind when using all outdoor heating sources by taking necessary precautions prior to lighting any fires inside your
5. Create a small vent for your Sauna
Having a small vent for your
When installing the
It should also be situated away from locations where snow or rain can easily enter while at the same time ensuring that it is high enough to be seen but not too close to other structures or trees as this could lead to potential fire hazards.
Additionally, when building the
The
Generally speaking it should measure approximately 6-8 inches wide and 3-4 feet long so as to provide ample air flow throughout the unit while still being within standard code requirements.
Additionally, when attaching the
Ultimately having a correctly installed
6. Add Finishing Touches
Adding decorations and personal touches to your
Some popular decorative accessories for outdoor saunas include shelves and hanging plants, as well as soft lighting fixtures like lamps, candles, or electric lights. These pieces will help to create a warm and inviting atmosphere that can be enjoyed for hours on end.
When choosing decor for an
For example, outdoor-rated furniture such as rattan chairs or outdoor fabrics like canvas can be used to bring comfort and style while being able to handle the changes in temperature without damage. Additionally,
You could also use outdoor-friendly art pieces like mosaics or metal sculptures for a more personalized touch. Adding these items can help make your
Hanging mirrors on the walls of your
Ultimately, making sure you’re using materials designed specifically for outdoor use is essential when adding decorations and personal touches to your
Bottomline
Building an
We hope this article has inspired you to create your very own outdoor oasis! If you have experience building outdoor saunas or have questions we didn’t answer here, please leave us a comment below with your feedback – we would love to hear from you!
FAQs
Q1: What materials do I need to build an
A1: To build your
Q2: What size should my
A2: It is important to choose an appropriate size when building an
Q3: How much does it cost to build an
A3: Building an
Q4: What type of wood should I use for my
A4: When selecting wood for your
Q5: Are there any safety precautions I should take when building my
A5: Yes! Safety must always be kept in mind when constructing any structure but especially when building something like an