Saunas can be beneficial for both your physical and mental health. You can install a sauna in your home if you love the steam bath at your gym or health spa.
We have a step-by-step guide for building a DIY sauna room for those who are ready for the adventure. Let’s get on board!
Different types of saunas
Depending on your preferences and how much space you have in your home, the following saunas might be an option:
- Finnish-style wood-burning saunas: These produce smoke, and are best for use outside of the main house.
- Combinations of shower sauna: These are great if you don’t have the space to build a sauna room.
This guide will show you how to make a DIY sauna room.
- Establish the area
You can convert an existing living area into a sauna by taking down all walls and ceiling joists. Then, frame any new walls you will need. A sauna door should open to a minimum of 24 inches by 82 inches. You can choose from vinyl, tiles, or cement flooring. Or, you can be creative and use a combination of both!
1. Wire for Lighting
Install an interior light, a switch for the light source, and controls outside the sauna area. If you have a gas heater, install the gas pipe. If things go wrong or you are unsure, a professional plumber will install the gas line and help you with wiring.
Contact an electrician to receive assistance with wiring or a plumber to install a gas line.
2. Insulate
You will need the correct size of insulation to fit your stud spacing (16 inches or 24 inches).
3. Install a Vapor Barrier
Attach a foil vapor barrier to your sauna’s walls and ceiling. Seams should not be more than three inches apart.
4. Install the paneling.
Assure straight angles between the two, and nail the cedar paneling onto the ceiling joists. Begin from one side of the ceiling. Cover the ceiling completely, leaving holes for lightboxes where necessary. Place the tongue and groove boards horizontally at the bottom of the walls. The groove boards should be facing downwards while the tongue boards should face up. Install the paneling boards in complete rows. After each fourth row, check the level. For electrical cables and fittings, you will need to make holes as needed.
5. Install the Sauna Heater
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install the Steamist Sauna Heater. They usually come with the necessary tools for installation and will need to be able to reach the ceiling and floor. Connect the heater to the power source using an electrician. Follow the wiring and installation instructions provided by the heater manufacturer.
1. Insert Sauna Heater Rocks
Saunas have a lot of rocks and pebbles to help balance the heat and generate steam currents. Before packing the sauna pebbles around the heater, wash them once to remove any dust or soil particles.
2. Install the Sauna Benches
Next, put together the sauna benches. A kit should contain a high- and low-bench option. These benches are usually 18 inches deep. If you are custom-making benches, make sure to use at least 2-by-2 timber as supports and 1-by-4 lumber as tops. This is the best time to add lighting to your benches.
3. Reduce it to Size
This stage allows for the installation of handrails and backrests as well as other accessories.
Safety considerations
With the right design and implementation, building a sauna indoors can be very safe. You should choose an area that is not too hot or susceptible to flooding. To ensure that your electrical wiring complies with the code, hire a professional electrician. After the sauna is completed, ensure that you adhere to the recommended sauna service.
Read Also: best cbd oil nordic oil
