Saunas offer a way to unwind and de-stress. Furthermore, they may even benefit your overall health. Homemade outdoor saunas are easy DIY projects you can share with friends and family. They provide all the advantages of a sauna without breaking the bank.
Choosing Your Materials
Saunas are an excellent way to relieve stress and relax the body, as well as eliminate toxins from it. If you're considering building your own DIY sauna in your backyard or installing one of the many ready-made kits on the market, there are a few key elements to consider when selecting materials. Selecting the ideal material for your sauna is essential to its longevity and safety. Look for softwood that resists warping or moisture damage, such as cedar, poplar, basswood, or pine. Popular choices include cedar, poplar, basswood, and pine.
Additionally, make sure your wood is sustainable and ethically harvested by looking for certifications from reliable organizations like FSC or PEFC. When selecting your material for a sauna, aesthetics should also be taken into account. You have various siding and roofing options to make the structure appear presentable. Some of the most popular siding options include cedar, pine, and hemlock. Cedar is a preferred choice due to its durability and resistance to mold and rot. Plus, its vibrant color and pleasant aroma will enhance your sauna experience.
Pine is a popular choice for outdoor saunas due to its resistance to decay and insect infestation, plus it's relatively affordable. For those seeking to save money on their home sauna project and don't require specialized carpentry skills, this DIY project may be suitable. Unfortunately, the material chosen isn't as structurally sound as more costly materials. For indoor sauna construction, you'll require a waterproof floor or foundation and plenty of room for the sauna itself. Furthermore, an adequate electrical hookup must be provided.
Finally, selecting the ideal heater for your sauna is essential to suit both your and your family's requirements. There are various options available such as electric or gas options for heating your sauna. When selecting a heater for your sauna, it's essential to take into account its size and how often you plan on using it. Furthermore, make sure the heater is compatible with the type of wood used in the construction of the sauna.
Getting Started
Saunas have seen a worldwide resurgence in popularity. The soothing heat from a sauna can help relieve sore muscles, rid of toxins and relax your mind - all from the convenience of your own home! With home saunas you can reap these benefits whenever you please from the comfort of your own space. Saunas come in many varieties, such as dry saunas, steam rooms and infrared models. While all have health benefits to offer, each type has its own distinct attributes. For instance, a dry sauna stove uses special rocks to generate the desired temperature. A Turkish-style sauna or steam room combines steam and water for cleansing the body, while infrared saunas stimulate your body's natural sweating abilities.
Before constructing your own sauna, it's essential to select a location and decide on which power source will serve best. Indoor saunas can be built in closets, basements, or bathrooms; for outdoor saunas, an outdoor space such as a deck is ideal. Alternatively, you could transform an old shed into an outdoor sauna. However, depending on the type of sauna, you would need to install a heater and wire for electricity. If you're planning an outdoor project, select a level and flat spot in your yard. This will make creating the structure of your sauna much simpler, plus guarantee that it complies with local regulations and building codes.
Once your location has been selected, start constructing the exterior walls of the sauna. Start by installing tongue-and-groove paneling perpendicular to the studs. Secure this in place using stainless steel 2-inch, 18-gauge brad nails. As you install the paneling, be sure to check for level every few boards. If any sagging occurs, adjust the paneling as necessary. Once the interior of your sauna is finished, be sure to install a foil barrier specifically designed for saunas over wall insulation. This will prevent moisture from seeping in and damaging your woodwork.
Furthermore, make sure your sauna has a drain installed to drain away excess water. Doing so makes cleaning the sauna after each use much simpler. A homemade outdoor sauna is a perfect way to unwind after a long day at work or school. Plus, it's an excellent opportunity for you to spend quality time with family and friends.
Building the Floor
When creating a homemade outdoor sauna, the floor is essential. It should be waterproof and capable of withstanding heat, steam, and moisture. For outdoor saunas, a concrete slab that has been sealed is usually the best choice. Indoor saunas can benefit from either cement or tile subflooring. When selecting flooring materials for your sauna, there are a few different options to consider. Wood, in particular, absorbs sweat and causes staining when exposed to sunlight. However, it can also make for a great option when it comes to saunas due to its energy efficiency and ease of upkeep and cleaning.
Another advantage of wood is that it can be tailored to fit any space and is highly durable. Furthermore, wood has a warm and aesthetically pleasing appeal, making it an ideal choice for sauna rooms. Other options for a sauna floor include tiles and duckboards, which are removable slabs that can be installed beneath a sauna. While these may be popular choices, they may prove challenging to keep clean. For a more eco-friendly solution, consider perforated flooring mats that allow water to drain away from the floor. Doing so can help prevent microbe growth in your sauna.
These floor mats are great because they're waterproof, meaning that they won't trap moisture or mold. Plus, installation is a breeze! PVC plastic can also be a great material for your sauna floor, as it's durable and easy to install. This flooring comes in various colors with drains that help remove water from the floor. When installing wood or PVC floors, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions closely. Doing it right the first time will result in a floor that's neither comfortable nor secure for walking on. Once the floor is in place, you can add the finishing touches to your sauna room. This could include installing a ceiling, walls, and door handles.
Finishing Touches
Making your homemade outdoor sauna even more attractive with backrests, mood lighting and other accessories is a great way to add value and enhance the experience. Not only do these items improve functionality in the sauna room, but they can also make the time spent there more pleasurable for all involved. A triple dimmer switch is an excellent way to control the lighting in your sauna, changing room, and outside porch without getting your hands dirty! There is a range of inexpensive light switches that are simple to install and cost-effective; many cost under $20.
The great thing about these switches is that you can adjust the light in any direction! That way, no matter when it's dark outside or inside your sauna or changing room, you'll always have optimal illumination regardless of weather conditions! One of the finest sauna finishes we offer is wood from the American ash tree. Its light color and smooth texture make it ideal for walls and benches in saunas, without secreting resin or creating splinters. You can highlight its distinctive pattern with a special brushing technique. You can find this material thermally modified or as natural untreated wood.
Another popular material for sauna finishing materials is wood from the Scots pine tree. This coniferous hardwood grows throughout Europe and Asia, and can be treated with various chemicals to create an eye-catching finish that's hardwearing yet attractive. Sauna materials made of this wood can be found in a range of products, such as sauna paneling, benches, and doors. The thermally modified version takes on an exclusive dark brown finish which is exclusive to the material; alternatively, you may wish to brush for more subtle effects.
The Finnish hemlock tree is another great option for interior sauna elements. Its softness and coarse grain make it suitable for exterior walls, while its reddish tone and pleasant texture also contribute to its appeal. The great thing about these materials is that they're both visually appealing and functional, easily available at your local lumber yard or online. While more expensive than similar products made with cheaper components, these premium items provide greater visual impact as well as long-term durability.