Building A Sauna [DIY Guide]

Picture this: it is the end of a long day and you are feeling achy and sore. You have just spent the last eight hours working hard, building shelves or working on your computer. You come home from your workday and are in need of a nice sweat to release some stress and toxins.

Settling down on the bench of a beautiful, hot sauna is one of the best outlets through which you can reduce stress, increase mental clarity, and relax strained muscles. Knowing how your sauna was built and which wood is the best for your sauna needs will help you to understand the best way to take care of your heated room. 

What Kind of Wood Should I Use for my Sauna?

Four main types of wood can be used for a sauna. We have placed them in a list, from best for the use of a sauna interior to the worst for this purpose. While other types of wood materials may function for a few years, after a length of time they will weather down and cease to be as efficient. In addition to this, they will not be as aesthetically or aromatically pleasing. 

The very best type of wood to use for the interior of your sauna is western red cedar. This material is not only beautiful in appearance, containing varied hues and featuring gorgeously smooth transitions of color, but it also stays soft under the pressure of water and heat and keeps from warping under temperature and humidity changes. Cedar woods also tend to have a lower density, making it ideal for being used as an insulating factor. This means that it will heat up and contain heat quickly, but also cool down at a fast pace. Western red cedar is unlikely to seep pitch, and it is extremely unlikely to decay or grow fungus. 

Second, on our list is redwood. This material is similar to the western red cedar in features, however, it has three defining factors that make it slightly less useful for the interior of your sauna. The first of these factors is that redwood quickly fades and loses its lustrous coloration under the influence of body oils and sweat. While it will appear beautiful at the time of its installation, the wood will soon lose that beauty as the acid in the wood reacts with your body's chemicals. The second reason we do not recommend redwood as emphatically as the western red cedar is because of its tendency to spread its color to your skin. This propensity for color "bleeding" may leave you with stained skin which is generally undesirable. Lastly, redwood tends to be more expensive than western red cedar, despite these factors that make it of a lesser quality than the western red. 

Despite its name, the next “cedar” on our list is not actually a cedar. Rather, Alaskan yellow cedar is a version of a Cypress tree. While it contains a nice yellow color and features a gentle aroma, it is not as rich as the coloration of the western red cedar. 

Western hemlock is the fourth and final wood that we would recommend utilizing in the creation of your sauna’s interior. While it is not as resistant to fungus or decay as the other listed materials and may end up expanding, it also has some nice coloration and is a generally sturdy wood. However, western hemlock can also create a faintly sour smell when it is newly installed. 

At the end of the day, you will be left in good hands with any of these four wood choices. 

How is a Sauna Built?

Now that you have decided on a type of wood for your sauna, you can begin to focus on the actual building process. Let’s take a look at the five main steps that are required in the creation of a sauna. 

First, you need to choose a spot in which you would like to place your sauna. Yes, you know that you desire to have a sauna. But do you know the logistics? Do you have a clear space, free of trees and running water, where you would like to place your sauna? Once you do, you can prepare the space and have someone install the needed pipes, wires, and gas lines necessary for your sauna to run properly. These are critical aspects of your sauna’s base functionality. 

Next, you will need to have someone lay the foundation for your sauna. This may include digging a space for rocks if your sauna will be heated by rocks. This process will also include the construction of a wooden panel and fiberglass structure for your frame. 

After that, you will need to create an outer wall and roof to add to your sauna’s frame. This will help with the insulation factor of your sauna, as well as increasing the stability of its build.

Then, you will install the most important piece of your sauna: the heating factor! Whether this means lava rocks or another method, your heating factor is crucial to the sauna’s functionality. Be sure not to skimp on this part of the process; your heating factor is the heart of your sauna.

Lastly, your flooring and interior will be installed. This means laying down ceramic tiles, as well as building and installing benches, windows, and any other fixtures necessary according to your sauna’s preconceived design. 

And there you have it! Your sauna has been created. After a simple test run, you can begin to use it to relax and enjoy. 

In Conclusion

After you have gone through the process of deciding on the wood that you desire to utilize (based on many factors, including color, smell, and additional needs), you can follow the above steps to build your sauna! Enjoy knowing that you have a beautiful and functional structure to aid in your health, share with your friends and family, and invest in your future forever.

The health benefits of saunas are substantial. They reduce stress, balance your hormones, remove toxins, and improve athletic performance. Saunas can also assist with weight loss and strengthen your immune system.

Aside from keeping your doctor happy, saunas are a luxury that improves your quality of life and enhances the value of your home.

When you know that you must have one, turning to the sauna builders that have turned steam rooms into an art form is your best option.

Regardless of the space, the Innovative team can create a tailored design that caters to your individual needs and aesthetic taste. We specialize in both traditional and infrared saunas and use only the best hand-selected woods and premium products from Tylo and Helo; the industry leaders.

We offer a broad range of wood finish and shade options, with glass door choices available, depending on your preference. Technology only further enhances the experience of a good sauna, and Innovative provides a full range of heating system options that can be activated with your smartphone.

The pleasure of being able to set your sauna to your liking while at work or play is now possible. Upon arriving at home, your relaxation will already await you.

We also offer an excellent, adjustable sauna lighting system that can accommodate your desired mood. Whether you are enjoying some alone time, or entertaining friends and family; your lighting will suit the occasion.

Innovative has an extensive selection of sauna kits from Helo. The prestige range has six different options that can cater to master bathrooms, home fitness centers, or free-standing sauna suites.

The Passport series of sauna kits are affordable and easy to assemble. They can be set up and taken down anywhere, ideal for space maximization. They are fully equipped and completely safe.

Your vision may include an outdoor, indoor, or Himalayan Spa sauna. There is no space, big or small, which innovative cannot transform into your dream sauna. Our team will ensure the highest standard of craftsmanship to deliver a sauna that continues to give you pleasure for a lifetime.

Have we captured your desire? Contact us today.