| It takes meticulous planning to build a sauna from | | | | will need to be ventilated. Gas heaters also require |
| scratch. | | | | more clearance than an electric heater. |
| Here's an overview of the steps:o buy or design the | | | | Before making any final decisions, it's best to know |
| planso find/buy the woodo carefully measure and cut | | | | local building codes first. For example, there may be |
| the wood or have a professional do it for youo | | | | an ordinance for your community that restricts the |
| assemble all the pieces, including the door, heater and | | | | use of wood burning sauna stoves. |
| bench | | | | Sauna Construction |
| Location | | | | If you plan on converting an existing room into a |
| An important consideration when building a sauna is | | | | home made sauna, you'll have to take protective |
| location. That's the main thing that will influence your | | | | measures against the moisture that'll come from the |
| sauna design.o Will you convert an existing room?o | | | | sauna. The room will have to be properly insulated |
| Will it be freestanding?o Do you want it inside or | | | | and include a vapor barrier to guard against possible |
| outside your house?o Will it be in the city or country? | | | | damage. |
| When the location is set, you have to decide what | | | | You'll have to find-and-buy or special order the wood |
| kind of sauna heater you're going to use. | | | | you're going to use, then you'll have to carefully |
| Depending on where your sauna will be situated, you | | | | measure and cut it (or have a pro handle that part). |
| may not have much of a choice. | | | | Unless you purchase tongue-and-groove lumber, you'll |
| Choosing A Sauna Heater | | | | have to make tongue-and-groove joints in the sides |
| Electric sauna heaters are the most popular choice. | | | | of the wood for strength and tight seals, and it |
| Obviously, you'll need to have access to electricity if | | | | takes a special tool for that. |
| you want to use one. | | | | Of course you'll also need a sauna door. |
| If you plan to build a sauna in the country, a wood | | | | Manufacturers sell them in different shapes and sizes. |
| sauna heater may be your only option. | | | | You can also buy a bench for your sauna or you can |
| You can also purchase a gas sauna heater, but they | | | | build your own. |
| are more expensive. | | | | As you can see, building your own sauna is no small |
| Professional installation will be required and the sauna | | | | task, but it is doable! |