Saunas are a great way to relax after a hard day, or to relieve stress and improve your health. A home sauna is a good investment and can be an enjoyable addition to your home.

The first step in making a sauna at home is to determine the size of the sauna you want and where it will be located. This will depend on your needs, budget and available space in your home.

Next, determine the type of heat you need for your sauna. Some saunas have a woodburning stove to produce steam, while others use gas or electric heaters. If you choose to use a gas or electric heater, the sauna will need electrical hookups and venting.

Insulation

The most common saunas have a thick layer of insulation on the walls to keep out the cold and conserve heat. If you’re building a sauna that’s indoors, you’ll also need to insulate the ceiling to keep out heat loss from the ventilation system and keep moisture from seeping into the wall insulation and causing mold or mildew.

Roll insulation, which has a R-value of about 11, is a good choice for the walls. Using this type of insulation will help to reduce heating costs, and it also acts as a sound barrier.

Frame the Sauna

Once you have decided on the size and location of your sauna, it’s time to build it. You can build a sauna from scratch if you have the time, or you can purchase a prefabricated model.

Regardless of which method you decide on, it’s important to plan the layout carefully before building. This will ensure you get the most out of your sauna.

You should also consider where the heater will be placed in the sauna, as well as the amount of floor space you have to work with. The more space you have, the larger the sauna will be and the more comfortable it will be for you to sit in.

A small sauna can be built in a basement, spare bedroom or closet, but you’ll need a large space to house a larger sauna. The size of your sauna should depend on the number of people you expect to use it at one time, as well as your lifestyle.

The best place to build your sauna is a quiet spot that has ample space for both the sauna and a bathroom. This can be a backyard, a patio or even a garage.

After framing out the sauna, you’ll need to install a door for access to the sauna. Depending on the manufacturer, the sauna door will be either a standard 24-by-82-inch rough opening or a finished prehung door. The door can be framed in with a glass window or not.

Accessories

A sauna can be made more fun with a variety of accessories. Some popular choices include a water bucket and ladle, head and foot rests, and door handles. These items can be purchased online or at your local sauna dealer.