How to build a sauna forbes home.[read]

How To Build A Sauna

Assemble the sauna benches. Kits are normally designed with one high and one low bench. Benches normally measure 18 inches deep or deeper. If you are custom building your benches, use a minimum of 2-by-2 lumber for supports and 1-by-4 lumber for the tops. This is also the time to install bench lighting, if you choose.

How To Build A Sauna

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Working time: 20 to 40 hours
Total time: 25 to 50 hours
Skill level: Intermediate to Advanced
Project cost: $1,000 to $12,000

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If you live an active lifestyle, a new sauna could be one of the best home improvement projects you’ve ever built. Relaxing in the sauna relieves sore muscles and stress and eliminates toxins from the body, all in the private comfort of your home. Whether you want to build one from scratch or install a sauna kit, in a converted room or freestanding structure, this guide provides the information you need to make informed planning decisions and get started no matter what type of sauna you’re building.

When To Build A Sauna

Anyone who appreciates the relaxing health benefits of soaking in the heat may be surprised by how simple and affordable building a sauna can be. Instead of driving to the gym or spa and paying a premium for time in their steam room, you could save time and money by converting a small space inside your home, or by constructing a freestanding sauna in the backyard.

Still, some may find that building a sauna is not the right choice. Like swimming pools , saunas are great for those who will use them, but they pose safety or maintenance concerns for others. If you plan on selling your home, consider that saunas do not hold universal appeal for all home buyers. But if you have no plans of leaving, and you want the therapeutic effects of a sauna at home, then building your own probably makes sense.

Safety Considerations

With proper planning and installation, building a sauna indoors is completely safe. Choose a location without excessive humidity or flood risk. To ensure that all electrical wiring is performed to code, hire a professional electrician for any necessary upgrades.

When the sauna is completed, be sure to perform the manufacturer’s scheduled maintenance. Inspect the heating unit and controls regularly for signs of burning, charring or discoloration. Discontinue use and contact the manufacturer right away with any problems or questions. Never leave unused towels or clothing inside the sauna.

Outdoor saunas also require a few safety considerations during planning and setup. Build in a location that is protected from inclement weather. Use a solid, level foundation. Good drainage is critical for steam saunas.

Factors to Consider Before Building a Sauna

Before getting started you will need to make a few decisions.

Plan the Location, Size and Layout

An outdoor location will need to be level, with enough room for at least a six-foot by six-foot box, seven feet tall. Indoors, a large bathroom or unused basement space could work. Ultimately, the size should be determined by the number of users, with about two feet of interior bench space per user.

Choose a Kit or Build From Scratch

It is far simpler to buy and build a sauna kit than to plan and build one from scratch. With a kit, you can convert an indoor space or set up a pre-built freestanding model outdoors.

Decide on a Heat Source

You can use wood, electricity or gas to heat your sauna. Electricity is the most flexible and easiest to work with indoors, especially when using it to power infrared heat. Gas is also fast and efficient. Wood is the traditional fuel for outdoor and off-grid saunas, but it takes much longer to heat the space and requires more attention throughout the sauna session.

Choose the Materials

When building from scratch, choose a flexible softwood that is resistant to warping and moisture damage. Cedar is the most popular choice. Other good options include poplar, basswood, pine and hemlock. The floor can be concrete, tile or wood. Use fiberglass insulation and an aluminum vapor barrier to line the walls and ceiling.

Add Personalized Features

One of the benefits of building from scratch is that it affords the opportunity to personalizing the sauna. Include double-paned glass windows (not too close to the heat), a second door or a unique bench configuration. Don’t forget adjacent spaces within the bathroom, basement or landscape.

Tools

Staple gun
Hammer or nail gun air compressor
Saw
Level
Drill and drill bits
Measuring tape
Pencil

Materials

Staples
Sauna foil vapor barrier
Nails
Fiberglass insulation
Foil barrier
Fuel source: Electrical wiring (for electric heaters), Gas pipe (for gas heaters), or Firewood (for wood heaters)
GFCI outlet
Light switch
Wet/dry rated light fixture
Tongue and groove wood paneling and bench lumber (cedar), or home sauna kit
Sauna heater
Sauna door
Galvanized deck screws

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Instructions

There are several ways to build a sauna, from converting an indoor space with a ready-made kit, to building a custom sauna from the ground up.

1. Prepare the Space

If you are converting an existing living space into a sauna, start by stripping the area down to bare wall studs and ceiling joists and framing out any new walls that will be needed. The rough opening for the sauna door should be 24-by-82 inches. The floor should be impermeable, such as tile, cement or vinyl. If the floor is plywood, protect it with tile or duckboard flooring.

2. Wire for Lighting

Wire the sauna space for an interior light, light switch, sauna heater wire conduit and exterior controls. If you have chosen a gas heater, install the gas pipe. For technical assistance, call an electrician for help with wiring, or a plumber to set up the gas line.

3. Install Insulation

Insulate interior walls with R-11 and outside walls with R-19 fiberglass insulation. Be sure to purchase insulation in the correct width, either 16-inch or 24-inch, based on your stud spacing.

4. Install Vapor Barrier

Staple foil vapor barrier to the walls and ceiling inside the sauna. Overlap seams by at least three inches.

5. Install Paneling

Starting at one side of the ceiling, nail the cedar paneling at a right angle to the ceiling joists. Cover the entire ceiling, cutting a hole for the lightbox where needed. Then install the tongue and groove wall boards horizontally, starting at the bottoms of the walls. The tongues should be oriented upward, grooves downward. Install panelling boards in full rows and check for level every fourth row of boards. Cut holes as needed to accommodate electrical fittings.

6. Fit and Mount the Sauna Heater

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation of the heater. Typically they require some clearance from the floor and walls, and installation hardware will be included. Have your electrician wire the heater to the power source, or follow the manufacturer’s instructions for heater wiring and installation.

7. Add Sauna Heater Rocks

Saunas use rocks to help even out the heat and for creating steam. Wash your sauna rocks to eliminate any foul-burning dust particles before placing them loosely around the heater element. Secure the sauna heater grill to the top of the heater.

8. Set the Sauna Benches

Assemble the sauna benches. Kits are normally designed with one high and one low bench. Benches normally measure 18 inches deep or deeper. If you are custom building your benches, use a minimum of 2-by-2 lumber for supports and 1-by-4 lumber for the tops. This is also the time to install bench lighting, if you choose.

9. Install the Sauna Door

Install a prehung sauna door. Fasten with screws through the door jamb into the rough opening, using shims to square up the door frame. Be sure the reveal is even and all air gaps are closed before tightening everything in place. Then install the door handle.

10. Trim It Out

Add trim to the sauna interior corners. Other accessories, such as handrails and backrests, can be added at this time as well.

When To Call a Pro

Building a sauna can be time-consuming, but is not technically difficult. Most average DIYers can tackle this build without much problem, although some steps, such as electrical and gas hookups, may require the assistance of a professional.

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Источники:

Источник - https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/bathroom/how-to-build-a-sauna/

How To Build A Sauna

THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT AND NOT EDITORIAL CONTENT. Please note that we do receive compensation for any products you buy or sign up to via this advertisement, and that compensation impacts the ranking and placement of any offers listed herein. We do not present information about every offer available. The information and savings numbers depicted above are for demonstration purposes only, and your results may vary.