What is a DIY sauna?
DIY means “do it yourself.” A DIY sauna is a sauna that you build yourself using materials that you can purchase. The sauna building process is misunderstood by many, but with the right instructions, it’s quite easy to do.
For example, electric and gas saunas are very easy to install. You can find all the materials that you need for these types of saunas in a sauna kit that you can purchase online or at your local home improvement store.
Outdoor saunas can be a bit tricky to build because you need to consider the weather and the type of sauna that you want. You also need to find a level spot on your property to build the sauna.
However, if you know what you’re doing, building a DIY outdoor sauna room can be a fun and rewarding experience. Not to mention, it will save you a lot of money in the long run!
Benefits of having own outdoor sauna
Let’s find out how an outdoor home sauna can help your think-longer, faster, stronger:
1. Saunas can improve your cardiovascular health
Studies have shown that regular sauna use can help to lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health.
If you have high blood pressure, saunas can help to regulate it by widening your blood vessels and improving your circulation. Saunas can also reduce your risk of stroke and other cardiovascular diseases.
2. Saunas can help you detoxify your body
When we sweat, we release toxins from our bodies. Saunas can help to promote detoxification by helping your body sweat out impurities.
Sweating in a sauna can also help to cleanse your skin and improve your complexion. This is because the heat opens up your pores and allows your skin to breathe.
3. Saunas can boost your immune system
If you are prone to getting sick often, saunas can help to boost your immune system. This is because heat helps to kill bacteria and viruses. Saunas can also help to relieve stress and tension, which can further improve your immune system.
4. Saunas can improve your skin health
Saunas can help to improve your skin health in many ways. The heat and steam from saunas can help to open up your pores and remove impurities from your skin.
Saunas can also help to improve circulation, which can give your skin a healthy glow. Sauna use can also help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
5. Saunas can help you relax and de-stress
Saunas are hugely popular for their ability to help people relax and de-stress. The heat from saunas can help to relieve muscle tension and pain.
The relaxation that comes from sauna use can also help to improve your mood and reduce anxiety and stress levels. If you are looking for a way to unwind after a long day, saunas can be a great option.
Different types of saunas
Here are some of the main types of saunas that you might want to consider:
1. Infrared saunas
Infrared saunas use infrared heaters and infrared light to heat your body. Infrared saunas are considered to be more effective than traditional saunas because they can penetrate your skin more deeply.
This type of sauna is also believed to be more gentle and relaxing. If you have never used a sauna before, an infrared sauna might be a good option to start with.
2. Wood-burning sauna
If you are looking for a traditional sauna experience, a wood-burning sauna might be the right choice for you. Wood-burning saunas are typically made with cedar or spruce, which can give them a pleasant smell.
These types of saunas use a wood-burning stove to heat the rocks inside, which then heats the air. Wood-burning saunas typically take longer to heat up than other types of saunas, but they can be very relaxing.
3. Portable saunas
If you are on a budget and/or don’t have a lot of space, a portable sauna might be a good option. Portable saunas are small and can be easily set up in any room.
Most portable saunas use infrared light to heat the air, but there are also some that use steam. Portable saunas are typically less expensive than other types of saunas, making them a great option for budget-conscious shoppers. A portable bike sauna would be a good choice for bikers.
4. Electric saunas
Arguably the most popular type of sauna, electric saunas uses electricity to heat the air. Electric saunas are typically very easy to use and can be quickly heated up.
If you are looking for a sauna that is easy to set up and use, an electric sauna might be the right choice for you. Just keep in mind that electric saunas can be more expensive to operate than other types of saunas.
How to build your own sauna?
So now that we know one or two things about DIY saunas, let’s find out how you can build your own sauna.
1. Choose a location for your backyard sauna
The first thing you need to do is choose a location for your backyard sauna. It’s important to choose a level spot that is not too close to any trees or other structures.
You also need to make sure that there is a power source nearby so you can easily connect your sauna. Once you have found the perfect spot, it’s time to start building your sauna.
2. Get a sauna kit
If you don’t have any previous experience in building things, we recommend that you get a sauna kit. Sauna kits come with everything you need to build your own sauna, including lumber, glass, and hardware.
Most sauna kits also come with easy-to-follow instructions that will make the process much easier. If you are feeling confident, you can also try to build your sauna from scratch.
3. Start assembling your sauna
Once you have your sauna kit, it’s time to start assembling your sauna. If you are using a sauna kit, follow the instructions carefully.
If you are building your sauna from scratch, make sure to use high-quality lumber and hardware. It’s also important to make sure that your sauna is well-insulated so it will retain heat effectively.
4. Install the sauna heater
The next step is to install the sauna heater. If you are using an electric sauna, this will be very easy. Just follow the instructions that come with your sauna kit.
If you are using a wood-burning sauna, things will be a little bit more complicated. You will need to build a fireproof box for your stove and make sure that it is properly ventilated.
5. Add some finishing touches
Once your sauna is assembled and the heater is installed, it’s time to add some finishing touches. You might want to add some sauna benches, shelves, and a sauna door so you have somewhere to sit or put your towel.
Most of the sauna accessories will be included in the home sauna kit. However, you might need to buy some of them separately like a hot tub.
You can also add some decorations to make your sauna more personal. To improve your sauna session, we recommend that you add some essential oils to the air.
6. Test your sauna
Now it’s time to test your custom sauna to look for any potential problems. Turn on the sauna heater and let it run for at least 30 minutes to make sure that everything is working properly.
If you are using an electric sauna, make sure that the temperature is set to the desired level. If you are using a wood-burning sauna, make sure that the fire is burning evenly.
If you were building a barrel sauna, make sure to seal all the gaps so that no steam escapes. Most importantly, make sure that the sauna is safe to use before you invite your friends over.
Use natural Canadian hemlock wood to construct your sauna because it is naturally rotting and decay resistant as well as being a beautiful wood to look at.
7. Enjoy your sauna!
And lastly, once you have tested your sauna and made sure that everything is working properly, it’s time to sit back, relax, and enjoy your sauna.
Conclusion
We hope that this guide has helped you understand how to build a backyard sauna. As you can see, building an outdoor sauna is not as hard as it might seem. With a little bit of effort, you can have your own private oasis where you can relax and unwind. Thanks for reading!