Home saunas are fast becoming one of the favorite new home additions. There are lots of reasons for this, not the least of which are the health benefits and improved lifestyle they create. When learning how to build a sauna it quickly becomes apparent that the process is not as difficult as most people would imagine. There are only a few basic principles that need to be considered. Beyond that, creativity is the name of the game.
As with any how-to project it is important to start with a good plan. When creating the plan you need to include the two main components of all saunas: The structure and the heat source.
When you design the structure, the function and unique environment of a sauna need to be taken into consideration. Saunas are a place for lounging and relaxation. Benches and platforms need to be arranged so that you are comfortable and can relax. You need to think about the number of people that will be using the structure and plan enough space. At the same time a smaller space is the more efficient, so it is a bit of a balancing act.
Heat and steam give saunas their health benefits but also create structural problems that should be planned for. Some sort of vapor barrier and insulation needs to be included in the design of the building. The idea is to keep the heat and moisture inside as efficiently as possible. The goal here is to contain the climate within a comfortable place, everything beyond that is gravy.
The heat source is the second crucial consideration for you to figure out. Steam saunas can be heated with wood, gas or electric heaters. Electric heaters are very convenient and a favorite choice for indoor saunas. Wood stoves are the choice for a traditional experience. Proper venting of the stove is something do-it-yourself builders may want to get some expert advice on before they begin.
A modern alternative to steam saunas is using Infrared waves for your heat source. There is no steam in an Infrared sauna but there is evidence that the waves penetrate deeper into the skin when compare to traditional heat sources. For convenience it is hard to beat an Infrared sauna. There is very little warm-up time and not much clean-up involved afterward.
Coming up with your own custom design and materials is not the only option for homeowners. Recently with increased interest in this ancient custom there has been dramatic progress in the development of home sauna options. Today you have a choice of many designs and styles that can be delivered right to your home. You can choose a modular unit that can be put together within a few hours or a kit that requires more assembly but gives you that "I did it myself" satisfaction. Modern kits generally come with complete instructions. Some go beyond written manuals and even have video tutorials, making it east to follow the step-by-step instructions.
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