DIY Steam Sauna

Used in Finland for over a thousand years, saunas are a great way to relax and unwind after a long day. As the Finns know, they also have many wonderful health benefits. Taking a sauna or steam bath causes you to sweat, which not only deep cleans your pores but also releases toxins. Steam is created by pouring water onto hot igneous rocks placed on the sauna heater. Saunas may seem like a luxury available only to the wealthy. However, they are actually quite inexpensive and easy to install, especially if you do it yourself.

2-by-4s--cedar or other soft wood
Fiberglass
Hammer
Screwdriver
Nails
Screws
Putty
Thermometer
Lights
Sauna Heater
Measuring tape
Wooden sauna door
Wooden sauna bench

Instructions

- 1
  Choose a place to put your sauna. It's a good idea to put a sauna near running water so you can shower and return to the sauna. Most people put saunas in their bathrooms for this reason. Measure the size of the area where you want to put the sauna. It should be at least 45 square feet.
- 2
  Gather the materials. You may need to order the sauna heater online.
- 3
  Frame and build the four walls and the ceiling with the 2-by-4s. Leave spaces for two or three vents. One of these vents must be very close to where the heater will be. One wall should have space for a door. If you choose to have a window, leave a small space for this.
- 4
  Connect the walls and install the ceiling. Apply a 3-inch of layer of fiberglass to the inside of the sauna.
- 5
  Nail unfinished cedar to the inside of the walls. Cover the exposed nail heads with putty.
- 6
  Install the sauna door and sauna bench. If you have the space, you may want to consider installing two benches, with one higher than the other.
- 7
  Arrange for an electrician install the heater. Install the thermometer and the lights.

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