How to Make Your Own Sauna in Your Basement

Obtain any necessary building permits. Check with your local building office to learn what permits you need.

Choose the space where your sauna will stand in the basement. Ideally, you will use an existing corner, so two walls of the sauna are already in place.

Mark the area where the sauna will stand, drawing lines on the floor with chalk to represent the walls you will build. Use a chalk line to ensure straight lines.

Place 2-by-4 lengths of wood along the lines, laying the broad side of each piece flat and flush against the floor. The 2-by-4 pieces of wood are generally available in lengths of 4, 8 or 12 feet; cut them as needed with a hand or table saw so they do not exceed the length of the chalk lines.

Nail the boards together using 3-inch nails, driving the nails in at an angle to attach the pieces together. The nails do not have to be straight, flush or perfect when you're done; they will be completely hidden and covered.

Place 2-by-4 lengths of wood every 2 feet along the lines you marked, standing each on end. The 2-by-4 wood will serve as studs, supportive frames for your walls. They should be at least 8 feet long. Each piece of wood will be placed on the flat, bottom 2-by-4 frame piece, so the studs rise vertically toward the ceiling, perpendicular to the 2-by-4 they're butted against at the floor.

Nail the studs into the wooden frame at the bottom.

Place 2-by-4s on top of each stud, running the pieces of wood parallel to the floor. Secure these pieces to the studs with nails to frame out the sauna ceiling.

Place an electric heater in one corner of the framing. A 6,000-watt heater will heat a room that's between 170 cubic feet and 250 cubic feet in size. The heater should sit at a 45 degree angle to the corner, 18 inches off the ground. Place the heater on a wooden, metal or plastic platform to achieve this height.

Wire the heater to a single-phase circuit with No. 10 copper wire. To do this, you will need to locate the existing electrical system you have in your home and attach the heater's wire to it. If you are not familiar with electrical systems, consult a professional electrician to accomplish this.

Install the intake and exhaust vents for the heater. Running a heater in a small, enclosed space is dangerous without an exhaust vent. The piping for this venting will be run alongside the wall studs. Again, if you are unfamiliar with heating systems and exhaust venting, consult a professional plumber or a heating-and-air specialist.

Nail 1/4-inch plywood onto the studs to complete the outward-facing side of the wall. Create an even, flat surface with the plywood pieces. Remember to leave an opening for the door.

Stuff fiberglass insulating between the studs, pressing the material tightly against the plywood boards. The plywood will be stuffed around the piping and wires that have already been placed.

Nail plywood boards to the inside of the walls to hide the insulation and complete the framing.

Nail 6-inch cedar siding to the inner walls, lining them completely. Complete the room by nailing cedar siding to the ceiling.

Install the door; this may be made of any material you like. Consult with a professional if necessary to ensure the door hangs evenly so that it will swing freely when opened or closed. The door must move freely, but it must also fit snugly into the walls so you do not lose heat while you are inside the sauna.

Install a wood or tile floor if one is not already in place; the new floor may be installed directly on top of concrete.