sauna kits
Sauna

Your sauna construction plans can take many forms

Quality sauna construction starts with the right custom sauna plans. With all the options how do you decide on the perfect plans for you?

One way is to look at the important components of a custom sauna separately. After making a decision about each part, they can be looked at together to see if it works as a whole package. The best way to eat an elephant (build a sauna) is one bite at a time.

Lucky for you sauna construction is not rocket science and a lot easier than eating an elephant. Coming up with custom sauna plans that are perfect for your situation will only take some thought.

The first decision is whether you want to build from scratch or get a kit. If you want a kit, check out the page comparing kit options. Kits can be very simple to construct or much more involved. Some of the panelized sauna kits require little more than joining several sections together. In a matter of hours you can be up and running. At the other end of the spectrum are the pre-cut kits. These are like building from scratch but the designing and cutting have been done for you.

If you are looking for more of a challenge but don’t want to invest the time to make a completely custom sauna, there is a middle ground. Many people get their stove, and some components like the door (stable sauna doors are tough to build) and maybe the external shell in kit form. They then customize the rest. There are options for whatever level of sauna construction you want to take on.

Lets assume you want a complete custom sauna. What goes into custom sauna plans? If you break down the components of sauna construction they would include: design, materials, foundation, heater accommodations, benches, doors, safety and some loose ends.

Follow the links for a more detailed discussion of each topic.

  • Design consideration include things like layout, location, and ventilation.
    For custom sauna design details click here.
  • There are a wide variety of materials that work in sauna construction but there are some that should not be included in your custom sauna plans. Interior and exterior materials need to be appropriate. Some types of wood work are better than others.         For details about materials click here.
  • Interior saunas are easy when it comes to foundations. If yours is going to be outside you need to plan for an adequate foundation.
    For details about foundations click here.
  • Sauna heaters are a major consideration in the design and construction phase.
    For details about how heaters effect construction click here.

For details about which sauna heater is right for your sauna click here.

  • Bench layout and construction need to be functional and attractive.
    For details about benches click here.
  • Sauna doors should be a focal point but they are tricky to keep from warping.
    For details about sauna doors click here.
  • Safety. You can’t enjoy your sauna if you’ve been electrocuted or are in the hospital. Be safe. Ask or hire experts when in doubt.
    For details about safety click here.
  • There are always loose ends to think about.
    For details about some loose ends click here.

It’s not rocket science but there are some special concerns when it comes to sauna construction. If you want to have the best possible outcome then you want to make sure to think through the concerns above while developing your custom sauna plans.

I am a sauna enthusiast and I love wood-fired saunas for their traditional feel, possibility for installation anywhere without worrying about electrical access and ability to reach high temperatures.