HOW TO BUILD AN OUTDOOR SAUNA FOR TWO PEOPLE

Enjoying an outdoor sauna in your garden is one of the most therapeutic, effective methods for relaxation.  Plus, when you add an outdoor sauna to your backyard or garden, you turn it into an even more beautiful getaway and lush oasis. Perhaps this is why building an outdoor sauna in the garden is a growing trend across the globe!

CAN I BUILD A SAUNA IN MY GARDEN?

If you’re interested in improving your outdoor landscape by learning how to build your own sauna, then keep reading! This blog will share a few pertinent how-tos to help you through your new landscape improvement project, so you can learn how and why you might want to build your own sauna in your backyard.

WHAT IS A 2-PERSON OUTDOOR SAUNA?

This particular style of sauna is compact in size,  but still sufficient for a small family!  In fact, in many of our 2-person models, two to four people sitting side-by-side could fit comfortably inside.

Building an outdoor sauna for two is ideal for:

• Solo use with occasional guest(s)

• Small family 

• Vacation Rental

• Small Backyard

3 WAYS TO BUILD YOUR OWN SAUNA

Building an outdoor sauna can be done a few different ways. In today’s article we’re going to cover 3:

1. How to Build Your Own Sauna…DIY from Scratch

2. How to Build Your Own Sauna…DIY Building Conversion

3. How to Build Your Own Sauna…DIY Pre-Built Models

If you know which method for building an outdoor sauna you’re most interested in, feel free to skip ahead to that section. Otherwise, learn ALL the different ways of how to build your own sauna below.

Build Your Own Sauna…DIY from Scratch

For the craftsman at heart, you could choose to build your own sauna from scratch! Keep the following ideas in mind when you begin your project – will you be using a wood-burning sauna stove or an electric one?

• Using a wood-burning sauna stove may be simpler than using an electric stove.

• If you prefer an electrically powered sauna stove, then we recommend getting a certified electrician to help you with installation.

Materials to Build Your Own Sauna

You will need the following materials before you begin your project:

• Concrete cubes

• Bricks

• Scrap & sheet metal

• Styrofoam panels

• Insulating foam sealant

• Pitched ceiling support kit

• Silicone roofing cement

• Plumb bob

• Paper-backed fiberglass

• Ceramic tile

• Sauna heater (w/ sauna rocks)

• Wood boards

• Heat, plumbing, and electricity

Follow these steps to successfully build your own outdoor sauna:

1. Locate the source for your foundation and remove any debris or shrubbery from the area.

2. Sketch a blueprint of the finished product you desire.

3. Form the plan and build the exterior using the wood boards. Add a window, which can be created using a leftover plate of glass.

THE HEARTH FOR THE SAUNA STOVE:

1. Construct your hearth using concrete cubes for the base, bricks for the walls, and scrap metal to place across the walls, as well as secure the bricks at the top. (Use masonry cement to hold it all together.)

2. Before laying the top bricks, place your sauna heater in front of the hearth. Correct measurements are crucial. (You can hoist it using a nylon tow strap and come-along if need be.)

EDGING:

1. Begin framing until the chimney setup is complete. 

2. Use styrofoam panels (2’’ in thickness) between studs and seal with insulating foam sealant.

CHIMNEY:

1. Decide if you want your chimney to run through the sidewall or roof. To be safe, opt for a double-wall chimney system that is made of metal. 

2. Choose a Chimney Installation Kit that best suits your needs for the chimney. (See here and here for chimney kit options.)

3. Use sheet metal roofing, silicone roofing cement, and a plumb bob to finish setting the chimney. 

WIRING & INSULATION:

1. Be sure that you have the proper wiring. You may need the assistance of a licensed electrician. 

2. Using paper-backed fiberglass (R-19),  begin insulating the sauna. You may opt to use a vapor barrier on the walls and ceiling.

INTERIOR, VENTS, & BENCHES:

1. Connect cedar, fir, or pine wood planks for paneling with galvanized finishing nails and drywall screws for more stubborn areas. 

2. For ventilation, cut two slots - one on the front wall and one that sits on the ceiling with diagonal placement to the floor vent. 

3. Construct bench frames, using pine 2X4s for example. Attach frames to paneling studs using flat-headed lag screws.

FLOORING & DOOR:

1. If you are not using concrete flooring, construct a wooden-stage floor throughout the sauna.

2. Build a 2X4 frame for the door, then craft the door using scrap plywood, styrofoam insulation, and car siding panels. Attach using galvanized nails. 

3. Create a door handle using wood as well.

Build Your Own Sauna…DIY Building Conversion

If you already have an outbuilding in your backyard that’s just taking up space, you could use it to build your own sauna from there.

A few examples of good pre-existing buildings to use, include:

• A shed

• A small cabin

• A garage 

Here are 6 easy steps for turning your outbuilding into your very own sauna. You may need to consult the tips above regarding the hearth, chimney and edging setup.

1. Use rolled fiberglass to insulate walls and ceiling. 

2. Place foil barriers, or heavy-duty aluminum foil, for a moisture barrier. (Make sure the shiny side of the foil faces the inside of the sauna.)

3. Construct wall paneling using cedar boards.

4. Purchase and secure your wood-burning stove. 

5. Be sure that you have proper ventilation. If not, create your own vent. 

6. In terms of flooring, only replace it if required. You can either fill the space between existing floorboards using resin and fiberglass strips, or pour your own concrete floor, have a drain installed, and place slatted, raised wood flooring on top.

How to Build Your Own Sauna…DIY Pre-Built Models

The easiest way to build a garden sauna is to invest in a pre-built outdoor sauna.  You will save time and effort, help your landscape maintain a well-kept appearance, as well as eliminate hours of unnecessary guesswork.

Many of the pre-built outdoor saunas that we offer come with informative videos explaining how to build your own sauna, along with a detailed instruction manual  will guide you through your project.  You’ll find most of our sauna models come with a recommended list of sauna heaters to choose from your sauna kit. You can also customize with different accessories.

If you want to learn more about buying pre-built saunas that you assemble yourself, check out this article: Everything You Need to Know About an Outdoor or Backyard Sauna. That will let you know about all of the options available and see if it’s really for you.

Benefits of Building An Outdoor Sauna in Your Own Backyard

Relaxing while being surrounded by a natural environment has magical effects on the body. In fact, using tranquil surroundings for a little self-care has been proven to yield physical and mental benefits. Your gorgeous landscape, combined with the satisfaction from your hard work, will undoubtedly take your experience to the next level.   

Having your own sauna readily accessible in your backyard comes with its fair share of advantages. Here are just a few:

Enjoy Better Health

When you begin using a sauna on a regular basis, your body will feel better. Click here to learn all about the science-backed benefits of using a sauna on a regular basis. Below is a summary of a few ways that you can greatly benefit from continuous sauna use:

• Lowered blood pressure / better blood circulation

• Reduction in risk for cardiovascular disease

• Benefits for mood, stress and depression