3 WAYS TO BUILD A 2-PERSON OUTDOOR SAUNA IN YOUR GARDEN

Placing an outdoor sauna in your garden is currently one of the most therapeutic, effective methods for relaxation.  This idea may be totally foreign to you and you may be wondering if this is even possible for you. On the contrary, maybe you have already considered using your garden for sauna space, but you aren’t sure of the advantages or how to do so. Here are a few pertinent facts to help you through your new landscape improvement project, along with 3 ways to build a 2-person outdoor sauna in your garden. 

CAN I BUILD A SAUNA IN MY GARDEN?

WHAT IS A 2-PERSON GARDEN SAUNA?

This particular style of sauna is significantly smaller in size but matches larger versions in efficiency. Although it may appear to be impossible based on the outside appearance, two to four people can fit comfortably within the sauna. A 2-person sauna in the garden is ideal for:

• Solo use
• A small family
• Space-saving in the yard
• Persons who will only have a guest or two at a time 

Not to mention, a small sauna designed for fewer people is just as aesthetically pleasing as other larger variations. 

Having your own sauna readily accessible in your garden comes with its fair share of advantages, such as:

HEALTH BENEFITS 

When you begin using a sauna on a regular basis, your body will feel better. You can greatly benefit from sauna use in the following ways:

• Detoxing 
• Lowered blood pressure / better blood circulation
• Reduction in risk for cardiovascular disease

BEAUTIFUL SURROUNDINGS 

Relaxing while being surrounded by a natural environment has magical effects on the body as well. 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.   

AN AFTER-WORK ESCAPE 

Unwinding after a long day's work is absolutely heavenly. Not only will having a sauna in the garden area gives you a chance to rejuvenate from everyday stresses, but you can also enjoy the benefit of doing so without having to commute to another location. Owning a sauna also gives you the opportunity to spend time with family and friends if you have been too busy to do so.

SAVING MONEY 

While building your sauna may seem like a costly project at first, you will soon realize that owning a sauna of your own actually saves you money in the following ways:

• You can use it for small social gatherings rather than spend money on a fancy outing.
• You can eliminate spa membership costs from your budget. 
• Benefits may prevent serious, expensive health issues in the future. 

3 WAYS TO BUILD YOUR SAUNA

TOTAL DIY (DO IT YOURSELF)

For the craftsman at heart, you could choose to build a cedar sauna on your own. 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:

THE BEGINNING:

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.

HEARTH: 

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 pitched ceiling support kit that best suits your needs for the chimney. 
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 an 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. 

TURN PRE-EXISTING BUILDING INTO A SAUNA 

If you already have a building in your garden area that is simply taking up space, you could use it for your sauna. A few examples include:

• A purpose-built shed
• A log cabin
• A garage 

Here are 6 easy steps for turning that shed into a sauna:

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 have 2 options:

• Fill space between existing floorboards using resin and fiberglass strips.
• Pour your own concrete floor, have a drain installed, and place slatted, raised wood flooring on top.

PRE-BUILT OUTDOOR SAUNA 

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. Informative videos explaining how-to build your sauna, along with a detailed instruction manual,  will guide you through your project.  For easy customization, accessories may also be added as you see fit, and a sauna heater comes already included within your sauna kit. 

TO SUM UP

Choosing to use your garden space for a new sauna is a wise decision that the whole family can enjoy for years to come. Here are a few take-away points:

• A 2-person sauna is a perfect size for your garden area and ideal for saving yard space. 
• Using a garden sauna has many health benefits, saves money, and provides a means as an escape after a long, hard day.
• Be sure to select a sauna designated for outdoor use if pre-made, preferably wood-burning.
• You can also build your sauna totally on your own by using the required materials, or by using a pre-existing building, such as a storage shed or vacant garage.
• Selecting a pre-built outdoor sauna is the easiest option for construction. All materials required, as well as helpful resources, are included with your purchase.  

If you need assistance with placing a sauna in the garden area, the knowledgeable professionals at My Sauna World will gladly help you complete your project.