Outdoor Sauna
Gone are the days of the old dugout the Finns used to use as a sauna, in today’s modern times I don’t believe anyone wants or needs to use this method. With standards for the home much higher now many people are looking to build their own sauna in their own homes, whether it is in or outdoors.
Your first decision for your home sauna will be where to install it and what size you require? Secondly, do you want it inside the house or outside? Thirdly is it going to be just for yourself or planning to have a few friends round to enjoy it with you. And lastly what type of heat source you will be comfortable using?
If you decide on an outdoor sauna you will find this will take more engineering, which means it will have to be weatherproof, insulated to a good standard, and of course structurally sound. In most cases cedar wood is used to build saunas, as it is very tolerant of high moisture levels and resistant to rot etc which are commonly associated with saunas.
Although Cedar wood is usually the first choice it isn’t the only one, as long as the material used is able to withstand high heat and moisture levels there shouldn’t be a problem, acrylic panels and fibreglass may also be an option. You may also choose to line the inside of your sauna with cedar wood and match the outside with something that complements the exterior of your house.
Your local council or building department should be the first people you contact before you erect you sauna to find out whether you need to have planning permission to build your outdoor sauna. You should build your sauna on a deck or maybe an existing cement slab.
If you decide to build on a cement slab then ensure you raise the floor so there is sufficient room for insulation, typically the walls 16 inch on centre and if you want to you can use a custom made cedar wood door or even a standard pre-hung door. The roof is generally a rafter type or shingle or metal.
After you have completed the shell of your sauna you can do the outside sidings, when this has been done you can either stain them or use a natural cedar.
Once the sidings are complete the insulation of the walls and ceiling can be done this will give a faster warm up to the sauna and help to reduce the running costs.
To finish the interior of your sauna a great idea would be to use cedar as your first choice as it is naturally resistant to mould and mildew which can often be a problem
The final step is to finish off the interior, most people prefer to use cedar it is a great choice as it naturally resistant to mould and mildew that can sometimes be associated with a sauna; it also smells and looks great.
You 4 basic options for the heating in your sauna infrared, natural or propane gas electric or wood burning each having advantages and disadvantages its up to you which one suits your needs best.
