A session in a sauna is something many of us crave. The premise involves sitting in a room where dry heat sessions take place. Experts recommend sessions should last up to 15 or 20 minutes.
They’ve been a popular pastime for thousands of years as people believed in the healing powers of heat. Due to its long-term popularity, people see great health benefits in using a sauna.
Those with the means to do so may want to build their own sauna. While it may sound tricky, it’s relatively simple if you have the correct tools and equipment. Here’s what you need to know.
The health benefits of a sauna
Sitting in a sauna can help to promote relaxation and general wellness. It’s thought that saunas can be beneficial for arthritis, chronic fatigue, cold symptoms, muscle soreness, psoriasis and stress. Some experts also believe that is good for heart health.
The action of your body trying to keep you cool as you sweat can raise your heart rate. At the same time, it can cause your blood vessels to open, which improves circulation, similar to when you do low or moderate exercise. It’s no wonder some individuals want to build their own sauna.
Design fundamentals and location
In the planning stage, you’ll need to work out the best place for your sauna to go. Fortunately, dry saunas don’t require water, so you won’t have to worry about any plumbing logistics. However, you will need a power source for the lights and the heater. This is why it’s important to get help from an electrician. The likelihood is that the structure will need to be placed near your home if you’re thinking of an outdoor sauna.
The space needs to fit you and however many people you’d like on the benches. You’ll also need space for electrical wiring and the door of course. Some may include a shower for rinsing off.
Material selection and heating options
When choosing materials, it’s worth taking time to find the right wood. You should consider durability and thermal aspects, such as how quickly it heats up. Typically, the popular choice is cedar wood. However, this is the premium option, which makes it expensive. Other options include poplar and basswood. Take your time to establish the pros and cons of each.
As for the heat source, you’ll need to decide between wood-burning and electric heating methods. The former will involve collecting wood to burn and tending to the fire, while the latter is more cost-effective and requires less upkeep.
Interior design and atmosphere
Saunas are places where you can switch off from the world outside and relax. Much of this links back to the wood you choose. Cedar wood smells the best however, you may want to prioritise it for the benches and the inside walls to save money.
Saunas are very stripped back with little room to decorate, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be intentional with certain design choices. Heaters can be unsightly, so consider one that will look the part. You might also choose a specific door shape or perhaps one made from glass.
If your sauna is outdoors, you may want to consider adding a window so you can take in a particular view. Make sure this is double-glazed, otherwise the heat will escape.
Maintenance and safety protocols
To protect your hard work, it’s important to consider the long-term impacts of your decisions. For example, some cheaper wood options may not last as long and start to decay over time.
You may want to keep a hand brush in there so that you can dip it in water and wash the benches and backrests. It is also recommended that you air out the sauna after use, simply by opening the door. If you have a shower in there, it’s worth drying this area to help the process.
Budgeting and funding:
The cost of building a sauna can be hefty, so it’s important to decide whether you are fully committed to the idea.
You may want to take a closer look at your finances to work this out. Some people might look into a secured loan to fund the project, while others might save up over time or ask for help from family members. Work out how you plan to fund not only the building but also the running costs involved with a homemade sauna.