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Can I Build an Outdoor Sauna Myself?

Published on
8 min read
Can I Build an Outdoor Sauna Myself? image

Best DIY Outdoor Sauna Kits to Buy in October 2025

1 saunalife Model CL4G, Cube-Series Outdoor Home Sauna Kit, Up to 3 Persons (Sauna Heater and Sauna Stones Included)

saunalife Model CL4G, Cube-Series Outdoor Home Sauna Kit, Up to 3 Persons (Sauna Heater and Sauna Stones Included)

  • ERGONOMIC DESIGN FOR ULTIMATE COMFORT DURING SAUNA SESSIONS.
  • SIMPLE DIY INSTALLATION: SET UP IN JUST ONE DAY WITH TWO PEOPLE.
  • APP-CONTROLLED LED LIGHTING SYSTEM FOR A RELAXING AMBIANCE.
BUY & SAVE
$6,349.00
saunalife Model CL4G, Cube-Series Outdoor Home Sauna Kit, Up to 3 Persons (Sauna Heater and Sauna Stones Included)
2 Outdoor Sauna 3 Person Infrared Sauna, Infrared Saunas for Home, 1950W Low EMF Far Infrared Sauna Old Fir Wooden Sauna with Beauty Red Light, Foldable Seat, Bluetooth, Chromotherapy Lamp, 20Amps

Outdoor Sauna 3 Person Infrared Sauna, Infrared Saunas for Home, 1950W Low EMF Far Infrared Sauna Old Fir Wooden Sauna with Beauty Red Light, Foldable Seat, Bluetooth, Chromotherapy Lamp, 20Amps

  • ULTIMATE COMFORT: SPACIOUS 3-PERSON DESIGN WITH ADJUSTABLE FOLDING SEAT.

  • HEALTH BOOST: COMBINES INFRARED THERAPY FOR WEIGHT LOSS AND STRESS RELIEF.

  • SMART FEATURES: CONTROL PANEL, BLUETOOTH SPEAKERS, AND COLORFUL LIGHTS INCLUDED.

BUY & SAVE
$2,980.00
Outdoor Sauna 3 Person Infrared Sauna, Infrared Saunas for Home, 1950W Low EMF Far Infrared Sauna Old Fir Wooden Sauna with Beauty Red Light, Foldable Seat, Bluetooth, Chromotherapy Lamp, 20Amps
3 TaTalife Outdoor Barrel Steam Sauna, 3-4 Person Pine Wood Sauna Room, 4.5KW Harvia Electric Heater, Asphalt Shingle Roof

TaTalife Outdoor Barrel Steam Sauna, 3-4 Person Pine Wood Sauna Room, 4.5KW Harvia Electric Heater, Asphalt Shingle Roof

  • SPACIOUS 4-PERSON DESIGN: ENJOY SAUNA SESSIONS WITH FAMILY & FRIENDS.

  • QUICK HEATING: POWERFUL 4.5KW HEATER WARMS UP TO 90°C IN MINUTES.

  • BUILT TO LAST: DURABLE MATERIALS AND WATERPROOFING ENSURE YEAR-ROUND USE.

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$3,199.99
TaTalife Outdoor Barrel Steam Sauna, 3-4 Person Pine Wood Sauna Room, 4.5KW Harvia Electric Heater, Asphalt Shingle Roof
4 Dynamic Saunas Barcelona 1- to 2-Person Low EMF FAR Infrared Sauna with Red Light Therapy & Bluetooth Speakers | Personal Indoor Dry Heat Sauna for Home & Gym – Made from Canadian Hemlock

Dynamic Saunas Barcelona 1- to 2-Person Low EMF FAR Infrared Sauna with Red Light Therapy & Bluetooth Speakers | Personal Indoor Dry Heat Sauna for Home & Gym – Made from Canadian Hemlock

  • ECO-FRIENDLY HEAT: ENJOY ENERGY-SAVING 360° PURETECH HEATING.
  • SPACIOUS COMFORT: FITS 1-2 ADULTS; PERFECT FOR HOME OR OFFICE WELLNESS.
  • RELAX & UNWIND: FEATURES RED LIGHT THERAPY AND BUILT-IN SPEAKERS.
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$1,899.99 $2,399.00
Save 21%
Dynamic Saunas Barcelona 1- to 2-Person Low EMF FAR Infrared Sauna with Red Light Therapy & Bluetooth Speakers | Personal Indoor Dry Heat Sauna for Home & Gym – Made from Canadian Hemlock
5 ZONEMEL Outdoor Barrel Steam Sauna, Wood Sauna Room for 2 Person with 4.5KW ETL TOULE Heater, Volcanic Stones, Asphalt Shingles, Waterproof Tarp, 8mm Tempered Glass, 220V, Rubber Base(0-195℉)

ZONEMEL Outdoor Barrel Steam Sauna, Wood Sauna Room for 2 Person with 4.5KW ETL TOULE Heater, Volcanic Stones, Asphalt Shingles, Waterproof Tarp, 8mm Tempered Glass, 220V, Rubber Base(0-195℉)

  • SPACIOUS 2-PERSON DESIGN FOR ENJOYABLE, LUXURIOUS AT-HOME RELAXATION.
  • RAPID HEATING WITH 4.5KW STOVE FOR OPTIMAL COMFORT AND STEAM.
  • DURABLE CANADIAN PINE CONSTRUCTION ENSURES ENERGY-EFFICIENT HEAT RETENTION.
BUY & SAVE
$2,899.99
ZONEMEL Outdoor Barrel Steam Sauna, Wood Sauna Room for 2 Person with 4.5KW ETL TOULE Heater, Volcanic Stones, Asphalt Shingles, Waterproof Tarp, 8mm Tempered Glass, 220V, Rubber Base(0-195℉)
6 Customize Outdoor Steam Sauna 4-10 Person, Canadian Hemlock, Red Cedar Sauna, Porch Option, Glass Window Option, Wood Burning Stove or Harvia Heater with Rocks, ETL Certificate(0-195 °F)

Customize Outdoor Steam Sauna 4-10 Person, Canadian Hemlock, Red Cedar Sauna, Porch Option, Glass Window Option, Wood Burning Stove or Harvia Heater with Rocks, ETL Certificate(0-195 °F)

  • CHOOSE FROM 3 WOOD STYLES FOR A CUSTOMIZED SAUNA EXPERIENCE.

  • SPACIOUS DESIGN FITS 4-10 PEOPLE; PERFECT FOR FAMILY RELAXATION.

  • EFFICIENT HEATING OPTIONS: WOOD-BURNING OR ELECTRIC FOR ULTIMATE COMFORT.

BUY & SAVE
$6,090.00
Customize Outdoor Steam Sauna 4-10 Person, Canadian Hemlock, Red Cedar Sauna, Porch Option, Glass Window Option, Wood Burning Stove or Harvia Heater with Rocks, ETL Certificate(0-195 °F)
7 EuroSauna 2-Person Outdoor Barrel Sauna with Shingles, Lighting, & 6kW Harvia Sauna Heater, 81x59

EuroSauna 2-Person Outdoor Barrel Sauna with Shingles, Lighting, & 6kW Harvia Sauna Heater, 81x59

  • THICKER WALLS ENHANCE DURABILITY AND INSULATION FOR LONG-LASTING USE.
  • SLEEK TEMPERED GLASS DOOR ADDS MODERN STYLE AND SAFETY TO YOUR SAUNA.
  • HIGH-QUALITY ALDER BENCHES ENSURE COMFORT AND MOISTURE RESISTANCE.
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$3,899.00
EuroSauna 2-Person Outdoor Barrel Sauna with Shingles, Lighting, & 6kW Harvia Sauna Heater, 81x59
8 KUNSANA Outdoor Sauna 2 Person Infrared Sauna Far Infrared Saunas for Home 0-5 mg Low EMF Home Sauna Spa Mahogany Wood Sauna Room with Bluetooth Speakers, LED Reading Lamps, Chromotherapy Lights

KUNSANA Outdoor Sauna 2 Person Infrared Sauna Far Infrared Saunas for Home 0-5 mg Low EMF Home Sauna Spa Mahogany Wood Sauna Room with Bluetooth Speakers, LED Reading Lamps, Chromotherapy Lights

  • PREMIUM MAHOGANY WOOD RESISTS EXTREME WEATHER FOR YEAR-ROUND USE.

  • QUICK 10-MIN WARM-UP WITH LOW EMF FOR SAFE, STEADY HEATING.

  • ENJOY SPA LUXURY AT HOME WITH LIGHTS, SPEAKERS, AND HEALTH BENEFITS!

BUY & SAVE
$2,580.00
KUNSANA Outdoor Sauna 2 Person Infrared Sauna Far Infrared Saunas for Home 0-5 mg Low EMF Home Sauna Spa Mahogany Wood Sauna Room with Bluetooth Speakers, LED Reading Lamps, Chromotherapy Lights
9 LTCCDSS Low EMF Outdoor Far Infrared Sauna 2-Person, Hemlock Wood Sauna for Home, Withstand Outdoor Temp -5℉-104℉, Bluetooth Speakers, LED Reading Lamps, Chromotherapy Light

LTCCDSS Low EMF Outdoor Far Infrared Sauna 2-Person, Hemlock Wood Sauna for Home, Withstand Outdoor Temp -5℉-104℉, Bluetooth Speakers, LED Reading Lamps, Chromotherapy Light

  • 🌲 COST-EFFECTIVE SOFT FIR WOOD FOR LIGHTWEIGHT, STURDY SAUNA BUILDS.
  • ❤️ PITCHED HILLSIDE ROOF ENHANCES DRAINAGE & WITHSTANDS EXTREME WEATHER.
  • ❤️ ENJOY 360° INFRARED HEATING WITH LUXURY FEATURES FOR TOTAL RELAXATION!
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$2,459.00 $2,599.00
Save 5%
LTCCDSS Low EMF Outdoor Far Infrared Sauna 2-Person, Hemlock Wood Sauna for Home, Withstand Outdoor Temp -5℉-104℉, Bluetooth Speakers, LED Reading Lamps, Chromotherapy Light
10 KASUE Upgraded 2 Person Portable Infrared Sauna Box with 5-Layer Waterproof, 2 Steamers, 2 Folding Chair for Spa, Indoor, Outdoor, Gym, Pilates, 71”x 36”x 49”, Black-2 Person

KASUE Upgraded 2 Person Portable Infrared Sauna Box with 5-Layer Waterproof, 2 Steamers, 2 Folding Chair for Spa, Indoor, Outdoor, Gym, Pilates, 71”x 36”x 49”, Black-2 Person

  • SPACIOUS COMFORT FOR TWO: ENJOY 71 OF SPACE FOR ULTIMATE RELAXATION.

  • DEEP RED LIGHT THERAPY: REVITALIZE SKIN AND RELIEVE MUSCLE SORENESS.

  • FAST DUAL STEAM HEATING: EXPERIENCE QUICK, EFFICIENT HEATING FOR MAXIMUM JOY.

BUY & SAVE
$279.99 $399.99
Save 30%
KASUE Upgraded 2 Person Portable Infrared Sauna Box with 5-Layer Waterproof, 2 Steamers, 2 Folding Chair for Spa, Indoor, Outdoor, Gym, Pilates, 71”x 36”x 49”, Black-2 Person
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ONE MORE?

Building an outdoor sauna yourself is certainly feasible for individuals with some DIY skills. The first step involves selecting a suitable location with proper drainage, ventilation, and access to electrical power, if you plan on including lighting or an electric stove. You'll need to choose between a traditional wood-fired sauna or an electric one, each having its own advantages and considerations. Obtaining quality, durable materials is essential for the frame, insulation, and interior paneling; commonly used woods like cedar or spruce are preferred due to their resilience to heat and moisture. Proper insulation is crucial to maintaining heat efficiency. The sauna design typically involves a simple structure with benches, a vapor barrier, and appropriate venting to manage moisture levels and heat distribution. While you have the option of buying a pre-built kit, it generally costs more than sourcing individual materials and tools. Adhering to local building codes and regulations is essential, as is ensuring all electrical components are safely installed. For a successful project, a clear plan, accurate measurements, and attention to detail are vital. Once complete, regular maintenance such as checking the stove and cleaning can help in extending the sauna's life.

How to build a sauna bench?

Building a sauna bench is a rewarding DIY project that can enhance your sauna experience by providing a comfortable seating area to relax. Here's a simple guide to help you build a sturdy and functional sauna bench:

Materials Needed:

  • Wood: Choose a rot-resistant and heat-resistant wood such as cedar, aspen, or hemlock. Avoid using pine or oak, which can warp or release sap at high temperatures.
  • Wood screws or stainless steel nails: These should be resistant to rust and corrosion.
  • Measuring tape
  • Saw: A circular saw or hand saw
  • Drill
  • Level
  • Sandpaper

Tools:

  • Screwdriver or Drill
  • Saw
  • Measuring Tape
  • Level
  • Sandpaper

Steps to Build:

  1. Measure and Plan: Determine the size of the bench you want. Standard sauna benches are typically 18-24 inches in depth and 36-48 inches in height. Plan whether your bench will be tiered. Having multiple levels can help create different heat zones in your sauna.
  2. Cut the Wood: Cut the pieces for the frame according to your planned dimensions. You'll need pieces for the legs, the horizontal supports, and the top slats of the bench.
  3. Assemble the Frame: Assemble a rectangular frame for each sitting level with appropriate supports. Use the wood screws or nails to secure the corners tightly. Add cross supports within the frame to ensure stability and to support the weight of those using the bench.
  4. Attach Legs: Attach the legs at each corner of the frame. Ensure that each leg is of equal length for an even bench. For added stability, you may want to add diagonal bracing between the legs.
  5. Install Top Slats: Lay the top slats across the frame. Leave a small gap (about ¼ inch) between each slat for air circulation and proper drainage of moisture. Secure each slat to the frame below with screws or nails.
  6. Sand the Surfaces: Sand all surfaces of the bench to remove any splinters and ensure a smooth finish. This is particularly important in a sauna where bare skin will be in contact with the wood.
  7. Install the Bench: Position the bench inside your sauna. Use a level to ensure it’s even and stable. If needed, secure the bench to the walls of the sauna with additional supports to prevent tipping.
  8. Finish (Optional): Some people choose to leave the wood natural, while others may apply a sauna-safe wood treatment to enhance the wood’s longevity and appearance. Be sure it's a product that's safe for high temperatures and non-toxic.

Safety and Tips:

  • Ensure ventilation is good in your sauna.
  • Avoid using any paint or sealant that might emit toxic fumes when heated.
  • The design can be adapted based on the size and style of your sauna or personal preference.

By carefully following these steps and considering the specific requirements of your sauna, you can create a comfortable and durable bench that will be a great addition to your sauna experience.

What is the impact of sauna use on health?

Sauna use has been associated with a variety of potential health benefits, although individual experiences and outcomes can vary. Here are some of the reported impacts on health:

  1. Cardiovascular Health: Regular sauna use has been linked to improved cardiovascular health. It may help reduce blood pressure, improve endothelial function, and enhance circulation. Some studies suggest that frequent sauna use can lower the risk of heart disease and stroke.
  2. Detoxification and Skin Health: Sweating in a sauna can aid in the removal of toxins from the body and may help improve skin health by promoting the clearing of pores and increasing circulation.
  3. Muscle Recovery and Pain Relief: Sauna sessions can aid in muscle recovery post-exercise by enhancing circulation and promoting relaxation. They may also help alleviate pain associated with conditions like arthritis or muscle soreness.
  4. Stress Reduction and Mental Health: The relaxing environment of a sauna can help reduce stress, promote relaxation, and improve overall well-being. Some users report feeling calmer and more focused after sauna sessions.
  5. Respiratory Health: The heat and steam from saunas may help improve respiratory function, particularly for individuals with asthma or bronchitis, by acting as a humidifier and opening up airways.
  6. Improved Sleep: Regular sauna sessions may contribute to better sleep patterns, potentially due to relaxation and muscle tension reduction.
  7. Metabolic and Endocrine Effects: Sauna use can increase metabolic rate temporarily due to the body working to regulate temperature, and it may have positive effects on hormone levels including increased release of endorphins.

It's important to note that while many people can safely enjoy the benefits of sauna use, there are certain groups, such as individuals with specific health conditions (e.g., certain heart conditions, low blood pressure, or pregnancy), who should consult a healthcare professional before using a sauna. Additionally, dehydration is a risk, so it's important to stay hydrated during and after sauna use.

How to install a sauna heater safely?

Installing a sauna heater safely involves several key steps. It's important to follow these carefully to ensure both the efficiency of the heater and the safety of users. Here’s a general guide:

  1. Read the Manual: Start by thoroughly reading the manufacturer's installation manual that comes with the heater. The manual contains specific instructions and safety warnings unique to the model.
  2. Choose the Right Location: Ensure the heater is installed in an appropriate location within the sauna. It should be positioned at least a safe distance from the sauna walls and benches, as specified by the manufacturer. Typically, this is indicated to prevent overheating and ensure proper air circulation.
  3. Prepare the Site: Verify that the location has the necessary electrical connections and is capable of supporting the heater’s power requirements. Often a dedicated circuit is required.
  4. Install Mounting Brackets: Use the provided brackets to mount the heater securely on the wall or floor as indicated in the manual. Ensure the structure can support the weight of the heater.
  5. Electrical Connections: Electrical connections should be performed by a licensed electrician. This is crucial both for safety and to meet local building codes. The heater needs a specific power supply, which often involves higher voltage lines.
  6. Ensure Proper Ventilation: Make sure there’s adequate ventilation around the heater to avoid overheating. Follow any instructions regarding ventilation thoroughly.
  7. Install Sauna Stones: If the heater uses sauna stones, rinse them to remove dust and place them according to the manufacturer's guidelines. Avoid stacking them too tightly to ensure good air flow.
  8. Testing: Once installed, have the electrical work inspected if required by your local code. Test the heater to ensure it functions properly and heats the sauna to the desired temperature.
  9. Monitor Safety Features: Check that all safety features, such as emergency shut-offs and temperature controls, are functioning correctly.
  10. Regular Maintenance: After installation, establish a regular maintenance routine to ensure the heater continues to operate safely. This includes checking wiring for damage, cleaning the stones, and verifying that controls work correctly.
  11. User Instructions: Make sure that all users are aware of how to operate the heater safely, including temperature settings and emergency shut-off procedures.

Following these steps carefully will help ensure that your sauna heater is installed and operates safely. Always adhere to local codes and regulations, and consult professionals whenever necessary.