Building the Sauna

• Build the sauna yourself or purchase a pre-fabricated kit.sauna image by Mikhail Olykainen from Fotolia.com
  
  Saunas come in build-it-yourself kits that include either pre-fabricated structures built from cedar and other durable woods or kits that feature pre-cut wood that you assemble. You can purchase sauna plans from numerous sauna suppliers and builders or acquire sauna plan books. The other option is to design your own sauna based on personal preferences and available space.
  
  

Choosing Plans

• Enjoy a sauna outdoors near a cold lake.russian bath image by Igors Leonovs from Fotolia.com
  
  Select plans based on the size and features you prefer. One consideration is the placement of the sauna stove to allow for even heating of the room. Also determine whether the sauna is being built indoors or outdoors; construction requirements are different for each.
  
  

Size

• Sauna dimensions determine the size of the stove for even heating.sauna heater image by Vladimir Titov from Fotolia.com
  
  Sauna plans range in size from small versions suitable for one person to large, roomy saunas that hold the entire family. Size depends upon the amount of space available in your home or on your lot and personal preference. The dimensions of the sauna determine the size of the stove needed to heat the room.
  
  

Heat and Steam

• The dry heat sauna requires cool water to generate steam.Bucket with water and a scoop in a sauna image by Georgiy Pashin from Fotolia.com
  
  A sauna needs a stove to heat the room, stones to retain the heat, and a water source to generate steam. The sauna uses a dry heat, meaning a stove heats the room and the stones. In order to produce steam, cool water is thrown on the hot stones. The sauna temperature runs between 175 degrees to 210 degrees Fahrenheit, though personal preference will dictate ideal temperature.
  
  

Must Have Features

• Include a changing room with hooks for hanging clothes.old cloths on old door image by drx from Fotolia.com
  
  Typical saunas include a changing room with hooks to hang clothes and the sauna room where you take the heat. The sauna room features two benches, with the lower bench being the cooler of the two. Duckboard (slats spaced approximately one-half inch apart) covers the floor, allowing excess moisture to run off.
  
  

Bells and Whistles

• Saunas come in a variety of specialty woods or traditional cedar.in der sauna image by LVDESIGN from Fotolia.com
  
  Sauna plans incorporate a number of extra features, including DVD players and speakers, aromatherapy and color therapy lights. Other options include exterior heat controls, specialty woods and custom design benches.