Are you thinking about building your own outdoor sauna? Well, you’ve come to the right place! As someone who is passionate about saunas, I am thrilled to share my experience and knowledge with you.
There are several ways to get an outdoor sauna, but I believe that the best way is to either DIY from scratch (if you have the time) or get a builder to do a custom build.
Barrel saunas and sauna kits may serve purpose, but nothing beats a cabin-style outdoor sauna like they have in Finland.
When you’re starting your outdoor sauna project, just like with building your own house, you want to begin with good outdoor sauna plans. This includes careful consideration of layout, ventilation, construction techniques, details, materials, and heater choice. You want to ensure that your sauna is well-thought-out to provide you with the best sauna experience possible.
Until recently, it was almost impossible to find outdoor sauna plans that included proper bench height, let alone check all these boxes. We are happy to say that good sauna plans are becoming easier to find.
Outdoor sauna layout
Good sauna layout is a key to building a good outdoor sauna. When in doubt, do it like the Fins do. Outdoor sauna should have a spacious changing room and a shower inside. Shower is not 100% necessary but it is a nice addition.
Sauna dimensions for 4 people should be at minimum 6’ x 6’ or 2 meters by 2 meters. All our projects are 2m by 2m or bigger. The ideal bench layout is benches adjacent to the wall, opposite the stove. With this type of layout you will avoid the awkward corner situation.
There is a lot more to a good outdoor sauna plans than the layout. Read below for more tips.
What is essential to a good sauna plan package?
When you consider buying outdoor sauna plans, make sure they have
- Well thought out internal layout
- Proper framing
- Sauna suitable materials are specified ( no styrofoam!)
- Proper ventilation for the type of stove.
- Complete list of materials
- Fire safety considered
- Plumbing diagram
Materials Needed to Build an Outdoor Sauna
Your sauna will need several things. Depending on your layout and the site, the list of materials will vary. First, I will list the necessary items:
- 2 x 4’s for walls. ( 2×2’s if your are building an internal sauna)
- Rock Wool Insulation
- Aluminum Breather membrane
- Sauna Heater
- Sauna heater rocks (olivine diabase)
- Wood boards for internal and external siding
- Wood for benches
- Ventilation system
- Accessories (e.g. bucket, ladle, thermometer, hygrometer)
- Door with wooden handles
- Chimney system (if going with wood heater)
Nice to have:
- Plumbing, electricity
- Internal shower
- Window to the outside
- Thermally modified wood
- Wireless sauna heater control unit ( if going with electric heater)
Looking for the perfect outdoor sauna plan?
If you’re looking for the perfect outdoor sauna plan, look no further! We’ve done the work for you and designed a number of great outdoor saunas. Our plans include everything from sections, elevations, framing layouts, constructions step-by-step diagrams, and a bill of materials. They have been done by a professional architect and are without a doubt the best outdoor sauna plans available online.
I hope this article has given you some helpful insights into building your own outdoor sauna. Remember, a sauna is a long-term investment in your health and well-being, so take your time and enjoy the process. Happy building!
