Add a backyard sauna to bring relaxation and health closer to home.
If you’ve ever experienced the bliss of a sauna at a spa, gym, or during vacation, you already know the deep sense of relaxation it can provide. But saunas are more than stress relief. They’re also a chance to connect with friends and address concerns ranging from stiff joints to disturbed sleep. And while the verdict is still out on the exact health benefits of saunas, few can deny the experience is rejuvenating.
Building a backyard sauna can bring those experiences closer to home, making them more accessible. Before you break out the chop saw, however, it’s important to remember that not all saunas are the same. Understanding your needs, as well as what’s available, will make the process easier.
Eartheasy’s deluxe sauna model offers a panoramic view.
Types of saunas
Many of us are familiar with the type of sauna that originated in northern Europe, and the word sauna is Finnish. But sauna-like experiences pervaded many world cultures, including those of indigenous North Americans. It seems sweating has long been embraced as an invigorating experience and rite of passage.
Today, a variety of saunas are available, both for building and for purchase.
Traditional dry or Finnish sauna
The traditional dry sauna is typically a small wooden room that uses a wood-burning stove or electric heater to generate dry heat. Humidity may be added by pouring water over heated stones, but the overall effect is an atmosphere that is generally high in temperature and low in humidity.
Infrared sauna
Infrared saunas use infrared light to directly heat the body rather than warming the air around you, operating at lower temperatures than traditional saunas. This type of sauna is known for its gentle, deep-penetrating heat, offering similar benefits to traditional saunas while being more energy-efficient and accessible to those who prefer milder heat.
Steam sauna
Unlike traditional dry saunas, wet or steam saunas generate moist heat by producing steam, typically through a steam generator. This creates a high-humidity environment with lower temperatures compared to dry saunas. Steam rooms are great for deeply hydrating the skin, soothing respiratory issues, and providing a more humid experience for those who find dry heat saunas difficult to tolerate.
Sauna designs
Scandinavian sauna in an hexagonal design.
Cabin sauna
A cabin sauna design resembles a small, rustic log cabin, but is typically made from planks of wood, such as cedar, spruce or pine. The structure is rectangular or square, with thick, insulated wooden walls to retain heat. Inside, the sauna is lined with smooth wood paneling and features tiered benches, allowing users to choose different heat intensities based on height. Traditional Finnish and infrared saunas are often cabin-style saunas.
Barrel sauna
Also originating from Nordic culture, the barrel sauna design has a unique cylindrical shape which offers excellent heat distribution and a rustic aesthetic. Commonly made from the same types of wood mentioned above, the barrel sauna is usually easy to assemble and more efficient to operate due to ease of airflow and ventilation.
Hexagonal saunas
While not strictly traditional, hexagonal designs offer a unique aesthetic and good space utilization. They can enhance the sauna experience with their open layout, which is great for social interaction, and their ability to allow natural light through angled windows.
Common materials for sauna construction
Whatever sauna design you choose, certain components will come into play.
Wood
Cedar, spruce, fir, pine and aspen are popular choices due to their resistance to moisture and heat. Cedar is often a favourite for its aroma and natural resistance to decay, though spruce and fir are traditional in Finland. Nordic spruce, in particular, is highly prized for sauna construction, since it grows slowly in the cold climates of northern Europe, leading to a dense, strong wood with fine grain and small knots. This structure makes Nordic spruce both durable and visually appealing.
Insulation
Mineral wool or fiberglass insulation helps retain heat, especially for traditional and steam saunas. Other insulation types include polystyrene foam and recycled cotton. While not all saunas are insulated, those that are benefit from faster heating, steady temperatures, and reduced electricity costs (where electric or infrared heaters are used).
Vapor barriers
To prevent moisture from damaging the structure, aluminum foil or foil-faced insulation works well. Some designs opt to let the building breathe instead, though this will depend on which design you choose.
What type of sauna heater is best?
Wood stoves, electric heaters, or infrared panels are the most common sauna heaters. The type you choose depends on a number of factors.
Wood-fired heater
Wood-fired heaters provide a traditional sauna experience with natural heat from burning wood, creating a rustic ambiance with a distinctive aroma. They require a chimney for ventilation, and users manually control the temperature by adjusting the fire. Wood-fired sauna heaters are ideal for an authentic, off-grid experience and anyone who enjoys the ritual of tending a fire. These heaters are best suited for saunas where chimney installation is permitted and the wood-burning smoke won’t disrupt adjacent air quality.
Electric sauna heater
Electric heaters are popular for their convenience and easy temperature control. They heat up quickly and can be adjusted with a thermostat or remote control, making them highly user-friendly. Electric heaters are great for those seeking a low-maintenance, reliable option with precise temperature control. They’re especially useful for indoor saunas or spaces with easy access to electricity.
Infrared heater
Infrared heaters use infrared panels to warm the body directly, rather than heating the air. They operate at lower temperatures than traditional saunas, providing a milder, more penetrative heat that’s ideal for longer, relaxing sessions. These heaters are perfect for users who prefer gentle, lower-heat sauna sessions. Infrared heaters are energy-efficient, easy to install, and are often the best choice for smaller or home saunas where high temperatures may be less desirable.
Other important sauna accessories
Sauna accessories can enhance both the functionality and enjoyment of your sauna experience, creating a more personalized and relaxing atmosphere. Here are some of our favorites.
Sauna stones
Heat-retaining stones are a key component of traditional dry saunas. Be sure to use non-porous igneous rock to avoid problems with cracking or crumbling. This includes basalt, peridotite and granite, all common sauna rocks.
Sauna thermometer
A sauna thermometer is important for monitoring and maintaining the ideal temperature inside your sauna. It ensures a safe and comfortable experience by allowing you to adjust the heat to your preference, typically between 140–185°F (60–85°C) for a traditional sauna, while preventing overheating and ensuring the sauna operates within safe limits.
Comforts
If possible, consider adding comfortable seating, towels, thermometers, hygrometers (to measure humidity), and easily accessible hooks to keep clothing and towels off the ground for a complete experience. Some people enjoy adding essential oils to create a pleasant aroma.
Important considerations before building
Once you have decided which type of sauna is best for your needs, there are a few other considerations. Like any building project, a solid plan is necessary for success.
Location
Choose a spot in your backyard that is well-ventilated, with access to utilities like electricity or water. If you are opting for a wilder location away from power and water, a wood-fired stove and chimney work best in areas away from tall trees and buildings, which can increase downdrafts.
Ventilation
Adequate airflow helps ensure the sauna’s temperature control and keeps things comfortable for users. Ideally saunas should have dual venting, with one vent placed high for exhaust and one vent lower for intake. With wood burning saunas, proper ventilation is also important for safety.
To insulate or not? Insulation and moisture control
As noted above, many saunas require good insulation and a vapor barrier to protect against water damage and heat loss. This is most common in cabin-style saunas. Smaller saunas like barrel saunas are generally uninsulated, because the small space and lack of corners promote air circulation and ease of heating.
Building Codes
Check local regulations to see if you need permits for construction, especially if you’re adding electricity or plumbing.
What saunas are best for DIY?
For DIY enthusiasts, barrel saunas are one of the easiest types to build due to their pre-cut kits and simple design. They also require fewer materials and less complicated framing than square saunas.
If you prefer to customize the design and size, a cabin sauna is another solid option for a backyard project. Building a wood frame with cedar, spruce, fir or hemlock planks is straightforward, and electric or wood-burning heaters are relatively simple to install. This design can better accommodate larger groups and is easier to DIY given the right angles and lack of curves. Another option is to convert a cedar shed into a sauna.
DIY sauna sample plans and resources:
- How to Build a Portable DIY Sauna: This step-by-step, DIY sauna build takes you through the complete process of building a small dry sauna that you can move from your garage to its final site.
- Build a Wood Fired DIY Sauna: Also step by step, this slightly larger DIY dry sauna comfortably fits four people on a single tier of benches.
- How to Build a Quirky Backyard Sauna: This whimsical six-person sauna features two-tiered seating and worthwhile advice about what to do and what not to do.
- Sauna Times: A voice of wisdom and experience for sauna lovers, Sauna Times offers resources worth exploring before you build.
Tips for the best sauna experience
- Set the right temperature: As discussed above, aim for a temperature between 140–185°F (60–85°C) in a dry sauna. Start lower if you’re new to sauna use and adjust gradually.
- Hydrate before and after: Drink water before, during breaks, and after the sauna session to replenish lost fluids and avoid dehydration. A few sips during breaks can make a big difference.
- Watch the clock: Always have a clock and thermometer inside the sauna to monitor time and temperature. Limit sauna sessions to 15–20 minutes and cool down between rounds to avoid dehydration or overheating. Staying hydrated is essential, since sauna bathing can lead to fluid loss.
- Take cooling breaks: After each session, step out to cool down. Many people enjoy a cold plunge, shower, or even just stepping into the fresh air, which can enhance circulation and refresh the body.
- Add essential oils: Create an aromatic experience by adding a few drops of essential oils like eucalyptus or lavender to the water you pour on the stones. This can add a spa-like quality to the sauna.
- Limit electronics: Keep phones or devices outside the sauna to fully unwind and prevent overheating issues with electronics.
Backyard sauna living
Building a backyard sauna is an exciting project that can level up your outdoor living space. Choose the type that fits your needs, gather high-quality materials, and follow local regulations to ensure your sauna is both functional and safe.
Like what you’re reading? Visit Eartheasy’s online shop to see our full line of barrel saunas and sauna kits for the backyard.
