Building a Sauna in 10 Days: A DIY Journey

Embarking on a DIY sauna project can be both exciting and rewarding. With careful planning and dedication, it’s possible to construct a beautiful and functional sauna in just 10 days. In this blog post, we’ll take you through the day-by-day progress of building a wooden sauna from scratch. Get ready to be inspired and learn some valuable tips along the way!

Day 0: Empty walls, tiles layed

Empty room with bare walls, ready for sauna construction

Another view of the empty room, showcasing the space for the sauna

It all starts with a desired room. Choose a space that is suitable for your sauna, considering factors such as size, ventilation, and accessibility.

Day 1: Adding Insulation

Insulation is a crucial component of any sauna that makes Sauna energy efficient and airtight. The walls and ceiling are fitted with polyurethane foam insulation “FF-PIR,” to ensure excellent heat retention and energy efficiency. It is glued to the wall with polyurethane glue.

FF-PIR polyurethane panels installed along the walls

Day 2: Continuing on insulation and wooden framing

On the second day, more polyurethane panels are glued and whole interior becomes airtight. All the seems are taped with foil tape.

Additional polyurethane panels installed, creating an airtight chamber

Wooden framing for wooden walls and ceiling is prepped

Day 3: Prepping wireing

Day three focuses on the electrical aspects of the sauna. Cables are carefully run along the walls to power the heater and lights. Safety is a top priority during this phase, ensuring that all wiring is properly installed and up to code.

Electrical cables being run along the walls for the heater and lights

Day 4: Covering walls and ceiling

Day four involves covering the walls and ceiling with the chosen sauna materials (in this case it is black alder). This step ensures a seamless and attractive finish, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere within the sauna.

Walls and ceiling being covered with black alder

Day 5: Constructing the Benches

Day five is dedicated to building the sauna benches. Single level seats are prefered for comfortable Sauna with an additional sliding lower bench is introduced either to be used as a step, or for kids.

Sauna benches being constructed

Close-up view of the sauna benches with gaps between the slats and sliding bench expanded

Day 6: Installing the Door Frame and ambient lighting

The sixth day marks an important milestone—installing the door frame. This defines the entrance to the sauna and provides a clear boundary between the sauna and the outside world. Ambient lighting is also installed to create a soothing and relaxing atmosphere.

Door frame being installed, defining the sauna entrance

Day 7: Setting up Sauna heater

On the seventh day, the sauna heater is set up and connected to the electrical wiring. This powerful heat source will provide the necessary temperature for an authentic sauna experience.

Sauna heater being installed and connected to electrical wiring

Day 8: Hanging the Door

The eighth day brings the installation of the sauna door. Featuring a large glass panel, the door allows natural light to enter the sauna while providing a clear view of the interior. Attention is paid to the door swing direction and handle placement for optimal functionality. The door opens to the left, while sauna controls remain on the right side.

Sauna door with a large glass panel being installed

Day 9: Impregnating

On the ninth day, the wooden surfaces of the sauna are impregnated with a protective treatment. This step helps to preserve the wood, enhance its durability, and ma

Wooden surfaces being treated with a protective paraffin oil

On the ninth day, the wooden surfaces of the sauna are impregnated with a protective paraffin oil. This crucial step helps to preserve the wood, enhance its durability, and maintain its beautiful appearance over time.

Impregnating the wood involves applying a special protective agent that penetrates deep into the wood fibers. This treatment helps to prevent moisture damage, resist stains, and protect against the growth of bacteria and fungi. By impregnating the wood, you ensure that your sauna will remain in excellent condition for years to come, even with regular use and exposure to heat and humidity.

Day 10: Sauna stones

Day 10 is all about cleaning, setting up sauna stones and making the first attempt.