Home Sauna?

[HardDrive]

Has anyone built a home sauna? I would like to put one in my basement, but ceiling is really low, like 6.5 feet. I want one that is electric power with rocks, so I would need to install a floor drain. Anyone done this?

[Gogar]

Have you considered the infra-red? No messing with floor drain and will run on a 20a circut. It's definitely not the same experience but some people like it more than the old-school sauna.

[Arizona_928]

Originally Posted by Gogar

Have you considered the infra-red? No messing with floor drain and will run on a 20a circut. It's definitely not the same experience but some people like it more than the old-school sauna.

I’ve been considering one for the basement. Costco seems to have the best deal.

[Rot 911]

Originally Posted by Arizona_928

I’ve been considering one for the basement. Costco seems to have the best deal.

Same here, but I wish there was someway to get an infrared one that still had the heat rocks that I could throw water on too, and get that steam blast!

[scott540]

I built one about 10 years ago in our basement.
I wanted the real thing where I could pour water on the rocks. Polar heater. Never needed a floor drain. The water steams as soon at it hits the rock. Floor is never wet. There lots of good sites on how to build it. Inside is 7 feet tall and 6 feet square. 2 benchs out of cedar. Got all the tongue and groove pine at menards

[NutmegCarrera]

Timely thread.
I've been considering building one for the back yard.
Will most likely look like a small shed or backyard studio with a changing room and a hot room.
Probably overkill, but not quite sure how I would fit into my basement.

This guy has a pretty decent site / blog.
I have not 'subscribed' to his membership deal - but I did buy the e-book.
http://saunatimes.com

I'm thinking 8x12 with LP smart side exterior. Probably a single slope roof.
Most likely will build on skids - it won't be a 'structure' then.

Wife is really interested in having one. Think it would be a nice step after a workout.
If I am able, I may add another 4' long section as an exterior shed. Get some of the lawnmower and snowblower type stuff out of the garage....

[stevej37]

For those who have, or going to have, one in the basement....what do you do about the humidity they generate?
Just a dehumidifier doesn't seem like it would keep up.

[scott540]

I've never had any issue with humidity.
Thw sauna is pretty much sealed up.
After the framing is insulated, you use a vapor barrier that I got from a sauna place before you do the tongue and groove. It's so hot in there, the steam from the rocks burns off. I also close the door when I'm done and it's always been very dry