Build Your Own Sauna or Sweatlodge

Whether to use an electric, gas, or wood burning stove is the first decision in saunas building. Geographic location may influence your choice. If you live in the country where firewood is plentiful and fires have minimum of environmental impact, the wood burning stove is the best performer and must be considered first choice.

Electric or gas stoves hardly match the pleasing aroma and smoothness of the wood stove. But in cities, electric and gas heated saunas are the most practical. No preparation like cutting and carrying wood and priming the fire is needed; they are easy to clean and leave no ashes. Although electric stoves outsell gas stoves by far, gas is three times cheaper than electricity in most parts of the country.

Local building codes may also determine the type of saunas you build; for example, ordinances, which vary from community to community, may restrict the use of wood burning stoves. Some times they require specific types of stoves, fire insulation, flues and chimneys. But generally, since most saunas are not used as habitual rooms, building regulations are minimal.

After you have chosen a stove begin planning for the following:

Size of the sweat room where the heater will be placed. Size depends on the number of bathers, the capacity of stove and bench arrangement. Specific dimensions are discussed later.

A provision for washing. A separate washing room is preferred, but space or budget limitations may necessitate washing inside the sweat room (a common practice in Finnish countryside saunas.) In either case, plan a means of producing hot water.

A dressing/relaxing room or some protection against the elements. This can be a simple placement of wind breakers or even an open porch adjoining the sweat room.

A clean, simple design using wood. This warm, friendly material inspires quiet socializing, meditation and a retreat from the rigors of the day.

Location. Since a place to cool the body after a session in the sweat room is needed, the ideal place for a sauna is near a lake, river or an ocean. However, a swimming pool or a simple shower will serve well. Be considerate of your neighbors. Locate your cooling area (where you don't want to be hampered by clothes) with discretion.

Orientation. Know the course of the sun and moon and plan your windows, doors and porches to catch their light. This will beautifully enhance the mood of the saunas.

Here are a few Finnish words which apply to the sauna and I use throughout the text. They are easy to learn, at least as easy as cappuccino.