How to Build a Budget-Friendly Outdoor Sauna in Your Backyard
Learning how to build an outdoor sauna cheap is easier than you think when using smart strategies and affordable materials. Many people are discovering they can create their own relaxing retreat with simple DIY methods, enjoying all the health benefits of a sauna without spending a fortune.
It is possible to build your outdoor sauna on the cheap! Go with inexpensive materials such as reclaimed wood and be open to minimalistic designs. That way, you’ll end up building a cost-efficient sauna that’s perfect for you.
Learning even a few basic techniques will drastically cut the amount of money you’ll need to invest in paid help. You can control the size and features to suit your preferences.
In this how-to guide, we’ll be laying the groundwork with useful next steps for building your own outdoor sauna. You can have a fun and memorable time without breaking the bank!
Is Building a Sauna Cheaper Than Buying?
As you’ll see in the next section, it can be much cheaper to build your sauna than to buy a ready-made sauna. If you go the DIY route, you can save 30%-40% by building one yourself. Pre-built saunas can run anywhere from $3,000 to $20,000+, depending on size and features.
This cost range goes to show that a custom sauna is a wise investment. We think it’s a fantastic value for those willing to commit the time and energy!
The truth is, when you build a sauna, you save more money in the long run. The long-term costs can be reduced substantially with strategic decisions, even if the up-front budget appears intimidating.
To successfully build an outdoor sauna cheap, start with smart material choices. While investing in a quality sauna stove and durable hot room materials may cost more upfront, it ensures long-term safety and prevents expensive repairs. Proper planning helps avoid hidden costs, making your DIY project both affordable and built to last.
Another benefit of a DIY sauna is that you have full creative control to customize the space to suit your vision, from the size and layout to specific features and materials you want. Dreaming of a bigger seating area, or of an aspen wood sauna? You surely can make those choices.
Personal touches make all the difference in your sauna experience, and these customizations will help tailor it to your specific needs.
A well-done home-built sauna can add value to your property. Homebuyers can easily notice the beauty, craft, and care that goes into a beautifully built sauna, helping to make your home even more alluring.
In a competitive market, this unique feature can ensure your property stands out, offering both personal enjoyment and investment value.
Plan Your Budget-Friendly Sauna
Constructing a sauna can be a fun, rewarding, and inexpensive project with enough forethought. Plan the major components of your sauna and budget accordingly. Don’t forget to plan for hidden expenses that can appear during the building process.
To build an outdoor sauna cheap, create a detailed timeline for each budgeting phase to keep costs manageable. Focus on prioritizing essential features first – this helps you stay within budget while still creating your dream sauna. Smart financial planning from the start ensures you get quality results without overspending.
1. Define Sauna Size and Features
One, determine how many people you intend to accommodate. Next, consider the space you have available to figure out what size sauna would work best for you.
Six feet by eight feet is a nice, manageable size for a hot room, but you’ll want to be careful that you have enough room for a changing area. A 6kW sauna heater will get your sauna up to around 205 degrees in less than an hour.
It runs you only about $170, so it’s a nice little frill for your sauna. Make smart layout choices to maximize comfort and functionality, and weigh the benefits of the creative trade-offs between width and cost-saving efficiency.
2. Research Local Building Codes
Research any local codes or regulations that may impact the sauna design and construction. Develop a roadmap of required permits and approvals, in addition to applicable safety standards related to installations.
Be wary of zoning regulations that may restrict where you’re able to situate your sauna.
3. Create a Detailed Material List
Put together an accurate list of materials you will need for the build. Break down the materials into categories such as wood framing, insulation, plumbing fixtures, etc.
Add in your estimated cost for each to keep you on track with your available budget. Spend time scouring local suppliers or online resources to save money and get the biggest bang for your buck.
Employing salvaged, reclaimed, or otherwise repurposed materials can reduce costs substantially.
4. Design for Energy Efficiency
Build in energy-efficient designs from the start to lower future operational costs. Research insulation types that will maximize heat retention, and ensure you design for proper ventilation to avoid air quality issues.
Creating an inviting and relaxing sauna environment can be accomplished by selecting energy-efficient appliances and lighting.
5. Set a Realistic Budget
Learning how to build an outdoor sauna cheap starts with creating a realistic budget for materials and labor, plus a buffer for unexpected costs. Track every expense closely throughout the project, and stay flexible—being willing to adjust plans helps you finish your DIY sauna without breaking your budget.
Choose a Cost-Effective Foundation
Selecting the proper foundation for your outdoor sauna is a critical step that affects overall costs, longevity, and final appearance. When figuring out how to build an outdoor sauna cheap, evaluate different foundation options to find one that meets both your budget and site requirements while ensuring structural integrity.
1. Concrete Slab Foundation Guide
Specifying and pouring a single concrete slab isn’t a simple or straightforward process. Begin by outlining the area, then excavate the location to a depth of 4 inches. Once you’ve leveled the ground, roll out a vapor barrier and then cover with rebar to reinforce the slab.
Step 6—Pour the concrete and let it cure. Although a poured concrete slab provides outstanding durability, it is an expensive option that involves complicated installation. Basic tools would be a concrete mixer, shovel, and level.
2. Gravel Pad Foundation Overview
Gravel pad foundations are easy to make. Start by removing debris and leveling the ground. Include a landscape fabric, then 4 inches of Class 5 gravel.
This foundation provides superior moisture control and drainage. It requires minimal materials: gravel and a fabric layer to prevent weed growth.
3. Pier Foundation Details
It works like this: making a pier foundation involves digging holes or setting sonotubes or deck blocks. This approach lifts the sauna up, avoiding expensive moisture deterioration.
You will need gravel and some 4×6-inch posts for added support. Making sure things are level is important; get the posts lined up right and bolt them in place with galvanized carriage bolts.
4. Wood Foundation Insights
Using wood for a foundation can be an economical choice, especially when working with abundant local materials like beetle-kill pine. If you’re learning how to build an outdoor wood-fired sauna, keep in mind that while wood is cost-effective, it requires more maintenance than concrete or stone. Factor this into your plans to ensure long-term durability and structural integrity.
Select sustainably sourced wood materials to maximize environmental impact.
5. Plinth Foundation Guide
A plinth foundation is made up of concrete blocks stacked in a pattern to provide support for the sauna. It is frequently less expensive than a complete concrete slab, and it delivers excellent insulation value.
Materials are concrete blocks and waxed insulation for cold-weather advantage.
6. Screw Foundation Insights
Screw foundations are faster to install and soil-type independent. The installation process consists of screwing metal posts into the ground, which makes them a great option where the ground may not be even.
7. Preparing the Groundwork
Before beginning any foundation construction, from cranes to dirt work, clean debris off the site and prep the area. Evaluate existing soil conditions to maintain natural drainage patterns.
Make sure to mark the sauna footprint correctly so you don’t accidentally build it out of alignment.
Select Budget-Friendly Sauna Materials
If you’re trying to build an outdoor sauna on a budget, the selection of appropriate materials is a good place to begin. Knowing how to save on wood, insulation, and heating sources can save you a lot without sacrificing quality.
What is the Cheapest Wood to Use?
When considering what wood a sauna is made of, softwoods like pine, cedar, and spruce are top choices. Not only are these the most affordable options, but they’re also lightweight, easy to work with, and offer excellent thermal properties – making them ideal for sauna construction.
Why it’s good: As a group, softwoods are quick to heat, which makes them workable in sauna settings. Though generally more durable, hardwoods can be more expensive and do a poor job of holding heat.
To build an outdoor sauna cheap, source materials locally by checking lumberyards, home improvement stores, and online marketplaces like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace for discounted wood. Remember – proper treatment of any materials you find will ensure your budget-friendly sauna lasts for years.
Even with wood, using waterproof sealants will resist moisture and greatly extend the life of the wood.
Source: Recycled or Reclaimed Materials
Cost savings can be even greater by using a combination of recycled or reused materials. Keep an eye out at local construction sites, salvage yards, or on local online forums such as Craigslist for reclaimed wood.
This decision is both a budget-friendly move and environmentally friendly, as it reduces waste.
When determining quality, look for evidence of damage, rot, or pest infestation. A deep inspection guarantees that you use materials that are visually appealing and structurally impressive.
Choose Affordable Insulation Options
Materials like fiberglass and foam work effectively, but be sure the insulation is safe for high temperatures and moisture. Affordable options such as fiberglass batts or foam board can work well and save you money.
These solid materials are excellent heat reservoirs and insulators, creating maximum heat retention with minimum energy use. Look for more sustainable options that provide high thermal resistance, even on a budget.
Installing insulation can make a world of difference—make sure it’s fitted properly and tightly in walls and ceilings to avoid losing valuable heat.
Consider Alternative Heat Sources
These can include wood stoves or infrared heaters — both of which can save you a pretty penny compared to traditional electric stoves. Wood stoves are generally cheaper in the long run, while infrared heaters warm you up fast.
To build an outdoor sauna cheap, carefully compare heating sources by evaluating both upfront installation costs and long-term efficiency ratings. Research each material’s specific requirements – proper planning for installation and maintenance will help keep your project affordable while ensuring optimal performance.
Step-by-Step Sauna Construction Guide
It can be quite an enriching experience going through the sauna building process, and knowing the general phases of construction is a good place to start. You’ll move through several key stages: planning, constructing the floor frame, building the walls, installing the roof, adding the door, creating the interior bench setup, setting up the sauna stove, installing windows and air vents, and finally, adding lighting and switches.
Every step is different with its own timeline. It typically takes anywhere from a few days to a week or two, depending on your comfort level and the complexity of your design.
Safety Note: Safety is always the top priority, so be sure to use protective equipment and keep your tools and building materials well maintained. Having a checklist will ensure you stay on top of each step as well as verify that nothing is missed.
1. Constructing the Floor Frame
First, measure out and mark what size sauna you want to build. Build an 8’ x 12’ frame with treated lumber for durability, making sure the frame is square and level. Ensure the joints are square to prevent problems down the line.
One of the biggest blunders when creating this frame is forgetting to bolt it securely, risking shakiness. Add brackets at all joints that intersect to increase stability.
2. Building the Walls
Construct the stud walls, using 2×4 lumber, and be sure to insert vertical studs every 16 inches. Applying tongue-and-groove paneling instead creates a smooth surface and increased insulation value.
Insulate the walls with fiberglass batts (non-combustible) to keep the heat in. Don’t forget to include ventilation openings in order to avoid the accumulation of moisture!
3. Installing the Roof
Build the roof so it is sloped to allow for rain runoff. Choose materials, such as shingles or metal, that are long-lasting and will hold up against moisture and the elements outdoors.
Creating a waterproof envelope between the sauna prep and the outside elements will ultimately help avoid leaks. Remember to practice safe ladder use and practices whenever working at heights.
4. Adding the Door
Select an insulated door to help hold onto that heat. Make sure that it closes air-tight to keep the sauna temperatures.
Popular options are solid wood and insulated fiberglass, both of which provide durability and insulation properties.
5. Creating an Interior Bench Setup
Plan benches to be removable at appropriate heights ranging from 18 to 24 inches. Choose heat-resistant materials, such as cedar or aspen.
Arrange the benches in a way that maximizes airflow. This can help maximize your sauna experience.
6. Setting Up Sauna Stove
Install the stove under the manufacturer’s instructions, paying careful attention to venting.
Electric versus Wood Burning: Electric or wood-burning options are available, and each has specific advantages.
The importance of following safety precautions during installation cannot be overstated. Keep required clearances.
7. Installing Windows and Air Vents
Choose double-pane tempered glass to install windows that will hold up against the sauna’s heat and humidity. Place the vents in appropriate locations to improve the flow of air and increase comfort.
Choose materials that will not warp or be destroyed by moisture.
8. Adding Lighting and Switches
Install moisture-resistant light fixtures and electrical components for safety and durability. The warm, soft glow of the lighting adds to the relaxing ambience, deepening your sauna experience.
Be extremely cautious as you add in electrical components, and always follow your local building codes.
Essential Tools and Supplies Checklist
Constructing a backyard sauna takes attention to detail and having the right supplies on hand. With a complete checklist in hand, you can feel confident that you won’t forget any essential items.
Construction Tools
Start with the tools of structural design. Pick up a circular saw to make your wood cuts. A drill to create holes for anchoring and the trusty level to ensure all is true and plumb!
Don’t leave out a measuring tape to ensure you get proper dimensions. A variety of hammer and screwdriver set will be handy as you’ll use them for putting your sauna together.
Safety Gear
Safety gear to protect against vehicles is essential. When cutting or drilling wood, be sure to wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from sawdust and debris.
Learning how to build an outdoor sauna cheap requires proper safety gear – wear ear protection for loud power tools and heavy-duty gloves to prevent splinters. For electrical components, use insulated tools and rubber-soled shoes to avoid shocks while keeping your budget-friendly project safe.
Insulation Materials
For a warm home, effective insulation is essential. Look for quality insulation materials like fiberglass or foam board. These options are easy to shear down to fit your sauna’s measurements exactly.
Don’t forget vapor barriers to protect your wood from moisture. Native Materials: Consider using cedar or pine wood in the interior. These alternatives combat humidity while generating a soothing scent inside the home.
Shopping Tips
As you procure your tools and supplies, don’t forget to check the local hardware store for better prices. Most have rental programs for pricier tools, you might only use once.
Online marketplaces can be a great way to help you find new or used items at a great price. Tip: Always check prices to make sure that you’re getting the best value.
Conclusion
Collecting these tools and supplies will set you up for a rewarding and successful space-enhancing sauna build.
Prioritize Sauna Safety Measures
When learning how to build an outdoor sauna cheap, never compromise on safety. Design your sauna with crucial features from the start, including an outward-opening door to prevent trapping occupants. While saving money is important, these protective measures ensure your rewarding DIY project remains safe for everyone.
Use heat-resistant materials for the walls and ceiling to reduce fire hazards. As a safety measure, non-slip flooring is very important to avoid slips, trips, and falls, particularly in wet areas. These elements combine to ensure a safe sauna experience for all bathers.
Proper ventilation is extremely important to overall health, safety, and comfort. Learn how to properly ventilate your sauna by planning for an inlet vent near the floor and an outlet vent near the ceiling. This arrangement allows cross-ventilation with fresh air to occur.
It keeps the humidity level in check, so even when you’re absorbing high temperatures, you can still take a deep breath. In addition, good ventilation lessens the accumulation of dangerous gases, ensuring sauna safety in your relaxing escape.
When you’re dealing with electrical installations, safety should always be your top priority. It’s important that if your sauna requires wiring, you have a licensed electrician to address this. They can make sure your sauna’s electrical system is up to code, lowering the risks of electrical shock or fire.
Add GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlets for an extra line of protection. These devices can immediately shut off electrical flow during an electrical fault, adding another layer of safety. This is crucial to know, particularly if your sauna is located close to a body of water.
To ensure lasting safety, prioritize structural integrity during construction by using pressure-treated wood for foundations and framing to prevent rot. When building an outdoor sauna cheap, regularly inspect for signs of damage and reinforce vulnerable areas – this maintenance habit protects your investment while keeping costs low.
Securing your sauna to the foundation with proper anchoring techniques will allow your sauna to be more easily secured against strong wind forces and other weather conditions.
Maximize Energy Efficiency
By making your outdoor sauna more energy-efficient, you can reduce your overall operational costs. Not only is it cost-effective, it fosters a healthier lifestyle. Begin the process by focusing on correct insulation.
Insulating the walls, roof, and floor minimizes heat escaping, so the sauna heats up fast and reaches peak temperatures quickly. Especially use fibrous materials such as fiberglass, cellulose, or foam board. These materials are highly effective at reducing heat flow.
Sealing the tiniest gaps around doors and windows eliminates cold drafts and heat loss. A couple of hundred dollars of simple weather stripping can save a lot of money while keeping a stable environment.
Timers & Thermostats
As with all energy-efficient practices, timers and/or thermostats are key. Use a programmable timer to maximize your sauna experience. Schedule it to come up to temp immediately before you plan to use it!
This smart strategy means the sauna is the perfect temperature when you get in, reducing energy waste. Just like a digital thermostat, the right solution will keep you at your ideal temperature without wasting energy.
For instance, you can save energy by turning down the sauna’s temperature or turning it off entirely when you’re not using it. This ensures that you come home to a pleasant environment later on, too.
Energy-Efficient Appliances
Using energy-efficient appliances can help make your sauna more sustainable. Choose infrared heaters and heaters with high energy efficiency ratings. These units use less energy by providing the same amount of heating output with less energy usage.
Electric heaters with adjustable settings allow you to turn them up or down depending on your needs and adjust the energy output accordingly. If you’re passionate about energy efficiency, you can try powering your sauna with solar panels.
When you power your home with renewable energy, you lower your electricity costs and reduce your impact on the environment.
Avoid Common DIY Sauna Mistakes
Tackling your own outdoor sauna is a great DIY experience, but many people get tripped up by these popular mistakes. By familiarizing yourself with these common errors, you too can avoid wasting time and money.
The biggest mistake people make is not thinking about insulation enough. Correct insulation keeps the heat in and helps to make sure your new sauna is energy efficient. Using materials such as fiberglass or foam boards will get you there.
The second mistake is overlooking your sauna’s ventilation. When done correctly, a sauna with good ventilation will prevent moisture accumulation and create a more comfortable sauna experience. Fitting vents at both the top and bottom of the sauna maximizes airflow and will improve the sauna’s performance.
A little careful planning will go a long way to avoid making these mistakes. Begin by creating a detailed plan of your sauna, noting where your door and windows will go. This will be an enormous help in visualizing the space and keeping you from making a variety of other potential mistakes.
Have all your materials on hand before starting construction. When you have everything in place, you prevent the opportunity for making spur-of-the-moment decisions that can result in errors.
It cannot be overstated that adherence to local building codes is a must. Local codes usually set the bar for structural integrity and safety, and it’s your job to meet or exceed that bar during construction.
Check your local or state regulations to ensure all requirements are followed. This effort will ensure your sauna remains a safe and enjoyable environment and helps to preserve your long-term investment.
The most seasoned DIY sauna simpleton should still at least consult with the professionals. Hiring or consulting someone experienced in construction will give you a wealth of knowledge and understanding, helping you avoid costly mistakes.
Hiring the right contractor for a specialty consultation or simply asking a well-informed friend goes a long way, so make the effort to reach out.
Maintain Your Budget Sauna
Caring for your yard sauna is key to ensuring you’ll enjoy it for years to come! A few simple maintenance tasks will keep your sauna safe, fully functional, and looking its best in its natural beauty.
Start with basic maintenance – inspect the heater, verify proper ventilation, and check wood surfaces for damage. To build an outdoor sauna cheap that lasts, run sessions monthly (even off-season) to maintain the heater’s function and preserve your sauna’s condition long-term.
Keeping your sauna materials clean should be equally important. Develop a cleaning routine with a basic water and mild soap solution, and disinfect sauna walls and benches after each use. This keeps moisture and smells from accumulating, which can cause mold or mildew.
Don’t forget to clean benches and walls, which can be sites for sweat and dirt build-up. Use a natural oil or wood conditioner on your wood surfaces every 6 months or so. This keeps them looking like new and will stop them from drying and cracking.
Monitoring for signs of wear and tear will end up saving you money on maintenance in the future. Check the seals on the door and joints, and for cracks where you can see the firebox or where heat might be escaping.
If you find cracked or warped wood, getting those boards replaced right away is key to preserving insulation quality and preventing pests from getting inside. By taking care of these concerns right away, you stop more expensive problems from growing, such as structural damage or energy bill increases.
Lastly, don’t underestimate signs of larger problems such as heat loss or funky smells. If your sauna isn’t heating up, you may need to address the heater or sauna insulation.
Create a sauna maintenance log and checklist. In this manner, you can enjoy your sauna for many years without any surprise expense.
Final Touches and Enjoyment
Whether your outdoor sauna is nearly complete or you’re still planning it out, those final touches are what truly take your experience to the next level. Here’s how a simple checklist can help you as you consider improving your sauna experience to the next level.
Lastly, consider ventilation. Proper ventilation is key to maintaining a comfortable and healthy environment while preventing excess humidity and moisture accumulation.
Second, hang a solid core door that closes tightly to keep your warmth and personal conversations where they belong. If you’re expecting to be in your sauna regularly, you’ll want to make your sauna walls insulated to maintain temperature.
Plan for alternative heating. Consider an alternate, more efficient source of heat, such as a wood-burning stove or electric infrared heaters. That will ensure you a familiar and fun event.
Whatever you choose, adding personalization to your sauna space helps to make it uniquely yours. Most importantly, pick colors and materials that make you happy. Using natural materials, such as wooden accents or stone elements, will help you achieve a calming atmosphere.
Include personal touches. Go beyond plants and natural light—include artwork or photographs that promote peace and restoration. This area needs to be true to your aesthetic, creating a soothing getaway that you can’t wait to spend time in.
Setting the scene for relaxation is key.
Use the right accessories. Accessories such as soft, ambient lighting can help create a relaxing mood. Look at LED lights that provide color variations or choose dimmable fixtures to control levels of brightness.
Aromatherapy is another key factor in enhancing your sauna experience, especially if you’re learning how to build an outdoor sauna cheap. Adding essential oils like eucalyptus—known for its clarifying and soothing properties—can elevate relaxation, rejuvenate breathing, and clear sinuses. This simple, cost-effective upgrade maximizes comfort without breaking the bank.
Supportive soft towels and the comforting texture of a luxurious chaise lounge can increase your enjoyment even more.
Whether you prefer infrared or traditional, regular sauna sessions can improve your overall health. They improve circulation, decrease stress, and help to relieve muscle soreness.
When you make sauna time a regular part of your routine, you’re promoting physical wellness and mental clarity. Soon, these sessions will become one of your favorite parts of the day, as you learn to create a calmer mind and body.
Conclusion
Constructing a cheap outdoor sauna brings the luxury of tranquility to your backyard while offering detoxifying benefits. By carefully planning your project and selecting affordable materials, you’ll create a personal sanctuary that delivers both satisfaction and relaxation. Remember to prioritize safety and energy efficiency throughout the build process – this ensures your budget-friendly retreat remains a source of enjoyment for years to come.
Now’s the time to roll up your sleeves and start this rewarding DIY journey. Gather your tools, procure your materials, and begin building your dream sauna. So go forth, enjoy the journey, and before long, you’ll be relaxing in blissful serenity within your very own backyard retreat.
