How to Build a Sauna on a Budget: Easy DIY Guide

How to Build a Sauna on a Budget: DIY Guide to Affordable Saunas

Long gone are the days when saunas were considered a luxury of the rich and famous. Anyone can enjoy the therapeutic benefits of a home sauna, even on a budget! With the growing popularity of sauna wellness and its health benefits, it’s easier than ever to build a DIY sauna on a budget.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about building a budget sauna. From budget considerations to tips for keeping costs low, you can have your own DIY sauna up and running in no time!

Why Building a Budget Sauna is Worth It

There’s a good chance you’ve experienced a sauna at spas, gyms, or hotels. But did you know that building a home sauna on a budget can offer a range of benefits? While creating a DIY sauna is cost-effective, the long-term benefits are worth every penny.

Here are just some of the advantages that come with having your own backyard sauna:

Stress Relief

One of the most well-known benefits of a sauna is stress relief. Relaxing in a warm, quiet environment like a sauna can help reduce stress and tension, making it a great way to unwind after a long day or week. You’ll soon feel refreshed and invigorated!

Increased Circulation

Saunas help to relax blood vessels, increasing blood flow throughout the body. When circulation is improved, your body can more efficiently transport oxygen and essential nutrients to organs. As a result, you may experience better energy levels, enhanced skin health, and overall increased vitality.

Improved Cardiovascular Health

Your cardiovascular system, which includes your heart and blood vessels, plays a crucial role in overall health. Research has shown that saunas can help reduce blood pressure and lower the risk of heart disease. The heat from a dry sauna can stimulate the heart rate, providing a low-impact workout for your body.

Body Detoxification

Toxins can build up in the body over time, and saunas are an effective way to flush them out. As your body heats up during a session, toxins are released through sweat. This promotes better health overall and may even help alleviate symptoms of chronic illnesses.

Better Privacy

In addition to the health benefits, there are many reasons to build your own DIY sauna. If privacy is important, having a cheap DIY sauna at home allows you to relax without sharing the space with strangers.

Saves Money

One of the greatest advantages of a DIY sauna on a budget is the money saved in the long run. Having a home sauna kit means you no longer need to spend on expensive spa treatments or gym sessions. You can enjoy the many benefits of a budget sauna without a hefty monthly fee!

5 Factors to Consider When Building a Sauna on a Budget

Now that you understand the benefits of having a home sauna, it’s time to delve deeper into the most important aspect: your budget. Saunas consist of several components, each influencing the overall cost. Below are five crucial factors to keep in mind when building a DIY sauna on a budget:

1. The Size of Your Sauna

The larger your sauna, the higher the expenses will be. Opting for a smaller home sauna and taking turns with family or friends can significantly reduce costs. However, you must also consider the long-term running costs of maintaining a larger sauna over time. Weigh the upfront costs versus the operational expenses to make the best decision.

It’s important to evaluate how many people will be using the sauna regularly and choose a sauna size that fits both your needs and budget.

2. The Sauna Location

You might already have a spot picked out for your DIY backyard sauna, but have you thought about the hidden costs? For an outdoor sauna, you may need to invest in groundwork, such as electricians, plumbers, or even securing building permits. These extra costs can add up quickly.

Ensure that you account for all potential expenditures related to location preparation before buying materials for your DIY outdoor sauna.

3. The Design (Home Sauna Kits vs. Custom Built)

Choosing between a home sauna kit and a custom-built sauna will significantly impact your budget. Home sauna kits are an affordable option that includes all the necessary components and can be assembled easily, making them an ideal choice for building a budget sauna.

On the other hand, if you prefer a custom design, you can either build it yourself or hire a company to do it. DIY custom-built saunas allow for more creativity but may take longer and could end up costing more due to the need for sourcing materials.

4. The Labor Costs

Building a DIY sauna may seem like a straightforward task, but if you lack skills like plumbing or electrical work, you’ll need to hire a professional. While saving money is crucial, safety should never be compromised. Research and hire a qualified professional to avoid costly mistakes.

If you’re handling all the work yourself, make sure to account for your time and potential labor costs for tasks beyond your expertise.

5. The Heater Type

The type of sauna heater you select plays a major role in both the feel and cost of your sauna. Each heater type comes with its own advantages and associated expenses.

Here are a few of the most popular types of sauna heaters:

• Wood-burning stove: A wood-burning stove is an excellent choice as you don’t need additional wiring or plumbing installed. However, you need a chimney to make the sauna safe and a steady supply of wood to burn.
• Electric stove: An electric stove is a great alternative to a wood-burning stove, as you don’t need to worry about running out of fuel. The result is very similar to a wood-burning sauna, but there will be additional wiring and electrical costs.
• Infrared sauna: Infrared saunas have become increasingly popular due to their energy efficiency. They heat up much faster than traditional saunas, but the infrared panels can come at a premium price.
• Steam sauna: A steam room is a great way to relax and unwind, but it can be expensive. You’ll need to factor in the cost of plumbing and installation for the steam generator.

Every decision you make when building your budget DIY sauna will ultimately affect the total cost. Always research each element thoroughly rather than just looking at the initial outlay. While a wood-burning stove may seem like the most cost-effective choice, the price of wood to burn over time may make an electric stove a better option.

These considerations will help you save money in the long run and build a sauna you can be proud of!

Tips to Reduce Costs When Building a Sauna

The main components of any DIY sauna are the heat source, an enclosed space, and adequate insulation. However, how you assemble these elements will have a significant impact on your budget.

There are several ways you can cut costs while building a home sauna, which will save you money and make your sauna-building experience more enjoyable. With the right tips and tricks, you can create a cheap DIY sauna that still delivers excellent results. Just keep in mind, the more you cut back, the less your budget sauna may resemble a traditional one.

Here are some of our favourite tips and tricks for building a budget-friendly sauna:

Repurpose an Existing Space

Do you have a room in your home that isn’t being used? Or perhaps an outhouse or unused shed? You may be able to repurpose it into a sauna. By using the existing walls of the space and insulating them, you can create the enclosed area you need.

Repurposing an existing space is one of the most cost-effective ways to save money when building a budget sauna. This eliminates the need to source materials to build the structure or lay foundations if you’re building an outdoor sauna.

Research and Compare Prices

The internet is your best friend when researching prices for DIY sauna kits or materials. Make sure you compare multiple options and manufacturers before committing to a purchase. This is especially important if you’re going for a home sauna kit. Prices for DIY home sauna kits usually start around $1500, and can rise significantly depending on size and features.

Even if you’re leaning toward a sauna kit, comparing prices is still essential. You might find that building a sauna from scratch could be cheaper, depending on materials and design.

Pick a Cheaper Cut of Wood

If you’re building your DIY sauna from scratch, you need to consider the type of wood. While tongue and groove cedar is a classic choice, it’s also one of the most expensive. If you’re looking to save, consider alternatives like pine, spruce, basswood, hemlock, or aspen. These woods are often more affordable but still provide a beautiful finish for your sauna.

Just be sure the wood you choose can withstand the heat and humidity typical of a sauna environment.

Make it Small

Who says your cheap DIY sauna has to be large? Unless you need it to accommodate multiple people at once, there’s no need for excess space. Smaller saunas are quicker to heat, use less electricity, and cost less to build.

Reclaim or Reuse Materials

If you’re really on a tight budget, you can reclaim materials from old saunas or other building projects. Some great things you should consider reusing for your cheap DIY sauna are:

• Windows
• Doors
• Flooring tiles
• Door handles
• Wood planks

You can also ask friends and family if they have any unwanted materials you could use for your sauna. While you may not use these reclaimed materials inside your sauna (as you need to use heat-resistant materials there), you can repurpose them for the framing or the external structure.

Consider the Existing Amenities

If you’re repurposing a room in your home or an outhouse, you can use any existing amenities, such as water pipes and electricity, to save money. You may need to rethink the layout of your DIY sauna to fit around what is already there – but the money-saving benefits could be worth it.

Skill Swap with a Friend

Not everyone is a DIY expert, and certain tasks like electrical work require specific qualifications. If you have a friend who’s qualified and willing to help, consider skill swapping. You could offer something you’re good at, like painting or plumbing, in exchange for their assistance. Skill swapping can be a fun and economical way to build your budget sauna!

Make Your Own Wood-Burning Stove

If you’re after the traditional sauna experience, a wood-burning stove is a great option. While it’s one of the more expensive aspects of a sauna, it’s possible to build one yourself. People have successfully crafted wood-burning stoves from old oil drums or metal buckets. If you don’t feel like DIYing it, you can also look for second-hand stoves online.

Use Near-Infrared Bulbs

Infrared saunas are often heated by panels which can be pretty pricey. If you’re using a small, enclosed space for your sauna, you could consider using near-infrared bulbs as a cheap alternative. Near-infrared bulbs cost as low as $20 per bulb.

The results may not be as powerful as a traditional infrared sauna, but they could help create the desired effect on a budget.

Balance Upfront Costs with Long-Term Savings

Some costs, like the heating source, are unavoidable. While cheaper options may seem attractive upfront, spending more on a higher-quality stove or heater may save you money in the long run. A more durable stove could last for years, whereas a cheaper model may need replacement sooner. The same applies to energy-efficient heaters—though they might cost more initially, they can help lower your energy bills over time.

Consider the Final Touches

There are so many fun, creative ways to make your cheap DIY sauna stand out! However, they aren’t always the most budget-friendly. While a separate dressing room or a shower may add to the experience, they can also cost more than you had planned.

If you have a tight budget, you may want to consider other ways to spruce up your sauna. You could try adding some plants, painting the exterior walls, or incorporating dollar store accessories.

Alternatively, you could always choose to make the most of the space – for instance, adding some towel racks or DIY benches.

3 Essential Features to Include When Building a Sauna on a Budget

While saving money is a top priority, there are some things you should never compromise on when building a DIY sauna.

Let’s take a look at 3 key features to prioritise when creating your budget home sauna:

1. Safety Features

No matter how tight your DIY sauna budget is, cutting corners on safety features is never a good idea. You must ensure your sauna is built to meet the necessary safety standards. This includes installing proper ventilation and ensuring any electrical components are wired up correctly.

If you’re unfamiliar with electrical work, it is essential to hire a professional electrician to handle the wiring and heating installation. Proper safety precautions are crucial to creating a safe, functional sauna.

2. Insulation and Vapour Barrier

Proper insulation and a vapour barrier are critical components of any sauna, especially when building a sauna on a budget. Without adequate insulation, your sauna might not heat effectively, leading to uncomfortable sessions and wasting energy.

Insulating your sauna walls and ceiling properly will keep the heat in, which is essential for creating the desired sauna experience. Additionally, a vapour barrier helps prevent water damage and mould growth. An insufficient vapour barrier could lead to mould issues, which would result in costly repairs down the line.

3. Quality Heating Source

The heating source is one of the most significant expenses when building a sauna on a budget. While making a wood-burning stove might be a budget-friendly DIY option if you have the skills, if you choose to buy one, ensure it is of good quality.

Cheap stoves may save you money upfront, but they could break down faster, costing you more in the long run. A quality sauna stove or heater is an investment that will pay off over time, providing reliable, efficient heat for your sauna sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Building a Sauna on a Budget

Is it possible to build a DIY sauna on a budget?

If you gain anything from this article, it should be how it is possible to build a cheap DIY sauna! You need to be creative and pay attention to the details, but with careful consideration, you can create a budget-friendly sauna.

How much does it typically cost to build a DIY sauna compared to buying a prebuilt one?

The answer to this entirely depends on the size, space, and materials used. You can build a sauna for as little as $1000 using low-cost materials and existing amenities. Always research and compare prices to ensure you get the best deal.

Are indoor or outdoor DIY saunas better?

This is a tricky one. Ultimately, the best type of sauna depends on the purpose it will serve and your personal preferences. Indoor saunas can be cheaper to maintain and more comfortable in colder climates, while outdoor saunas may offer a more spacious and natural feel. You could also make a portable outdoor sauna – providing the best of both worlds.

Are budget DIY saunas hard to maintain?

Consistent maintenance is essential to keep your sauna in good condition. This includes:

• Regularly checking for wear and tear
• Cleaning the benches and walls
• Ensuring your stove is in good working order

Working through this list isn’t hard and will soon become part of your regular sauna routine!

Final Thoughts: Enjoying Your DIY Budget Sauna

Building your dream DIY sauna on a budget is entirely possible! It’s all about being creative, sourcing affordable materials, and making smart choices along the way. While cutting costs in certain areas can help, always prioritise safety, insulation, and a quality heating source.

By selecting the right components and using some of the budget-friendly tips outlined, you can create a sauna that delivers the same great experience as one built with a bigger budget. Enjoy your DIY budget sauna, relax, and unwind without the hefty price tag!