Basement Sauna installation for any budget

How to Build a Sauna in Your Basement

The popularity of creating a custom sauna in basement is on the rise. A feature formerly only available to the wealthy is fast becoming a must-have for people from all walks of life.

A basement sauna is not only a nice place to unwind after a long day at work, but it also provides several health benefits, according to health professionals. It has been proven to increase blood circulation, detox the body relax muscular tension, help with such medical condition as pain management, treat cardiovascular diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, high blood pressure and a number of other health conditions.

A basement is a fantastic location for a sauna because it offers more room and space than other areas in the home. It also contains the perfect climate, with higher humidity and lower temperature.

Basement saunas are lovely and practical, but they may cause enormous problems for you and your family if not built correctly. Sauna produces a lot of heat and humidity that can quickly destroy the interior walls and cause mildew. When creating a custom-built sauna in your basement, use waterproof materials, properly seal the structure, and include a proper ventilation system.

The cost of setting up a custom-designed sauna in your basement depends on the type and size of the unit. Although it is less expensive to construct one yourself, if you don’t know to install a basement sauna, hiring an expert will save you money and time in the long run. If you need more ideas on what you can turn your basement into, how about basement bedroom ideas with bathroom? 

If you want to install a sauna in your basement, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Pick the Right Location

Before building a sauna in your basement, measure the entire space and think about where you want to place it. Choosing an adequate space in your basement is advantageous since two of the four walls required for your sauna are already up. Exterior walls also provide a natural exit for the heat and dampness from the inside of your house.

Measure the Area

Before purchasing supplies, measure the area first. The amount of material you’ll need to create your indoor sauna is determined by the size of your space.

Type of Sauna Heat

The heat from the basement sauna can be either wet or dry, depending on types of saunas. Water is sprinkled on hot rocks to create steam in a wet sauna. Dry saunas are not steamed in this manner. A dry sauna’s heat source might be one of the following:

• Electrical

An electric sauna heater is used to create a dry sauna. It’s often deficient in humidity, which allows it to provide deep penetration into the skin.

• Wood burning

The wood-burning sauna uses a wood fire for heating, and it is one of the most popular. It provides moist heat that relaxes muscles and soothes aches and pains.

• Infrared

Infrared saunas use a panel to provide radiant heat. They offer a dry heat while still penetrating deep into the skin. This type of sauna is less expensive to run.

• Gas

This type of sauna is often used for hotels and gyms because the gas sauna heater heats up quickly and holds the heat well. It also offers a fairly dry heat.

The safety precautions for each sort of heat conductor must be implemented to protect you and your family. Before using your sauna, check with a professional to ensure the heat generator is correctly connected and that all safety features are in place.

Build And Insulate The Frame

A sauna needs to be properly insulated, sealed, and ventilated. To prevent moisture and heat from seeping through the walls of your basement sauna, use waterproof, mould-resistant materials when constructing it. Ensure all of your joints, nails, and corners are properly sealed with sealants resistant to mold and materials to prevent moisture from leaking through the smaller holes.

The interior walls of your basement sauna should be insulated with R-11 and the exterior walls with R-25.

Cedar panel boards are the most frequent wood used in sauna installation projects because of their durability, resistance to waterborne concerns, cost, and aesthetic advantages. Red cedar is typically the most cost-effective but keeps in mind that wood costs vary based on demand.

• Ventilation

Providing additional ventilation is essential for your sauna to function properly, protect your family members’ health, and keep your house safe. Your ventilation choice should depend on factors such as the size and number of windows in your basement, the humidity level, and the heating source. There are several options you can implement in designing a basement sauna.

• The Sauna Insulation

The proper insulation for your sauna should be made of a material that is not combustible and has good resistance to water damage. For example, polystyrene foam boards and cedar planking are both excellent choices because of their natural fire-resistant and water-resistant properties.

• Vapour Barrier

A vapor barrier is a thin membrane that prevents moisture from entering and escaping your sauna room. Vapour barriers can be made of plastic or rubber and are available in rolls at most hardware stores. This product should be installed on the interior walls of your sauna, including the ceiling and floor. Works perfectly for steam saunas.

• Cedar Planks

Cedarwood is commonly used to hold up well against rot, insects, and fungi. Placing cedar planking on the walls of your sauna increases its ability to retain heat, provides a pleasant scent, and inhibits bacterial growth. You can purchase treated or untreated cedar boards at most lumber yards for this purpose.

• Infrared Sauna Kits

A portable infrared sauna kit allows you to set up your sauna anywhere in the house. Infrared heat penetrates deeper than other types of heat, providing you with a deep skin cleansing and improving circulation. This type of kit usually comes complete with infrared heaters panels, an electrical timer, and proper guidance for installation and safety measures.

• Electric Sauna Kits

Electric sauna kits are usually stored in a shed or outside the basement corner. They operate on 220 volts, so be sure you have an electrical outlet near your chosen installation spot before you begin to build your electric sauna. Unlike infrared saunas that emit heat, an electric heater warms the water which then emits steam. 

Flooring Choice is Important

First, consider the flooring materials for your sauna. This will be difficult to replace if you decide that you want another type of sauna floor later on.

• Concrete

Concrete is the most popular choice for sauna floors because it is relatively inexpensive and easy to install. The downside of concrete is that it cannot be easily replaced if cracked or damaged, whereas another flooring can be.

• Vinyl

Vinyl flooring is good for saunas because it provides insulation, is water-resistant, and has a slip-resistant surface that prevents accidents. This type of flooring may need replacing over time, depending on how much wear and tear your sauna receives.

• Plywood

Plywood is the best option for sauna floors because it does not require any type of waterproofing or insulation and can be easily replaced if damaged. The plywood flooring should only be used if your sauna is built over a concrete foundation with an existing subfloor.

Waterproof Floors

Take into consideration the materials used to construct your basement floor renovation, as well as the finishing products. Waterproofing is important for preventing leakage and damage to your floor. The best way to do this is by using a waterproofing compound on the concrete floors of your sauna room. These compounds can be purchased at any large hardware store.

It is necessary to seal all cracks, joints, or seams in your basement sauna with concrete patching compounds that are water-resistant. This will allow you to walk barefoot on the floor without fear of wrecking the finish or damaging your feet. 

Door Installation

Most saunas have a door that hangs from the ceiling and slides across the top to open. This type of door is easily installed once you have built your frame. If you decide on a solid wall for your sauna, you can cut an opening in it using a circular or jigsaw. The opening size will determine the size of the door unit you purchase. The frame should be covered with plywood and painted or varnished to match your sauna walls.

Plumbing and Electrical Lines

You’ll need to run plumbing and electrical cables through while installing your basement sauna. Although the cost of installing your basement sauna will go up. It is far safer to hire a professional installation company that understands how to route the pipes correctly and install electrical cables and light switch safely.

Remember that the sauna is not the only thing you need to think about when installing it in your home. You will also need to consider where you will want it located, how big of an area you need, and the type of heating system you prefer. These factors can all affect both the cost and function of your sauna.

You may personalize your basement sauna once you’ve completed building it. Saunas come in a range of sizes and designs, so you can build your retreat in the privacy of your own home and have an unforgettable sauna experience.