Building an infrared sauna brings your wellness regimen right into your home or backyard, making it easier than ever to commit to regular sessions. We’ve put together this DIY infrared sauna guide to help you get started.
But you don’t have to learn how to build an infrared sauna from scratch. Even if you want more control over the style and layout, you can very likely find the perfect kit for your installation location, preferences, goals, and budget. This is a more practical, cost-effective approach than building an entire structure from scratch and sourcing individual infrared panels.
However, a lot of people want to see what actually goes into bringing a custom sauna to life. So, we’ll take you through it step-by-step below. Just know you can skip to the good part and indulge in the ultimate self-care at home with an infrared sauna kit from Premium Saunas!
Key Takeaways
- A DIY infrared sauna plugs into a standard 120V household outlet so you don’t need special wiring (and thus, no electrician) in many cases.
- Far infrared panels are more affordable, but full-spectrum panels give you more benefits.
- You save money, avoid guesswork, and speed things up with a DIY infrared sauna kit. Most go together in just a few hours.
- Canadian hemlock and thermo-aspen are good options for indoor saunas. Go with cedar for an outdoor sauna.
- Premium Saunas stocks the best kits from the top-rated brands, backed by a low-price guarantee and world-class customer service.
Why Build Your Own Infrared Sauna?
There’s nothing like the intense, radiating heat of a traditional sauna. We love being able to add steam to the experience, too. But an infrared sauna is the more accessible option for most people, and it’s no wonder this style has become so popular over the past decade or so.
Infrared saunas work quite a bit differently. They don’t rely on electric heaters that warm stones, which then send heat into the cabin. Instead, they use infrared light panels that send out intense wavelengths. They penetrate your skin and warm your body directly.
They work at much lower temperatures while still provoking a strong sweat response. Think somewhere between 120 and 150 degrees Fahrenheit, compared to 170 to 200 in a traditional sauna. This is more comfortable, a lot of people find. Here are some of the other benefits of consistently partaking in infrared sauna sessions:
- Boosting circulation
- Supporting muscle recovery
- Easing stress
- Minimizing chronic pain/joint stiffness
- Helping detoxify the body
- Improving skin health
The list honestly goes on and on. Health benefits aside, building an infrared sauna is also more cost-effective than a traditional sauna - not just upfront, but over the course of time! You can find kits starting under $1,500 without any compromise in quality. Running an infrared sauna comes in at around $0.15 to $0.30 per session. You won’t even notice it on your energy bill.
Compare that to a spa charging you $30 to $50 per visit, and learning how to build an infrared sauna becomes a no-brainer. Plus, having access to the sauna in your basement, spare bedroom, or backyard makes it so much easier to stick with your 3-5 times a week routine. That consistency is key to tapping into all the benefits sauna therapy has to offer, after all.
Step One in the DIY Infrared Sauna Process: Picking Your Panels
The first step in any DIY infrared sauna guide is picking your panels. These influence how your sauna heats, where it heats, and how evenly. Every other component is merely housing.
Types of DIY Infrared Sauna Panels
There are two main types of panels you’ll come across:
- Far-infrared (FIR) panels: These operate in the 3,000 to 10,000 nanometer (nm) range. That’s where the deepest tissue penetration happens. Most carbon heating panels fall under this category. The Dynamic Saunas Bellagio uses nine low-EMF far-infrared carbon panels if you want to get a sense of what this layout might look like in practice.
- Full-spectrum infrared panels: Far-infrared PLUS mid-infrared and near-infrared. It’s the whole gamut of infrared light. In other words, you’re getting a much more diverse range of benefits since the spectrum ranges from 700 nm all the way up to 10,000 nm. Near-infrared panels can help improve skin health. Mid-infrared panels hit soft tissue and really boost circulation. Finnmark’s Spectrum Plus heaters are the industry standard.
Our blog has a deeper dive into the difference between full-spectrum vs far-infrared sauna technology if you want to learn more about which panels are right for your goals. We typically recommend going with full-spectrum simply because you can max out the benefits.
Key Criteria in Choosing Your Panels
Narrowing it down to a technology is a great first step. These are some of the other things you should consider as you pick the right heating elements for your infrared sauna DIY:
- EMF: It’s worth paying a premium for low-EMF or near-zero EMF panels, simply for peace of mind. Look to see what the panels actually tested at - anything less than 10 milligauss is safe.
- Coverage: Your panels need to fully surround you for even heating and well-rounded benefits. A two-person infrared sauna will typically need 5-7 heating elements across the back walls, side walls, and calf area.
- Voltage: Most residential infrared sauna plans call for just 120V/15A power, but this is something you should confirm BEFORE buying your panel set.
- Certification: Don’t settle for anything that doesn’t have UL or ETL listing. Non-certified panels are not worth the marginal savings that come with them.
You can typically buy infrared sauna panels online. But if you’d rather not play the compatibility guessing game, every home infrared sauna comes equipped with the right panels.
How to Build an Infrared Sauna: Step-by-Step Guide
At this point, building an infrared sauna just comes down to wood, assembly method, and sourcing. From there, figuring out how to build an infrared sauna is actually fairly straightforward.
Understanding Sauna Wood Types
The wood you choose for your infrared sauna plans matters for a handful of reasons. Sure, there’s the aesthetic side of things - some species just look better. But it’s also about making sure the wood can handle sustained heat and resist warping/resin bleed. Popular options are:
- Canadian hemlock: The standard for an indoor infrared sauna because it’s more affordable and doesn’t have to withstand harsh outdoor conditions. Most Dynamic Saunas and Golden Designs kits use this species.
- Western red cedar: The #1 choice for an outdoor infrared sauna. It’s naturally resistant to rot and decay without any external sealants needed. It will stand the test of time and begin weathering to a stunning silver-gray patina over the years.
- Thermo-aspen: Heat-treated for better stability without using chemicals. It won’t rot, warp, or chip. It stays cool to the touch while the sauna is running, too. Finnmark uses it for exterior panels on some of its models.
There are actually 9 different species you’ll come across if you want to explore other sauna wood types before you build your own infrared sauna. These three give you a great starting point, though.
Sizing Your Sauna
You may be limited to a certain size based on where you’re planning to install your sauna. Whether that’s a spare bedroom, a basement, a garage, or a massive master bathroom, these types of saunas do tend to work best indoors. However, you can technically install one outdoors if it has the right wood and heater layout.
The old adage is important: measure twice, order once. The last thing you want is to unload your sauna and start piecing it together inside only to discover it isn’t going to fit.
We can help you narrow it down if you’re not sure how big a sauna you can fit in your space. Premium Saunas stocks DIY infrared sauna kits for every size, including:
- 2-person infrared sauna
- 3-person infrared sauna
- 4-person infrared sauna
- 5-person infrared sauna
- 6-person infrared sauna
- 8-person infrared sauna
Speaking of which…
Why It’s Best to Go With a DIY Infrared Sauna Kit
At this point you have a good idea of what type of DIY infrared sauna kit you’re interested in - infrared panels, wood species, and size. Now you’re at a crossroads. You can:
- Build your own infrared sauna from scratch and source all the lumber yourself, cut it to size/shape, and piece everything together.
- Purchase a pre-fabricated kit and rest assured everything fits together seamlessly.
Obviously, the latter makes more sense for almost anyone reading this guide on how to build an infrared sauna. It cuts the process from days to hours and takes so many common mistakes out of the equation. It’s not that much more expensive, either.
A kit comes with pre-cut, pre-drilled wood panels, factory-wired heaters, and illustrated instructions. Two people can assemble most kits in 1-2 hours with a drill and basic hand tools.
Finnmark, Dynamic Saunas, Maxxus, and Golden Designs all design their infrared sauna plans so heater wiring routes through pre-built channels in the wall panels. You simply connect the sections, plug everything in, and enjoy!
Step-by-Step Guide to Building an Infrared Sauna Once Your Kit Arrives
Here is how to build an infrared sauna once the box is open and the parts are laid out.
- Prep the floor: You need to choose a flat, level surface. Tile, concrete, or wood is your best bet. DO NOT install your sauna over carpet. It’ll trap moisture underneath the base frame.
- Assemble the base and back panel: Start with the floor frame and raise the back wall. Panels lock together using tongue and groove connections rather than visible screws.
- Attach the side walls: Slide each side panel into the back wall’s edge channel. The heater cable runs should be aligned. Double-check that BEFORE you lock any sections together.
- Install the front wall and door: Most kits include a pre-framed glass door. Carefully lift it into position and secure the hinges.
- Set the roof panel: Drop the ceiling onto the top edges of all four walls. It’ll secure in place using the same tongue-and-groove lock system as the rest of the sauna.
- Connect heater wiring: Panels are typically pre-mounted in the wall sections. You just have to plug in connectors at each junction point and route the main power cord to your wall outlet.
- Install the benches, backrests, and control panel: Finishing touches now. Follow the layout diagram for where the control panel goes, but this is typically near the door at seated height for easy control.
Do a quick test run. Let the sauna run for 20-30 minutes with the door open to burn off any manufacturing residue and confirm everything is working right before you hop inside yourself!
Making the Most of Your New Infrared Sauna
Start at 120 degrees for 15-20 minutes your first week. You can gradually increase temperature and/or session length as you get used to heat therapy.
Make sure you always use your sauna well hydrated. Drink before, during, and after to offset any sweat you lost. Replenish electrolytes as well.
We recommend putting a towel on the bench to absorb sweat and protect the wood. Even so you should wipe down the interior after every use. The exterior shouldn’t really need any care.
And there you have it! Everything you need to know about how to build an infrared sauna. So, what are you waiting for? Find the perfect infrared sauna for your home at Premium Saunas today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to buy or build your own sauna?
Building an infrared sauna from a kit actually comes out around the same cost as sourcing the raw materials and infrared panels. Going with infrared sauna plans you found on the internet is unlikely to be worth it in the long run.
Can you make a regular sauna into an infrared sauna?
Technically possible, but retrofitting infrared panels into an existing traditional sauna can be a huge hassle.
Are infrared sauna panels safe?
As long as you buy them from a trusted retailer and confirm they are low EMF and UL/ETL certified.
How fast can I build my own infrared sauna?
It takes just a few hours when you start from a kit, whether you go with a DIY barrel sauna or DIY infrared sauna kit. Find your fit at Premium Saunas today!
