Building a custom infrared sauna is more than a home improvement project—it’s a commitment to your health, your space, and your values. Whether you’re dreaming of a tranquil backyard retreat or a sleek indoor wellness corner, this guide will walk you through the detailed planning, construction, customization, and optimization process. Designed for both first-time builders and seasoned DIYers, please see this page as it is the most detailed blueprint available online for infrared sauna creation.

Chapter 1: Should You Build Your Own Infrared Sauna?

Designing and building your own infrared sauna can be one of the most rewarding home projects you’ll ever take on. It allows you to tailor every detail to your preferences, whether you’re focused on therapeutic performance, aesthetics, or simply creating a tranquil space to escape daily stress. DIY saunas also save on labor costs and give you more flexibility with dimensions, wood choices, and heater placement.

Creating a custom infrared sauna also empowers you to prioritize quality. While many prefab sauna kits on the market cut corners on materials and heater quality, building your own means you choose every component. This guide is built to help you avoid costly mistakes and create a sauna that feels like your own personal wellness sanctuary.

Evaluate your readiness:

• Time: Expect to spend 40 to 100 hours from planning through completion.

• Budget: DIY saunas range from $3,500 to $8,000+ depending on size and features.

• Skill: Basic carpentry and an understanding of electricity are required. If not, plan to hire a licensed electrician for wiring and permits.

Personal craftsmanship meets long-term wellness:

Designing and building your own sauna lets you create exactly what you need—and know exactly how it works.

Chapter 2: Planning Your Space

Indoor or Outdoor?

Before diving into materials or heater types, the first major decision is where your sauna will go. Location affects everything — ventilation, electrical access, flooring needs, and even how your sauna feels when it’s in use. Will it be in a spare room? Garage? Backyard shed? Basement?

When choosing your space, you’ll want to consider ceiling height, nearby water sources, humidity control, and how easily you can get power to that room. If you’re designing an outdoor sauna, you’ll need to consider insulation, waterproofing, and protecting electronics from extreme weather conditions.

  Choose your location with care: The right space lays the foundation for a safe, relaxing sauna that you’ll love using every day.

• Indoor options: Bathrooms, basements, converted closets.

• Outdoor options: Patios, garden sheds, or standalone custom-built structures.

Your environment sets the tone:

Choose a space that enhances serenity, privacy, and safety.

Dimensions & Layout

• 2-person sauna: 4×5 feet minimum.

• 4-person sauna: 6×7 feet or larger.

• Ceiling height: 7 to 8 feet ideal for efficient heat circulation.

Pro tip:

Account for airflow and insulation—they matter just as much as the heaters.

Chapter 3: Choosing Materials That Last

Wood Selection

The wood you choose isn’t just about appearance — it determines durability, air quality, comfort, and how your sauna smells.

SaunaCloud uses hand-selected Western Red Cedar for its antimicrobial benefits and exceptional longevity. We recommend smooth, tongue-and-groove boards to prevent splinters and gaps. You can also customize your bench design, lighting, and accent materials to match your home’s aesthetic.

  Your sauna should be as beautiful as it is functional: Choosing the right wood adds longevity, character, and a sense of grounded calm to every session.

• Western Red Cedar: Best for longevity, antimicrobial properties, and aesthetic.

• Basswood or Poplar: Hypoallergenic, affordable, but less durable.

• Hemlock: Common in budget models but not as warp-resistant.

Cedar is the gold standard:

We recommend kiln-dried, tongue-and-groove Western Red Cedar from a reputable mill. This is the wood of choice in five-star commercial spas and celebrity saunas.

Insulation

• R-13 fiberglass or rock wool for walls

• Vapor barrier (foil-backed) to retain radiant heat

Interior Finishing

• Use tongue-and-groove paneling for clean, tight seams

• Avoid treated wood or any finishes that off-gas under heat

Build with your health in mind:

Always choose non-toxic, VOC-free adhesives and finishes.

Chapter 4: Heating Systems & Heater Placement

Types of Heaters

• Carbon panels: Gentle, full-body heat but lower surface temperatures.

• Ceramic rods: Intense heat, less even distribution.

• Full spectrum (halogen or quartz): Heat all layers of skin with high intensity.

Choose heaters based on usage and location:

If you live in a cold climate, include at least two high-wattage full-spectrum heaters to warm the space quickly.

Heater Placement

• Place heaters at bench height or below, targeting front, back, and side of the body.

• Avoid placing too many high up—heat rises, so this reduces effectiveness.

Infrared should wrap around you:

360-degree exposure is the key to deep tissue warmth and detoxification.

Chapter 5: Electrical Setup & Controls

Power Requirements

• Most saunas need a dedicated 240V circuit

• Plan for 40 to 60 amps depending on size and number of heaters

Control Systems

• Basic models include push-button or rotary dials

• Advanced controls allow app-based monitoring, timer scheduling, and temperature precision

Use a licensed electrician:

Never wire high-voltage heaters without proper permitting and code compliance.

Safety Systems

• Install GFCI breakers

• Add ventilation fans or intake/exhaust vents

• Temperature limiters to prevent overheating

Chapter 6: Adding Smart Features

Red Light Therapy Integration

• Add LED panels that emit 630nm and 850nm wavelengths for skin rejuvenation and mitochondrial health.

Audio & Entertainment

• Install moisture-safe Bluetooth speakers

• Add smart lighting (dimmable or color-tuned)

Layer your wellness tools:

Pairing red light with infrared heat can amplify anti-inflammatory and circulatory benefits.

Chapter 7: Construction Step-by-Step

1. Frame the walls with 2×4 lumber

2. Add insulation and vapor barrier

3. Install electrical wiring and test circuits

4. Attach cedar paneling to interior walls

5. Mount heaters securely at recommended height

6. Build benches (18” seat height, 20-24” deep)

7. Connect control system

8. Test power, safety shutoffs, and ventilation

Take your time at each stage:

Proper construction ensures years of safe, dependable sauna sessions.

Chapter 8: Ongoing Maintenance

• Daily: Wipe down benches and panels with natural cleaner

• Weekly: Inspect for loose wires, warped wood, or mold

• Monthly: Vacuum heater vents, test controls

• Annually: Re-treat cedar with sauna-safe oil or sealant

Respect the ritual of care:

Maintaining your sauna is part of the wellness journey.

Chapter 9: Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Slow heat-up time: Check insulation or add more heater wattage

• Uneven warmth: Rearrange heater placement for better coverage

• Buzzing sounds: May indicate grounding issues in wiring

Build once, adjust as needed:

Your sauna should evolve with your comfort and needs.

Chapter 10: Cost, Value, and Final Thoughts

• DIY Build Cost: $4,000 to $7,000

• Professional Build: $8,000 to $15,000

• Lifespan: 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance

The investment pays off daily:

Few home upgrades offer this level of health, comfort, and long-term value.

Ready to Build?

Whether you’re taking on the full DIY path or just customizing a kit, a personal infrared sauna can become a sanctuary of healing and reflection.

For premium components, expert advice, and support at any stage of your build, reach out to SaunaCloud.

Let us help you make it real.

📞 Call us at 800-370-0820

📧 Email hello@saunacloud.com