Looking for a guide on building your own infrared sauna?
In this article, we will show you how to build one using components readily available on Amazon.
The first step is to decide what component you want to use. Below, you will find recommendations for components for the sauna rooms, heating sources, and other essential accessories.
In case, you are wondering, the cost will range between $100 to $250 depending on the choices you make while building the sauna.
Now, without further ado, let’s begin…
Table of Contents
- Is DIY Infrared Sauna Right For You?
- Components Required For Building Your Own Infrared Sauna
- FAQs
- What Is the Size of a DIY Infrared Sauna Room?
- What Kind of Power Supply Is Required?
- What Is the Expense of Building an Infrared Sauna on Your Own?
- Do You Need a Near Infrared or Far Infrared Heating Source?
- What Should Be the Temperature Inside the DIY Infrared Sauna?
- How Hot Does the Infrared Sauna Bulb Get?
- How Do You Build an Infrared Sauna?
- Can You Turn a Regular Sauna Into an Infrared Sauna?
- Do Infrared Saunas Use a Lot of Electricity?
- Should You Build Your Own Custom Infrared Sauna?
- Conclusion
Is DIY Infrared Sauna Right For You?
Assuming that you are building an infrared sauna for the first time, it’s important to set the right expectations before jumping into action.
Building an infrared sauna from scratch is laborious work. There is a good chance that something would go wrong and the end result might not be very satisfying. Overall, it can be a very frustrating experience for beginners.
We suggest that you read the article first and then decide if a DIY infrared sauna is right for you. In the end, if you don’t want to go ahead with your plan, then we recommend buying an infrared sauna.
We have compiled a list of the best portable infrared sauna at affordable prices that you can purchase right away. Take a look.
One disclaimer before we begin…we don’t have any experience building an infrared sauna but we do have ideas on how it could be done. Kindly consider all the information in this article as a starting point.
That said, let’s get started…
Components Required For Building Your Own Infrared Sauna
There are 3 major components that you’d require. Those are –
1. Sauna room/tent
2. Infrared bulbs or heater
3. Other accessories
Below we are going to dive into each component and give you some idea of how to build the sauna. But first, consider the size of the sauna –
Consider the Sauna Size
Ask yourself: Who are you building it for? If the answer is: my family then let’s take a step back.
Most of you reading this article are beginners, i.e. you have never built a sauna before (If you had, you’d be writing this article, not reading it). And the fundamental rule of learning is to start small. DO NOT try and build a sauna for 5 people on your first attempt. We strongly recommend beginners construct a small one-person sauna room for personal use before moving on to larger projects in the future.
Now, let’s begin with the first step.
1. Building The Sauna Room
You can either custom-build a sauna room, or buy a pre-built enclosure, or simply use an existing room.
Prebuilt sauna rooms are expensive. You would have to spend at least $1000 for purchasing a sauna room. Custom-built rooms can be cheaper but only if you are building them on your own.
Our recommendation –
Go for an existing room like a closet. Ideally, the room should be small with a low ceiling.
Alternatively, you can purchase a gardening tent or a privacy tent. The privacy tent will have to be covered with foil insulation on the inside. To make sure that the structure is in place and not falling away at the slightest touch use tapes.
Another way to build the sauna room is to simply construct a wooden structure and then cover it with foil insulation. Below, we have included an image that’ll give you some idea of what we are implying.
As for the type of wood, use soft and heat-resilient woods like birch, basswood, and spruce.
2. Choosing Infrared Light Bulbs or Heater
On Amazon, there are plenty of infrared bulbs and infrared heaters available for purchase. We recommend the bulbs because they are ideal for a small sauna room and they are way more affordable than heaters.
Please ensure that you are choosing light bulbs that produce both orange and near-infrared wavelengths so that you can reap the benefits of both photobiomodulation and near-infrared lights.
You’d also want to make sure that they have a minimum of 250 watts of power.
Infrared bulbs come at various price points. You can get them for as cheap as $12 to as expensive as $90. The cheap ones as they might not have enough power, produce the wrong wavelengths, and produce too much EMF. Hence we suggest, going for bulbs that cost more than $20.
Next, you’ll need to find something to hang the blubs onto like a clothes or shoe rack. Then plug the bulbs into an extension cord and you should have your infrared lights ready.
Alternatively, you can grab some lamp fixtures and lamp clamps to set the blubs at convenient angles. Just make sure that the lamp supports the voltage of the bulb.
3. Other Accessories
You will need a wooden stool or a camping chair to sit inside the sauna.
You’ll be sweating a lot so carry a clean towel. Also, make sure your hair and eyes are protected with a head cap and goggles.
FAQs
Below we have answered all your burning questions about building your own infrared sauna from scratch –
What Is the Size of a DIY Infrared Sauna Room?
The size of a DIY infrared sauna room should be 4’x4′ or 5’x5′. And the ceiling should be no bigger than 6’. We recommend these sizes for anyone building a sauna room for the first time.
What Kind of Power Supply Is Required?
You need a 120v outlet to power your infrared bulbs but if you are located in a country where 240v outlets are the norm, purchase your infrared bulbs accordingly.
What Is the Expense of Building an Infrared Sauna on Your Own?
The cost of building an infrared sauna ranges between $100-$250. It depends on the choices you are making while buying components bulbs, chairs, goggles, etc. Try and use things you already have, for instance, an old shoe rack can be used to hang the bulbs. It’s a great way to reduce your expenses.
Do You Need a Near Infrared or Far Infrared Heating Source?
A. This is really up to you to decide. Both near-infrared and far-infrared lights have health benefits. The near-infrared lights penetrate the skin on a surface level and improve cellular communication. When the body is exposed to far-infrared lights, it never absorbs more than it requires. Far infrared lights are known to heal the body from viruses and pain. We recommend learning about the differences between a near and far infrared sauna and then deciding which one is better for you.
What Should Be the Temperature Inside the DIY Infrared Sauna?
The temperature inside the infrared sauna should range between 100-190 degrees F. That said, please be careful as high heat can cause severe damage to your body.
How Hot Does the Infrared Sauna Bulb Get?
A. An infrared bulb can get very hot which is why we recommend caution while handling it. We also recommend keeping the bulb at a distance of 15-20″ from any object.
How Do You Build an Infrared Sauna?
A. You can build an infrared sauna by using the following components –
- Set up a gardening tent
- Buy 3-4 infrared bulbs and clamps
- Use an old cloth or shoe rack to hang the bulbs
- Place a wooden stool inside the sauna
- Use a clean towel, protective head cap, and goggles
That’s all you require. We have covered all the steps you need to take to build an infrared sauna in detail in the article above. Please take a look.
Can You Turn a Regular Sauna Into an Infrared Sauna?
Yes, a traditional sauna can be converted into an infrared sauna. All you need to do is replace the sauna stove with an infrared heater.
Do Infrared Saunas Use a Lot of Electricity?
No, the infrared sauna does not use a lot of electricity. If you sit inside a small one-person infrared sauna for an hour every day, it will use less than $5 worth of electricity each week. So we can safely say that the cost of running an infrared sauna is pretty low.
Should You Build Your Own Custom Infrared Sauna?
Yes, you should. It can be cost-efficient if you are building a one-person or two-person sauna.
Conclusion
Building your own infrared sauna can be an exciting and rewarding project, offering the opportunity to create a personalized and cost-effective sauna experience. However, before diving into the DIY journey, it is essential to set realistic expectations. Building an infrared sauna from scratch requires laborious work, and beginners may face challenges along the way.
To determine if a DIY infrared sauna is right for you, carefully consider the effort and potential frustrations involved. If the idea of constructing your own sauna seems daunting, there are other options available, such as purchasing a pre-built sauna.
For those who decide to proceed with building their own infrared sauna, this article provides a comprehensive guide on the required components. It highlights the importance of selecting the appropriate sauna size, the sauna room, and infrared light bulbs or heaters. By following the suggested steps and safety precautions, you can create a functional and comfortable infrared sauna for your personal use.
Remember that this article serves as a starting point for your DIY project, and your creativity and resourcefulness can lead to a successful and enjoyable sauna-building experience. Whether you decide to build your own custom infrared sauna or explore other sauna options, the key is to prioritize safety, functionality, and the enhancement of your sauna experience. Happy saunering!
