written by Glenn Auerbach from SaunaTimes
1. A separate structure
The first thing you’ll need is a structure worthy of a retreat. Not a converted closet or carved out corner in the basement.
2. A changing room of an ample size
This will be a wonderful hangout space. It’s just like how grocery stores have double doors. Freezing outside temperatures are not meant to come into contact with wonderfully hot steamy sauna air. Pane uks kinni (close the door)!
3. A changing room bench
Not just for sauna use, but so you can escape from the busy world and hang out in your changing room and read.
4. A well sized hot room
Finns use 10 cubic metres as a rule of thumb. A 6x8 feet (1.82 x 2.43 metres) or 7x7 feet (2.13 x 2.13 metres) hot room is an ideal size. 7 foot (2.13 metres) tall ceilings for sure.
5. 24 inch (60.96 cm) wide sauna benches.
Yes, you can make them more narrow, butt you will notice.
6. Trim it nicely.
7. A kick-ass sauna stove
There are lousy stoves and there are outstanding sauna stoves. You and your sauna deserve a kick ass sauna stove.
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This article originally appeared on SaunaTimes.com . On this site, you can also get a copy of Glenn Auerbach's book Sauna Build, From Start to Finnish.
Glenn Auerbach has been a sauna evangelist for over 30 years. In 2008 he started www.saunatimes.com, as a source for sauna building and sauna culture. In 2016, he created Sauna Talk, the podcast about sauna and most often recorded on the sauna bench. Glenn wrote “Sauna Build, From Start to Finnish” which includes step by step instructions for building a sauna. He has built many saunas and has helped many hundreds build their own saunas. He is an advisor at Lamppa Manufacturing, Vice President at the 612 Sauna Society, and founding board member of the Sauna Research Institute.
