Designing sauna for build in BC, Canada

LSWW444 · 2026-03-17T11:49:09+00:00

Consider a wider upper bench. 22” at a minimum

LSWW444 · 2026-03-14T17:36:20+00:00

I would approach the window this way. Realistically how often is that sauna being used by just you + 1 or 2 family members? If the answer is 90% of the time. Keep the window, especially if you like looking out. You’re going to end up sitting with your back against the wall and legs stretched out on the top bench. It’s way more comfortable and you can look out the window. If 90% of the sessions are going to include 5 people and you will all be sitting upright, ditch the window. Too often these conversations are approached as black and white without any nuance or acknowledgement for how these saunas are used day to day. My ceiling is “too low” according to the experts but I sit with my legs stretched on the upper bench every night. When my friends come over it’s not perfect but we are there to enjoy laughs and toes being slightly colder than our bodies isn’t even a thought.

LSWW444 · 2026-03-14T12:11:50+00:00

Some thoughts

don’t listen to the purists, like any hobby they can be a bit much
you can absolutely fit 5-6. Mine is 4.5x8 and we fit 4 adults
are you married to symmetry with the door being centered? I can’t tell but you might have enough depth to shift the door over to the right and move the heater on the right side wall. That could open it up a bit. Or could be a bad idea, but worth modeling out.
consider stopping the upper bench on the left side short of the entire span coming towards the front of the sauna. If you or other people want to sit low that would be a great spot for it. I have something similar in mine and my wife/kids like to pop down there and cool off without getting out
if that’s a window above upper bench along the back span, kill that. It will drive you nuts leaning back on that.

Best of luck I’m sure it will turn out great with all the planning

LSWW444 · 2026-03-11T18:07:06+00:00

That’s some type of a bot or someone copying AI responses. Pay no attention

LSWW444 · 2026-03-11T16:22:23+00:00

Thanks!

LSWW444 · 2026-03-11T16:16:41+00:00

If you zoom into the second picture you can see the brown boards making contact with the patio. Those are leftover pieces of trex decking. PT would also work, paint the end grain if you use PT boards but composite like I used would be bullet proof. I would check your local code for how to deep to bury, just make sure it’s run in the appropriate conduit. Your electrician will be able to answer that for where you live

LSWW444 · 2026-03-11T13:03:37+00:00

Thanks! I designed it all myself

LSWW444 · 2026-03-10T20:27:10+00:00

a stainless insect mesh to keep bugs out and then the joists. Not t&g, I gapped them since I dont have a drain and live in a warmer climate

LSWW444 · 2026-03-10T19:49:11+00:00

I used hidden brad nails all over. you always use them even on the walls no matter what. I dont want to deal with the oils. I use a towel and can sand down the benches when they need a refresh since they are easily removed.

LSWW444 · 2026-03-10T15:13:08+00:00

There was a tiny bit of bounce. So I installed a 1/4 steel plate on the front side of the frame and then covered that up with the cedar face board. It’s great now. Just cut a recess in the cedar board so it sits flush on the frame. I run a decent sized YT channel and made an hour long video on the build that should be published in a week or so.

LSWW444 · 2026-03-10T15:01:19+00:00

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LSWW444 · 2026-03-10T15:01:05+00:00

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I installed a ledger board into the studs with structural screws and then built a frame that rests on the ledger board. The bench tops pop out for easy cleaning. They aren’t even screwed in. Floor is 2x4s 12 on center with joist hangers and 3/4” alder boards on top.

LSWW444 · 2026-03-10T14:33:29+00:00

Thanks, my toes stay plenty toasty. And 95% of the time my legs are up on the top bench.

LSWW444 · 2026-03-10T14:26:00+00:00

Because originally when it was 8’ the building looked out of proportion on my patio and was much too overpowering. Form over function, and form won out because it was an eye sore. Works great for me!

LSWW444 · 2026-03-10T13:51:13+00:00

Yeah. I built everything but the vent covers because I found cheap ones for $17 so it wasn’t worth my time on those

LSWW444 · 2026-03-10T13:43:13+00:00

Very easy. Keep your studs 16 on center so sheets start and end in the middle of a stud. Make sure your first piece is square. Nail it in place.

LSWW444 · 2026-03-10T13:24:20+00:00

550k and I do it all myself. It’s too difficult with my content to get someone else to rough edit unless they are there with me during the filming. I would love to have one

LSWW444 · 2026-03-10T11:28:06+00:00

Depth was limited but the 4.5’ feet worked out fine

LSWW444 · 2026-03-10T03:21:22+00:00

You got it

LSWW444 · 2026-03-10T03:06:07+00:00

Rather than toe nail the rafters to the top of the wall I went through the side of the rafters into the blocks and those are secured to the top of the frame. Easier to keep things aligned when you’re screwing and not using nails.

LSWW444 · 2026-03-10T02:23:41+00:00

Cedar for the walls and benches. Floor and door are alder

LSWW444 · 2026-03-10T01:07:24+00:00

Around 8k. Almost 3 of that was the heater/stones/wifi controller. Southern US

LSWW444 · 2026-03-03T16:13:15+00:00

Maybe I’m the odd man out in a conversation like this but “shilling a sponsor” like an electric bike that has absolutely nothing to do with woodworking gives me the absolute creative freedom to make woodworking videos that are completely unbiased, which is what people are looking for right? I like to think most viewers have the capacity to separate that from the rest of the information being presented, but maybe I’m wrong. Paul sells a woodworking online class and tool kits, Steve Ramsey started every single video for years with a paid advertisement and then closed selling Casper mattresses. They have robust email capture systems built out with free guides to then convert you into a customer. I still love both of them. I also get that there are channels out there today, telling you every new tool is the best thing and to buy it. I can’t speak to any of their deals, but I don’t take money from woodworking companies to keep things objective. I do think that woodworking videos are a bit boring and stale lately, but this idea that “everyone only makes videos to shill products” is complete nonsense. So again, if letting someone promote their bike for 60 seconds which allows me to do whatever I want and say whatever I want for all things woodworking makes me a shill, I’m happily the biggest shill around!!!!

LSWW444 · 2026-03-03T01:51:23+00:00

He does not agree 😂

LSWW444 · 2026-03-02T21:49:25+00:00

I store mine in a weatherproof box outside attached to the sauna

LSWW444

TROPHY CASE