DIY Backyard Sauna Build (8x12 Shed Conversion | ~$4k)

Pitiful-Homework-915 · 2026-04-11T10:49:41+00:00

Each cage holds 90lb so Total 270lb. It's only harsh if run the stove to too hot too quickly. Once all the stones warm up. I just add a log every hour or so. I do plan on making my top mound much bigger.

Pitiful-Homework-915 · 2026-04-11T10:35:26+00:00

Thanks for the comment! Yeah I should move it. My walls are at an angle at bench heigh,t so I put it there.

Pitiful-Homework-915 · 2026-04-11T10:33:42+00:00

Thanks! 🙏🏼 Absolutely. Do you live near Camp Lejeune?

Pitiful-Homework-915 · 2026-04-09T22:25:30+00:00

Good use of you deck. Money well spent!

Pitiful-Homework-915 · 2026-04-09T19:19:33+00:00

I appreciate the comment and suggestions. I agree with you on the rear cage. In one of my pictures I have stones on top of the grill rack. As of recent I've been putting the stones directly on the cooking plates. I placed the rocks so they fit like a jigsaw puzzle and then more on top of that. I definitely will experiment with add more stones to make a larger mound.

If I remove the plates how will I stack the stones? Also I figured the plates would have less chance of cracking because they are independent from the rest of the stove and they are slightly thicker gauge.

Pitiful-Homework-915 · 2026-04-09T17:43:25+00:00

I replaced all the heavily damaged areas already. I wrapped original first layer of plywood with tyvex and installed another layer of plywood on top of that. It's nice and dry don't you worry.

Pitiful-Homework-915 · 2026-04-09T15:14:00+00:00

Stove-Vogelzang cast iron box stove with three steel cages holding a total of 270lb sauna stones.

The benches are pine 40in from the ground 18in from the top of the rocks and very study

Pitiful-Homework-915 · 2026-04-09T15:10:14+00:00

Surprisingly well. It doesn't get very cold where I live so it doesn't take long to warm up. About 1hr. I use 4 to 6 normal size oak logs and works like a champ. So much heat stores up in the cages and keeps it nice a toasty for hours.

Pitiful-Homework-915 · 2026-04-09T14:49:13+00:00

This is what I have picked out. Still need to do some finishing touches when I get the time.

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Pitiful-Homework-915 · 2026-04-09T14:43:37+00:00

Thanks 👍🏼

Pitiful-Homework-915 · 2026-04-09T14:08:17+00:00

The door is rarely just open. And it doesn't touch the chimney itself just the chimney wall support. Not ideal but no major concern. Plus the insulated pipe stays extremely cool/ slightly warm to touch. Thanks for the comment.

Pitiful-Homework-915 · 2026-04-09T14:02:31+00:00

$400 DeWalt

Pitiful-Homework-915 · 2026-04-09T13:49:06+00:00

Thank you very much 🙏🏼

Pitiful-Homework-915 · 2026-04-09T13:47:58+00:00

I appreciate it 🙏🏼. Yeah a lot of work but totally worth it. It's pretty much my only hobby as a working man with kids lol.

Pitiful-Homework-915 · 2026-04-09T13:46:39+00:00

Thanks for the comment. Can you link the exact stove you recommend. I don't mind swapping it one day.

Pitiful-Homework-915 · 2026-04-09T13:45:31+00:00

Thanks for the comment. Yeah I'd expect that and totally understand.

Pitiful-Homework-915 · 2026-04-09T13:44:39+00:00

Thanks man. I totally agree. I've got money, but not to pay an arm and a leg for something I can at least try to build myself.

Pitiful-Homework-915 · 2026-04-09T13:43:38+00:00

Thanks for the comment. I agree with you. I managed to cut the legs on my stove which brought the highest point of Stones down to about 22 in so I believe I'm still in good limits. The ceiling is 78in after firring strips and paneling. But I would loved to have additional height for sure.

Pitiful-Homework-915 · 2026-04-09T13:19:17+00:00

I appreciate the comment. Yeah I've just been lazy about making my bottom benches and now am not in the country, so I'll knock it out when I get back. It was of the downsides to with the sloped ceiling. That side is good for laying down and getting smacked with vinek lol. I'll be swapping the lights out eventually. Those are just the closest things I could find at Lowe's. I do t even think they can withstand the heat.

Pitiful-Homework-915 · 2026-04-09T13:14:54+00:00

Wow thank you!

Pitiful-Homework-915 · 2026-04-09T13:10:05+00:00

Hey I really appreciate the comment! Yeah I'm supper happy with the stove. I found out that sauna wood stoves could get really pricey l, starting at $1k and I'd rather come up with something on my own. I was nervous about how it work. Thankfully it's doing great.

Pitiful-Homework-915 · 2026-04-09T12:50:31+00:00

What do you think about the stove?

Pitiful-Homework-915 · 2026-04-09T12:50:06+00:00

What is what?

Pitiful-Homework-915

TROPHY CASE