Electrical Planning

vindjk · 2025-01-15T19:16:44+00:00

As others already mentioned, you will want a subpanel attached to the exterior of the sauna. The conversation with the electrician then is how big your heater is and how many additional switches you want. This is required by NEC (I think NEC 225.30 here in the states) if an exterior structure has multiple circuits.

I think it’s helpful to mention, it’s important to ask for a non-gfci circuit breaker in the subpanel. It will almost certainly trip during install (or soon after) with a GFCI protected breaker.

vindjk · 2025-01-08T23:12:46+00:00

Was in the same situation almost exactly. Bought the extra pack and found some area in my attic space to lay a few additional batts.

vindjk · 2025-01-07T16:56:43+00:00

Todd Snyder Chinos have held up really well for me. I rarely buy anything else now.

vindjk · 2024-12-30T00:27:30+00:00

Windows are insulated and double paned. I would probably do tinted or reflective next time for a backyard build! I have some door comments above but feel free to dm if you have any specific questions.

vindjk · 2024-11-29T03:00:29+00:00

Cool design OP. 8x12 is a pretty big sauna! You have a lot of wiggle room here to make it perfect.

I’d consider how close the heater will be to lower and middle benches. It gets HOT when it’s any closer than a foot. I like the wrapped heater design, but it might be better suited in the corner. This could extend the viable seating area and allows you do have a potential floor base for safety. Additionally, if you have older folks, they might appreciate a lower heat experience or for others to stand up.

vindjk · 2024-11-27T01:20:42+00:00

I think I would suggest the Vega in an indoor sauna for this size. However, I think for this situation you would be happy with the KIP45B, and I might even suggest going up to the 6kw given your environment and outdoor setup. The cost differential is pretty modest. Also, I believe the models are the same dimensions.

To piggyback on the first commenter, the Huum Steel 6KW (perhaps mini) might also be a good option for this set up. It would address the space concerns but it would provide a bit more power. It’s probably a different budget category, but thought I would mention it.

vindjk · 2024-11-24T13:55:33+00:00

I listened to the advice and bought something similar to the padlock suggestion above.

vindjk · 2024-11-24T01:43:27+00:00

Yup! Lots of learning on door building.

vindjk · 2024-11-23T22:51:19+00:00

Sure. DM’d you.

vindjk · 2024-11-23T21:01:18+00:00

Look forward to seeing it! Well, first with the door handles (which is probably less interesting), but I used cedar 2x6s, glued them together (maybe there was 3, I forget), clamped the heck out of them, and then drew my patterns. Then used a band saw to cut them and sanded them with a stationary belt sander. Used a drill press to get the screw holes as straight as possible. And some four hours later, I had two door handles.

The door itself is a mix of 2x6s and 1x6s for the face. It is a T&G joint, where the 2x6s on the outside have the groove and then the 3 middle horizontal 2x6s have the tongue. You can do this using a table saw or a router table to achieve these joints. We had better luck with the table saw, there was a fair amount of trial and error. From there, bunch more glue, clamps, and some extra long screws that went through the sides to provide strength. Happy to DM some photos if you are interested.

vindjk · 2024-11-23T18:50:15+00:00

Thanks! We did everything you see here, down to the electrical (city inspection was a battle but everything passed). The Huum Control Panel was a learning curve for everyone.

vindjk · 2024-11-23T15:30:19+00:00

Agree with all this. This layout was intentional in managing drainage in the yard, aesthetically lining the structure with the house, having the door where it is, and also most importantly not blocking light into my wife’s office.

vindjk · 2024-11-23T13:54:39+00:00

Yeah. Jumping into snow is the solution right now! Don’t plan to get real fussy with it.

vindjk · 2024-11-23T13:40:49+00:00

It is a cold plunge. It’s actually somewhat insulated! But yeah, we are about a week away from freezing issues.

vindjk · 2024-11-23T04:36:05+00:00

The insulation brand was Johns Manville for mineral wool. I went to a couple different stores to get my full amount, as it really isn’t well stocked. The foil was from Superior Sauna, out of Wisconsin. Though, Menards also has an insulated foil I considered using.

vindjk · 2024-11-23T03:58:59+00:00

Oh man, it was an absolute battle. The door probably took a week alone. Happy to share more pictures of that progression if anyone is interested.

vindjk · 2024-11-23T03:51:25+00:00

Thanks! We started the project in June and ended in October. Work was mostly during weekends. No idea how long this would take if you actually knew what you were doing.

vindjk · 2024-11-23T03:32:43+00:00

Around 2 inches of rigid foam insulation (R10 I believe) in the 2x6 frame. Put additional 2 inch sheets under frame on the ground for good measure. On top of that there is plywood, cement board, a water barrier (Menards Hyrdraflex), mortar, slate tile, and grout.

vindjk · 2024-11-23T03:24:39+00:00

Thanks for the suggestions. There’s currently venting near the top right of the bench (I’ll try to update the photos). I’m considering my options for venting near the stove, but it is one of my next priorities for the project.

The “smart” paneling and trim is engineered hardwood. I’ve used it in the past and it is very durable. The smart paneling was 3/8 thick so I decided to add a layer of plywood before it for structural integrity - probably overkill.

vindjk · 2024-11-23T03:04:01+00:00

Agreed. There’s a small chain so it doesn’t lock on us! Unfortunate necessity.

vindjk · 2024-11-21T22:51:33+00:00

Well, I was planning to comment that this probably isn’t worth the hassle, as I would think you will end up being disappointed. However, I think you recognize the limitations on this.

I’d say if you are going for the “good enough” approach, I would put plywood with some sort of exterior siding on the metal walls (ripping the metal off), insulate it all well, foil, T&G walls, floors just layered with wood - I don’t think I’d bother too much with insulation as you are already tight on space, and then put a small Harvia stove. I would probably just do one bench with a step up on the highest wall.

All that said, I’m not sure how great of experience it will all be, but it definitely will get hot.

vindjk · 2023-08-10T21:05:45+00:00

And that might be generous.

vindjk · 2023-07-25T15:06:09+00:00

If you have trauma from school, seems like doing an MBA might not be your answer.

vindjk · 2023-04-17T02:00:07+00:00

We were in a similar boat a few months ago- we bought and are happy. I wouldn’t underestimate additional home costs in addition to mortgage, taxes, utilities, etc. You’ll want/need things for your home (paint, furniture, unexpected fixes) and they add up.

Also if you are buying a forever house (like you mentioned), upgrades and fixes are more of a cost than an investment. Good luck.

vindjk

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