How to Convert Your Shower into a Sauna – The Ultimate DIY Guide

Hey there! If you‘re interested in adding a little luxury into your home, transforming your existing shower into a sauna is an enjoyable project that lets you create a relaxing sweat session right in the comfort of your own bathroom. As an experienced home renovator and sauna-lover myself, I‘m going to walk you through everything you need to know to DIY a sauna in your shower.

Overview of the Conversion Process

Putting a sauna in your shower requires building an enclosed wooden structure inside your existing shower walls. You‘ll need to insulate it, seal and waterproof it, install a sauna heater, steam-proof the interior, and add rocks and a bucket.

The basic steps are:

• Choose a location
• Build the wooden frame
• Insulate the walls and ceiling
• Waterproof and seal the interior
• Install the sauna heating system
• Add rocks and steam bucket
• Deck out with any extra features like lights or speakers

This is definitely a DIY-friendly project, but expect it to take 2-7 full days depending on the sauna size and design details. Costs range from $1500-$4000, averaging around $2500 for most shower to sauna conversions.

Choosing the Optimal Spot

Picking the right spot is key for your DIY sauna build. Here are factors to keep in mind:

• Bathroom vs standalone shower – Smaller bathrooms can be tight on space, so a standalone shower area is ideal if you have one.

• Ventilation – Make sure there‘s proper ventilation – an exhaust fan or vent to allow airflow is crucial.

• Moisture levels – Avoid rooms with carpeting or wood floors that could be damaged by moisture over time. Tile or concrete floors are best.

• Access to power and plumbing – It‘ll make things much easier to have handy access to electrical and water connections.

• Usage – Will this be a personal solo sauna or for multiple people? Make sure to choose a roomy space for the number of users.

• Size – Most sauna manufacturers recommend at least 29-32 inches wide by 29-32 inches deep per person inside the sauna. Allow extra space if adding a bench.

I‘d recommend at least 30 x 30 inches of floor space for a single-person sauna up to 60 x 60 inches for larger multi-person ones.

Gather Your Materials and Tools

You‘ll want to make sure you have all the right sauna building supplies on hand before getting started. Here‘s what you‘ll need:

For the Sauna Enclosure:

• Cedar or redwood boards, 1 x 2 inch or 1 x 4 inch thickness
• Wood screws and fasteners
• Insulation – fiberglass batts or rigid foam boards, 2-3 inches thick
• Polyethylene vapor barrier sheeting
• Waterproof construction adhesive and sealant
• Corner moulding and trim pieces

For the Sauna Heater System:

• Sauna heater – electric or wood burning stove
• Sauna rocks – igneous ceramic stones
• Bucket and ladle for pouring water over the rocks
• Thermometer and hygrometer
• Heater guard rail

Additional Sauna Accessories:

• Waterproof lighting – LED panels or spotlights
• Speakers – Bluetooth or wired
• Backrests or brackets
• Towel racks, magazine holders
• Essential oils, cleaners

Recommended Tools:

• Circular saw or hand saw
• Power drill
• Utility knife
• Carpenter‘s square
• Tape measure
• Level
• Hammer
• Screwdriver
• Pry bar
• Staple gun
• Safety gear – gloves, goggles, mask

Having all those supplies on hand will make the installation smooth sailing!

Building the Sauna Walls and Ceiling

The first construction step is building a frame inside your shower area for the sauna walls and ceiling. Here‘s how:

• Measure and mark out the dimensions on the shower walls and ceiling where you’ll install the boards. Leave about a 1-inch gap between the shower enclosure and sauna interior walls. This allows for insulation and prevents moisture damage.

• Cut the wooden boards to size. Cedar and redwood are great wood choices since they hold up well against heat and humidity.

• Start attaching the boards horizontally to the shower walls using wood screws. Make sure the corners are nice and square.

• Next, install vertical boards across the ceiling to complete your interior frame.

• Seal any gaps between the boards with waterproof acrylic caulk to prevent moisture leaks.

The interior size of your sauna can be whatever you custom build based on available space and number of users. Just remember, bigger is better for a comfortable sauna experience.

Insulating Your Sauna for Maximum Heat Retention

Insulation is crucial to trap heat and steam inside the sauna. Here’s how to properly insulate the walls and ceiling:

• Cut insulation panels or batts to snugly fit between the wooden boards and existing shower walls. Leave no gaps.

• Use 2-3 inch fiberglass batts or rigid foam board insulation. Fiberglass insulation should have a minimum R-Value of R-11. Rigid foam boards should be EPS or XPS.

• Make sure insulation faces the sauna interior and completely covers walls and ceiling with no air pockets. Air gaps will reduce efficiency.

According to the National Spa and Pool Institute, optimal insulation requires a minimum R-7 ceiling and R-5 walls for residential saunas. Proper insulation really makes a difference in maintaining ideal temperature and humidity!

Sealing and Waterproofing the Sauna Interior

It‘s extremely important to properly seal the sauna to prevent moisture damage over time. Here are the steps:

• Cover the interior wood boards completely with 6 mil polyethylene vapor barrier sheeting. Make sure there are no gaps or tears.

• Use a staple gun to adhere sheeting to the wood frame. Then seal all stapled seams with moisture-resistant tape or caulk.

• Any wood joints, seams, corners, nails, or screws should be thoroughly caulked and sealed to prevent steam from penetrating the wood over time.

• Seal any spaces along the ceiling especially well, as warm air rises and condenses there first. Apply extra waterproof adhesive caulk along the ceiling and floor.

• Use plastic or composite waterproof bench barriers covered in vinyl. Wood will easily mold.

Waterproofing is a make-or-break step, so take the time to do it right!

Picking and Installing Your Sauna Heater

It’s time to start sweating! Choosing what type of sauna heater to install is an important decision.

Electric Sauna Heaters

Electric heaters are the most popular choice for residential DIY saunas:

• Convenient to install and thermostat controlled.

• Choose a UL-listed heater specifically designed for sauna use, with the appropriate BTU heating power for the sauna cubic square footage.

• Mount to the wall according to the manufacturer’s specifications and wire it up properly. Ensure proper clearance from walls or materials as specified.

Wood Burning Sauna Stoves

Wood burning stoves provide an authentic, traditional sauna experience:

• Produce an extremely dry Finnish “löyly” sauna compared to electric.

• Require installation of a proper chimney and venting system to safely exhaust smoke.

• Must have floor protection under and around the stove – use a fire-rated hearth pad beneath the stove and an insulated barrier on surrounding walls.

• Locate 6-12 inches from a wall according to manufacturer instructions for clearance.

For either heating method, install a wall-mounted combination thermostat/hygrometer about 4-5 feet above floor level to monitor the temperature and humidity.

Add Sauna Rocks and Steam Components

Here’s how to prep your sauna for that blissful steam:

• Place igneous ceramic sauna rocks specifically designed for high heat inside the heater compartment. Rinse first to remove dust.

• Let at least 1-2 inches of space around the rocks for proper airflow. Pile rocks loosely, not tightly stacked.

• Use a plastic bucket and ladle to splash water over the heated rocks during your sauna to produce relaxing steam.

Decorate and Deck Out Your Sauna Space

Don’t forget to make your sauna a stylish oasis with these additions:

Lighting

• Install lighting such as moisture-resistant LED panels or spotlights to provide a soft glow.

Music

• Add Bluetooth speakers or a waterproof sound system to set the mood with your favorite playlists.

Bench Bars

• Install bench handrails or backrests for comfort and accessibility.

Towel Racks

• Mount stainless steel towel hangers and holders for convenience.

Essential Oils

• Place a few drops of eucalyptus, lavender, or other pure oils into the water bucket for aromatherapy benefits.

Make it a space you look forward to escaping into!

Using Sauna Safety Practices

It’s paramount to keep safety in mind when enjoying your new sauna:

• Never leave the sauna unattended when in use.

• Always have a water bucket and fire extinguisher nearby in case of fire.

• Don’t pour too much water on the hot rocks at once – this can cause scalding steam.

• Use a timer and stick to 10-15 minute sauna sessions. Take breaks to cool off in between.

• Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol consumption before or during use.

• Know when to stop. Exit immediately if you feel overheated, dizzy or ill.

Following basic precautions will ensure your sauna time is healthy and safe for all users.

Caring for Your Sauna

Be sure to properly care for your sauna to extend its lifespan:

• Use a damp soft cloth to gently wipe down benches, walls and ceiling after each sauna session to clean away sweat.

• Periodically wash the interior with a non-toxic all-natural wood cleaner and let dry completely.

• Check for any leaks, damaged boards, or other deterioration. Make repairs right away as needed.

• Inspect the heating rocks and replace any that are cracked or broken.

• Follow all manufacturer guidelines for heater care and maintenance.

Proper upkeep is rewarding – you’ll keep your sauna looking and performing like new for longer!

Considering Pro Installation?

Installing a sauna in your shower is an intermediate DIY project that‘s certainly feasible if you have carpentry skills and electrical/plumbing knowledge. However, there are some perks to hiring a professional instead:

Benefits of pro installation:

• Expertise in building codes and following regulations

• Access to commercial grade heaters and materials

• Precision cutting and construction

• Licensed electrical and plumbing work

• Reduced risk of improper installation or issues

• Better safety with ventilation and temp regulation

Downsides of hiring a pro:

• More expensive upfront cost

• Less customization over features and design

• Waiting period for installation date

Consider your skill level, budget, and how soon you want the sauna completed. That’ll help decide between DIY or professional help. Either way, enjoy the process!

Relax in Your New Home Spa Retreat

Well, that covers everything you need to know to create a sauna in your shower! With the right prep work and safety practices, you can start unwinding in a tranquil home sauna in no time. Just follow along with this guide.

Once finished, grab a towel and get ready to enjoy the rejuvenating benefits of infrared heat, soothing steam, and sauna zen right at home. Just don‘t forget to stay hydrated and listen to your body.

Adding a sauna truly takes your bathroom to the next level of luxury. I hope these tips help you DIY an incredible shower sauna that adds comfort and tranquility into your daily life. Let me know if you have any other questions!