Do-it-yourself infrared saunas: how to make an infrared sauna for the home, drawings for an apartment, IR sauna at home, device in photo and video

Making a sauna with your own hands is the dream of every home owner. But building a full-fledged Russian bathhouse will take a lot of time and effort, require serious financial costs, and you also need to have a lot of knowledge and skills to cope with this grandiose construction. If the dream of taking a steam bath at home does not disappear, you can try a compact, inexpensive and most healthy option for an infrared saunarium.

The popularity of this type of steam room has long crossed the borders of Japan, where the first infrared cabin was created in 1967. At first they were used as medical equipment for medical procedures. Later, in the 90s of the last century, the device began to be called an infrared sauna and its area began to be used every day as a home steam room. The innovation was first picked up in the USA and Western Europe, and later fashion moved to the east. Currently, in Russia there is a real boom in the popularity of infrared saunas. They have long ceased to be an attribute of a fitness club or beauty salon; many owners are trying to install such cabins in their homes and even apartments.

In this article we will find out what an infrared sauna is, what its advantages and healing properties are, and consider the possibility of arranging this comfort item at home with your own hands.

Do-it-yourself infrared sauna - a reminder for a beginning builder

Design
Scheme of a panel sauna.

It is unlikely that you plan to enjoy the sauna alone. You need to know exactly how big the room should be so as not to make a mistake with the dimensions. Usually saunas are designed for 1-6 people, but there are also 11-person ones. However, for a residential building such dimensions are too much. It makes sense to install saunas of this size if you plan to make money from them.

Decide how many people you can invite and think about how exactly you are going to arrange them. This is also an important aspect, because places in the sauna can be both sitting and lying:

the single-seat cabin is equipped with either a seated or lying position;
double - seated, lying down or one seated and one lying place;
three-seater - either all three recumbents, or one seated and two recumbents;
four-seater - either all are lying down, or three of them are, and one is sitting.

Most often they choose from the ratio: two sitting and one lying place. This is considered the most economical option. Moreover, infrared emitters for saunas have a more effective effect on people in a sitting position. This is due to the design features of the equipment.

Selecting a location

It is better to place the IR sauna next to a window.

Naturally, you should choose a place that best provides connection to communications.

It is important that there are no difficulties when organizing electrical wiring and similar troubles. When locating the cabin, they usually try to place it opposite the window

From the point of view of expediency, there is no difference, but from the point of view of interior aesthetics, it is fundamental: a well-lit and well-finished cabin looks great in the overall design of the room

It is also important that the cabin is well ventilated

Communications

In any case, you will need running water and sewerage. It will be necessary to organize a shower; it is advisable that the toilet and sink for washing hands are also nearby.

If there is a possibility of direct access to the open air, this is generally an ideal option. In a private house, it is very desirable to organize access to the courtyard or terrace. This way you will receive not one, but two wellness treatments at the same time: a sauna and air baths.

When walking is not possible, try to at least have good ventilation in the rest area. In an apartment there is no need for a separate “dressing room”: a living room or bedroom will do, but at least a small specially designated corner in the room is not bad.

To be or not to be a pool?

For many, a sauna with a swimming pool is just a dream. And, in principle, it is possible to implement it, but only on the condition that you live in a private house or on the ground floor of an apartment building. Otherwise, don’t take risks: the slightest mistake in calculations can cause a waterfall to fall on your neighbors below. It is unlikely that they will be scattered with gratitude...

A swimming pool can be installed next to the sauna.

If you really want to splash around, buy or build wooden swimming pools yourself. It is cheaper, more practical, and most importantly, safer for others. Or you can even buy polypropylene bathtubs - there will be even fewer problems.

We bring to your attention a video review on how to install a sauna in your home.

Cast aside doubts, install your own sauna and be healthy!

Choosing an apartment

Victor took the matter seriously and from the very start he was looking for an apartment suitable for a sauna. It just so happened that in most Minsk high-rise buildings it is impossible to build a sauna even in theory.

— The first thing I paid attention to was the presence of an electric stove. If electric stoves are installed in the house, then, as a rule, the networks can withstand high loads. In addition, we needed an apartment with two bathrooms, and at least one of them had to have room for a sink, toilet and Jacuzzi. I was going to convert the second bathroom into a sauna, because by law it can only be placed in a ventilated room.

As a result, Victor bought an apartment in a new building on Skryganova, which is part of the Cascade residential complex. The apartment had two bathrooms and an electric stove. Most modern new luxury buildings would be no worse from this point of view, but technical problems could arise with “resale” and standard housing.

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“I myself live in a panel house built in the 1970s,” says the entrepreneur. — My apartment has a 7 kW instantaneous water heater. Aluminum wiring is installed throughout the house, as was done in Soviet times, but a separate cable is installed on the panel for the water heater. So, when I turn it on, the voltage in my network drops from 220 volts to 200, the lights begin to blink, and the traffic jams are knocked out. In a word, without normal power grids you shouldn’t even start.

Tips for making an infrared sauna

Let's consider a few points that will help you avoid common mistakes during the work process.

Infrared saunas do not need to be insulated. They just need to be sealed so that the atmosphere does not escape outside and vice versa.
IR emitters and electrical wiring are installed in a ready-made booth after it is completely cleaned of dirt and dust.
There is no need to start construction without a previously developed scheme. If you do everything “by eye,” the risk of mistakes and, as a result, rework increases. Moreover, a detailed diagram with all the necessary dimensions will help to correctly determine the required amount of building materials.

Electrics

To create an infrared sauna, there is no need for water supply or sewerage; it only requires a separate power supply. You cannot connect the IR cabin to a common outlet, much less to an extension cord. It is better to run a separate power branch from the common panel box and make a separate high-quality outlet.

Electrical connection in the IR cabin

In order to supply infrared heat to the sauna cabin, special infrared emitters are installed. They can be purchased in specialized stores, but before that, calculate the required number of these electrical appliances. Using the example of a single-seat IR cabin, we can give some calculations of the emitters:

One small emitter is installed in the space under the bench, and it is directed to warming the legs.
A heater of sufficient size is also installed in the back area of a person sitting on a bench.
Two small heaters are installed on the sides of the seated person.

This number of electrical appliances is usually sufficient for one person to perform procedures. According to this calculation, you can calculate how many electrical appliances are required for a double or triple version of an infrared sauna.

Infrared heater

Another important point when choosing electric infrared heaters is their quality; you should not skimp here. Since the heaters are the basis for the high-quality operation of an infrared sauna, they must be reliable and durable. As already mentioned, such devices should be purchased in specialized stores and it is advisable to obtain a warranty card upon purchase.

Building a sauna with your own hands - step-by-step instructions

To make the sauna cozy and functional, its construction is carried out in stages:

Remove the old floor covering (if any) or level the site, create a concrete screed, on which, after waiting for the site to dry, lay tiles;
The frame of the cabin - the future steam room - is constructed from slats. To do this, beams are attached to the wall and floor. First, the supports are mounted in the corners, and the next elements are placed at a distance almost equal to the width of the insulation used. Horizontal beams are attached to the top of the vertical posts, making the structure reliable;
Holes are drilled in the frame for wires and ventilation pipes. A fire damper is located inside the ventilation channel, which will not allow the heat from the steam room to escape into other rooms;
Thermal insulation material is placed in the cells of the frame made of slats, and aluminum foil is placed on top of it. The material must be attached so that the mirror surface is on the outside;
Installation of horizontal sheathing is carried out, for which bars are fixed on the vertical posts of the frame in a horizontal position. Each subsequent block is mounted at a distance of 40 cm from the previous one. Transverse frames are created from 3x6 cm timber, which are necessary to transfer the weight of the benches not to the sheathing, but to the main frame;
A supply ventilation valve is fixed to the ceiling, around which foil is attached. Then the ceilings are installed, and the entire area of the sauna is covered with clapboard;
The first bench is mounted at a distance of a meter from the floor, a step is attached just below it, which will lead to the lower bench, fixed at a height of 65 cm;
Doors are installed in the sauna, a stove is installed, and a fence made of wooden blocks is created around it. The fence should be at a distance of 5 cm from the heating device;
An outlet is installed in the wall of the sauna for the stove. After this, the sauna is equipped with a switch and lamp;
The benches of the Finnish jar are treated with sandpaper and cleaned with a sponge moistened with soda solution;
Clean stones - porphyrite or jadeite - are placed on the stove stove.

Calculation of the electrical network for a sauna

Arranging an infrared sauna in an apartment with your own hands should begin with laying out the wiring, which must first be correctly calculated. The most important thing is the wire; it must be double braided. This rule is described in the relevant documentation for the operation of electrical installations.

The wire must withstand 400 V at a current of more than 15 A. It is better if it is single-core and has a cross-section of 1.5 square. If you are going to lay stranded wire, then a cross-section of 0.75 square will be enough. The length of the cable is determined individually, depending on the dimensions of the booth - as a rule, it is 15-30 meters.

Main types of baths and saunas in an apartment

A properly equipped steam room in a modern apartment can be of any type. This is a Russian or Turkish bath, an electric or infrared structure, a miniature structure or an entire room.

A factory-made sauna is a kit equipped with everything necessary and ready for use immediately after installation

When ordering a sauna made to measure, you will receive a cabin according to your wishes. Furniture and equipment in this case can be purchased separately

A homemade sauna is the cheapest, but the construction process is quite labor-intensive and requires certain skills

Infrared

In a city apartment, an infrared sauna is also convenient - it deeply warms all body tissues. Some believe that the device causes harm due to its radiation, but an infrared sauna is easier to tolerate for people with heart problems, since it is impossible to overheat in it. You should not use cosmetics inside the structure, as burns are possible.

An infrared sauna is a compact cabin that does not serve as a source of moisture (unless combined with a shower)

An infrared sauna can be placed on an insulated loggia

Mini

The smallest option is a phyto-barrel. This is a heated structure with a bench inside that can accommodate one person, whose body, with the exception of the head, fits completely into the keg. The device operates from a regular outlet. There are also ordinary small structures that occupy less than one square meter. m. area of the room. They are easy to integrate into any niche.

Barrel-shaped structures are compact in size and can accommodate only one person

It would be easy to place such a mini-sauna in the bathroom of a city apartment.

Turkish

A Turkish-type steam room is installed in rooms with a height of at least three meters, equipped with ventilation, sewerage, and vapor barrier. There is high humidity, relatively low temperature, and a mild microclimate. This is a suitable place for a variety of beauty treatments.

A Turkish hammam can fit in an area measuring 1.5 x 1 m, plus you will need space to place a steam generator unit and filters

Finnish

Such a structure is suitable only for very spacious apartments, where you can allocate an entire room for a sauna. The structure generates dry air, so it is easy to stay in it for a long time; there is practically no steam. Manufacturing the structure is labor-intensive, installation is complicated.

Recommended area for a Finnish-type sauna is from 8 square meters

Russian

A steam or Russian bath requires medium temperature combined with high humidity. Warming up of the body occurs especially actively here, due to the formation of a thin film of water on the skin. The structure is heated with a metal or brick stove, preferably closed. Additional installation of a steam generator is allowed.

Of course, a home sauna will not replace a real Russian wood-burning bathhouse, the arrangement of which is impossible in an apartment, since solid fuel heating devices are prohibited in multi-storey buildings

Electric

The electric sauna installed in the apartment is heated using an electric stove-heater. The structure has a beautiful appearance, it is fireproof, since there is no need to buy special fuel. The main disadvantage is that energy costs will increase significantly.

Paired with ceramic emitters

A stable flow of electromagnetic waves of the infrared spectrum at any temperature is the main advantage of saunas with ceramic heating elements. Therefore, the efficiency of the emitters does not depend on the air temperature inside the cabin. For each specific set of equipment, manufacturers offer housings of different geometries. Such steam rooms are in demand not only in domestic settings or beauty salons, but also in physiotherapy rooms of sports and medical institutions.

Koy H01-JK71 – from 110,000 rubles

Corner infrared sauna cabin Koy H01-JK71 from Canadian hemlock, for cosmetic and physiotherapeutic procedures. Suitable for home, spa, fitness center, medical facility.

The model is mounted in a corner, where it occupies less than 1 m² of usable space. It is equipped with a set of lamps for color therapy, there is regular lighting and a radio with a digital audio player. Forced ventilation is provided. Control of all equipment is intuitive and carried out from the remote control, which is built inside the cabin. A screwdriver, tape measure and hex key - all the tools needed for assembly - are included in the kit. The chips of the electronic unit are marked. Each terminal pair is made with its own nuances - errors during connection are excluded.

The material used is not covered with paint and varnish materials, therefore, due to intense sweating of the user, the interior trim elements may become stained.

Please note: the manufacturer recommends placing a towel on the shelves, but nowhere does it mention that this should be done only for the duration of the procedure.
Make sure that the fabric does not cover or come into contact with the emitters. Specifications Koy H01-JK71

Characteristic	Meaning
Number of heating elements, pcs.	5
Power consumption, kW	2
Design	Single, stationary, corner
Weight, kg	125
Dimensions, mm	“fits” into a 100x100 square, height 1980
Operating temperature, °C	35-50

A similar corner model, only with external shelves, is shown in the video:

Uborg MD-23 - from 117,000 rubles

Infrared corner sauna Uborg MD-23 for use in personal living space, beauty salon and other public health and wellness establishments.

Includes music system and lighting. Control all electronics via digital remote control. Internal finishing is made of linden, external - at the discretion of the customer

Thanks to this, you can purchase a model that is suitable in weight - important when installing a sauna in a room with a wooden floor. Based on the equipment of this model, the manufacturer offers cabins of individual size and the required shape - relevant for those who expect to install a sauna in a non-standard corner

Acceptable price for a two-seater model.

There are no multi-color lamps and there is no provision for connecting them.

Attention: hot emitters dry wood well, so to eliminate the risk of fire, periodically check the inner surface of the protective strips.
It should be smooth, without pronounced dark areas. Technical characteristics of Uborg MD-23

Characteristic	Meaning
Number of heating elements, pcs.	6
Power consumption, kW	2.2
Design	Double, stationary, corner
Weight, kg	Depending on the material for external finishing
Dimensions WxDxH, mm	1350x1030x2050
Operating temperature, °C	35-50

User video report on assembling the Uborg infrared sauna:

Do-it-yourself infrared sauna - easy!

You can purchase an IR cabin for your home, office or apartment ready-made - however, it costs far from a penny, but it can be installed in literally half an hour. You just need to assemble it in the right place, and all the equipment is already built into it. And literally in 5-10 minutes the temperature inside the sauna will reach 40C.

In general, all the emitters in such a sauna will consume no more than one iron - this is in aggregate, and there are no special requirements for the network - the entire power consumption will not go beyond 1800-2200 W.

Or you can build an infrared sauna with your own hands - there is nothing fancy here. Such a sauna is usually made for one or two people, and therefore its dimensions are usually 110x213 cm.

Electrical supply for the sauna

Even before making the floor in the sauna, you need to think carefully about the electrical supply and where it will go. But the electrical wiring for such a sauna needs to be done only with double-insulated wire - this is stated in the modern “Rules for the operation of installations”. You need to take a wire of at least 400 V, and a current of at least 15 A. It is recommended to use a single-core wire with a cross-section of at least 1.5 sq. mm, or even multi-core - no less than 0.75 sq. mm. But the length of the electrical wiring will depend on the size of the IR booth - this is within 15-30 meters.

Ventilation device

One of the most frequently asked questions is how to properly build a sauna if ventilation into it will be problematic? It is not necessary to build a separate ventilation system for an infrared sauna - it can be ventilated even by simply opening the doors, and there will be no draft. But the walls themselves inside the infrared cabin must be hollow - so that the hot air from the IR heaters rises and is removed without hindrance.

Installation of IR emitters

Special emitters for infrared saunas can be purchased separately at a hardware store and installed in a regular sauna. Then therapeutic procedures can be alternated, but not combined, because moisture itself is an obstacle to this kind of rays. And we are talking about how to build a sauna with your own hands, and not a bathhouse - there are no infrared bathhouses.

IR heaters should be placed vertically - after all, people usually sit in such a sauna

For one person in a small cabin, five heaters will be enough; the only important thing is that they create a single radiation field. Therefore, you need to hang them like this: two on the back wall, two in front in the corners, and one more under the bench for warming the feet - already horizontally

The distance between the heaters behind a person’s back should be 50-60 cm, the height of those on the back wall should be 7-12 from the shelf

Moreover, it is important that all emitters, with the exception of the one lying at the feet, are at the same height. As for the heater that warms the feet, the overhang of the canopy over it should be no more than 2 cm, and the emitter itself should be placed exactly in the middle of the side lining of the canopy

But the emitters in the front panel are traditionally mounted at an angle of 45 degrees - just in the direction of the middle of the cabin.

In fact, the most difficult aspect of how to make an infrared sauna with your own hands lies in the correct installation of infrared heaters.

Interior decoration of the infrared sauna

There is no need to carefully insulate the walls of such a sauna - the emitters will direct their heat only to the human body, and not to heating the walls or air. It is customary to decorate both the inside and outside of an infrared sauna with natural wood - when heated, it will release beneficial phytoncides, which will act as an antibacterial agent on the body. The most suitable for IR are pine, linden and Canadian cedar. But how to make shelves in a sauna depends on your personal preferences and taste - there are no special requirements here.

It is better to install a modern glass door to the infrared sauna - it will turn out stylish and impressive. And the infrared sauna itself always looks its best - whether it is in a bathhouse, or in the bathroom of an ordinary city apartment.

Another representative of this noble family of saunas

But sunbathing, even on the Black Sea coast, requires very dosed intake, let alone infrared saunas.

In a more advanced version, an infrared sauna is a whole health complex with a control and configuration system

The fact that infrared (IR) rays are an excellent way to actively warm up the human body has been known for quite some time. This opportunity for local impact on painful areas was used in medicine long before infrared saunas were invented, as opposed to conventional convection heating methods.

For comparison (in figure “A”):

A – the method of generation and path of rays from the source of infrared radiation (C) – everything is subject to strict order and control, therefore the effectiveness of the impact is maximum;
B – air flows in a conventional convection sauna, in which heat comes from the stove (D) – everything is chaotic here, and hence significant energy losses.

Uniformity and complete control over the entire process are two differences from traditions (Figure “A”, see description in the text)

Life advantages

The very nature of the generation of infrared rays allowed designers to create these mobile cabins - infrared saunas.

They are practically no different in appearance from similar heater saunas, but:

you are freed from having to deal with any moisture at all;
and we are not talking about steam and the associated inconveniences of servicing such a cabin;
the electronics of the infrared sauna allows you to finely regulate the entire process of receiving the procedure;
the effect on the body itself turns out to be much more effective;
after all, it’s very tempting - sunbathing right within the apartment when it’s 20 degrees below zero outside.

Medical indications

In this effectiveness lies one very important medical aspect of the use of infrared saunas:

rays penetrate the human body to a depth of 5 cm, which helps to warm up tissues and joints and thus accelerate blood flow;
an increase in blood flow in turn causes an increase in metabolism in the body and the supply of oxygen to tissues;
and then, as a consequence, increasing immunity and preventing diseases;
if an inflammatory process is observed in the body, its attenuation is stimulated - this applies and has been clinically tested for pain in the hip joint, diarrhea, pneumonia, neurasthenia, rheumatism, radiculitis; an infrared sauna and varicose veins are two irreconcilable enemies, the war between which invariably leads to victory over the disease;
faster recovery from bronchitis, pneumonia, runny nose;
reduction of pain from burns.

Sauna is health, and it is priceless

And this list of medical indications is far from exhaustive.

What does medicine object to?

Any medical drug taken must have a “contraindications” footnote. We are forced to make the same footnote regarding the infrared sauna.

In the list of contraindications:

the presence of malignant tumors in the body - infrared exposure is strictly prohibited; but, on the other hand, the presence of such tumors is always like a bolt from the still clear sky, which is heard only after a simple examination for a “driver’s license”; Hence the conclusion - before purchasing an infrared sauna, undergo a thorough medical examination and then undergo it regularly every six months;
blood diseases, any chronic and acute diseases;
diseases of the mammary glands, kidneys, liver;
heart failure, angina pectoris;
In general, a simple elevated temperature.

As you can see, the advantages of such a sauna are also its disadvantages - it activates not only positive processes in the body, but also negative ones.

Do-it-yourself infrared saunas are assembled from separate ready-made blocks - walls, floor, roof, door and radiation source

Reception discipline

Answering the question of how often you can visit an infrared sauna, we can say one thing - 20-30 minutes, at least every day, if there are no contraindications, while strictly observing the body’s water balance. It will be very important to establish strict attendance discipline and strictly follow it.

The most optimal order is the following:

1 – the sauna is heated up for 15 minutes; 2 – taking a shower and active relaxation, it is very important to get rid of the fatigue accumulated during the day, completely cleanse all the pores of the skin; 3 – wipe dry; 4 – we go through a session in the sauna from 30 to 50 minutes; 5 – take a shower again; 6 – rest and actively drink water.

Deciding how to use an infrared sauna requires very strict self-discipline (see description in the text)

Step by step: how to make an infrared sauna with your own hands

September 1, 2021. Read 20452 times

In this article we will find out what an infrared sauna is, what its advantages and healing properties are, and consider the possibility of arranging this comfort item at home with your own hands.

Do it yourself!

Needless to say, purchasing the necessary equipment is not cheap. But nothing is impossible. You can assemble the sauna yourself. To do this, first of all, you need to understand what exactly you want. There is plenty to choose from. Saunas can be constructed from the following elements:

panels;
frame;
standard blanks.

A sauna made from standard preparations is usually installed in the open space of a summer cottage and very rarely - indoors. It consists of beams or logs. The materials are connected using tongue-and-groove technology, which ensures the strength of the structure, and the crowns are connected using grooves and bolts. The thickness of the walls depends on the temperature of the surrounding space.

Layout of infrared heaters in the sauna.

A do-it-yourself infrared sauna can be made from panels on a frame. This design is very convenient and easy to install even in apartments. You can select the desired size of the panels: manufacturers produce both large parts (one panel is an entire wall) and smaller ones.

The choice depends on the size of the room where you plan to install the sauna, and on your preferences. If you are not satisfied with the proposed design, you can assemble another one from smaller parts. In this case, you have more options regarding the size and shape of the cabin.

The panel structures are also connected using the tongue-and-groove principle, making the cabin strong, reliable and airtight. Such a sauna can be easily disassembled and moved, and special channels allow you to easily lay the necessary wires in the walls. The dimensions of the panels are usually very accurate, so installation does not present any difficulties.

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A frame shower cabin with an infrared sauna is easier to assemble and costs less than a panel one or from prefabricated ones, but for some reason this type of structure is not widespread. This may be due to the need to independently adjust each element to size.

Our compatriots are accustomed to doing everything with their own hands, turning to specialists only in extreme cases, however, if you meticulously calculate everything, it turns out that installing a frame sauna, even with the work of installers, is cheaper than installing any other structure.

Finishing the infrared sauna from the inside

It is not necessary to painstakingly insulate the walls of this type of sauna, since the radiators will generally heat only the human body, without heating the walls and air. The sauna is traditionally lined on the outside and inside with wooden clapboard, which, when heated, will release beneficial phytoncides that have a beneficial effect on the body and produce an antiseptic effect.

And at the last stage, before making the infrared sauna completely, you need to install a modern glass door

The result will be very beautiful and impressive, and the IR sauna will look 100 percent, and it doesn’t matter where it is located, in a bathhouse or in an ordinary apartment

For finishing, hardwood is most often used - linden, aspen, alder. These breeds have a low content of essential oils, due to which moisture from the air is absorbed faster, which makes breathing easier and improves the microclimate of the room. Wood characteristics:

Linden. Ideal for finishing an infrared sauna. The wood is characterized by the absence of a large number of knots, is easy to process and has a good texture.
Aspen. The cheapest type of wood, but despite this, it is characterized by good physical and mechanical properties and has a pleasant aroma. The disadvantage is that after a few years the tree darkens.
Alder. Uniform and thin wood. This breed is resistant to prolonged deformation, but it has a low hardness index and does not resist the effects of fungi.

Finishing the structure

A variety of materials can be used to decorate the cabin. In most cases, this is natural wood with antiseptic characteristics, although there are glass and fiberglass products equipped with a shower on the market.

The most optimal raw materials are linden, oak or cedar, since these materials are characterized by antibacterial and health-promoting parameters. However, often leading companies use popular types of cedar only as a marketing gimmick. Although elite wood looks very beautiful, its service life is much lower than that of linden or pine. At the same time, cedar structures are very expensive.

The advantages of finishing with high-quality wood are obvious and are as follows:

Durability.
Environmental Safety.
No harmful emissions when heated.
As the cabin heats up, it releases useful substances and odors.

Experienced cosmetologists advise additionally finishing the floor and walls with high-quality Himalayan salt tiles. It is characterized by excellent healing qualities, which increase as it heats up and have a positive effect on the respiratory system and the general condition of the body. In traditional steam saunas it is impossible to implement such a plan, since under the influence of moisture the salt begins to break down.

Step-by-step instructions for making an infrared sauna with your own hands at home

Step #1

For a room for a sauna, we select a room with dimensions of 1150x3060x2400. This size is quite suitable for a three-seater cabin. First, we attach plastic film to the walls. This is necessary to ensure waterproofing.

Let's start attaching the frame. For this we use 40×40 pine timber.

Step #3

Initially, using our drawing, we determine the location of the IR heaters and perform electrical wiring to them using silicone heat-resistant cable inside the wall and under the shelf (bench), not forgetting about lighting.

Step #4

After this, we lay insulation in order to obtain a “thermos” in a separate room. The ideal option would be rock wool Sauna Butts from Rockwool, which does not contain components that release phenol formaldehyde when heated. But this is an extra precaution, since in an infrared sauna the temperature does not exceed 55ºС, which means that the material will not warm up to a temperature dangerous to health.

Next, we lay foil on top, which will reflect the heat.

The next step will be covering the ceiling and walls with linden clapboard.

Step #7

We install ventilation in the ceiling. For this, an aluminum corrugated pipe Ø100, which we connect to the ventilation shaft, is quite sufficient. We install a ventilation grille on the ceiling. IR saunas do not create steam or high temperatures during operation, and therefore do not require the installation of forced ventilation.

Next, we will begin installing Harvia IR heaters. We install six heating elements along the long wall, one at a time along the short side.

After this we will equip the shelves. There will be three more heaters in it, so we bring out the wiring.

Step #10

We install the power supply and control panel outside. It is advisable to make the connection via a separate line from the panel. Carrying bags are not permitted.

Let's move on to the process of sewing up the shelf (bench).

We cut out the seats for the IR heaters and install them.

Step #13

We install lamps with light sources made in tropical design UT 1.5. They are able to withstand temperatures up to +60ºС.

Step #15

We install a door with heat-resistant, impact-resistant glass.

The result is an infrared sauna in the apartment. This steam room is in no way inferior to purchased models, but provides great savings on the family budget.

Principle of operation

To understand how the heating process occurs in an infrared sauna, you need to remember the section on methods of transferring thermal energy from a school physics course. These are thermal conductivity, convention and radiation. In the case of a sauna, it is the method of heat transfer by radiation that works. On a winter day, the rays of the sun passing through the glass of the window heat up the objects in the room. Subsequently, they give off heat and heat the room. The steam process in an infrared sauna is based on this principle. Waves of infrared radiation emanating from special heaters heat the human body. Infrared heaters are placed in the front, back and legs to ensure uniform heating of the tissues of the entire body.

There are two types of infrared heaters: ceramic and carbon. Ceramic devices have a simple structure, high efficiency and are easy to maintain. When they are used, the human body in an infrared sauna heats up less. But due to constant use, they are less economical than carbon emitters. Infrared carbon heaters heat the sauna much more, so they are equipped with temperature sensors that can turn off the device when the set temperature is reached. It is the intermittent operating mode that makes it possible to save energy.

To turn on the infrared sauna, a regular household voltage of 220V is sufficient.

Benefits of an infrared sauna for the body

To understand whether you need an infrared bath at home or whether it is worth visiting in fitness centers and beauty salons, you need to pay attention to the benefits it brings to the body. The use of such a thermal procedure helps to cope with various diseases, so experts often prescribe it as part of complex treatment

Among other useful properties and indications for use:

normalization of blood pressure;
reducing the level of bad cholesterol in the bloodstream;
regeneration of tissues and injuries after fractures, bruises, dislocations;
strengthening vascular walls;
rapid resorption of bruises;
combating insomnia and improving sleep patterns;
improved kidney function due to increased blood circulation;
increasing the protective properties of the body;
therapy of chronic ENT diseases;
reducing the severity and eliminating painful sensations in the back, muscles, joints;
elimination of migraines and menstrual pain;
improving the functioning of the nervous system;
healing of scars, cicatrices;
treatment of skin diseases (psoriasis, acne, dermatitis, dandruff, etc.).

Athletes use infrared sauna to eliminate pain and quickly restore the body. This is due to the fact that the rays emanating from the emitters help to dissolve lactic acid in the muscles, due to which the pain recedes. This is why an infrared sauna after a workout is recommended.

What is useful for women

Using an infrared sauna helps to cope with a number of cosmetic problems, which is especially important for women who want to look great.

Under the influence of infrared waves, a person begins to actively sweat. Thanks to this, the skin is cleansed and dead cells are rejected, which is useful for women with pimples and acne. By the way, special face masks for acne will help to cope with this cosmetic problem.

Often, infrared cabins can be found in sports clubs, which is due to the ability of the infrared sauna to effectively cope with cellulite and excess weight. In half an hour in a thermal cabin, you can burn as many calories as you lose when running 10 km.

Is infrared sauna effective for weight loss? Unfortunately, the results obtained may be disappointing. You can lose weight when using a thermal procedure only if you additionally exercise, adhere to a proper diet, or additionally take herbs for weight loss, or use special cosmetics. You can also use infrared pants for weight loss. Only in this case the waist will become slimmer.

You can visit the infrared sauna only 6 weeks after birth

Pregnant and lactating women

During pregnancy, wellness procedures are beneficial for health, as they help strengthen the body and improve overall well-being. At the same time, it is not advisable for expectant mothers to visit an infrared sauna due to the fact that it warms up the entire body, including the abdomen and lower back. How will a pregnant woman’s body react to this? Nobody knows for sure.

If you want to spend time in an infrared booth, you must consult with your doctor before visiting it.

During lactation there are no contraindications for the thermal procedure. But it should be borne in mind that in such a sauna the body temperature rises to 38.5 degrees, which can lead to “burnout” of breast milk.

After childbirth and in the absence of breastfeeding, that is, the child is bottle-fed, you can visit the infrared sauna only after 6 weeks. Otherwise, this may lead to increased bleeding and a general deterioration in health.

For children

Infrared waves have a beneficial effect on both the body of an adult and a child. Proper visit and use of such a thermal device helps to heal and improve the general condition of the baby’s body, as well as normalize his nervous system.

There are certain precautions regarding a child’s visit to an infrared sauna that are important to follow:

The duration of stay in the booth should not exceed 15 minutes.
The permitted radiation power should be 65%, while for men this figure is 85%, for women - 75%.
The child must wear a hat on his head to prevent heat stroke.

Children are recommended to visit salt infrared saunas. Their main difference from ordinary ones is the finishing of the material - instead of wood, Himalayan salt tiles are used.

Before carrying out the procedures, consultation with a pediatrician is required.

How to visit?

In order for the wave effect to be beneficial to a person and not cause him harm, it is necessary to adhere to the instructions for use:

Before the procedure, you need to take a light shower and wash off your makeup;
it is undesirable to smear the skin with gels, serums, oils and creams, as well as folk remedies that increase sweating (for example, salt and honey), as is done in Finnish baths, this can cause allergies and burns;
You should take a towel with you to the sauna to wipe off sweat, otherwise the drops will interfere with the effects of infrared rays;
The bath should be taken on an empty stomach; it is not advisable to take any food an hour before or an hour after the procedure;
You should not take a smartphone, tablet or other mobile gadgets with you into the sauna; under the influence of infrared waves the device may break;
immediately after leaving the steam room you should drink at least a glass of water, this is due to the fact that in the process of warming up the body loses quite a lot of fluid and this threatens dehydration;
After the bath, you should take a cool shower; any care products can be applied only after it.

The healing procedure improves well-being. However, in some cases, visiting the bathhouse is allowed only after consultation with a doctor. First of all, this applies to expectant mothers. During exposure to infrared rays, the lower back and abdomen are heated - this can cause negative reactions in the pregnant woman’s body.

After giving birth, you can visit the infrared cabin no earlier than 1.5 months later, otherwise the thermal effect will cause bleeding. However, it must be remembered that during warming up, body temperature rises to 38-38.5 degrees, and this often leads to “burnout” of breast milk. A visit to the booth is only justified in a situation where the baby is being fed formula.

IR rays are not dangerous for children. Wave thermal effects can improve and strengthen the child’s body, as well as regulate his nervous activity

However, it is important to take some precautions:

the duration of the procedure should be 5-10 minutes;
the maximum radiation power is not higher than 65%, for comparison: for women this figure corresponds to 75%, for men - 85%;
The baby's head must be protected with a hat or a towel to prevent heat stroke.

There are a number of contraindications for carrying out any thermal effects using infrared emitters. These include:

skin diseases at the acute stage;
tumors of any etiology;
taking antibiotics;
mastopathy;
menstruation and other types of bleeding;
prostate pathology;
gynecological diseases;
diseases of the heart and blood vessels;
hypertension and hypotension;
cystitis and nephritis at the acute stage;
joint diseases.

Layout and material selection

Any construction begins with a project, which determines the layout of the future building, materials for construction and costs for it. A homemade bathhouse is no exception.

Planning

First you need to decide on the area and layout of the future building. When making calculations, it is necessary to take into account that the area of the steam room should be 5 square meters. per person, and the bath itself should consist of more than just a steam room.

It should also include, at a minimum:

Waiting room;
Washing;
Rest room.

The location of the premises should be convenient.

In order for everything to work out as it should in the end, you will need to draw up several such drawings and diagrams:

General plan, indicating the area of each room.
A separate drawing of each bath room.
Foundation diagram.
Roofing diagram.
Ceiling and floor plan.
Stove installation diagram.

All this can be ordered from specialists, or you can do it yourself, since there are many ready-made projects in open sources, one of which, for sure, may be suitable.

Material selection

In addition, at the initial stage it is very important to choose the right basic building material. Based on financial capabilities and operating conditions, you can build a bathhouse with your own hands:

Based on financial capabilities and operating conditions, you can build a bathhouse with your own hands:

made of wood;
from aerated concrete;
from foam block;
from expanded clay concrete;
from cinder block;
from gas silicate blocks;
made of brick.

Tree

Wood is considered the optimal building material for the construction of steam rooms. A wooden bathhouse has a special atmosphere, an attractive appearance, retains heat well and does not require additional finishing.

To build it you can use:

Beam. Baths made of timber are beautiful, cozy and warm, therefore they are considered the most common option. It is not difficult to build such a bathhouse with your own hands, since the building is lightweight and does not require laying a complex foundation.

Log. Making a sauna with your own hands from a log is more difficult than from timber. And you need to approach the choice of material very responsibly and buy only high-quality wood. The timber must be without bends, deformations and have no signs of rotting.

Carriage. A bathhouse made of this material will be durable and beautiful. Such wood is not subject to deformation and will reduce the cost of external and internal finishing. The only difficulty in building a bathhouse from a gun carriage with your own hands is the locking connection, which ensures high structural strength.

Frame. A frame bathhouse is considered a budget option, and building one with your own hands is quite cheap and quick. The main disadvantage of a frame bath is low moisture resistance

Therefore, when arranging a steam room in such a bathhouse, you will need to pay special attention to vapor barrier in order to provide the structure with additional protection from moisture.

Aerated concrete

Aerated concrete bathhouse is durable. Aerated concrete retains heat well, is fire resistant and is not afraid of moisture. Construction of an aerated concrete cottage will cost less than the construction of a wooden steam room, but will require additional finishing costs. Therefore, despite the lower cost of building materials, you will not be able to save money when building a bathhouse from aerated concrete with your own hands.

Foam block

Foam block is almost identical to aerated concrete in its characteristics

However, it costs less and has one important advantage - lower hygroscopicity. Thanks to this, a foam block bathhouse will have higher strength

Expanded clay concrete

Expanded clay concrete blocks are also suitable for building a bathhouse with your own hands. The construction of them will be strong and reliable, however, less frost-resistant than a foam block bathhouse.

cinder block

Cinder block is the cheapest of all block building materials. Building a bathhouse from cinder blocks will be cheaper, but it will not retain heat very well. In addition, such blocks may well turn out to be non-ecological, and their unattractive appearance will require additional costs for the external finishing of the future building.

Gas silicate

Gas silicate blocks have a number of advantages. They retain heat well, do not crack, and have high strength. In most of their characteristics they are superior to aerated concrete, but have a higher level of moisture absorption.

You can make a bathhouse with your own hands from brick. However, this process will be quite difficult and will require a lot of effort and time. The brick structure will turn out to be very durable, but only if someone who is not new to working with brick gets down to business.

Examples of arranging a Finnish bathhouse. Video.

Sauna in the bathroom

Thanks to electric stoves, a Finnish sauna can be organized in almost any room. For example, in an apartment, using a room for a bathroom. A prerequisite for such a bathhouse is low ceilings. If the ceiling in the apartment is high, then it is advisable to lower it to a height of 2.2 meters and add thermal insulation. Another feature is that the room is located inside heated rooms, so you can save a lot on insulating walls and floors

The only issue to pay attention to is ventilation. However, when building a sauna in an apartment, it is better to use the recommendations given above

Sauna in the bathroom

Another example of a sauna in an apartment. The bathroom is used as a room. An electric heater with a steam generator is used here, which allows you to get the effect of both a Finnish sauna and a Russian bath. The issue of installing a shower in a steam room is unclear, but in this video it has the right to life.

Sauna in the pantry

Another location of the sauna, a storage room. However, in this case, the owner trusted the professionals, so there are no questions, everything is very clear.

Sauna on the balcony

Several examples of placing a sauna directly on the loggia. These are quite creative solutions, and whether or not to implement them on your balcony is up to you.

Once the sauna is built, you can begin the steam process ceremony. However, you must follow all the rules and rituals of ablution in a Finnish bath.

A detailed description of the ablution procedure can be found here.

It is appropriate to end the article with the words, enjoy your steam!

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Step by step: how to make an infrared sauna with your own hands

September 1, 2021. Read 20452 times

In this article we will find out what an infrared sauna is, what its advantages and healing properties are, and consider the possibility of arranging this comfort item at home with your own hands.

Compact and comfortable

An infrared sauna basically looks like a parallelepiped with a base of 1000x1000 mm and a height of 1950 mm. Although, in principle, the size of the base can be increased. It all depends on the availability of free space in the room for a sauna and the number of people steaming at the same time. Installing a single sauna cabin in an apartment is considered the best option. Equipping an infrared bath with an acoustic system, an air ionizer and a phytotherapeutic unit increases the comfort of your time.

Contraindications for use

Despite the wide range of beneficial properties, infrared radiation is not suitable for everyone. Harm from an infrared sauna can become real if the installation is not used rationally. In practice, there are a number of contraindications for use:

All diseases accompanied by thyrotoxicosis.
Malignant neoplasms and precancerous conditions.
Benign tumors of most locations. Doctors warn that both ultraviolet and infrared radiation can stimulate the degeneration of benign cells.
Skin diseases of autoimmune and fungal nature.
Hypertonic disease.
Heart failure.

In addition to contraindications to the use of an infrared sauna, the individual reaction of the body to radiation in various doses is assessed.

Beneficial properties of infrared radiation

The benefits and harms of an infrared sauna are a long-standing controversial issue. In the mounted cabin there is no high temperature and humidity with saturated vapors, however, even radiation of this spectrum has its contraindications. Beneficial properties include:

Rapid burning of calories in the body.
Stimulation of the immune system, which is useful for a frequently ill person, after a long infectious disease during the recovery period.
Bactericidal effect. Infrared radiation ensures the rapid death of pathogenic microorganisms.
Acceleration of regional blood flow. Systematic visits to the infrared camera can eliminate venous congestion, especially in the lower extremities (prevention and treatment of initial forms of varicose veins).

In addition, the radiation spectrum allows you to eliminate lymph stagnation in peripheral vessels.

How to connect to electricity

Do not use a common outlet to connect the infrared sauna to the electrical supply. And even more so, in no case is it permissible to use an extension cord. In this situation, it is recommended to draw a separate branch from the electrical panel and install a new outlet. Electrical wiring must be double insulated and withstand a voltage of 350W.

The final stage is installation of the control panel. An area is allocated on the outside of the cabin. Inside the sauna, opposite the remote control, there are indicators of air temperature and humidity.

The design of the infrared cabin is simple enough for independent construction. But the effect of using it will be the same as after a month’s vacation spent, say, in Yalta. At the same time, building a home infrared sauna will be more profitable than purchasing a ready-made cabin.

Preparation of the drawing

A separate room (if we are talking about a country house), a storage room or a construction niche (if we are talking about an apartment, a private house) may be suitable as a place to install an infrared cabin. All walls are thoroughly cleaned of dust, old paint, and plaster. You can carry out minor repairs in the room, leveling the surfaces for future installation.

You can order a drawing for a sauna from a specialist, download a ready-made diagram, or use your own artistic skills. The plan diagram must show:

Cabin dimensions.
Location of doors and shelves.
Location of the infrared installation.
Lines of electrical wires and instrument points.

A correctly drawn up drawing is the key to successful work in practice.

Sauna doors

This element of the cabin design can be made either solid wood or glass. In the first case, the door frame is assembled first. Then, just like the frame, it is sheathed with clapboard. Each sash should be hung with at least two hinges.

install the floor rail;

install glass on it and make a mark on it in the area of the top trim;

cut using a glass cutter;

cut the second glass in exactly the same way;

install the top guide;

they put the glass into the rails.