I’m a hobbyist woodworker. Overall, I’m very happy with this build! I think it’s my most complex woodworking project to date. The materials list was great, the diagrams were clear, and the videos very helpful. Joe was quickly responsive when I emailed him with questions. I had a good time making this, and I’m impressed with the end-product. I’m proud that I built this, and I’m so excited for daily sauna sessions!
A couple things I would do different if I made this again: I would not use dimensional 2x4 and 2x6 fir lumber as it was thicker than the other framing wood that I bought, or I would plane it down to be the same thickness as the other wood. This caused my framing to bulge wherever it was used, and I didn’t realize it would be an issue until it was too late. This made fitting the siding to each panel difficult, and I wound up with some gaps and overhangs in some areas. I installed some trim to go along each edge to hide the imperfections at the seams. The jet black Varithane stain that Joe used wasn’t taking to my siding, so I had to buy black exterior paint instead.
Finding some of the materials was also a little difficult. Nobody had 5/4” cedar planks, and I drove all over to find decent 1x6 clear cedar, and it was pretty expensive at a specialty wood store. Finding the R15 value Rockwool at my Home Depot was pure luck… they don’t carry that anymore, but someone had recently returned one package, and there it was waiting for me.
I don’t think the materials list calls out a 1 ½” hole saw, so I had to go out and buy that right before I needed it. Not everyone has a nail gun, but luckily my friend let me borrow his.
My receipts came out to $1826.86, which is 50% more than the ~ $1200 stated, but I noticed items like the bulbs, cedar TNG, backrest, grommet cover, sauna oil, paint, and some misc supplies and tools were left out of his calculation. Plus things cost more in California. This still costs 1/3 of similar-style commercial infrared saunas. I would definitely recommend this project for someone who is good with tools and building stuff.
My friends are all asking me about my new sauna! It’s attention-getting for sure.
Great plans and instruction. Project went together very well and works better than advertised. I struggled cutting and attaching the outside panels and would probably use a router and panel cutter bit to get a better fit.
Amazing plans! I have completed Joes cold plunge plans and now have done the sauna!
Super clear plans with instructional videos… highly recommend
