Thanks Joe for this DIY project. Learned a lot and enjoyed building this project that saved me $4K. Enjoying my new sauna every night!
Bought the construction plans and all materials needed. The plans were very well done, and easy to follow. I still need to finish painting the outside, and add some final touches.I also added a window to the design for my wife to not feel so claustrophobic. We have been using it since New Year’s. This is a great little sauna box and inspired me to create more of a traditional one on my deck in the future. If you’re a handy person, this is very easy and can be done in a couple of days. I would recommend this for sure.
I tried buying one of those $100 steam tents off Amazon to scratch my “sauna itch” but it just didn’t do the trick. I had already built a cold plunge from some of Joe’s earlier videos so I thought I’d give the sauna a try. The plans and videos were such a huge help that almost nothing went wrong during my build. I even had a few questions about some minor things and Joe always got back to me. This was a fun project but I’m glad that it’s done and my wife and I can enjoy the fruits of my labor!
This plan and system was very helpful and easy to build. Everything is detailed out with videos and guidance. I greatly appreciated the links to all the materials it made the process super easy. Only issue was the cost was a bit higher than I expected pricing on parts could be updated but overall a great product and good result.
Thanks so much, Erik — awesome build! Just curious, was there a specific part that ended up costing more than expected? Material prices can vary a bit by region, and the XL build does come in a touch higher than the standard. Appreciate the feedback!
This was an amazing internet find. I’ve wanted to build a sauna for a long time. Knowing we didn’t have the room in our home for a full size standing sauna. I decided this was perfect, and I knew that if I took my time with the diy sauna kit I could make it look like a piece of furniture in our home. Thanks for the inspiration and of course the easy to follow instructions. It turned out amazing. With the diy heater kit, our sauna has seen 225+. If you have the tools this is the kit! Thanks again, this was a great project
I was tired of going to our overcrowded gym sauna and fighting crowds. Very pleased with this new sauna. Gets to 200F no issue, even during snow storm. The plans were very clear. Joe really took a lot of time to put this together...It is simply following basic instructions. I'm 6ft and did the regular build (not XL) and my feet barley touch the side wall and I fit comfortably. Glad we did this build, in it almost every day now!
This product was extremely easy put together. After I was done, I felt such an accomplishment. I recommend this for anyone who is considering buying a sauna.
Sauna back risk plan was super easy to follow, turned out better than what I expected. Extremely happy with final result.
I built the XL sauna and the build guide was great. It came out perfect and gets super hot. I love it.
It’s not going to get any better for this price range. And the feeling you get once the project it’s Complete I really enjoyed the process.
Incredible Experience and definitely extremely rewarding when finished
I ended up taking the XL dimensions for the width and used the standard dimensions for the height & length. The plans and videos were excellent. Joe also quickly responded to my emails.
It took me a little longer to make this as I had a hard time sourcing material but ended up finding red cedar on marketplace. This changed the dimensions and measurements, but everything turned out great. This also increased the cost by a couple hundred, but I like the red cedar and the thickness of the boards.
When complete, the unit is heavy. I like the fact that we can take it apart for moving if needed. I’m a fan of the sauna and use it daily. Don’t hesitate to buy this and start building!
Nice vents and really match the look of the interior. Mounted one up top to release hot air and one near the floor. Purchased 4" vent covers for the outside
Almost done building but, wish the back and forward jumps would work seems like I end up watching the same thing a lot and by the time it gets to what I wanted to see I wouldn’t be paying attention. Wanting to put in the vents but, not sure I’ll need top one if air escaped from door area.
Great product! Have been using it for two weeks and it does the job with no issues. I follow the tutorials on YouTube and my water has been super clear.
I recently completed my DIY indoor sauna project, and I am happy to report that everything works perfectly.
Putting the sauna heater together was the easiest part of the diy sauna build. So thankful that I didn’t have to figure this out on my own. Thanks, Joe!
From start to finish these plans and the videos were excellent. Joe is quick to respond to any questions you may have. I did this in the evening and over a weekend or two when I had time and it came out almost perfect and the almost part was all me.
What I would have done differently:
1. The plans are based off of shopping at Home Depot and I don’t have one within a couple of hours. Lowe’s does not have the cedar planks so that was a challenge.
2. Get double the screws you think you will need. I don’t recall a quantity recommended but did not have enough and had to go back.
3. Make certain when building the frame that you are working on perfectly flat ground. Turns out my garage is not and led to some corners not matching right.
4. I am not a fan of the recommended outside stain. It has been 4 weeks and if I rub my hand over it or a towel it still bleeds onto my hand.
I love it and use it daily. Have been using The Pod sauna for about a year but this is so much better. I did add some trim around the outside as well as a wifi thermometer so I would know when it has warmed up.
I went with 2 300w bulbs and 2 400w bulbs for the XL but The Hot Box Sauna messed up and sent me 4 for the 300 so it is taking a little longer to heat up. Correct bulbs will be here in a few days.
Overall would 100% recommend and actually already have to multiple buddies.
The plans were very clear and easy to follow with the cut sheet. Would definitely recommend. Built it in a weekend.
I’m sure it’s operator error and I haven’t reached out to Joe yet. The Bluetooth pops up at electric fireplace and not sauna.
Received a late night email from Joe about the programming !! As always, this dude provides the most excellent customer service !!
So I wanted to use it for a week before I posted a review and I continue to make tweaks. Still have a handle that will be installed on the inside but other than that I am happy with how it came out. The plans were great and I did have to use 1x6 for the floor because of lumber availability in my area. This causes some minor tweaks but nothing that set me back. Added some additional cross members in the floor and the doors are a different design using 1x6 with the same 2x3s that I used to trim out and the edging. Also ripped a few strips of the 1x6s to trim the inside of the doors. I ended up using more screws and panel screws in mine because as the wood contracts after using it for several days you will get some brad nails that want to let go. Recessed dry wall or the panel screws covered and sanded worked great. I turn it on before my run in the morning and it is ready when I get back. I like it to be at 190 so when I get in and even vent it a bit at 15 minutes it still stays above 180. Wife loves it too and my kids are starting to use it. The plans for this are more involved than a cold plunge which I did a couple years ago without plans. Definitely recommend spending the money on the plans even if you know you are going to make adjustments. Another note...I had some questions and Joe actually picked up the phone and called me! Above and beyond. Really glad I decided to build my own...best of both worlds when it comes to the heat of a Finnish Sauna and Infrared.
Joe strikes again! I used his plans to build the insulated stock tank and they were great. When I saw that he had the plan for a sauna, I had to go for it. His plans are great with clickable shop lists, Detailed videos explaining everything and great insights along the way. This project has heightened my carpentry skills as if I had take a class just for that.
This kit is very well constructed and all the parts go together simply, just like the instruction video. It is a tad pricey, but you’re paying for the convenience of someone else putting in all the work to create this east to assemble kit. It will require you to have tools, be able to drill pocket hole screws and cut 2x4’s as well as drill a hole (have a hole saw kit)
I submitted a review on the heater with the best things to say and I wanted to do the same here! Joe provides the best planning and instructions for the build! Build this sauna with the most benefits for a fraction of the price!
