Building a Sauna In my Garage part 2 DIY

With all the benefits of sauna use, I decided to build one myself, in my garage. Following my journey in this second part of the project. Part 3 is in the works.
Price Break down: $15,069.98
Clear Cedar Wood: $4,642.14
Heater, rocks, and control unit: $4,840
Electrical (Wires, Conduit, etc): ~$1,000
Insulation: ~$500
Low Iron Glass door and panel with install: $3278.29
Tile floor: $509.55
Misc (Nails, adhesive, etc) : ~$200
Framing: ~$100
Check out Part 1 here:
• Building a Sauna In my...
Some of the tools and products I used in this video.
Davey Struggle is an Amazon Associate and earns from qualifying purchases.
Aluminum Foil Barrier Insulation
amzn.to/4ikSnRc
HUUM Sauna Heater and control unit
amzn.to/3SuyskV
LED Dimmable Driver for Strip Lighting
amzn.to/3xvUgUm
LED Strip Lighting Channels
amzn.to/3Oi5RNw
Outside Vent Cover
amzn.to/3xlC1kA
Wire Mesh for vent
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Waterproof strip lighting
amzn.to/39vkTkj
Stainless Steel Nails
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Waterproof Adhesive
amzn.to/3LHxRdp
Tile Leveling system
amzn.to/3mLEcsL - Spacers
amzn.to/3zEhvyv - Wedges
Vents That I used.
ariavent.com/c...

[@drinny26]

You’re kids are very lucky to have such a cool dad.

[@VillaAroldi]

When adding a glass wall you need to take in consideration that heat loss that glass provides and most likely therefore you needed a much bigger heater, there are calculators for this online. In any case, beautiful build with great choice of materials!

[@poeticruin2791]

I really appreciate both of these videos, dude. You are as thorough as I am and this REALLY gave me some insight on how to approach this project! 🤘🏽

[@DaveyStruggle]

Thanks, good luck. I would also highly recommend watching this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4WppHqIZ8mNnacsi=S4ZgrZLvfUI3Crn3

[@andrewkulinich]

Standalone heater looks great but I'd add a wooden cage/barrier to prevent accidentally touching it or landing on it in case of slipping

[@ImportantComment]

So true

[@guatf1]

Yeah you probably also wear a helmet when you walk on the street... Just look at what you do and make sure you don't touch it when hot it's not that hard

[@ImportantComment]

Ok tough guy @@guatf1

[@emmetwilkening7819]

love it, most guys would've made this a 20min video, this is great

[@briandelanis7348]

Very well built, well explained, and to the point. Thank you!

[@sevenohm3375]

Agreed. But, how much do you suppose the doors were?

[@karipenttila2655]

What happens when you throw water on the stove, floor does not have sewer? Also the panels should have air gap at the bottom and the top of the walls to help panels to dry after

[@DaveyStruggle]

Water evaporates instantly upon making contact with the stones, haven’t seen any water on the floor by the heater. Unfortunately sweat does make it down to the floor, but not enough to justify having a drain. Just a routine cleanup helps keep it look fresh.

[@Turmootti]

@@DaveyStruggle How can you be so accurate water thrower? You don't wash your sauna?

[@RusVito]

@@Turmootti a spoon of water even if spilled is not a hazard as you might make it to be.

[@erikempire318]

Not a criticism but a clarification, cedar is probably very good for a sauna but original saunas in Sweden and Finland are generally alder wood, due to its properties in heat and ability to withstand moist.

[@bekind2047]

Crazy expensive and on top lots of work. I bought mine from almost heaven saunas when it was on sale. Everything included for $ 5.000,- plus freight plus my set up - and it works. Put it also into the garage but with the glass front to the adjacent bedroom. For that some wall had to go. Looks very contemporary.

[@travisbruner6593]

Looks great, but what happens when the led driver for the tape light goes bad? The open splices aren't a good idea either.

[@bartdavis8444]

This install is goated.

[@bailahie4235]

Always impressive to see a craftsman working so professionally... One question, though - why the big glass door and wall, while putting so much effort into installing double isolation on the other walls, the floor and the ceiling? Or is the heat loss acceptable?Most saunas I encountered (here in the Netherlands) have as small a door as possible and no glass wall.

[@DaveyStruggle]

Definitely a lot of heat loss because of the glass door and panel. A quarter inch gap does exist around the entire door, which I used a clear silicone gasket to help with escaping heat. My reason for this was so as not to hide the beautiful sauna behind a wall.

[@bailahie4235]

@@DaveyStruggle Ah, I understand your considerations, a beautiful sauna it indeed is ;-) Isn't it an idea to have a big extra (sliding? rotating?) wall, that you can close (over the glass) when using the sauna? Then it 'll be visible when not in use, but super well-isolated when in use.

[@justinesposito2]

Awesome build! What type of conduit did you use in inside of the sauna to protect the wiring from liquid and high temps?

[@tylercarlisle1565]

your awesome! I wish I still had this giddy up.

[@mmorris2962]

Great Video! How has that adhesive held up through the heat / cool cycles? Also, is the tile cold? I am considering heated tile but dont know if its worth it.

[@anotherplottwist]

Beautiful work. In love to see it.

[@shea5542]

Very very cool

[@ok2x]

Nice build !! Was that water proof caulk on the bench no VOC? Wonder if the heat will off gas chemicals

[@adamcarmichael3685]

Awesome build mate 🫡

[@chrisjefferys1783]

Man, what a beautiful build. You really know your stuff, are you an electrician or just an all around knowledgeable guy?

[@LightGesture]

Lol. There's a ton wrong in this video, dude..

[@Fred3n87]

Cant say i understand everything when it's in English but would why was the extra wiring a problem? Didnt you have cable canals drawn through already so you could draw the extra wiring through them?

[@MarlonKingShow]

This looks awesome. Though cant believe how expensive it is to make.

[@mikepottle6647]

Did he mention how much it all cost? I didn’t catch that part?

[@MarlonKingShow]

@@mikepottle6647 the price breakdown is available in the video description

[@scottmac386]

how about the foil that you got do you have a link? I'm checking out Bend OR Parr to see if they have the cedar.... Miller might as well.... you didn't go for Thermally Modified wood.... any reason? Looks great!! your video is encouraging and motivating..

[@DaveyStruggle]

Ill update the description. Here is what I used amzn.to/4ikSnRc

[@havanapaul2658]

thanks for making us watch adds

[@windowzombie]

If it only went to 160 with the first heater, don't you need to throw water on it to up the heat?

[@chh7681]

wait so you put grout over your tiles to make it matte? thats pretty smart

[@saliente4444]

Beautiful job 🙏

[@bennguyen1313]

I have an existing 1-person FIR sauna (radiant health e1h), and would like to remove the glass door (65"H x 24"W) and position a Red-Led panel in it's place (36"Hx12"W). Mounting the panel on a movable tv stand is not a problem, but once I wheel it into position, I don't want any gaps between the panel and the door-jamb. I understand the existing "Serious-Window" glass door is triple-plane (R6?), but I was thinking I could mount some insulating material (spaceloft-aerogel , XPS, HempWool, etc) around the panel? Since it's such a small area , the cost of the insulating material is not a concern, nor it being fire-retardant. The only concern would be breathing right next to it. Any suggestions on mounting or what I can do around the panel to insulate it?

[@Jeff-rx4de]

You had so much height to work with. Why did you go so low on the seating? Great looking sauna, the clear cedar is beautiful.

[@DaveyStruggle]

Maybe I can somehow add another bench. 8 foot ceilings was not the best choice.

[@WheeliesAreCool]

@DaveyStruggle Are the ceiling lights holding up? I'm about to install the same ones.

[@factslogic3513]

How did you attach your Huum control/wiring box to the ply wood (the Box on the left at the end of your video)? It came with no real manner in which to attach it. Great videos, very helpful. I assume a huge part of your heat loss is your full glass front. Cheers

[@DaveyStruggle]

I drilled some holes from the inside of the box, and screwed it on the wall that way.

[@factslogic3513]

@@DaveyStruggle Ah, I have my box outside and wanted to not drill it but will likely have to do that. So odd they don't give a set of factory holes with weather proof gaskets. cheers

[@themorenogroupkc]

@@factslogic3513 Thanks guys! I'm building our sauna right now and mounting of the wiring box was stumping me this morning. This was the info I was searching for.

[@robertfelber2736]

you said you needed more power. what did that intail? is 220 not enough for that 1000 cubic feet heater? i currently have a 220 line ran from previous sauna and was looking at about the same size heater as you have for my new sauna build

[@DaveyStruggle]

Not sure about the tech info, but my heater required two 50 amp breakers, each with 6/2ga wires. The 9kw asked only for one 50amp breaker.

[@cden-ec7cy]

What a great job. Looks fantastic. Would you change anything? More vent, lower ceiling, drain, different flooring.. anything? Thanks 😊

[@DaveyStruggle]

If I was to do this all over again. I would lower the ceiling to 7’. Would it be interesting for me to do a video update on the sauna?

[@kylealexander7621]

Yes!@@DaveyStruggle

[@kilcool01]

yes, please do an update...very interesting video. Seán from Dingle, Ireland @@DaveyStruggle

[@kevmar2010]

Decided to build my own sauna. Glad I found your vid. One question, the lower vent doesn’t look like it goes anywhere? Did you just not insulate that small space?

[@kevmar2010]

Sorry I watched again. Is that the lower vent I see you drill on the outside? Thanks.

[@sevenohm3375]

Did you get rolled on the heater? Sounds like maybe they upsold you on some bs.

[@JakeG360]

How are the pot lights and strip lights holding up to the heat and moisture? Did you use any special lights or just regular ones?

[@DaveyStruggle]

The overhead lights deal with the most heat, and so far so good. Got them at Home Depot, and were made for wet locations. Strip lights are also compatible with wet locations and have not had any issues.

[@notapilot]

Do you have a shutoff between your panel and the huum heater? If so, is the shutoff gfci? Have you experienced any tripping at higher temps? All codes in my area say gfci is required, but huum specifically says not to use it in the manual. I have a drop 9kw in an outdoor sauna and have had annoying issues in colder outside temps.

[@ImportantComment]

Beautiful job!

[@norrispyle9932]

Awesome build!

[@MudPig6110]

How did they adjust the cubic feet from 350 to over 700? Would be nice if they showed everyone to calculate their real cubic feet.

[@skye1355]

350x2

[@patrikkadraba3702]

I love that seats. I'm just wondering about the load since there are no footings. You thing that few screws on sides will hold it properly?

[@DaveyStruggle]

So far so good. I’ve had three on that top seat with about 600 lbs in weight.

[@Cadla]

What type of wire / conduit did you use to connect the heater? The manual says not to use the standard PCV coated wire, but I don't see heat-resistant available wires in local hardware stores.

[@slothsarecool]

Wish I had skill, looks kinda fun to build, assuming the end result works haha

[@futbol1972]

Iam getting a single sauna for my garage but don't know if I should get infra red or traditional??? Many people like the traditional better since it heats up hotter cause it heats up air as opposed as your body directly like Ir. Anyways if I put it in my 3 car garage/gym will I need to have some ventilation or will it be ok if garahe is completely sealed?? Iam installing a mini split system there too so I am sealing every single Crack/gap in garahe so minisplit can be more efficient.

[@DaveyStruggle]

From what I’ve read, health benefits are acquired at 185 degrees. Infrared reach 140. So I wouldn’t recommend the latter option. Ventilation isn’t required, but I highly recommend.

[@futbol1972]

@@DaveyStruggle people been telling me ir better than traditional saunas for health benefits and relaxation

[@LeahJackson831]

Enjoyed the outfit at 1:30 😂

[@skullwhitedesigns3451]

Adding the same Led strip lighting under my benches as well. How did you run them from the top bench to bottom bench while hiding the strip?

[@DaveyStruggle]

I ran two separate strips for each bench.

[@SteelRaider12]

The purest Fin's on reddit sauna channel are going to lose their mind when they see your feet will be below the top of the stove height lol.

[@IdealistINFP]

Thats a pretty long time to heat up isnt it? Did you look at other options for heaters?

[@bonez1093]

How hot does it get by the floor? Wondering what type of conduit and wire to run for the temperature. What did you use? Thanks

[@DaveyStruggle]

The floor stays quite cool, haven’t measured the temperature though. I used flexible conduit with two 6/2 wires. I would guess it stays below 100degree where the wires are. This is when the sauna is at 200 degrees.

[@bonez1093]

@@DaveyStruggle thanks for the response. I'm doing one almost the exact same size and thanks to your video I was able to tell the customer they needed the 15kw. Thanks

[@karp0040]

What kind of lights did you use For the ceiling? And for you have anyway to control the amount of air flow through the sauna

[@DaveyStruggle]

I used 3” canless LED lights. Specific for damp locations. I don’t have a way to increase air flow, only to stop air flow by shutting the vents.

[@rschiwal]

You could cook a brisket in there.

[@p.youhana3563]

No drainage?

[@thomastammoja3508]

If somebody wants to calculate how large sauna heater (kW) they should buy, here is the formula. Calculate cubic meters of the sauna. Length:8 ft = 2.43 meters Width:5.5 = 1.67 meters Height:8 = 2.43 meters 2.43 * 1.67 * 2.43 = 9.86 cubic meters Calculate square meters of every non insulated walls (glass door, windows, etc.) and multiply it by 1.2 For this build, the glass wall size should be width x height x 1.2 = 4.87 sq meters Add all numbers together and round it up to closest integer: 9.86 + 4.87 = 14.73 = ~15 This is the actual cubic meters of your sauna. Huum Hive 12kW is ranged to be used for saunas between 12 - 25 m3 and Hive 15 kW is ranged to be used for saunas between 15-30 m3. Choose the size which suits you. If you need less clearance from the heater, choose Hive 12 kW (e.g. you want to put the heater inside the bench/floor) and choose larger if want the sauna to heat up quicker. One tip, to not get cold feet when sitting on the top bench, put the bottom bench around the same level as the top of the heater.

[@SessleIsosceles]

Have your under bend strip led lights failed yet? They didn't say anywhere they are rated for that kind of high consistent heat

[@DaveyStruggle]

It’s been a year and a half since I started using the sauna, and they are still working great. Now I’m curious what the temp is at that height. 🤔

[@karp0040]

I'm designing a sauna 7x7x5. Total square feet 245. I have one small window 1.5x1.5ft. Do you think 9kw drop heater from huum will work? Do you have the number fir huum support? Thanks

[@DaveyStruggle]

That 9kw should be enough to power your sauna well. But I do recommend huumsauna.com sauna calculator to get a better idea of the size you need for your specific build. I would choose the next size up from what they recommend. 👍 Also steamsaunabath.com, has a good knowledgeable tech department.

[@ethericomusicyourmind1360]

AWSOME JOB, BRAVO

[@arpadcsorba2053]

Why is there such a large gap behind the first bench?

[@CobyBeck]

Because that’s just a step to get onto the top benche, alternatively, you can lay down or sit on the lower bench, with your feet down if too hot on the top bench.

[@jackscordo6391]

Would love to know the cost of this build

[@DaveyStruggle]

Will add it to the description shortly. A complete breakdown.

[@ComeHereGreatness]

What did you use for recess lighting?

[@DaveyStruggle]

Here is the exact ones I purchased from Home Depot. www.homedepot.com/p/Commercial-Electric-Ultra-Slim-3-in-Color-Selectable-New-Construction-and-Remodel-Canless-Recessed-Integrated-LED-Kit-91466/310114086

[@ComeHereGreatness]

@@DaveyStruggle Thank you! Great work BTW

[@jacobblanco7]

Love it. How can I message you? Doing one in our house and had some quick questions

[@DaveyStruggle]

Daveystruggle(at)gmail

[@blhageman]

Great build! Sharp attention to detail. Did you do all the electrical work for heater? I’m in the process of mine. It looks like you may had to add more square footage because of the glass”uninsulated” door.

[@DaveyStruggle]

Yes I did. It wasn’t as hard as I thought it would be. Yeah, that cubic feet measurement really had me confused.

[@troycarpenter3675]

Nice

[@johnmarquardt1991]

What country?

[@mikemuniak4711]

What is the size of your room

[@DaveyStruggle]

8’ high x 8’ deep x 5.5’ wide

[@hunter6099]

Cost?

[@DaveyStruggle]

I got the whole cost breakdown added to the description.

[@chrisbrotsis9041]

What are the dimensions of your sauna? I am currently building and want to use a huum as well…your sauna looks so small for a 15kw

[@DaveyStruggle]

My sauna is 8’ deep, 8’ high and 6’ wide. Use the Huum website calculator to determine what size you would need. I would go a size higher than recommended. My personal opinion.

[@quangpham8497]

👍❤️

[@realfacthunt]

That wood should be vertically mounted, horizontal panels will give you issues.

[@samueldeter9735]

How is their calculation for cubic feet more than double?? Good ole optimistic marketing "math"

[@Nbvgfbnvcjkubvcf]

No need to go to the bath house anymore

[@benbauder3314]

Wouldn’t want to be sitting in that adhesive off gasing in a enclosed space

[@jackfntwist]

Nice clickbait.

[@kuumaliimam1es]

This is not a sauna. This is a room with hot rocks. You need water drainage in a real sauna. 1/5

[@pillsnerbob]

So tru jenkki paska

[@pascalsauvage2275]

It will have an unbearable smell of sweat in a few months time too!! 😂😂😂

[@TheSteinbitt]

No you don’t, our sauna works perfect without. Greetings from Norway.

[@DontStopBrent]

Thx for sharing

[@brianbisceglia-kane3099]

You don’t need a drain - stop stomping on others’ great work.

[@mitchsterling3266]

All that and you could just just sit in a normal shower

[@joeypaisano9235]

Hope you enjoy paying the electricity bill dum dum

[@LightGesture]

This is such a hack channel, imo...... insane. Somehow expenses money for expensive tools but just doesnt have the real knowledge and skills to back up their usages..

[@GetterDone007]

Pretty handy man … Jesus 👌🏻

[@Mr.Slouchy]

What a G 😚