DIY Sauna Update

First of all, big thanks to all of you who provided input on my DIY Sauna project. This is a Remix of https://www.instructables.com/DIY-Outdoor-Sauna in which I tried to address all main concerns on the project like fire hazards, waterproofness of the roof, rough interior and dangers of seizure due to the LED lighting system :-)

Stay safe!

• stone slabs
• wooden panels
• aerated concrete
• LED optical fibre star ceiling kit
• metal sheet
• DIY equipment e.g. screws, nails, drill, hammer...

• I flammed the exterior of the Sauna to preserve the wood. It's an old Japanese technique called "shou sugi ban".
• However, the black fades into grey after some time.
• To increase the preservation effect I applied natural linseed oil.

• In order to mitigate possible fire hazards, I'm using stone slabs around the stove.
• Place stone slabs on the floor and on the wall around the stove.
• I used screw-in hooks for simple mounting.

• In order to waterproof the roof you need to apply the bitumen felt over the edge.
• Cut a proper sized piece of bitumen felt
• Lay it over the corners
• Mount it on the roof using heat, pressure and nails.

• I attached wooden panels to improve heat insulation and looks.
• Cut the panels in size and attach them with nails or screws to the wall. Measure twice :-)
• To save costs, I also used them on the floor.
• Use skirting boards in the corners.

• The chimney pipe of the wood fired Sauna stove causes fire hazards.
• In order to protect the wooden wall where the pipe leaves the sauna I use an aerated concrete block. It is supposed to be sufficiently heat resistant and doesn't release toxic fumes.
• First cut the block in size. You can use a saw. Then mark the cut out for the chimney pipe. I used a drill and a hammer to make the hole.
• Make a cut out in the sauna wall. Insert the block in the Sauna wall. It should sit firmly so measure twice.
• Right above the chimney pipe install a metal shield on the ceiling to deflect the heat. I used a simple metal shield which I put on screw-in hooks.

• This one is optional. It is a lot of work to insert all the optical fibre into the ceiling...
• I used the same wooden panels for the ceiling as for the wall and floor.
• I used the space over the door to mount the LED light for the optical fibre.
• Cut the panels in size.
• Randomly mark drill holes on the panels. Make sure that the overall number of drill holes matches the available optical fibre.
• Drill the holes slightly larger than the fibre. It will be easier to insert the fibre into the panels (e.g. 1mm drill and 0.75mm fibre).
• Jam the first panel into the ceiling.
• Pull the fibre trough the drill holes.
• Secure the fibre with a drop of solvent-free glue.
• Mount the panel on the ceiling using screws or nails.
• Now test the functioning.
• If the LED system is working repeat the steps above until the ceiling is covered.
• Cut the protruding part of the fibre.

Now that I'm finished it's time for me to enjoy a Sauna session. With this remix it is even safer and more enjoyable!