Building a Sauna,,,,,need info

[Angus]

Well, there are so many Fins on the forum, so I thought I'd just ask.
I am building a Sauna and a changeroom, total of rougly 3 x 5 meters.
It will be well insulated, and split into 2 parts.
What I am wondering about is the typical size of the hot section, and the method of heating.
All ideas and links appreciated.

[Dragon]

Are you building it just for yourself or will house-guests have access to it?  At 3 x 5, if you divide it right in the middle you should have room for 6-8 on the hot side as well as plenty of room for changing.



As for heating, aren't you sitting on a volcano?  Just dig down till it gets hot, add water, and voila!   

[Angus]

Building for both. Will not use it for myself, - can't stand heat!!
Was absolutely considering splitting it in half or so, it would be either 2,8 or 2,4 meters by 3 meters, which is a nice roomy space for some 8.
As for the energy, and all the volcanoes around, I live on a "cold" spot, and have no access to geothermal water.
The electricity is cheaper than in Europe, but rising. I do have some access to wood to burn, and could probably combine the both, but further than that I have no knowledge. I haven't even been in a sauna.
As a sidenote, this is sort of planned for my wife, who likes sauna a lot and it helps her with a problem with her ear canals. The changing facility would also be useful for the next project, - hot pot
(I can't stand them either!)

[icepac]

Heaters gonna heat.


The starting temperature in the men's competition was 110 °C (230 °F). Half a liter of water was poured on the stove every 30 seconds. The winner was the last person to stay in the sauna and walk out without outside help.

[LLv34_Camouflage]

I recommend contacting the Finnish Sauna Society: http://www.sauna.fi/inenglish.html   I'm sure they are happy to help and probably have some pdf's readily available. They have a list of literature on their website, which you might find useful: http://www.sauna.fi/80.html

If you have access to firewood, I definately recommend going for a wood-burning sauna. You can't go wrong with a finnish stove, such as Helo (http://www.helosauna.com/), Harvia (http://www.harvia.fi/content/en/11501/2/2.html) or Narvi (http://www.narvi.fi/en/home.html).  There are plenty of others, these are the first top brands that come to my mind. 

Of course, heating a wood-burning stove requires a bit more time and effort compared to just flicking a switch on an electric sauna. But the natural moisture that is released from the firewood gives a much better sauna experience. There is practically no difference in the heating time, which is usually around 45 minutes.

There are also these "instant" electric saunas where the stove is well insulated and has a lid. The stove is always on (I understand they're quite energy efficient nevertheless). When you want to go into the sauna, you just open the lid and the steam-room is hot within 10 minutes. These types of stoves are very popular at gyms, sports clubs, hotels and such around here.

I hope this helps,

Camo

[68ZooM]

Heres a great site to complete Sauna planning, building, the how to's, what you needs, different options and styles, whats the best materials, framing guides for building. if i ever want to build one ( which looks like fun to me) i'll use this site for references.

http://saunaplanning.com/?202000003

[mipoikel]

In Iceland, it would be good enough if you just leave the floor out of it.    

Seriously, Camo gave good advices. BUT here you can see lots of different models from Kontiotuote: http://www.kontio.fi/fin/Hirsihuvilat-ja-saunat/Saunat.665.html

[Ex-jazz]

Camo put it well.

Concerning the electricity vs wood heating (imho).

electricity
The electricity heated sauna is giving a nice comfort for the busy people.
Just turn the dials for the wanted heat and timer when to start actual heating.
The timer function is really nice, because you can go to the outdoor activities and when you comeback, the sauna is warm and ready. Neat.
The down side is the real good löyly (heat) is very rare in electricity heated sauna's.

Wood
The preparation and heating of the sauna can be a some sort of slowing-down ritual.
You cut the big blocks of wood down with the ax and carry them in and start the fire.
While fire is on you clean a bit places and carry-in the washing water from the lake/weld(in very basic form sauna) and fill the heating pot.
Keep up the fires, pick-up more woods and let your thoughts run out of head. No hurry. It's ready when it's ready.
Finally it's a sauna time and you can enjoy a very pleasant & smooth löyly(heat)... What a peace.
Down sides?
The heating can really take a time & work
You need to empty the heating place ashtray and get chimney checked/ cleaned time to time.

If you want to have a very best of löyly(heat), then the Smoke Sauna (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finnish_sauna#Smoke_sauna) is the option.