I have a little confession to make. I was watching a television show about Alaska (because you all know how I’m in love with Alaska), and I saw this awesome idea that sparked an awesome idea in my head.
So this television family created a sauna that was portable. They took it all over their large property so they could view whatever they wanted while they were relaxing and detoxing for the day.
Let me just say, I’ve had my mind set on having a sauna around my house ever since. I love the idea of sweating it all out. Plus, there are a ton of benefits to detoxing your body.
Which is why I’m bringing you this post on sauna designs. If the idea of a sauna sounds exciting or like something you could possibly be interested in, then you’ll need to know what design options you have and potentially how to create one yourself.
So here are awesome sauna designs that will (hopefully) strike your fancy:
1. Outbuilding Sauna Designs
This woman created a blog post about how she turned her outbuilding into her own personal sauna. I love the design. It includes an entry way, storage area, changing room, and sauna.
Plus, she also built it herself. It is an awesome idea in my book and would be a great addition to most properties.
2. The Portable Bike Sauna

This design is a little different than most saunas I’ve seen. Some inventors got together and created this little portable sauna that could fit on the back of a bike so it could be enjoyed anywhere.
Now, I’m not one to want to ride around town in little clothing and sweating for the whole world to see. But some people are okay with that. If you would be, then you might want to check into having your own portable sauna.
3. The Shed Sauna
I’m beginning to see a trend already. If you have an outbuilding that you aren’t really using, then you might want to seriously consider turning it into a sauna.
However, this post does a great job at documenting how they changed this shed into a sauna. There are lots of great pictures plus detailed directions too.
4. Sauna Designs and Plans
This website offers free plans for your sauna dreams. There are many different designs to choose from as well.
Plus, the plans look extremely detailed so you could easily envision what you are looking at building. Don’t forget, they are free (according to what the website says.)
5. The Cedar Barrel Sauna
This sauna is actually one that has been manufactured. That might be good news for some that want a sauna but don’t feel comfortable building it.
However, I’ve also seen on the internet where people have actually constructed their own round saunas too. So if you are a DIYer and like this design, apparently it can be recreated.
6. The 5 Compact Home Sauna Designs
This post shares 5 manufactured compact home saunas. I believe they are actually meant to work for apartment dwellers.
So if you aren’t too concerned about a budget, then this might be a good option for you. However, if you aren’t really into manufactured items, then you might still be able to get a few good ideas for when you create your own sauna.
7. Building a Sauna at Home
This website gives you practically everything you need to learn how to build a sauna at home. According to the site, they’ve been at this since 1974.
Plus, you get access to many free plans and also learn how to construct a sauna whether it be from scratch or a kit.
8. The 4’x5’ Outdoor Sauna Design Kit
This is a great looking smaller sauna. If you are a little nervous about constructing a sauna from scratch, but you don’t have the funds to have someone build a custom sauna for you, then a kit could be a good option.
So this sauna is a kit which includes your heater and accessories (according to the site.) It looks like a fantastic little addition to any home.
9. The Wood Burning DIY Sauna
I have to tell you all that I really love this sauna. I think it is rustic and adorable to look at. I also love the fact that it was built from scratch and that someone shared instructions and amazing pictures.
So if you are looking for a sauna to build from the ground up on your own, here is an example of what someone else did. If you are looking for a rustic sauna this could be it.
10. 5’x6’ Outdoor Sauna Kit
This is another sauna kit. It too says that it includes the heater as well with the kit. It appears that it would be suitable for most any home design.
So if you are looking for a great looking sauna that you can put together yourself, then this could be the one you’ve been waiting for.
11. The DIY Cedar Wood Fired Hot Tub
Okay, so this isn’t exactly a sauna. In fact, it’s an old-fashioned and fabulous hot tub, but I thought you all might enjoy this addition if you are looking for a way to relax.
This is a step by step guide on how to build it from scratch. They cover just about everything you would need to know about this hot tub. It is a very thorough tutorial, to say the least.
12. A Galvanized Hot Tub
Again, I know this isn’t a sauna, but it was another really cool idea to help you relax. Also, if you are a DIYer, it is another option for you as well.
So this is a video which shows you how they did every step. This is an old fashioned hot tub as it is made out of a galvanized stock tank. You would definitely get the classic feel with this design.
13. 4’x6’ Home Sauna Kit
This is another kit, but from the looks of it, these sauna designs are for indoor use as well. Everything is precut so you can still put this together yourself.
However, it is just meant to make your life a little more simple. Keep in mind that kits are usually a little more expensive because you are paying for that convenience.
14. The DIY Sauna with Stove
This site provides a sauna kit, which you can custom fit to your house, as the home owners above did.
The kit also includes a heater package. If you are skilled in carpentry and all things house related, you can make this kit work for you.
15. Custom Sauna Designs
This sauna was designed by a man who apparently wanted to build something over the winter. It is custom, unique, and gorgeous.
However, he didn’t include how he built it. Hopefully, you can still use the design to inspire you on your own sauna build.
16. 6’x8’ Sauna Designs Kit
This is another kit for building a sauna. As mentioned before, they may be easier to build, but you also have to pay for that convenience.
However, even if you don’t like the idea of buying a kit for a sauna, you could still use it as inspiration for your own build.
17. The Finnish Sauna
This sauna appears to be really nice. They didn’t include step by step instructions, but they did include lots of pictures to help you see the progress that was made.
So if you have extra space (like this person did), then you might decide that you’d like to tackle the DIY project of sauna too. Just realize this is not a project for those new to carpentry.
18. The Wood Burning Sauna in Atlanta
This sauna is a beautiful design. It looks cozy and comfortable and appears to fit in most anywhere. I also like the blog post because of all of the information they give.
So you do have instructions and great pictures too. If you are looking to DIY your own sauna, then you would probably be interested in this post.
19. The Sauna Box
This is a really neat design for a purchased sauna. If you aren’t someone that is handy in the carpentry department, then purchasing your sauna might be a good idea for you.
But what if you don’t have the room for a large sauna outdoors? Then consider this compact little sauna box that appears to be all you could ever really want in a more compact box form.
20. The DIY Wood Burning Hot Tub
Building your own DIY wood burning hot tub is not an easy task. You need to be very skilled in the carpentry department. Again, I realize this isn’t a sauna design, but they do often go hand in hand.
So if you are looking to build your own wood burning hot tub, this is a nice tutorial for you. They offer pictures, materials list, and tools. Plus, a link for step by step instructions too.
21. The Sauna and Wood Burning Hot Tub Combo
This is just a picture meant to share a design of what others have done with wood burning hot tubs and saunas.
However, I’m making a little bit of an assumption that the building is a sauna. Even if it isn’t, you could probably turn it into one in your own design. Though there is no tutorial on the build, it could be a good starting point for your own design.
Well, now you have over 20 different sauna designs to help you get started designing, ordering, or building your very own sauna. Don’t forget I threw a few wood burning hot tubs in the mix as well.
Before you know it, you could have a little oasis in your backyard. Hopefully, you will have the chance to build a place to relax and partake in some of the detoxing benefits these items supply.