四月 15, 2025 Kelly Haven Of Heat Team

How to Build Your Own Infrared Sauna at Home (Step-by-Step Guide)

Looking to create your own infrared sauna from scratch or retrofit an existing space? With the right components and layout, you can build a high-quality, low-EMF infrared sauna for a fraction of the cost of prebuilt models. This guide covers every step—from insulation and panel placement to safety and power requirements.

Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or just want a custom solution, here's how to build your own infrared sauna at home.

1. Choose the Right Location

Pick a well-ventilated indoor space with at least 15A–20A of dedicated power access. Ideal locations include:

Walk-in closets
Basements or attics
Garage corners
Bathroom alcoves

The space should allow at least 3–6 feet of internal seating and enough vertical height for infrared panel placement (at shoulder, back, leg, and front levels).

2. Frame the Structure

Use 2x4 studs for framing walls if starting from scratch
Leave openings for a sauna door and potential ventilation
Plan for a ceiling height of 75"–84" for optimal heat distribution

Want a prefab standalone kit? Check out our DIY Sauna Kits.

3. Insulate and Reflect Heat

Insulation is crucial for heat retention. Recommended materials include:

R-13 fiberglass or mineral wool batts in wall cavities
Finish with untreated cedar, spruce, or thermo-aspen sauna paneling

Note: Do NOT use vapor barriers or standard drywall inside the sauna space.

4. Install Infrared Heating Panels

Use low-EMF carbon or ceramic infrared panels that cover all core zones:

Back wall
Side walls (targeting shoulders and arms)
Below the bench (targeting calves)
Optional: front wall or under-bench panel

Recommended Products:

Ensure safe mounting distances (usually 2–4 inches from seating areas) and avoid direct skin contact with panel surfaces.

5. Wire the Power and Controller

Use shielded, EMF-safe wiring and follow all local electrical codes. Options include:

110V systems for plug-and-play use (limited to ~1.5kW)
Dedicated 120V or 240V lines for larger panel arrays
Install a control system with timers, temperature sensors, and brightness settings

Recommended: Hire a licensed electrician to wire and connect your infrared sauna heater safely.

6. Add Seating and Finishes

Use untreated cedar or thermo-aspen sauna benches
Avoid plastic, painted wood, or composite seating
Add LED lighting or chromotherapy kits for extra ambiance

7. Optional: Add Red Light Therapy

For a full-spectrum infrared setup, add a high-temp-rated red light therapy panel like the Hooga SaunaPRO. This provides near-infrared wavelengths for skin, recovery, and cellular benefits.

8. Test & Use Safely

Test power draw with a load meter
Run at 110°F–140°F for most sessions
Stay hydrated and limit first sessions to 20 minutes
Clean with a damp towel—avoid chemical sprays

Pro Tip: Add a thermometer/hygrometer combo to monitor heat, and consider a bench fan or vent for mild airflow.

Need Help Building Your Infrared Sauna?

At Haven Of Heat, we offer individual panels, control systems, and consultation support to help you build your infrared sauna the right way. Whether you're going fully custom or upgrading an existing setup, we’ve got you covered.