
wiring an outdoor sauna for power and in this case speaker volume control.
As mentioned in this video here, many country and lakeside saunas don’t have electricity.
In Finland and everywhere, many traditional saunas were built before electricity. Also, many saunas are built away from the main house, cabin, cottage. To the positive, this reality is what helps make the sauna building a true escape, a step back in time and towards simplicity.
There is a wind of change: solar and wind systems are becoming more affordable for the average bear.
Saunas that have been lit exclusively by candle or lantern may now, with the flick of a switch, be powered up like the LM in Apollo 13.
When building an outdoor sauna, spend the extra time and cash to wire the structure for lights and outlets.
A simple hot room light, a couple wall sconses in changing room, and an outdoor patio light is all is needed (the power of three). Oh, and put ‘em all on dimmers. One can bring power into the structure by wiring an RV electrical plug (expensive) or a simple male plug tucked under the structure outside. The system can be tested and powered for sauna parties by running extension cord from nearest power source.
Run 12/2 wire from the outside plug under the bottom plate directly to a GFI outlet, then run power to lights and additional outlet(s). This keeps your entire system safe from power surges and accidents eg. when a drunken guest thinks your triple light switch is a sink.
When you step up to get the solar panel or wind turbine, your structure is wired and ready to go.






After a recent flurry of sauna bench construction for others, there I sat in my backyard outdoor sauna thinking “why don’t I change out my sauna benches?” Like the cobbler’s kids having holes in their shoes, I was thinking “man, these are lame.” In fairness, they worked great for 10 years. They showed a bit of novice design and construction, but it was time.
I’ve built over a dozen sauna benches, no, many more than that.
If there is a better sauna bench, I’d sure like to know about it.
Hi Glenn,
The feed from changing room is a viable option. It saves a bit of space, and offers heat into changing room. In my experience, however, this is unnecessary. Heat gets in the changing room just fine by opening and closing the hot room door. Further, feeding through a wall requires some elaborate fire proofing and framing around the “throat”.






Ever poke your head in construction dumpsters or those haul away green bags?
BONUS: No construction dumpster or green dumpster bag needed.
Authentic sauna enthusiasts are sometimes inconvenienced by folks who keep the sauna door open, or forget to close the door on their way out. Are these the same people who drive slow in the left lane? Drivers on the Autobahn in Germany have no patience for this social ignorance. They’ll get right on your bumper and flash their lights, until you get your shit together and move out of the way.
BONUS: This ball catch can work in conjunction with your Prime-Line Screen and Storm Door Spring – same isle.
All the leaves have fallen.
Mornings have been spent sipping coffee.
1. Foil Bubble Wrap. A sauna without it is just another word for nothing left to lose.

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