A residential log cabin is a rewarding and lucrative investment with functional and aesthetic values. You can upgrade your log home to something better and more convenient such as making a sauna in the structure. You may also opt for a sauna log cabin if this type of relaxation is your main objective in the first place. Before you explore the techniques on how to plan and create your very own sauna in your log house, it is best to know the other options available.
Residential Log Cabin with Built-In Sauna
As the name implies, this type of log cabin is fully equipped with a sauna for the ultimate respite and invigoration. A lot of log home owners consider this option so that there is no longer the need to create or upgrade the structure to integrate a sauna. It is a simpler and more convenient option and the good news is that you can find a plethora of log cabin kits with a sauna already integrated in the package. It’s not only a setting for relaxation but an additional sauna in the residential log cabin boosts its market value as well.
Why Have a Sauna in a Log House?
If you are not yet familiar with the therapeutic and soothing effects of spending several minutes inside a sauna, this is the right time to find out. Sauna baths are quite popular in most health clubs and spas because of their ability to refresh the body through the effect of steam with aromatherapy. People consider their residential log cabin a private sanctuary where they can de-stress, and adding a sauna in the premises is a brilliant idea. Now you can relax in the heart of nature, right in your very own log home. If that is not therapeutic and refreshing, nothing else is.
Planning Your Sauna: Sauna Design
Now that you have explored the other options other than planning your sauna in your residential log cabin, it is time to discover another option, which is to plan and design the sauna as an integral part of the log house. All upgrade planning starts with a good and professional design. The good news is that you can find a wide selection of log cabin kits with saunas that include the blueprints and layouts for the wooden structure. DIY prefabricated kits may work for your log home sauna.
Planning Your Sauna: Sauna Power Source
The next most essential thing to consider when planning for a residential log cabin sauna is to choose your power source. How is the sauna going to operate? Do you use gas, electricity, or wood? If you want to be totally off the grid, then the latter is an obvious choice. Review these sauna heaters before making a choice:
Wood
Wood heaters are usually installed outside the residential log cabin; however, when installing wood saunas, the mechanics are like that of a wood stove or fireplace. There are also other alternatives for wood heaters such as a shower plumb and water jackets.
Electric
Most electric heaters need 20 to 40 AMP circuits if the device is to be used in residential settings. It helps to set horizontal brackets situated in between the studs in order to conveniently mount the sauna heater in your residential log cabin wall.
Gas
Propane or natural gas heaters are the usual options for this type of device and these are basically more expensive compared to wood and much larger in measurement. The most recommended way to install this type of heater is mounted on the outdoor wall.
Planning Your Sauna: Structural Technicalities
The sauna in your residential log cabin requires attention on numerous structural elements such as the position of the sauna door, its location in or around the log house, the ceiling height, and so much more. You must also consider the vents, windows, and other elements that you want included in the design. Even if you’re not a master builder, you can find kits that could help you plan and make your log cabin sauna. However, if you want something more precise and high quality, there are tradesmen and companies that build this cabin addition without you lifting a finger.
Building a Sauna in the Log Home
Most models of residential log cabins with sauna highlight this integral part of the structure as an outdoor space, more like a deck, sunroom or a porch. However, there are log homes that could be updated with a sauna and would not require you to comply with building codes or zoning requirements. Nonetheless, it is still important to check this out before building just to be sure.
Lighting and Wiring
One of the most important things to consider for a residential log cabin sauna is the wiring, which is necessary for the light, controls, sauna heater, conduit, light switch, and the like. Check with your wiring expert and electrician if you don’t know where to start with this.
Insulation
Consider an energy efficient insulation design for the residential log cabin sauna. Insulation also helps you lower the operating costs when you are using this additional space in your log house. Well-insulated walls should pass the standards for energy efficiency and it also ensures a soundproof finish for deeper relaxation and privacy.
Heat-Reflecting Foil
Use sauna foil in order to insulate the room as well as function as a vapour barrier. You can apply the foil vapour barrier on the interior surfaces of the room such as the ceiling and walls. There are high quality foils that are intended for residential log cabin saunas, thus these products are not susceptible to melting and are odourless.
More detailed and comprehensive sauna-making tips for your residential log cabin are available when you have log home kits that are designed with a built-in sauna. Moreover, you can find sources that could help you boost and revamp your log house, transforming it into a rejuvenating sanctuary. Consult with a certified residential log cabins manufacturer for questions and details.
