The Sauna Book

If you dream of adding a sauna to your home but don't know where to start, this book shows you how to select or design, plan, and build one with confidence.

The Sauna Book is a practical, design-forward guide for creating your own sauna oasis-whether you're adapting an existing space with a prefab model or planning an outdoor retreat by building one from scratch.

Written by project designer and carpenter Philip Schmidt, the book combines clear, step-by-step building plans along with gorgeous photography of home saunas from around the world, offering both technical guidance and visual inspiration.

Inside, you'll find:

Detailed plans and layouts for building a safe, functional, and moveable outdoor saunaDesign inspiration for indoor, outdoor, and backyard saunasReal-world examples showcasing materials, finishes, design flourishes, and architectural stylesEssential guidance on heaters, ventilation, and layout for comfort and performanceSauna essentials and tips for "how to sauna"The health and wellness benefits associated with saunas and cold plungesA snapshot of sauna culture around the world
Organized to support both planning and execution, the book balances hands-on instruction with aspirational imagery. Accessible, practical, and design-conscious, it's ideal for confident DIYers and homeowners focused on wellness at home, whether you're looking to have a sauna installed, or you're ready to jump in an build your own. Rather than presenting saunas as luxury-only features, The Sauna Book makes them achievable, customizable, and buildable, bringing this wellness trend to your home.