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 sauna
• Design inspiration for indoor, outdoor, and backyard saunas
• Real-world examples showcasing materials, finishes, design flourishes, and architectural styles
• Essential guidance on heaters, ventilation, and layout for comfort and performance
• Sauna essentials and tips for “how to sauna”
• The health and wellness benefits associated with saunas and cold plunges
• A 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.