Finnish Sauna: Steam, Wood, Stone and How to Build Your Own | Lassi A. Liikkanen

As the old Finnish proverb has it: First build the sauna. Then the house.

More and more people around the world are rediscovering an ancient secret to wellbeing, relaxation and stress relief: the humble sauna. By gently raising the heart rate and relaxing muscles, the magical steam that rises from the heated stones - what Finns call löyly - has improved quality of life in the Nordic region for millennia.

In this practical guide, leading global expert Lassi Liikkanen teaches us how to plan, build and maintain a new sauna, with detail on insulation, panelling, and bench construction, and uses the examples of an indoor electric sauna and an outdoor sauna cabin with a wood-burning heater. Along the way, you will learn the traditions and science of sauna, and for the first time Dr Liikkanen introduces his history of Finnish sauna as defined by four eras.

Author Lassi Liikkanen knows good sauna design. He also knows how critical good design is to enjoying the authentic Finnish bathing experience.