Shed to Sauna Oasis: Our Ultimate Backyard Spa Transformation
There’s something magical about a DIY project that gets the creative juices flowing, and this one? It’s a whole new level of amazing. What started as a dusty old shed filled with cobwebs and forgotten lawn tools has been transformed into a luxury sauna retreat—complete with a bubbling hot tub. Yes, we took a humble shed, gave it a major glow-up, and turned it into a cozy, relaxing backyard oasis. The sauna itself was surprisingly affordable!
Ready to see how we did it? Let’s dive in.
From Storage to Spa: The Vision
We had this old, neglected shed sitting on a deck in the backyard, and we thought, “Why not turn this into something people actually use?” The shed was a basic, somewhat forgotten structure, mostly used for storing old tools and random outdoor gear. With its dusty floors, bare walls, and zero personality, it was far from inspiring. But where others saw clutter, we saw untapped potential, especially with that fantastic deck overlooking the forest. I mean, come on—talk about unused potential!
With solid walls and ample space, we knew this could be transformed into something much more exciting than a storage area. Our vision was clear: create a tranquil retreat where you could enjoy a sauna session and unwind in a hot tub, all while staying close to nature. And so, the journey began to turn this shed into a serene spa haven.
Before: The Shed’s Exterior Transformation
Before the magic happened, the shed’s exterior was a bit of a forgotten corner on the deck. It sat there, an unassuming structure that was part of a larger, underutilized outdoor space. The deck itself was decent but lacked character.
The Shed’s Exterior Makeover
Fast forward to the "after," and it's hard to believe this is the same space. We transformed the deck into a warm, inviting entrance to the sauna retreat! We painted the exterior in our favorite shade of black, "Iron Ore," which added a modern, sophisticated touch. To further elevate the look, we replaced the old storage door with double patio doors, flooding the interior with natural light and seamlessly connecting the sauna to the outdoor living space. This exterior makeover not only enhanced the shed's appearance but also integrated it beautifully into the deck’s overall design. Now, let's step inside...
Interior Design: Embracing Minimalism and Serenity
For the sauna's interior, we opted for a minimalist design to cultivate a serene, spa-like atmosphere. Our aim was to create a calming retreat that feels both elegant and functional. To enhance durability and waterproofing, we installed large format tiles on the floor and continued them up the wall behind the hot tub. For added warmth and texture, we covered the upper half of the wall with bamboo paneling rolls. The installation process was simple, using pneumatic U-shaped fasteners, and the result was a naturally inviting space with minimal effort and cost. This blend of simplicity and sophistication transformed the sauna into the perfect escape. Shop what we used for the walls here
The Sauna: Our Secret to Cozy Comfort
The key player in this transformation is, of course, the sauna. We chose an infrared sauna that checked all the boxes: affordable, compact, and packed with features that bring the spa experience home. The best part? It was totally affordable. You don’t need a massive budget to create a luxurious backyard retreat. If this project has you dreaming about your own backyard spa, you’re in luck! We’ve included a link here so you can shop the exact sauna we used.
In the end, the transformation of this simple shed into a stylish, functional sauna retreat exceeded our expectations. This project shows that it’s absolutely possible to create a beautiful at-home sauna with the right planning and creativity, making it a perfect addition to any outdoor living space!