How to Build a Sauna in Australia: Step-by-Step Guide

Build Your Own DIY Sauna With Expert Guidance Every Step of the Way

Are you looking for your next weekend project?


ο»ΏPerfect for builders or DIY enthusiasts who want a custom-built DIY sauna project with expert advice.

Request a DIY Sauna Consultation

Why Build a Sauna at Home?

You’ve landed here, so I doubt you need much convincing on why saunas are awesome.


But we can’t help ourselves... here are some of our favourite wellness benefits (and the science behind them).

Stress Reduction: releases endorphins (the happy chemicals) to move through your day with calm and ease

Immunity Boost: Activates immune cells and triggers heat shock protein production

Heart Health: Improves circulation and supports cardiovascular health.

Deep Detox Effect: Softens the skin’s barrier, helping it release heavy metals and toxins

Brain Boost: Research has linked regular sauna use to long-term brain health, reducing cognitive decline

No hassles of finding parking at the local community centre

You actually get to relax because you're not subject to loud shouting or the ambience that comes from public saunas

Our DIY Sauna Offerings

DIY Custom Consultation

Personalised advice from sauna professionals, tailored to your space and style.

One-on-one consultation

Custom floor plans & sauna design

Itemised high quality sauna materials and products

Confidence your sauna meets Australian requirements.

Expert advice

Book a Consultation

DIY Sauna Material Kit

Premium-grade sauna building materials and accessories, delivered across Victoria.

Timber cut to spec

SAWO Stainless steel heater

Insulation & vapour barriers

Doors & trims

Accessories

Dulux Colourbond roof (if required) 

VIC-wide delivery or warehouse pick-up

Order Sauna Materials

Flat-Pack DIY Sauna Kits

The easiest way to build a sauna in a weekend: pre-fabricated and ready to assemble.

Pre-fab wood panels readily available (subject to availability)

SAWO sauna heater

Sauna accessories

Step-by-step guide

Easy-to-follow instructions

VIC-wide delivery or warehouse pick-up

Explore DIY Sauna Kits →


What You Need to Get Started

Before you start your DIY sauna project, make sure you’re prepared:

Space: Decide if you’re building an indoor sauna room or an outdoor sauna. For outdoors, pick level ground. For indoors, measure up. Send us photos of the proposed space for advice.

Type of heater: Ensure you have equivalent power supply for the heater specified by our expert team. 

Insulation materials & vapour barriers: To keep the heat in and protect your cedar.

Tools: Saw, drill, level, screws, tape measure.

Approvals: Some outdoor builds require council or strata approval.

⚑️ Don't forget electrical:


Forgetting electrical work, ventilation planning, and safety allowance for heaters is the fastest way to derail a project.


Common Mistakes in Choosing Materials

Ignoring safety standards & compliance

Choosing the wrong timber

Cutting corners on durability

Using none or the wrong insulation & vapour barriers

Undersizing the heater

Skipping essential sauna accessories essential for sauna use, heater maintenance, and overall enjoyment

Fitting generic glass doors

Installing unsafe hardware, such as metal handles

🌟 Quality matters:


Cutting corners on building materials leads to disappointment. A good sauna starts with high quality saunas-grade timber, heaters, and accessories.


Choosing the Right Materials

A good sauna is built from the inside out, with materials chosen to handle heat, moisture, and daily use.


We’ve built saunas for some of Australia’s most respected names in wellness, including the Grand Hyatt, Sense of Self, Comma Richmond, and Wellness Social Co.


The same knowledge and materials go into every home sauna project we supply.


Here’s what we recommend:

Using timber that is durable, aromatic, and naturally resistant to moisture and decay. Western red cedar is top choice.

Sauna-specific vapour barriers are essential for locking in heat and preventing moisture damage.

Stainless steel SAWO heaters are trusted for safety, efficiency, and longevity.

Sauna glass doors are designed to retain the heat and endure extreme temperatures and moisture without cracking.

Essential sauna accessories like a bucket and ladle, thermostat, timer, and sauna rocks complete the authentic sauna experience.



Our Timber Selection

Scandia
Scandia Learn More
Scandia Mini
Scandia Mini Learn More
Wood burning
Wood burning Learn More

SAWO Heaters are the no. 1 choice

Proven Quality: SAWO is one of the world’s leading sauna heater manufacturers, producing over 100,000 units each year.

Australian Standards: Unlike many European brands, SAWO designs and supplies heaters specifically rated and approved for Australian safety requirements.

Energy Efficiency: Advanced technology means lower power consumption while still delivering the powerful, even heat you expect from a traditional Finnish sauna.

Tested Performance: Every heater is tested with continuous product development ensuring reliable performance for years to come.

Authentic Sauna Experience: SAWO heaters are designed to work with hot rocks, delivering the classic balance of dry heat and steam that defines a good sauna.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Build a Sauna

Step 1: Plan & Design

  • Choose your sauna type & materials: traditional or wood burning.
  • Sketch your layout with benches, heater position, air flow, and the door.
  • Measure the space in square metres to size the heater correctly. Our expert team will ensure the heater matches your proposed space.

⚠️ Mistake Alert: Many people choose a heater that is too small. The result is weak heat and wasted energy.

Step 2: Prepare the Site

  • You’ll need a clean area to work with.
  • Confirm electrical work with a licensed electrician and plan the power source.
  • Make sure the floor is level and safe for heat and moisture. For internal domestic spaces, 120mm skirting tiling to line the sauna and drainage. 


⚠️ Mistake Alert: Forgetting approvals or failing to prepare the base can delay the whole build.



Step 3: Build the Frame & Insulate

  • Build a timber stud frame for the sauna walls and ceiling.
  • Use sauna-grade insulation that holds dry heat.
  • Add a vapour barrier to lock in heat and protect against moisture.

⚠️ Mistake Alert: Standard home insulation traps moisture. This can lead to mould and repairs.

Step 4: Line the Interior Walls & Ceiling

  • Fix cedar wood panels with a hidden nail system for a clean look.
  • Use premium grade Western Red Cedar. It is durable, aromatic, and resists moisture.
  • Seal corners and edges with trims.

⚠️ Mistake Alert: The wrong timber or exposed nails can cause cracking and shorten the sauna’s life.

Step 5: Add Benches & Sauna Door

  • Install a lower bench and an upper bench for comfort.
  • Fit a proper sauna door made from cedar or glass. These are built for heat and moisture.
  • Allow enough bench space for each person using the sauna.


⚠️ Mistake Alert: Generic doors or untreated timber benches can leak heat and become unsafe.

Step 6: Install Heater, Lighting & Ventilation

  • Mount a stainless steel heater that matches the size of the room and allows for ventilation. 
  • Add a sauna lights inside the room (e.g. uppear rear bench, back rest, or lower bench) ensuring with switches are placed outside the room.
  • Install a vent to allow safe air flow and circulation.


⚠️ Mistake Alert: Poor ventilation makes the sauna unsafe and uncomfortable.

Step 7: Accessories & Finishing Touches

  • Add the essentials: bucket, ladle, hot rocks, timer, and thermometer.
  • Install backrests for comfort and longevity of the sauna, help protect the sauna walls and panelling from sweat marks.
  • Also invest in extra towels for sauna use.
  • Add extras like aroma oils, accent lighting, and custom stains.

⚠️ Mistake Alert: Skipping accessories such as a thermometer or timer risks overheating and poor control.

Step 8: Safety & First Sauna Session

  • Ensure all electrical is carried out by a licensed electrician. Correct the power supply to the electrical board and unit.
  • Run the heater and test the dry heat.
  • Enjoy your first sauna session. Start slow, hydrate well, and finish with cold water for the full Finnish ritual.

⚠️ Mistake Alert: Never do electrical work yourself. Always use a licensed electrician.

Why Choose The Sauna Company?

Expert advice

End-to-end support

Premium-grade materials

Custom & DIY sauna options

Highly credited SAWO supplier

Post-Install check-ins & maintenance

Trusted by leading luxury med spas & gyms

Happy Sauna Happy Life

Read why our customers are glad they chose The Sauna Company and really value the great design work

"I am so glad made right choice purchased custom made sunset kit from the sauna company. The product quality and design match their name, they are professional sauna builder. Sarah she is very helpful and also they have very good carpenters too. I would highly recommend the sauna company. Thank you for make my life even better in Australia. Absolutely love it"


Maxmisz

"We received amazing service from start the finish of our Sauna journey, Alana and Mitch were so helpful with providing advice on installation, sorting out delivery and helping with additional cedar for our roof.

I highly recommend the sauna company for a quality product and great service."


Aidan Rushton

"Great customer service and prompt attention to our queries via calls and emails. Once final purchase sorted, and delivery and installation date agreed the process was so easy. Alana and Mitch could not have been more helpful and informative. Delighted with our new sauna at our new home and excited to make good regular use of it."


Peter Burke

"It is hard to find saunas made from cedar in the original Finnish style on the Australian market. 'The Sauna Company' in Melbourne sells these saunas at a reasonable price. Our dealings with Mitch and Sarah were fantastic."


ML Pille

"Excellent experience from start to finish. Great design work and advise early on and the build was seamless and high quality. Coming from Germany and knowing what a good sauna looks like, I really valued the great job."


ο»ΏOliver Horn

"An absolutely fantastic customer experience from Brendan at The Sauna Company. Brendan knows his business well, great with people and absolutely reliable and trustworthy. He went above and beyond installing an outdoor sauna for us and managing the whole project from start to finish. Could not recommend him highly enough. A very happy customer!"


Alex Glitlis

Your Sauna, Your Rules.
Build Your Dream Sauna Without Limitations

Think of it like a DIY kit, but without the prefab limits. We can cut your custom sauna to size and supply everything you need.


You’ll have the freedom to design and build the sauna of your style and benefit while knowing you’ve got expert advice on hand at every step.


Our team has the know-how to make sure your project is safe, durable, and rewarding.


Ready to get started?


πŸ“¨ info@thesaunacompany.com
πŸ“ž
  0429 303 271

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I install the sauna electrical work myself?

    No. All electrical wiring must be done by a licensed electrician to meet Australian safety standards. You can complete much of the carpentry and build yourself, but always leave the electrical installation to a qualified professional. Warranty is voided if not installed by a licensed electrician.


  • What’s the best wood to use for a home sauna?

    For Melbourne’s varied weather conditions, the best choice is a premium cedar traditional outdoor sauna with superior insulation and a weatherproof roof. Premium Western Red Cedar naturally resists decay and moisture, while holding heat in winter and maintaining comfortable lower temperatures in summer.

  • How do I choose the right size heater for my sauna?

    Yes. Our DIY 1 person sauna kits can be disassembled and relocated. For custom builds, our team can advise on flexible design solutions if portability is a priority.

  • Do I need council approval to build a sauna at home?

    With regular care, high‑quality premium saunas can last well over 20 years. Our outdoor traditional saunas are built with stainless steel fittings and superior insulation to withstand humidity levels, seasonal changes, and regular use.

  • How much does it cost to build a DIY sauna in Australia?

    Costs vary depending on the sauna type, size, and finishes. A small DIY sauna kit can start around a few thousand dollars, while a larger custom sauna start from $14,000, depending on materials and finishes. The best way to get an accurate figure is to request a consultation, where we’ll provide a detailed plan and materials list.

The Sauna Company is Victoria's #1 supplier of traditional Finmnish cedar sauna rooms & accessories

At The Sauna Company, we’re passionate about making wellness accessible and luxurious. Whether you’re after a personal escape or a space to share with family and friends, our range of prefab home cedar sauna kits are easy to install and built to last.


Let’s bring your wellness dream to life.


The Sauna Company's premium indoor and outdoor home sauna kits blend modern convenience with traditional design, offering you unmatched quality at an affordable price.

πŸ”Ž Want to know how The Sauna Company stacks up against popular sauna providers?

Hmmmmm.... πŸ€”

The Sauna Company was established a number of years ago as the Victorian distributor of the internationally recognised SAWO Finland brand - design leaders in sauna room, steam room, steam shower equipment, and sauna accessories.

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Our aim is not only to promote the SAWO brand but also the health, wellness and relaxation benefits associated with sauna and steam room bathing.


With the backing of a national distributor and the support of a premium global

brand with over 25 years of experience behind it, we are well-placed to meet our customers needs.

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No job is considered too big or too small, nor is any question considered unimportant.
Feel free to contact us for a no-obligation discussion about your wellness dream.

πŸ‘‹ Ultimate relaxation in your backyard! Discuss traditional ceda home sauna kit install options

The Sauna Company provides end-to-end SAWO sauna/steam room services Victoria-wide:

πŸ’¬ Comprehensive consultations pre-purchase

🚚 Delivery statewide

βœ… All of our sauna rooms are constructed from premium grade materials including circa 70mm thick double insulated wall panels which are lined on both sides with 14mm kiln dried western red cedar boards

πŸ”¨ Certified carpenters build our custom saunas

🏠 We utilise colour bond skillion roofs to our outdoor saunas

πŸ”Œ Certified electricians handle install wiring

πŸ—‘οΈ All waste + rubbish is cleaned on-site at your convenience

🀝 Ongoing post-purchase maintenance and customer service support

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πŸ˜‡ Don't hesitate to call us - we're here to help

Discuss Sauna Options