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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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

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

Are you looking for your next weekend project? Perfect for builders or DIY enthusiasts who want a custom-built DIY sauna project with expert advice.

Request a DIY Sauna Consultation

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Wellness First: 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

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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.

See What Your Wellness Retreat Could Look Like

Our DIY Sauna Offerings

DIY Custom Consultation

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

Book a Consultation

DIY Sauna Material Kit

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

Order Sauna Materials to Specification

Flat-Pack DIY Sauna Kits

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

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.

Mistake Alert:

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

Common Mistakes in Choosing Materials

General Rule:

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.

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

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?

Build Your Sauna, Your Way

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?

info@thesaunacompany.com
📞 0429 303 271
23 Percy St, Heidelberg West

Frequently Asked Questions

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.
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 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.
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.
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.