After a busy year working on essential projects across the nation, a few days away from work offers builders and tradies the perfect opportunity to craft something for themselves. And there’s no better DIY venture to tackle than building your own sauna!
| CONTENTS • Why you should build a sauna • Who can build a sauna • Pro tips for building a DIY sauna • Where to source quality sauna materials and DIY sauna kits |
Today, licensed builder and sauna expert Jai Thomas sits down with us to talk about why a DIY sauna is the perfect holiday project—and shares his top tips on the best ways to build a sauna.
Why should you build a sauna?
For Jai, a break away from work is the ideal time to create your own personal wellness retreat. Not only is it a chance to unwind with a passion project, but it’s also an opportunity to take your building skills to the next level.
“So many builders, carpenters and tradies froth doing this sort of stuff. During the work year, when you’re building things like homes, you often don’t get a chance to focus on the finer details. Working on more intimate projects like a sauna over the holidays lets you focus on your finishing skills. The fine and intricate work you do on a sauna creates beautiful end results.
“For builders, it’s such a good way to keep yourself in the game over the holidays. With a long break, you can often come back and feel clunky—but a sauna DIY project will keep you sharp.
“If I wasn’t working this past summer, I would 100% have built my own sauna. It’s fun, challenging, and, again, it involves high-end finishes.”
Who can build a DIY sauna?
Building a sauna requires a balance of creativity, technical skill, and experience. While it can be incredibly rewarding, it’s not a beginner-level DIY project.
“If you’re confident with construction methods, then go for it. You’ll find this project a satisfying challenge that pushes your skills to the next level.
“If you’re not a builder or experienced DIYer, it pays to be a bit more careful. People think it’s just slapping timbers on a wall, but there’s actually a lot more to it. If you don’t feel confident, get professional sauna builders in.” Jai explains. “Another option is to talk to the SDS Australia team about prefabricate sauna kits that are more straightforward to put together. The team will be able to suggest a design that’s suitable for your skill levels.”
Pro Tips for DIY Sauna Builders
| 1. Timber choice 2. Insulation is important 3. Glass frontage or not 4. Heating options 5. Lighting considerations 6. Sound and speakers 7. Dimensions 8. Finishes 9. Sauna Building Timeframe |
What type of timber should you use to build a sauna’s internal fit-out?
When building a sauna, selecting the right construction timber is crucial for creating a durable, comfortable, and safe environment.
“Western Red Cedar is the most popular choice for the internal fit-out of a DIY sauna. With it, you get that beautiful cedar aroma that becomes stronger as the heat inside the sauna cranks up”, says Jai.
Western Red Cedar is also a great choice for its natural resistance to moisture and low thermal conductivity, which keeps surfaces cool to the touch.
“Not everyone is after the classic cedar aroma. For a strong alternative, I’d suggest choosing a lighter colour timber and taking advantage of a sauna aroma.”
Heat-treated Aspen, Alder and Hemlock are all excellent DIY sauna options, offering smooth finishes and high durability against heat and humidity.
Premium-quality internal panelling and benches are available in each of these timber variations at SDS Australia. First-rate external cladding and sauna framing timbers are available as well.
What insulation do you need when building a sauna?
Good insulation is crucial for heat retention and efficiency. Jai recommends using R2.5-rated wall insulation, with aluminum foil wrap for optimal performance.
“The better you insulate, the more your sauna will keep heating. Insulation is how you get longevity out of your sauna heater.”
Should you include glass frontage on your DIY sauna?
A glass-fronted sauna has the potential to look incredible, but it also increases the heating requirements.
“A lot of DIY sauna builders I speak to are after a full frontage of glass. They want their build to not just be a functioning sauna but also a statement piece. Just keep in mind, you’ll need a larger heater to account for the extra volume.”
In terms of DIY sauna doors, our team can assist you here at SDS Australia.
What heater should you use for a DIY sauna?
“The type of sauna heater you choose should be based on a few things including length of use and room volume”, states Jai. “To help you get an idea of what you require, check out the room volume calculator featured on each sauna heater product page on the SDS Australia website.
At SDS Australia, we recommend European-made Harvia and Huum Heaters due to their premium-quality designs. Electric and wood-fired options are available—as well as infrared. Just remember to consider the safety accessories you’ll need, whichever option you choose.
“You’re also going to want to consider how important aesthetics are”, Jai tell us. “You can go for functionality alone with a sauna heater that performs incredibly well—or you can choose a sauna heater that is not just practical, but also looks amazing.”
What lighting should you use in a DIY sauna?
Lighting plays a big role in the sauna experience. Jai recommends indirect lighting, such as soft LED strips in backrests, to create a cosy atmosphere.
“Avoid harsh downlights in your sauna. You want soft, indirect lighting that feels calming—not like you’re on display. At SDS Australia, we use soft LEDs in the backrests for our custom saunas. Even if you don’t place it in the backrest, I think as long as it’s a gentle light, it will work well in a DIY sauna.”
Should you get speakers installed in your sauna?
While certainly an option, Jai doesn’t think it’s necessary to install speakers in your DIY sauna.
“People do put speakers into saunas from time to time. However, there’s really no need to do this. You can save money on your DIY sauna project by simply bringing an appropriate wireless speaker in with you. These days, the sound quality is going to be just as good.”
How deep should you build a sauna bench and the sauna itself?
Jai notes that it’s very important to take into consideration bench space and heater space when building a sauna.
“I recommend making your upper sauna bench at least 600mm deep, and the lower bench 1050mm deep. That leaves 550mm for the heater. However, if you want standing room, then you’ll need to build a deeper sauna.
“The best idea is to work out the dimensions of the things you want to fit in the sauna room and then go from there.”
How should you treat a DIY sauna?
“A lot of people are of the impression that they need a lacquer or sealed timber internally. I believe the best finish you can have is an untreated timber that is unsealed. This means you’ll never be breathing in toxic chemicals from the heat.
“To prevent, bending and cracking, just make sure your sauna receives a monthly service consisting of a light sand of the benches, back rest and grills, followed by treating it with paraffin oil. Paraffin oil is a natural product which doesn’t off-gas in heat and helps prolong your benches and backrests.
“Externally, you can do whatever you’d like to the timber—paint it or oil it. If your DIY sauna is out in the elements, it’s best to assess it every 12 months to see if it needs a re-oil or re-paint.”
How long does it take to build a DIY sauna?
The time required to complete your DIY sauna will depend on your experience and the complexity of the design. As a guide, SDS Australia’s professional team typically takes two days to construct the internals, an additional one to two days for benches, and one final day for installation.
“If you’re an experienced builder, it shouldn’t take you too much longer than this when building your sauna. However, if it’s not something you do every day, then naturally allow for more time”, says Jai.
“Times will, of course, range based on the size of your sauna—or if there’s things like glass frontage.
“The beautiful thing about DIY saunas is that you can spec them with high detail or minimum detail, depending on how much time you want to put into it. At SDS Australia, we spec our custom saunas with very high detail. But if you’re doing a DIY project, and your time is limited, you could choose to go in the opposite direction.”
Ultimately, if you’re a builder or experienced DIYer, you’ll be finished well before summer’s end—leaving you plenty of time to rejuvenate in your new creation.
DIY Sauna Kits & Essential Sauna Materials
Ready to build your own sauna?
SDS Australia can help make it possible with a prefabricated European sauna kit or a custom DIY sauna kit that is specifically tailored to your needs. See what we can do for you—plus get more expert advice on how to build a sauna.
Not ready to tackle a DIY project? Don’t worry! You can still have the custom sauna of your dreams—our expert team is always ready to help.
