The Complete Guide to Outdoor Saunas in Australia: Costs, Materials & Design Options
When most people picture an outdoor sauna, they think of a prefabricated box that gets hot and sweaty. The truth? A well-built sauna is much more than that; it’s a recovery tool, a lifestyle feature, and a space that can completely change the way you use your home.
At Steam Lodge, we know this firsthand.
Where It All Began
The first Steam Lodge sauna wasn’t built for a client; it was built for us. At the time, nothing on the market met our standards. We wanted something durable, high-performing, and Australian-made, but couldn’t find it. So, we built it ourselves.
That original sauna, installed at our own home, became the foundation of everything we stand for today: thoughtful design, professional craftsmanship, and materials chosen for both performance and aesthetics. Every project since has carried the same DNA.
What Makes a Sauna Last?
In Australia, climate matters; heat, salt air, and bush settings can quickly break down poor-quality builds. The biggest mistakes we see?
Cheap materials that wear quickly or, worse, release toxins when heated.
Poor ventilation leading to mould, damage, and an unhealthy environment.
Weak flooring that feels unstable and deteriorates over time.
That’s why we don’t skimp. Cedar is our go-to internally for its aroma and durability, while Jarrah cladding provides a timeless, West Australian finish that weathers beautifully outdoors. Add in professional trades and you’ve got a build designed for decades, not just a few seasons.
How Much Does an Outdoor Sauna Cost in Australia?
Here’s where it gets real. We sit above average pricing in the market, and there’s a reason for that:
Other entry-level builds (cheaper models less than $20K): Mass-produced, smaller sizes, thin cladding, limited features, design flaws & use of toxic materials.
Steam Lodge builds($35k-$60k): Quality materials, professional trades, custom sizing and optional add-ons like outdoor showers & decking.
Premium Steam Lodge builds ($70k–$80k): Full wellness experiences; think Jarrah cladding, copper showers, decked set-down areas, and integrated recovery zones.
Beyond the build itself, there are hidden costs homeowners often overlook:
Site preparation (levelling, access)
Power and water connections
Transport to site (especially in regional WA)
Cladding choices (which can significantly change the budget)
Real-World Example: Eagle Bay Private Sauna
Set high in the hills overlooking one of the South West’s most iconic stretches of coastline, this project shows what’s possible when design meets landscape.
The brief was simple: a dedicated wellness space, naturally connected to its surroundings. The result was anything but ordinary—
A cedar-lined sauna with ocean-framing views
Recycled timber deck and privacy screen
Copper outdoor shower
Custom ice bath
Every detail was customised to the block, with limited site access requiring careful planning. The outcome? A recovery zone that feels grounded, restorative, and distinctly West Australian.
Design Options That Matter
Today’s sauna builds are evolving. Clients are asking for:
Glass windows with views for a more immersive experience
Decked set-down areas to create a flow between sauna, ice bath, and shower
Integrated recovery spaces combining heat, cold, and water in one zone
One Piece of Advice
If you’re researching outdoor saunas, here’s what we tell every client: don’t cut corners on materials. A sauna is a space where heat, humidity, and health all intersect. Cheap materials won’t just wear faster; they can impact your wellbeing.
Do your research, ask questions, and choose a builder who values quality as much as you do.
