Choosing the best sauna in Australia comes down to heat performance, build quality, safety, and suitability for your lifestyle. With more Australians installing home saunas than ever before, understanding the differences between sauna types is essential before buying. This guide explains:

• The best sauna types available in Australia, what to look for, and how to choose the right option for long-term use
• What are the differences between infrared, indoor traditional, and outdoor traditional saunas?
• Average cost to install a home sauna in Australia
• What to look for when buying an outdoor sauna specifically
• Health benefits of regular sauna use

An outdoor sauna is a significant investment, and not all are built equally. The difference between a sauna that performs beautifully for a decade and one that disappoints within a year often comes down to a handful of details that are easy to overlook when buying.

Bench height relative to the heater

This is one of the most overlooked specs in an outdoor sauna. Heat rises, which means the upper bench is where the experience happens. If the top bench sits too close to the heater or too low in the cabin, you end up sitting in the cold zone where the therapeutic heat never properly reaches. The Nordhaus Outdoor Sauna is designed with bench height calibrated above the heater to ensure you are always sitting in the optimal heat zone, not fighting for warmth at the wrong level.

Door construction and sealing

A poorly constructed door is one of the fastest ways an outdoor sauna fails. Plastic seals are commonly used in lower quality builds — they melt under sustained heat, lose their shape, and leave gaps that let cold air, moisture and insects in. The Nordhaus door uses no plastic seals. The construction is designed to keep the elements out and the heat in, maintaining performance in Australian outdoor conditions year after year.

Three point ventilation

Without proper ventilation an outdoor sauna becomes stuffy and uncomfortable quickly, reducing how long you can stay in and diminishing the experience. A three point ventilation system circulates fresh oxygen-rich air throughout the cabin, keeping the heat consistent and the air breathable. This is a design feature, not an afterthought, and it makes a noticeable difference to every session.

Buying from a brand that knows outdoor saunas

The dos and don'ts of outdoor sauna installation and construction are hard-won knowledge. Working with a brand that understands Australian conditions, the right materials, the right specs and the right setup process protects your investment from day one. Nordhaus has built its reputation on getting these details right — from the products we recommend to the way we support customers after purchase.

Genuine Harvia throughout

Harvia is the world's leading sauna brand for a reason. Every Nordhaus Outdoor Sauna is fitted with a genuine Harvia heater and genuine Harvia control panel — not compatible alternatives, not generic substitutes. We also include genuine Harvia accessories because the accessories complete the experience just as much as the sauna itself. You are paying a premium for this product. You should receive a premium experience in every detail, right down to the ladle in your hand.

Traditional saunas heat the air and deliver intense, high-temperature sessions. Infrared saunas heat the body directly and operate at lower temperatures.

Traditional saunas are better suited to people who love extreme heat. Infrared saunas are better suited to people who want consistent, comfortable sessions that fit easily into daily life.

Neither option is objectively better — the best choice depends on personal preference and usage habits.

The average cost of a home sauna in Australia ranges between $5,000 and $20,000 depending on whether you are buying an indoor infrared, indoor traditional, or outdoor traditional sauna. Outdoor saunas sit at the higher end of the range due to the materials, construction and weatherproofing required to perform long term in Australian conditions.

Electrical installation

All saunas require a dedicated electrical circuit installed by a licensed electrician. For most indoor infrared and smaller traditional saunas, a single phase 20A to 32A circuit is standard, typically costing between $800 and $1,500 depending on your property. Larger outdoor traditional saunas with high-output heaters such as the Harvia 9kW may require a three phase 16A connection — confirm requirements with your electrician before purchase as this can affect installation cost and timeline.

Outdoor saunas also require appropriate weatherproof cabling and outdoor-rated connections. Your electrician will assess and supply the correct cabling for your specific setup and local requirements.

Assembly and installation

Professional assembly of a flat-pack sauna typically costs between $500 and $800. For outdoor saunas, installation on a flat concrete slab or suitable pile foundation is recommended rather than directly on grass or soil — this protects the timber base and ensures long-term durability. If a concrete slab is not already in place, factor in preparation costs before installation.

Note that rubbish removal is often charged separately and can add $50 to $90 to the overall cost.

Running costs

Ongoing running costs are low relative to the investment:

• Infrared saunas: approximately $9 per month
• Indoor traditional saunas: approximately $20 to $25 per month
• Outdoor traditional saunas: slightly higher depending on ambient temperature and session frequency, as the heater works harder in cooler outdoor conditions

The bottom line

A home sauna is a considered upfront investment with low ongoing costs and long-term value. Compared to paying per session at a gym or wellness centre, most owners recoup the cost within the first two years of regular use — and unlike a gym membership, it is sitting in your backyard ready to use whenever you are.

The best sauna is one you will use consistently. Whether that is a traditional sauna delivering powerful heat or a full spectrum infrared sauna designed for daily sessions, quality and suitability matter more than hype.


A well-built home sauna can deliver long-term value, comfort, and wellness benefits when chosen correctly.