Every Auroom barrel sauna on our site is available two ways: as a DIY flat-pack kit, or delivered and installed by a professional two-person team. The price difference is real. So is the difference in what you're signing up for. Here's an honest breakdown of both options so you can make the right call for your situation.
The DIY Kit
When you order a DIY kit, Auroom ships the sauna as a flat-pack on a pallet — pre-cut Thermory thermo-spruce panels, the barrel staves, structural components, hardware, and full assembly instructions.
What the build actually involves:
- Two people, one to two days. Auroom designs these kits to be assembled by two people with basic tools over a weekend. You don't need construction experience — the components are pre-cut and the process is straightforward if you follow the instructions methodically.
- Tools you'll need: A drill, a rubber mallet, a spirit level, and a few standard spanners. Nothing specialist.
- Foundation first. Before the kit arrives, you need a level base ready — a concrete pad, compacted gravel, or an existing deck. The sauna cannot sit directly on soil. If you don't have a foundation prepared, sort that before your delivery date.
- Heater installation is separate. Electric heaters require a 32A outdoor power supply run to the sauna location. Wood-burning heaters require a chimney installation. Neither is included in the kit — factor this in when planning.
The honest case for DIY:
The saving is significant — typically €1,500 to €2,500 depending on the model. If you're comfortable with a flat-pack build, enjoy the process, and have a clear weekend with a friend or partner, the DIY kit is a genuinely good option. Many buyers find assembling the sauna themselves adds something to how they feel about using it afterwards.
Pre-assembled
When you order pre-assembled, a two-person installation team delivers the sauna, assembles it on your chosen site, and leaves it ready to use. Your job is to have the foundation prepared and the location agreed in advance.
What the delivery actually involves:
- Confirmed delivery date. You'll agree a date with the logistics team. The crew arrives, unloads, and assembles on-site — typically within a half day depending on the model.
- Access matters. The team needs clear vehicle access to your garden — a gate wide enough for a pallet truck or the ability to carry panels through. If your access is tight, flag it when ordering. We can usually find a solution, but surprises on delivery day cause delays.
- Foundation still required. Pre-assembled doesn't mean the team brings a base. You need a level concrete pad, compacted gravel, or decking ready before they arrive. If you're unsure what's right for your garden, book a consultation — we can advise.
- Heater connection is still separate. Same as the DIY kit — power supply or chimney installation happens independently of the sauna delivery.
The honest case for pre-assembled:
You're paying for time and certainty. The sauna arrives built. There's no build day, no chance of mis-assembly, no borrowing a drill. For buyers giving the sauna as a gift, for gardens where access is complicated, or simply where a weekend of manual assembly isn't something you want — pre-assembled is the right call.
Which Should You Choose?
| DIY Kit | Pre-assembled | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower | Higher (assembly included) |
| Your time required | 1–2 days build | Half day to supervise delivery |
| Tools needed | Basic household tools | None |
| Good for gifts | No | Yes |
| Garden access constraints | Manageable | Flag in advance |
| Foundation required | Yes | Yes |
Choose DIY if: You're comfortable with a flat-pack build, have a clear weekend, and want to reduce the upfront cost.
Choose pre-assembled if: Your time is the constraint, you're buying as a gift, your access is complicated, or you simply want the sauna to arrive finished.
One Thing That Applies to Both
Whichever option you choose, the foundation and heater connection are your responsibility to arrange beforehand. These are the two things that most commonly delay a first session after delivery — not the sauna itself, but the site not being ready for it.
If you're planning your installation and want to talk through foundation options, access, or heater spec for your specific garden, book a free consultation. It takes 20 minutes and makes the whole process cleaner.