
To create the perfect sauna oasis, you must choose the right flooring. The best sauna flooring options blend comfort, moisture resistance, and durability. And they provide the ideal foundation for your wellness haven.
Sauna environments are high in temperature and humidity. Therefore, the sauna flooring material should meet four criteria: anti-slip, non-absorbent, airtight, and easy to maintain. Some choices for sauna flooring include wood, rubber, and concrete. These can withstand the conditions within saunas while offering other benefits like comfort underfoot. Remember to consider your sauna type when choosing the right flooring for your sauna.
So, what are the best sauna flooring options available? We’ll dive into that in this post. In addition, we’ll guide you to choose a suitable flooring material for your sauna.
Why Choosing the Right Sauna Flooring Matters
Sauna flooring is one of the most crucial aspects to consider when introducing a sauna into your space or upgrading an existing unit. You may want something aesthetically pleasing that matches your sauna’s walls and ceiling, but sauna floor material functionality is key.
Since a sauna is prone to high temperatures and moisture, you must use sauna flooring options that can withstand such conditions. Temperature isn’t a significant concern since heat rises in a sauna, and while the floors can be somewhat warm, they’re rarely scalding.
What matters most is that moisture doesn’t build up on or within the sauna floor. If it does, it becomes unsafe to walk on, increasing the risk of slips and falls. Additionally, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria and lead to unpleasant odors, which is why waterproof sauna floor materials are essential. That’s why carpets are a no-go for sauna floor ideas.
Moreover, your sauna flooring should be built in such a way that heat doesn’t escape. Proper insulation of the floor will ensure you enjoy the full therapeutic benefits of your sauna.
The type of sauna you have also plays a role in your flooring choice. For instance, a traditional sauna with a wood-burning oven needs sauna flooring material that can handle high moisture levels. This is because water is poured over hot rocks to create steam, making the environment much more humid than in an infrared sauna.
As a result, the best sauna flooring options must meet these four criteria:
- Anti-slip: Safe to walk on, even when wet.
- Water-resistant: Prevents moisture buildup and damage.
- Airtight: Keeps the sauna insulated and retains heat.
- Easy to maintain: Allows for a quick return to service after cleaning.
Top Flooring Types for a DIY Sauna
There are various sauna flooring types, the best of which include wood and concrete. Let’s explore each option and their advantages and disadvantages below.
1. Classic and Durable Sauna Wood Flooring
Wooden sauna floors are a classic choice for both steam saunas and infrared saunas due to their natural, renewable qualities. Wood not only creates a visually warm atmosphere, but it also absorbs, stores, and radiates heat effectively, ensuring your sauna wood floor remains comfortable. You won’t have to worry about cold floors after your sauna session, and the wood doesn’t become so hot that it’s uncomfortable to step on.
When it comes to sauna flooring material, wood is typically either natural or thermally modified. Some of the best sauna floor material options include:
- Cedar: One of the best choices for sauna flooring, cedar is durable and has natural antimicrobial properties, making it resistant to mold and bacteria.
- Redwood: Ideal for outdoor sauna floor construction, redwood is durable, heat-resistant, and naturally resistant to pests and moisture.
- Aspen: Known for its light color and smooth texture, aspen is revered for its heat resistance and antimicrobial properties.
- Thermally-modified wood: Manufactured to withstand high temperatures and moisture, this unique wood can elevate your sauna’s aesthetic while being highly durable.
If your sauna already has wooden walls, matching the flooring might enhance the overall design. However, it’s important to note that wood floors, like sauna wood floor paneling, require regular maintenance. Moisture will penetrate wooden floors, so they need to be aired out and scrubbed regularly to prevent damage and ensure longevity.
The Pros & Cons
Pros | Cons |
Comfortable under the feet | Absorbent |
Relatively more affordable than most flooring materials | Requires regular maintenance to prevent warping and rotting |
Aesthetically-pleasing | More susceptible to dirt |
2. Heat-Resistant Sauna Floor Tiles

Ceramic or porcelain sauna floor tiles are excellent options when considering sauna flooring. These tiles are not only durable but also come in a variety of styles, including glass, stone, and mosaic, making them versatile for different sauna designs. Their heat resistance makes them ideal for high-temperature environments, ensuring they withstand heavy foot traffic.
If you’re building an at-home sauna in your bathroom, you can seamlessly extend your existing tile floor into your sauna for a cohesive look. However, be mindful of the grout between the tiles. Unlike the tiles, grout tends to be more porous and can be harder to clean. To solve this issue, applying a grout impregnator can make it water-resistant, helping maintain your waterproof sauna floor.
For those installing new sauna floor tiles, choosing tiles in warm tones is recommended. Bright tiles may not create the inviting atmosphere you want, and they may clash with the natural wood of your sauna walls and ceiling.
The Pros & Cons
Pros | Cons |
Easy to clean | It can be slippery when wet |
Moisture resistant | Grout is porous and hard to clean |
Aesthetically-pleasing | It takes longer to heat up |
3. Concrete Sauna Flooring
Concrete flooring is a practical and popular choice for many DIY home saunas. Often, sauna installations already feature a concrete subfloor, which can serve as the primary sauna floor material. Many homeowners choose to add other types of sauna flooring on top of the concrete base, but leaving the concrete exposed (after sealing it to make it a waterproof sauna floor) can be an excellent option.
Concrete is not only durable but also easy to maintain, making it ideal for high-moisture environments. Additionally, concrete can be customised with different colors and textures to match your preferred sauna style or design, offering both functionality and aesthetics.
The Pros & Cons
Pros | Cons |
Durable | It might be chilly underfoot |
Low-maintenance | It may require a non-slip coating to prevent falls |
Not as aesthetically pleasing |
4. Non-Slip Rubber Sauna Flooring
Rubber is an excellent option for sauna flooring, especially when safety is a priority. Since sauna flooring must provide good traction, rubber is an ideal choice, ensuring you can move safely without the risk of slipping. This is especially important for high-moisture environments, where a non-slip sauna floor can help prevent accidents.
In addition to its safety benefits, rubber flooring for saunas is durable and can withstand the wear and tear of daily use. The quality of the flooring won’t deteriorate quickly, making it a long-lasting option for your home sauna.
Rubber flooring for saunas is typically available in tiles, some of which feature perforated designs for enhanced drainage and ventilation. Brands like Smabee offer rubber floor mats with drainage features, making them suitable for installation in wet areas like bathrooms and steam rooms. GreatMats also offers a range of rubber sauna flooring options.
Another advantage is that rubber tiles are easy to install, even if you’re not highly skilled in DIY projects. You can simply interlock the tiles, and many can be trimmed to fit unique shapes or sizes.
The Pros & Cons
Pros | Cons |
Slip-resistant | Some rubber flooring may have a strong odor |
Durable; can withstand heavy foot traffic | It may not be as visually appealing as other flooring options |
Easy to clean and maintain |
5. Duckboard for Your Sauna Flooring
Duckboard is a pre-cut wooden tile system with slats, offering a luxurious and classic appearance for your sauna floor. This type of wooden sauna floor is an excellent choice for those looking to add style and comfort to their sauna.
One of the key benefits of duckboard is its versatility — it’s not fixed to the ground, which makes it easy to remove for cleaning. This flexibility is great for maintaining your sauna’s hygiene and ensuring that your sauna flooring material stays in excellent condition.
Typically elevated with rubber feet or a rubber base, duckboard ensures a comfortable, cushioned surface for bathers to stand on. The raised design helps prevent the wood from being consistently immersed in water, which can help extend the life of your sauna wood floor. It’s an ideal option for those who prioritize both comfort and durability in their sauna flooring options.
The Pros & Cons
Pros | Cons |
Complements the natural look of the sauna | Requires regular maintenance to prevent warping and rotting |
Energy-efficient construction | |
It does not absorb dry dirt |
6. Waterproof and Slip-Resistant Microcement for Sauna Flooring
Microcement is a popular waterproof sauna floor option that provides a seamless, durable finish. Made from a blend of cement and polymer, this coating is thinly applied to sauna floors and offers exceptional resistance to environmental humidity, making it a perfect choice for both steam saunas and infrared saunas.
One of the main advantages of microcement is its durability. Unlike traditional concrete sauna flooring, it’s resistant to scuffs, stains, and scratches, and you won’t have to worry about cracks over time. This makes it a great long-term investment for your sauna floor material.
Moreover, microcement is smooth and comfortable to walk on without shoes, providing a cushioned, slip-resistant surface, which is important for safety in wet sauna environments. Its slip-resistant sauna flooring qualities ensure you won’t have to worry about slipping while moving around.
Whether you’re building a sauna room or updating your home sauna kit, microcement is an excellent option for waterproof sauna flooring that combines both function and aesthetic appeal.
The Pros & Cons
Pros | Cons |
Very durable and crack-proof | It may require professional installation |
Water-resistant | It may not be as slip-resistant as the other best sauna flooring options |
Smooth surface, thanks to no joints |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Sauna Flooring
Now that you know the best sauna flooring options, you may wonder, “How do I choose the right flooring material for my sauna?” Well, it comes down to the following criteria:
- Sauna Type
- Material
- Budget
- Durability
- Maintenance
- Aesthetics
Let’s dive into each to help you choose a suitable flooring for your sauna.
Sauna Type
The most significant factor that’ll guide your choice in sauna flooring is the type of sauna you have or plan to build. Each sauna type will require different flooring materials.
Traditional saunas are moist environments because you ladle water over hot stones to create steam. Therefore, water-resistant flooring is best for these types of saunas. Materials like cedar, redwood, and ceramic tiles are great choices as they can withstand the moisture and high heat in traditional saunas.
In contrast, infrared saunas use heating panels to create heat. So the air is dry, and there’s no humidity. That’s why any flooring, even a carpet, can work in this case. However, wooden sauna floors or tile are still the preferred options for durability and ease of maintenance.
Indoor steam saunas require moisture-resistant materials to prevent mold and mildew growth. As a result, concrete, duckboard, wood, ceramic sauna tiles, and other solid materials are suitable options. Waterproof sauna flooring options, like microcement, can be excellent for these environments.
Outdoor saunas, on the other hand, are exposed to the elements. Therefore, the flooring material must be resistant to moisture and pests. Some of the best options include cedar wood and solid wood planks. In the case of a barrel sauna, wood, tile, and concrete are appropriate and durable options.
It’s much easier to track dirt in an outdoor sauna. This can be from your garden or yard. Therefore, you should consider a material that won’t be easily stained by dirt and is easy to clean, like rubber tiles or duckboard.
Water and Moisture Protective Material
Since saunas can be wet and slippery, the flooring material you choose must be slip-resistant. Additionally, it should be non-absorbent because absorbent materials can trap moisture and bacteria, creating an unsanitary environment.
That’s why it’s best to stick to concrete, sauna floor tiles, rubber, and microcement. Those materials are non-porous, so they won’t absorb the moisture in your sauna. Wooden sauna floors also offer the same benefits, specifically cedar and redwood.
Budget
How much you have to spend is another vital consideration when choosing the best sauna flooring option for your needs. After all, the cost of different sauna flooring types differs significantly.
If you’re working with a low budget, sauna mats made from foam rubber might be suitable. Rubber flooring for saunas is relatively inexpensive compared to other types of materials.
The options for a mid-range budget include concrete and ceramic sauna tiles. In contrast, wooden sauna floor materials and microcement are the most expensive.
Therefore, consider your budget before you start shopping for your sauna’s flooring material..
Durability of Heat-Resistant Sauna Floors
Chances are you’ll be using your sauna for years. Therefore, your sauna flooring should be able to weather moisture and withstand heavy foot traffic.
The most durable choice is concrete. It’s especially ideal for outdoor saunas since it can withstand the elements and consistent pressure.
Alternatively, wooden sauna floors are very durable. As long as they’re cared for properly, they can last for years without needing repair or replacement.
Maintenance of Sauna Floors
Maintenance is another crucial factor when choosing the right sauna flooring. This is because saunas are exposed to high temperatures and moisture. Therefore, the materials within are prone to wear and tear, and your space can become a breeding ground for bacteria, resulting in unhygienic conditions.
To prolong the life of your sauna floor, you’ll need to maintain and clean it regularly. Proper sauna floor maintenance also prevents safety hazards such as slippery floors, fire hazards, and mould growth.
Additionally, regular maintenance ensures your sauna functions efficiently by being clean, well-ventilated, and debris-free. Plus, it prevents the accumulation of sweat, dirt, and bacteria on the sauna floors.
As a result, the sauna flooring material you opt for must be easy to maintain and clean. The easiest sauna floors to clean are concrete, rubber, tiles, and duckboard. Wooden sauna floors require more attention to prevent moisture buildup, warping, and splitting.
Aesthetics of Sauna Flooring
If you’re going to use your sauna regularly, it won’t hurt if its interior is aesthetically pleasing. Therefore, aesthetics is another vital consideration when choosing the right sauna flooring.
An aesthetically pleasing interior can enhance the overall comfort of your sauna experience. Plus, it can boost the overall beauty and ambiance of the space. It’s also the perfect opportunity to personalize your sauna and add your own taste or style.
When choosing the right sauna floor material, consider how it complements the rest of your sauna’s design. Whether you choose wooden sauna floors, sauna floor tiles, or concrete, selecting a material that matches your style will make a big difference in creating the perfect environment for relaxation and rejuvenation.
How to Install Sauna Flooring: A Step-by-Step Guide

Suppose you’re building your own sauna and taking a DIY approach to installing the flooring. In that case, ensure you do it properly. Correct flooring installation in your sauna ensures:
- Safety: Prevent safety hazards such as slippery floors, fire hazards, and mold growth.
- Durability: Prolong the life of your sauna flooring. Proper installation ensures the material withstands foot traffic and moisture without cracking, warping, or deteriorating.
- Efficiency: Improve the energy efficiency of your sauna. Proper installation ensures that heat doesn’t escape through the sauna floors and increases energy costs.
- Aesthetics: A level, clean, and aesthetically pleasing floor can elevate your sauna experience and the interior appeal.
By following the steps below, you’ll ensure that your sauna floor withstands the rigors of a hot and humid environment. But you’ll also add to your sauna’s overall comfort and aesthetic appeal.
1. Select the Sauna Flooring Material
Choose the best sauna flooring option for your space, whether wood or concrete. Starting with this step ensures you know how to prepare the existing flooring where you’ll install the sauna. Remember to keep your sauna type, budget, and ease of maintenance in mind when choosing a suitable material.
2. Preparing the Subfloor for Sauna Installation
Since you’ll need a leveled floor, such as a concrete slab, to place your sauna flooring material atop, prepare the subfloor. This step is not one to neglect as it significantly influences your sauna floor construction.
Remove the old flooring to expose the subfloor if you’re building your sauna indoors. Also, check the subfloor for any unevenness or damage. If it’s uneven, sand it to create a level surface.
In addition, clean the subfloor to remove debris, dirt, or dust. This is especially crucial if you’re installing tiles or any other material that needs to adhere to the subfloor.
However, if you’re building your sauna outdoors, you’ll need to construct a leveled foundation. This is typically made from a wooden frame, which you’ll insulate to prevent heat loss.
3. Install the Vapour Barrier
A vapour barrier is a must to prevent moisture buildup and protect your sauna flooring. When choosing a vapour barrier material, opt for one that’s heat-resistant. Aluminum foil is a popular choice as it’s durable and reflective.
To install the vapor barrier, you’ll typically adhere it to the subfloor. Ensure that it covers the entire surface area. Also, overlap the seams by at least 6 inches and use high-temperature foil tape to seal them.
4. Install Tiles, Wood, or Other Materials for Your Sauna Floor
Once you’ve installed the vapour barrier, you can put in the flooring material. If applicable, ensure you install it properly by following the manufacturer’s instructions.
For instance, use tongue-and-groove boards with wood flooring and leave a small gap between the panels to allow for expansion and contraction. While with concrete flooring, pour the cement over the subfloor and level it with a trowel.
5. Sealing and Finishing
Finally, where applicable, seal your flooring. This will protect it from moisture and dirt. In addition, it’ll ensure the sauna’s longevity, safety, and aesthetics.
When choosing a suitable sealant, opt for one that’s heat-resistant, waterproof, and non-toxic. Some popular choices include polyurethane, tung oil, linseed oil, and hemp oil.
Additionally, apply the sealant according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For example, if you add polyurethane, apply a thin layer with a brush or roller. Also, ensure it dries completely before applying additional coats.
In some cases, it might be best to sand the floor lightly between coats to ensure the sealant adheres appropriately. This can also remove any imperfections.
Applying a finish to the sauna floor can also provide similar benefits as sealants. In this case, some of the best options include wax, varnish, and oil.
Common Sauna Floor Installation Mistakes to Avoid
When installing your sauna’s flooring, you must avoid using the wrong type of insulation. If you do, it can lead to heat loss and energy inefficiency.
Additionally, don’t use materials that contain chemicals or release toxic fumes when heated. Those can pose a significant health risk to bathers.
And finally, ensure you install the right flooring for your sauna. Also, make sure it’s waterproof and can withstand heavy foot traffic.
Sauna Flooring Maintenance Tips
After installing your sauna flooring, it’s essential to maintain it to ensure the longevity of the material you’ve chosen. Follow these sauna floor maintenance tips to keep your sauna floors clean and in top condition:
- Clean concrete sauna floors, tile sauna flooring, and microcement sauna flooring regularly with a mild detergent. Avoid using acidic or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the surface.
- Regularly clean wooden sauna floors and duckboard flooring with a soft brush or cloth to preserve their integrity.
- For rubber sauna tiles, use a gentle setting on a pressure washer or wash them with water and a brush for effective cleaning.
- Sweep dry debris from the tile sauna surface in a dry sauna with a vacuum or broom.
- For wet sauna environments, use a damp mop with hot water to clean the floors effectively.
- Regularly clean tile grout lines in your sauna to prevent dirt buildup and ensure a hygienic environment.
- To remove soils or stains, use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the material gently, which helps avoid damage.
- After using your sauna, leave the door open to facilitate drying, which helps prevent mold and mildew formation and makes it easier to clean your sauna flooring.
Conclusion: Choose the Best Flooring for Your DIY Sauna Project
Heat, humidity, and relaxation converge in the internal environment of saunas, making your choice of sauna flooring a key factor in creating a functional yet comfortable space. Beyond aesthetics, the best sauna flooring options enhance both the practicality and comfort of your sauna.
From the practicality of tile sauna floors to the classic appeal of wood and the durability of concrete, each material has unique advantages. Duckboard flooring is a popular choice among bathers for its stylish appearance and ease of maintenance. Additionally, sauna mats made from rubber tiles provide comfort and convenience.
When installing sauna flooring, proper preparation is crucial. This includes evaluating the subfloor, installing a vapour barrier, and ensuring adequate sealing and finishing to prolong the lifespan of your flooring.
As you embark on your DIY sauna construction project, keep in mind that the best sauna flooring material should suit your space, elevate your sauna experience, and withstand the internal environment of your sauna.