A solid foundation is one of the most important elements of any outdoor sauna project. Without a stable and perfectly level base, even a high-quality sauna can develop issues over time, especially with doors, glazing and structural alignment.
In this project in Malahide, Dublin, we prepared the foundation for a garden sauna using a screw pile system. This method is particularly well suited to Irish ground conditions and allows for a fast, clean and precise installation.
Project Overview
Location: Malahide, Dublin
Foundation type: Screw pile foundation
Preparation: Levelled base with gravel and weed membrane
Purpose: Foundation for a cube sauna
The Starting Point
The garden had a slight slope and did not provide a naturally level area for installation.
In addition, access to the installation area was quite restricted. This made the use of heavy machinery or the delivery of concrete significantly more complicated.
A traditional concrete base was therefore not a practical option in this case. It would have required more invasive groundwork and additional time for curing before the sauna could be installed.
At the same time, the foundation needed to meet several key requirements:
- precise leveling
- long-term stability
- minimal disruption to the garden
- efficient installation timeline
Why We Use Screw Pile Foundations
For many sauna projects in Ireland, screw pile foundations are the most practical solution.
Key advantages include:
- no concrete required
- fast installation, typically completed within a few hours
- minimal excavation
suitable for soft or wet ground conditions - fully reversible if needed
Another major advantage is that the sauna can be installed immediately after the foundation is completed. There is no waiting time for curing, unlike with concrete.
Ground Preparation
Before the screw piles are installed, the ground needs to be prepared.
In this case, the client carried out the preparation work and cleared the area accordingly.
Typically, this step includes:
- removal of the grass layer
light excavation of approximately 5 to 10 cm - installation of a weed control membrane
- application of a gravel layer for drainage and a clean surface
It is important to understand that the structural stability does not come from the gravel, but from the screw piles themselves, which are driven deep into the load-bearing soil.
Step 1: Screw Piles
The screw piles used for this project are shown before installation.
They are made from galvanised steel and are designed to be mechanically driven into the ground.
Step 2: Measuring and Marking
The exact positions of the screw piles are then defined.
The area is measured and marked to ensure the foundation aligns perfectly with the footprint of the sauna.
Step 3: Positioning the First Screw Piles
The first screw piles are placed and prepared for installation.
This step ensures correct alignment before the piles are driven into the ground.
Step 4: Completed Foundation
All screw piles are installed and adjusted to the correct height.
The base is now fully prepared and ready for the sauna installation.
Installation and Result
The screw piles are installed using specialised equipment and adjusted to achieve precise leveling.
Even slight variations in ground height can be compensated easily.
The result is a stable, clean and immediately usable foundation without any waiting time.
Why the Foundation Matters
A properly executed foundation directly affects:
- the structural stability of the sauna
- door and window alignment
- long-term durability
Even small deviations can lead to problems over time, which is why this step is critical.
When a Screw Pile Foundation Is the Right Choice
Screw pile foundations are particularly suitable if:
- the ground is uneven or sloped
- soil conditions are soft or prone to moisture
- access for concrete delivery is limited
- a fast and clean installation is required
When a Concrete Base May Be Sufficient
In some cases, a traditional concrete base can still be a viable option:
- the site is already level
- access for machinery and concrete delivery is straightforward
- no drainage issues are expected
Conclusion
Screw pile foundations are one of the most efficient and reliable ways to prepare a base for an outdoor sauna in Ireland.
Especially in cases with restricted access or uneven ground, this method offers clear advantages over traditional concrete foundations.
