10/05/2026
I built a full backyard sauna from scratch… using Tuff Blocks as the base.
In this video I take you through the entire build — from the first idea to the final result — sharing the wins, the mistakes, and a few pro tips I’ve picked up along the way.
I wanted to see if a no-dig foundation system like Tuff Blocks could actually hold up in a real-world build… and honestly, there were a few things I didn’t expect.
Stick around to the end where I break down:
What I’d do differently
Cost-saving decisions that actually worked
My honest thoughts on Tuff Blocks after using them
And yes… I know… I used a glass roof in a sauna — not exactly best practice — but we’ll get into that 😅
🧱 BUILD FEATURES
Tuff Block foundation (no concrete, no digging)
Timber frame construction
Black timber cladding
Glass roof + door
Custom bench seating with lighting
Wood fire setup
🎁 GIVEAWAY DETAILS
I’ve teamed up with Tuff Blocks to run a giveaway!
To enter:
Drop a like, comment on this video & subscribe to my channel.
📅 Entries close: Friday 29th May 2026
📢 Winner announced: Monday 1st June 2026
The winner will be:
Tagged in the comments
Pinned on this video
Announced on my social media
👉 Winner — reach out via Instagram or email before the 1st of July 2026 to claim your prize
🔗 LINKS
Purchase Tuff Blocks here: https://buildtuff.live/LVLUP
Discount code for 10% off: LVLUP10%
Subscribe to Buildtuff : https://www.youtube.com/
Subscribe to LVL UP BUILDING: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2b_8bCTFSUgSsRazK6eH_Q?sub_confirmation=1
Instagram:
BuildTuff: https://www.instagram.com/buildtuff/
LVL UP BUILDING: https://www.instagram.com/lvlupbuilding/
🔥 WATCH NEXT
Tuff Blocks Tutorial (Deep Dive):
https://youtu.be/mUEKMEHfJS8
👷♂️ ABOUT ME
I’m a carpenter from Victoria, Australia, sharing real builds, pro tips, and ways to get high-end results without blowing the budget.
If you’re into:
DIY builds
Carpentry
Renovations
Smart ways to save money on projects
You’re in the right place.
LVL UP Building and Maintenance Services is located on the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia
🔴 For building and maintenance enquiries:
email - [email protected] or visit www.lvlupbuilding.com.au
Chapters
0:00 Intro
1:23 Gathering Cheap Materials
3:22 Choosing and Clearing the Site
3:53 Building the Subfloor with Tuff Blocks and Timber
5:53 Installing Flooring
6:46 Wall Framing
10:07 Roof Framing
14:30 Roof Sheets and Sky Light
17:42 The Big Mistake and Fatal Assumption
19:00 External timber Cladding
22:22 Removing Plaster, Pepping Internal lining & Waterproofing
25:47 Tiling the Floor
26:46 Installing the Internal Lining, Sanding Paint and Grouting
28:30 Installing the Finishing Touches & Exterior Paint
30:55 Staining and Oiling the Internal Timber
32:17 Rock Baskets
33:54 Testing the Sauna and Rock Basket Concept
38:05 Beauty Shots
38:57 Cost Breakdown, Competition Details & Outro
