Dry heat, steam or infrared? When you start looking for a sauna for your home, hotel, gym or wellness area, it is normal to come across several options and not be entirely sure which one to choose.
Although they all have a similar purpose — creating a heated space designed for relaxation and wellbeing — the different types of sauna work in different ways. Temperature, humidity, the way heat is transferred and even the installation requirements can all vary.
The three main types are the dry or Finnish sauna, the wet sauna or Turkish bath, and the infrared sauna. Each one has its own characteristics and may be better suited to particular preferences, spaces or uses.
Let’s look at them one by one so you can make an informed choice.
What are the main types of sauna?
Dry or Finnish sauna
The Finnish sauna is the classic image most people have in mind when they think of a sauna: a timber-lined cabin, benches at different heights and a heater that warms special sauna stones.
It is a system based mainly on dry heat and high temperatures. A Finnish sauna typically operates at around 70 to 100°C, while maintaining relatively low humidity.
The result is an intense but dry heat that encourages substantial sweating. A small amount of water can also be poured over the hot stones to temporarily increase the humidity and alter the way the heat feels.
This type of sauna may be particularly suitable if:
- You enjoy the traditional sauna experience.
- You prefer intense, dry heat.
- You want to create a wellness area with a warm timber aesthetic.
- You have a space that can be properly adapted for the installation.
You can find more information about our bespoke Finnish saunas, for both indoor and outdoor spaces. At Saunas Dominique, we design each installation taking into account dimensions, ventilation, insulation, finishes and its intended use.
Wet sauna or Turkish bath
The wet sauna, better known as a Turkish bath, offers a very different experience.
Here, humidity takes centre stage. Instead of the dry environment of a Finnish sauna, a steam generator introduces water vapour into the room, creating very high humidity and a considerably lower temperature.
As a general guide, Turkish baths usually operate at around 40 to 50°C, with humidity close to 100%.
This completely changes the experience. The heat feels more enveloping and the air is filled with steam.
A Turkish bath may be right for you if:
- You prefer more moderate temperatures.
- You enjoy the sensation of steam.
- You are looking for a more humid and enveloping spa experience.
- You are planning a wellness area where waterproofing and steam management can be properly addressed.
Precisely because of the high levels of humidity involved, the installation needs to be carefully planned. Waterproofing, finishes, drainage, ventilation and the steam generator should all be correctly specified from the outset.
Infrared sauna
The infrared sauna takes a different approach from the previous two.
Rather than mainly heating all the air inside the cabin, it uses infrared emitting panels that transfer heat towards the body. This allows the sauna to operate at lower ambient temperatures, generally around 40–60°C, while providing a gentler feeling of warmth.
It is an especially appealing option for anyone looking for a less intense experience than a Finnish sauna.
The system can also be very practical for domestic projects and more compact spaces. We manufacture bespoke infrared saunas for both indoor and outdoor use, adapting the design to the available space.
It may be the best option for you if:
- You do not enjoy extremely high temperatures.
- You prefer direct, gradual heat.
- You are looking for a sauna for a relatively compact area.
- You want to integrate a contemporary solution into your home or garden.
Which type of sauna should you choose?
The easiest way to choose between the different types of sauna is to answer four questions.
What type of heat do you prefer?
- If you enjoy high temperatures and a dry environment, you will probably feel more comfortable in a Finnish sauna. If you prefer steam and lower temperatures, a Turkish bath may be more suitable. And if you want more moderate, direct heat, infrared can be an excellent alternative.
How much space do you have?
- Designing a small wellness area in a bathroom is very different from having an entire room or several metres of garden space available. A bespoke installation allows you to make much better use of corners, walls, ceiling heights and layouts.
Will it be indoors or outdoors?
- A sauna can be integrated into your home, but it can also be installed on a terrace or in a garden. We create bespoke solutions for both settings, from compact models to customised outdoor installations.
How many people will use it?
- A single-person sauna requires a completely different layout from one designed for a family, a professional setting or a hotel.
That is why it is worth thinking about how the sauna will actually be used rather than focusing only on the appearance of the cabin. If you already have all the answers, contact us directly and tell us about your idea.
Benefits of installing a bespoke sauna with Saunas Dominique
Buying a standard solution can work well in certain spaces. But when you want the sauna to feel truly integrated, a bespoke design offers far more possibilities.
A bespoke sauna allows the dimensions, layout, timber, heating system, lighting, glazing and other finishes to be adapted to the actual space.
A sauna should not simply have to fit a standard catalogue size. It should fit you.
Our work allows us to start with the space available and then decide which solution makes the most sense: a Finnish sauna, an infrared cabin, an indoor installation or an outdoor project.
The aim is to achieve the right balance between design, performance and comfort, without forcing you to fit a prefabricated solution into a space where it does not belong.
If you are considering adding a sauna to your home, hotel, gym or wellness area, you can contact us to discuss your project and request a tailored quotation.
Your space sets the dimensions. You decide how you want to enjoy it.
