We build a lot of saunas. It’s become one of the most requested wellness features in the custom homes we design across the DFW area, and for good reason. The health case for regular sauna use is well-documented. What’s less clear for most clients is which type actually fits their home, lifestyle, and the way they plan to use the space.
The Research Behind Sauna Benefits
Before getting into the specifics of each type, it’s worth acknowledging why saunas have become such a consistent feature in the homes we build. The evidence behind regular sauna use is compelling. A long-term prospective cohort study found that increased frequency of sauna bathing is associated with a reduced risk of sudden cardiac death, coronary heart disease, cardiovascular disease, and all-cause mortality. A more recent review published through the NIH concluded that repeated sauna use may mimic some of the cardiovascular benefits of moderate aerobic exercise, without requiring physical exertion.
What Is a Dry Sauna?
A dry sauna (also called a traditional Finnish sauna or an infrared sauna) operates at high temperatures with low humidity. The two types work differently but share that defining characteristic: minimal moisture in the air.
A traditional Finnish sauna uses a wood-burning or electric stove to heat rocks, which in turn heat the room to temperatures typically between 150 and 195 degrees Fahrenheit. Humidity stays low, usually around 10-20 percent, unless water is poured over the rocks to create a brief burst of steam, called loyly.
An infrared sauna takes a different approach entirely. Rather than heating the air around you, infrared panels emit radiant heat that warms the body directly. Temperatures run lower, typically between 120 and 150 degrees Fahrenheit, so sessions feel more tolerable for longer periods. Infrared saunas heat up faster, use less energy, and are easier to integrate into a custom home build because they require less infrastructure.
What Is a Wet Sauna?
A wet sauna (more commonly called a steam room) operates at the opposite end of the humidity spectrum. Temperatures are lower, usually around 110 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit, but humidity is near 100 percent. The result is an enveloping, moisture-saturated heat that feels entirely different from a dry sauna.
Steam rooms require a dedicated steam generator, a fully waterproofed enclosure, and careful attention to drainage and ventilation. As we’ve covered in our home spa design guide, they’re a more involved construction project, but for clients who use them regularly, they rank among the most loved spaces in the home.
How They Compare:
| Infrared Sauna | Traditional Finnish Sauna | Steam Room | |
| Temperature | 120 to 150°F | 150 to 195°F | 110 to 115°F |
| Humidity | Very low | Low (higher with loyly) | Near 100% |
| Heat-up time | 10 to 15 min | 30 to 45 min | 10 to 20 min |
| Build complexity | Lower | Moderate | Higher |
| Best for | Muscle recovery, longer sessions, easy integration | Classic sauna experience, contrast therapy | Skin, respiratory health, deep relaxation |
| Maintenance | Low | Moderate | Higher |
What This Means for Dallas Homeowners
Dallas summers are long, relentless, and humid. From June through September, you’re routinely stepping outside into 95 degree heat with 60 to 70 percent humidity. The city’s active culture, from early morning workouts to weekend sports to outdoor entertaining, means most DFW homeowners are already dealing with significant daily heat exposure.
For many of our clients, a steam room doesn’t offer the contrast that makes sauna use feel truly restorative. When your outdoor air already feels thick and heavy, a fully saturated steam environment can feel less like relief and more like an extension of the summer outside. A dry sauna or infrared sauna delivers heat in a controlled, intentional way that your body appreciates.
That said, the respiratory and skin benefits of a steam room are real and don’t disappear because you live somewhere warm. Some clients with sinus or allergy concerns, which are not uncommon in North Texas, find a steam room to be very valuable year-round. It comes down to the specific benefits you’re chasing.
Which Sauna Is Right for You?
If you want the easiest integration into a custom home build, infrared is a strong starting point. It’s space-efficient, lower maintenance, and the research backing its cardiovascular and recovery benefits is well-established.
If you want the classic sauna experience or you plan to do pair therapy with a cold plunge, a traditional Finnish sauna is hard to beat. The ritual of it, the rocks, the loyly, and the way it heats the room come together masterfully.
If your primary goals are skin health, respiratory support, or deep passive relaxation, a steam room delivers something the others don’t. Just go in knowing it’s the most involved build of the three.
Building Wellness Spaces in the DFW Area
Nixon Custom Homes has been building luxury homes across Dallas, Texas for over 30 years. Wellness spaces are among the most personal rooms we design, because what they need to do is specific to how you live. We think through the placement, the materials, the ventilation, the lighting, and how the space connects to the rest of your home.
As an award-winning builder, we deliver exceptional home construction that lasts. Schedule a consultation today to get started.