Nov 02 2009
Building Your Own Steam Shower
Fortunately, you don’t have to tear up your bathroom or break the bank to build a steam shower, but…
If you want to build your own steam shower or have one built for you, there are some important things that you will need to do.
Should you choose to accept it, part of your mission is to…
- cover the roof of your shower enclosure
- seal the enclosure with a special door
- install a steam shower generator
- optional: include something to sit on, like a folding or fixed bench or a tiled bench
If you decide to build a steam shower suite, which includes…
- a shower,
- steam jet, and
- built in seating,
it would take up about the same amount of space as an average bathtub enclosure.
You can convert a small walk-in shower into a steam shower, but the enclosure may not turn out big enough to include a bench. That means you would not be able to relax during your steam shower. You would have to stand up the whole time.
Steam Shower Structure and Sealing
The structure
The walls and ceiling of your enclosure must be made of waterproof material such as tile, marble, granite, limestone or fiberglass.
Cover the roof
Many standard shower stall doors stop short of the ceiling by a foot or so. You’ll have to…
1) buy a lightweight acrylic dome top, or
2) install a cover made of a material like fiberglass or stainless steel.
Steam condenses, so the ceiling should be sloped or curved. If the shower ceiling is flat, condensed water will constantly drip straight down.
Believe me, it’s not fun when a few of those drops hits you in the eye while you’re trying to relax and enjoy the moment.
Seal It
Your enclosure needs to be sealed very tight. If water vapor escapes, it will ruin drywall, paint, or wallpaper.
You’ll also have to deal with rotting problems if steam is allowed to penetrate into your walls, ceiling and floor.
That wouldn’t be good.
Home steam showers are meant for enjoyment, not ruining bathrooms.
You can’t have a vapor-tight enclosure without the right kind of door. Manufacturers sell steam shower doors in a variety of styles and colors.
Now, how about the steam?
If you want to build a steam shower, obviously you’re going to need something to produce the steam, right? So…
You’ll have to install a steam generator.
You might need a plumber and an electrician for this job. The steam generator needs to be hooked up to the water line and a 240V line voltage.
Deciding where to place your steam shower generator can potentially be one of your biggest design challenges.
Steam showers are growing in popularity because people really enjoy the soothing relaxation that they provide.
After all, it’s a great option to be able to come home after a busy day or a tough workout and unwind in your very own steam shower.
Terrence Banks has written about building a steam shower and buying a steam shower door.