How to Construct a Steam Room Shower Spa

Inviting Steam Room Shower

Been dreaming of your own Steam Room and you don't want to go into another room to take a shower afterwards? If you already know the basics of construction, then just follow these steps and you're on the path to your very own personalized Spa right in your own home!

Things You'll Need

• The appropriate space.
• All the tools and materials needed to construct a basic Shower room.
• Shower Door with a Vent Panel.
• An appropriately sized Steam Unit.
• Access to Electrical Power.
• Nearby Plumbing.

Instructions

Determine available space

1. 

   Take room measurements. Be sure that before starting construction, you're allowing the most space possible for a comfortable Steam Shower, but also allowing enough room for other fixtures that need to share the same overall room. You want to leave enough room for a bathtub, sink area, toilet, etc. If those items are already in place then make sure the space you have is big enough to accommodate a shower and enough space that you're not crowding the steam vent. It can get too hot on your feet. If you want a seating area, allow for that too.

2. 

   Install a Drain. Before crowding the space with walls, you need to plan out for the Drain and if possible, go ahead and install it. If you need to break out a Concrete floor you'll want plenty of elbow room. If it's a wood floor, installation will be easy as long as you have decent crawl space underneath. Leave extra pipe up from the floor so you can build the shower pan around it.

3. Use existing walls. If the layout of your room allows, use an existing corner. That way two sides are already there. Then stud out the third and the Shower Door can be the fourth but that comes last.

4. 

   Run Electrical. Plan out where you want a moisture proof ceiling light and where to place the control panel your steam unit. Good time to determine where the Steam Unit will be placed too.

5. 

   Install the steam unit. Best is just outside the the shower side wall, but it can be placed elsewhere such as under the bench. You'll need a water line to that location plus electrical. Run the Steam Nozzle to about 4 inches off the floor straight down from the shower head.

6. 

   Put up the walls. The same construction for a simple Shower goes for a Steam Shower. Be sure to use Concrete Wall Board or similar water proof backing if you're finishing with Tile or Stone.

7. 

   Construct the Ceiling. Some recommend a slight slope to the Ceiling so the moisture droplets run to one side, but unless you're going to take an unusually long steam, the moisture on the Ceiling won't be a factor. It's OK to keep it level.

8. 

   Install the shower pan. You want to do this before you tile. This is the single most important step in waterproofing your room. Unless you like working with Tar, it would be a good idea to hire an expert to Hot Mop the Pan.

9. 

   Time to Tile or Stone it. Be certain you're using proper backing. Grout it and let set.

10. 

    Install the Shower Door. If your opening is standard size, you may be able to get a prefab door and install it, but if not, then it is recommended to hire a professional to measure out the job and create a custom Door for your Steam Shower. You want to make sure there is a vent panel on top to control the steam. A beautiful option is to go with seamless glass. You can even make two sides of your room out of Glass. It makes for a very attractive room and aids in lighting.

11. 

    Finish it out. Add the plumbing fixtures and electrical face plates.

12. 

    Relax and Enjoy! Your very own Steam Room Shower is ready!

Tips & Warnings

• Of course the Shower Pan will be graded to drain to the center, but it's a good idea to slightly pitch the bench and threshold under the Shower Door the same way. If there is a window in your Steam Shower, pitch the ledge on it as well. Good drainage is ideal all the way around.

• Please do your research to check if you need a permit before starting any type of construction.

• Be sure you know the basics of constructing a room or this will be a nightmare.

• Shut off the Main Power before doing anything electrical!