How to Build a Steam Shower Cabin

Steam and shower your tension away.

Always popular with health enthusiasts who enjoy sweating the toxins from their bodies while rejuvenating their skin and muscles, steam cabins, built outdoors, usually attach either to the home or sit at the end of a convenient path where the residents can enjoy their healing benefits. Constructing a steam cabin requires some building knowledge and the correct materials but, once it is complete, you’ll enjoy the benefits of steam anytime you choose.

Things You'll Need

• Foundation materials (concrete or masonry)
• Dimensional lumber
• Interior lumber (heat and moisture resistant)
• Heating element
• Electrical, plumbing and venting supplies
• Hand and power tools

Instructions

1. Determine the location and size of your steam shower cabin. Prebuilt cabins usually house one or more occupants and include choices such as benches, tubs, steam area and shower nozzles but you’re free to design your cabin to suit your own desires. Use the basic rule of adding 5 square feet of floor space for each additional person. This can be in any configuration you choose.

2. Construct the foundation for your steam shower cabin. Concrete is a good choice but if your cabin will have only a few visitors and your soil does not shift; cinder blocks or stones may work. The foundation should be made of waterproof materials and solid enough to hold the cabin.

3. Build the frame of your cabin with dimensional lumber. If you plan to sheet the interior with a water resistant wood, such as redwood, choose treated lumber for use in framing. If your interior will be finished with tile or fiberglass, you may use untreated lumber. Use treated floor plates in either case.

4. Install the plumbing and electrical work after the framing is complete. Now is the time to finalize the location of hydro-shower heads, steam tables and drains. Consider using a Manabloc water system if you are employing many different water heads, as the Manabloc will equalize the water pressure between the heads.(See Resources)

5. Choose a heating element if you want additional steam. Some steam cabins use only a central heating unit with a simple water supply. Others are elaborate, with digitally-computerized controls for various shower effects.

6. Finish the interior of your steam cabin with either redwood or another water-resistant material. Redwood, tile and other natural surfaces are popular for the spa-like effect they offer but fiberglass panels will protect the walls just as well and provide an easy to clean surface.

7. Install the benches and other amenities as the final step in building your steam shower cabin. Again, the general rule is to allow one place for each additional person to sit. Make the sitting areas comfortable, provide benches to rest one’s feet or enough room to turn sideways and relax.

Tips & Warnings

• If zoning does not permit a steam cabin outdoors, consider putting one inside. This entails more work and the unit must be adequately vented.

• Enjoy your new steam shower cabin but check with your physician before spending time in a hot interior if you have a history of heart problems.

• Limit the use of the steam shower cabin to less than 30 minutes if the temperature in the cabin is over 130 degrees.

• Pregnant women should consult their doctors before using a steam shower cabin.

Resources

• Manabloc water system.