Steam Room Design Basics

Step 1

Choose your steam bath space. The ideal ceiling height is 7' to prevent uncomfortable cooler temperature variations near the floor, and we recommend going no higher than 8'. If the ceiling has to be higher than 8', install an EvenSteam™ Air Circulation system. A ceiling slope of at least 3/4" per foot will prevent condensation from dripping on bathers. The steam bath space also has to be totally enclosed, with a vapor proof steam room door to prevent steam from escaping. All inside surfaces must be completely sealed with a waterproof material such as tile. A floor drain should be centered in the room. The rough opening size of the steam room door will need to be properly framed in before tiling the room. Skylights and exterior windows are not recommended for efficiency, and the steam will block the view through the window. Tip: ask your local home or building supply center for the proper vapor barrier to install before tiling over walls, ceiling and floor. The best vapor barrier will be a large sheet that will cover ceiling and walls with one piece (the fewer seams the better).

Step 2

Select a non-porous wall and ceiling surface material that complements the decor of your bath. Porcelain tile, marble, granite, travertine and ceramic tile are great surface materials for steam baths. To ensure the most comfortable steam bathing experience possible, choose a generator sized for the dimensions and unique characteristics of your steam shower. Tip: Ask your local home or building supply center for proper backing materials and adhesives to securely attach surface material (tile, marble, etc.) over vapor barrier. If you are not familiar with tiling a room, it may be best to hire a professional to install the surface material in your steam room.

Step 3

Find a good spot to install the steam generator or boiler system. Within 10 feet of the steam head is recommended by most manufacturers. Utility hookups include wiring a dedicated 240V electrical circuit (or 208V for most commercial) and plumbing in a fresh water line. Common locations include under a bench inside the steam shower, a nearby closet, a cabinet, basement or attic. IMPORTANT: the steam generator system will need to easily be accessible for occasional maintenance and should not be exposed to freezing temperatures. See manufacturers install guide for complete details.

Steam Generator Sizing Guide

Steam Bath & Steam Room installation resources for traditional tiled steam rooms and modular acrylic steam rooms. Tiled steam rooms usually only require a glass steam room door and a steam generator or commercial size steam boiler. The newer modular acrylic steam rooms use the same main components but usually require much less maintenance than tiled rooms. Acrylic steam rooms are much faster to assemble and outlast tiled steam rooms that require re-tiling or re-grouting within seven years.

Steam Room Components:

• Steam Room Lighting Install
• Steam Room Door
• Heavy Duty Steam Room Door
• Steam Generator Install
• Steam Generator Drip Pan Install
• Commercial Steam Boilers Install - AI Models
• Steam Boiler Specifications / Sizing
• Steam Boiler Maintenance
• AI Boilers Troubleshooting Guide
• Low Water Cutoff System Install