3 Things You Need To Know About Steam Showers
Designing bathrooms is an area of interior design that we pride ourselves on. From fabulous powder rooms to elaborate spa-like primary bathroom designs, we have learned many secrets to designing a functional bathroom of all sizes.
Lately, we’ve had more requests than usual about steam showers. How luxurious!
Steam showers have been known to have many health benefits, which may be why they are becoming more popular lately. They can help to improve circulation, are detoxifying, and are fantastic for the skin! Not only that, they are extremely relaxing and can help soothe stress.
A steam shower is like having a steam room but on a smaller scale, with the typical features of a normal bathroom shower.
There are some key things you need to know before embarking on installing a steam shower in your own home though, and this is what we’ll be discussing today! Here’s 3 Things You Need To Know About Steam Showers.
1. Water Absorption
Steam showers use a lot of water. Not only are they functioning like a traditional shower, but they are also creating a considerable amount of steam and water vapor to create that steam-room-like experience.
With this extra amount of water and steam being produced, it’s therefore extremely important to consider the water absorption of the tiles used in the shower. This will prevent moisture and damp-related issues in the future.
Not only that, choosing the wrong tiles for your steam shower can result in tile damage, mold and mildew problems, and staining and discoloration of the tiles.
The solution? Choose vitreous tiles (like porcelain) that have a low water absorption, typically less than 0.5%. Tiles with a low water absorption will be more durable for a steam shower.
2. The Ceiling Matters!
Did you know that the ceiling in a steam shower needs to be slanted? Yes – it does! The ceiling is an important aspect of the design.
Homeowners may wish to have lower ceilings in their steam room to keep as much warmth and moisture contained as possible. While the ceiling should be sloped a minimum of 2” per foot to prevent condensation dripping on occupants while in use.
If you can, keep the ceiling height of the steam shower less than 8 feet to gain the maximum benefits from the shower.
3. Seating Options
A key part of a traditional steam room is the seating, and that should be carefully considered for your steam shower at home. There are a few different options that work well in steam showers.
Firstly, a simple freestanding bench or stool can provide a comfortable seat for smaller spaces. Look for something that has a minimum of 15” deep, and is 18” high. The most common shower benches and stools are made from teak, and should have holes or slats in order for water to drain through. This helps water drain properly and avoids any pooling.
For built-in benches (which we highly recommend for creating a seamless and premium look) water water-resistant materials should be used. Kerdiboard is highly recommended and will create a good surface for final waterproofing. The steam shower bench should be clad in the same low water absorption tiles as the main surfaces of the shower.
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If you’re looking for thoughtful interior design within your home, we’re ready to help. You can expect thoughtful design that is custom tailored to your needs. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you are contemplating a project.