A steam shower is one of the most requested features in high-end New York City bathrooms. Done well, it turns an ordinary shower into a private spa. Done poorly, it can damage walls, ceilings and the apartment below. This article explains what a steam shower needs and how to plan one in an apartment building.
How a steam shower works
A small generator heats water into steam and sends it into the shower through a steam head. The enclosure must hold that steam, which means it has to be sealed far more completely than a normal shower. Most systems also include a control panel inside the shower and can be combined with lighting, sound or aromatherapy.
The enclosure has to be vapor-tight
- Full height. Glass and walls go all the way to the ceiling, usually with a fixed or operable transom panel above the door.
- Sealed door. The door is gasketed so steam stays inside.
- Waterproof and vapor-proof surfaces. The membrane covers the walls and the ceiling, not just the floor and lower walls as in a normal shower.
- A sloped ceiling. A slight slope lets condensation run down the walls rather than drip on the person inside.
- Dense tile or stone. Porous finishes absorb moisture; dense porcelain or properly sealed stone perform better.
Power and generator location
The generator needs its own dedicated electrical circuit and a place to sit, usually in a vanity cabinet, a closet or a ceiling space near the shower, within the distance the manufacturer allows. In apartments where space is tight, the generator location is often the deciding factor in whether a steam shower is practical. It also needs access for service.
Building approval
Co-op and condo boards review steam showers as part of the alteration agreement. Expect questions about waterproofing, the electrical load, and ventilation after use. Some buildings have specific rules or engineer reviews for steam and wet areas. Including the steam shower details in the initial board package avoids a second round of review. Our co-op and condo renovation pages explain how approvals work.
Ventilation after use
The shower should be sealed while in use, but the bathroom needs a properly ducted exhaust fan to clear moisture afterward. Without it, steam that escapes when the door opens will settle on finishes throughout the bathroom.
Is it worth it?
For owners who use it regularly, a steam shower adds real daily value. It works best when it is planned from the start of a bathroom renovation, because the enclosure, membrane, power and generator space all affect the layout. Adding steam to a finished bathroom is rarely practical.
Planning a spa bathroom
Gurri Remodel is a licensed NYC remodeling contractor that has built high-end bathrooms in Manhattan and Brooklyn since 1997, including the waterproofing, stone and custom millwork they require. Read our bathroom renovation planning guide, see our bathroom remodeling services, or contact us.