How to Design a Home Steam Room
- 1). Make sure the floor is level and in good condition. Make any necessary repairs before proceeding with the installation. Use a chalk line to outline the sauna's outer perimeter on the floor. Construct the wall sections for the steam room from 2-by-4-inch boards. Cut the boards for the top and bottom plates.
- 2). Cut the studs and assemble the wall sections. Make the maximum height of the walls 6 to 7 feet high. Incorporate the openings for the windows and sauna door into the framing. Attach the wall sections to the concrete floor using anchor bolts. Drill the hole through the bottom plate into the concrete. Insert the concrete anchors and bolts. Frame a drop ceiling using 2-by-4-inch boards. Space the boards 16 inches on center. Follow the direction for installing the steam head and other components.
- 3). Run water line from the hot water tank to the steam generator. Install ½-inch copper pipe from the generator to the steam head in the steam room. Slope the line leading from the steam room to the generator and wrap the line in pipe insulation.
- 4). Turn the water heater back on and refill. Connect the controls to the generator after the water has reheated. Installed the control panel in the steam room away from the steam head or on the exterior. Install the generator in low traffic areas. Some possible places for installing the device include under bathroom vanities, bedroom closets, attic or basement.
- 5). Do not install the generator or the exterior or in a cold setting. Follow the manufacturer is for the maximum location, usually between 20 to 40 feet away from the steam room.
Make sure the generator has access to a 240-volt electrical connection with a 30- or 40-amp circuit. Follow the wiring instruction for connection the sauna light, sauna controls and thermostat. Install the wiring on the cooler side of the sauna wall. In addition, connect and a hot or cold water line and floor drain. Choose a location that allows for accessing the unit for service. - 6). Install the foil vapor barrier, which keeps the heat inside the sauna. Position the foil to the inside of the sauna. Install the fiberglass insulation. Staple R13-rated insulation to the wall and two layers of R13 insulation in the ceiling.
- 7). Cover the floor with 1-by4-inch wood slats. Follow the instructions for securing the boards to the floor surface. Install the sauna door and windows. The door must open out. Line the interior walls of the sauna with 1-by-4-inch tongue and groove cedar boards secured with galvanized nails. Countersink the nails into the wood to provide safety for bathers.
- 8). Install an intake vent close to the floor near the sauna heater and an exhaust vent on the opposite wall, which generates air flow. Refer to the instructions for the appropriate size vents, such as 3-by-10 inches. Complete installation of the exterior wall and finish.
