Advice/Tips: Retrofit Shower for Steam

4 years ago

last modified: 4 years ago

Thanks in advance for any help.
We are currently building a new-construction house. Our building is not willing to install a steam shower or provide vapor-proofing (so we can install). We are interested, after we move in, to retrofit the existing standup shower into a steam shower.
Any thoughts, experiences, tips are welcome. Here is the background:

We have a remodeler who has done work for us. He has experience remodeling standup showers down to the studs and back up. He does not have any experience with retrofitting for steam
We would hire an electrician and plumber for those appropriate bits
We know that a vapor barrier (such as Kerdi) must be installed
The shower is approx 4.5x5.5 and 9' tall (which will be built-down and sloped)
The current (pre-tear-out) shower will have a mudset floor, I believe in a liner directly on the concrete foundation
The shower is all interior walls
We intend to install a few niches, again using whatever the vapor barrier company recommends
Porcelain tile on top

Any tips appreciated but my primary questions are:

How different/difficult is vapor proofing to 'regular' shower building? Assume skilled by not master craftsman, and able to follow instructions/videos reasonably well
Anything I should be concerned about or look into with existing construction (such as, "sounds good but if the do this one terrible thing during install, you'll really just have to tear your house down and start over)?

Thanks in advance for any thoughts, help, tips! Cheers!

Featured Answer

chiflipper

4 years ago

There is NO "retro fitting", a steam shower must be built from the ground up. Consult a company that specializes in them. Better to have the builder install an acrylic pre-made shower for now...and remove when you're ready for the steamer.

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Comments (8)

PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
4 years ago
No one can use a steam shower with high blood pressure. So just be careful
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John Miller
Original Author
4 years ago
@chiflipper thanks. I should clarify, by retro-fit I do mean tear out to the studs and rebuild it.

An acrylic pre-made isn't an option. I'm also having difficulty finding a company that does steam showers (rather than as part of new construction or gigantic remodels). Any additional thoughts?
PRO
Dragonfly Tile & Stone Works, Inc.
4 years ago
chiflipper is correct. You DO need a skilled craftsperson (no following youtube videos for handymen or DYI's ... I've torn a few of those disasters out over the years with plenty of mold remediation involved). Don't know where you are located but a few places to start: https://www.tile-assn.com/search/custom.asp?id=2759 and https://www.ceramictilefoundation.org/find-certified-tile-installers If you come up empty send me a message as many us of are connected in the industry and may be able to find a professional in your area.
John Miller
4 years ago
Thanks!
PRO
Labra Design Build
4 years ago
Your plans sounds good in general. I'd look for any options to save cost. Maybe rough plumbing only with a drywall painted finish? You mentioned acrylic wasn't an option - bummer because that should be the cheapest shower option since you plan to demo it. You mentioned the builder also wasn't willing to install a vapor proof shower. That is highly frustrating to me. That is the best way to build a shower - we all know this after demolishing old showers without it. Refusing to build a quality shower is mind boggling to me. I'm sorry your stuck in this situation and wish you luck!
chiflipper
4 years ago
Dragonfly will be your best bet for a contact. Here are a few things that aren't on your list. The ceiling in a steamer must be waterproofed (just like the walls), it needs to have a slight slope (so you don't have condensation raindrops falling on your head), and, of course, it gets tiled. You'll need a powerful bathroom exhaust system to prevent high humidity throughout the house. The steamer door is a special order item because it must seal all the way around. Special grout is required for the tiling...and the list goes on. Steamers require an installer with experience in steamers...and a client with a hefty budget. Good luck.
PRO
Labra Design Build
4 years ago
Great point chiflipper - get a great fan installed now if possible.

Advice/Tips: Retrofit Shower for Steam

chiflipper

Comments (8)

BeverlyFLADeziner

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John Miller
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Advice/Tips: Retrofit Shower for Steam

chiflipper

Comments (8)

BeverlyFLADeziner

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John MillerOriginal Author

Dragonfly Tile & Stone Works, Inc.

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chiflipper

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John Miller
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