With the right planning and application methods a modern steam room can transform any bathroom into a gorgeous sanctuary with added market value to your home.  Some designers may argue that a home sauna can only do this if the initial plan for the project outlining the construction of a fashionable steam room is extravagant or you need lots of extra space in your bathroom. While initial planning does facilitate the scope and outline of a stylish steam room, it is still possible to transform an ordinary bathroom into a modern steam room that is trendy and full of character.   However, while the idea of having a modern steam room might be tempting, there are some key considerations to avoid a “steamy” headache along the way.

Get the right materials for your steam bath

If you are transforming your old bathroom into a modern steamroom then it of utmost importance that you change the rooms surface materials. A modern steam room does not function in the same way as a traditional bathroom and as such special modern steam sauna shower building materials are needed. You will have to ensure that the walls and floors are impervious to moisture and that the material that you use does not dilate due to the heat and steam that builds up in your modern steam room. As such, you will find that silicone and other waterproof products are used in many luxury steam showers to accommodate the new shower design. If you plan to use wood then you will have to ensure that it is treated to avoid water penetration. However, ceramic, porcelain and glass tiles are usually the preferred materials of most homeowners that want the latest steam room design.

Get drains in your home sauna room

Drains should be included in your modern steam room to guide the water outside of the room to areas where it can be disposed of or re-used. If you do not have drains then you will find that the steam in your bathroom will produce a lot of water that does not have an exit point. The drains should be placed in areas that are slopped to facilitate water entry and exit. In addition to this, they should be big enough to accommodate the flow of the water without causing any overflow in the process.

Create slopes in your modern steam shower room

Both the roof and the floor of your modern steam room should have slopes to ensure that the water is properly directed to exit points and that it does not remain in the room. The same applies for benches and any other area that water is likely to settle on.

Respect size of room and height when building a steam bath for health and beauty

If you have a large steam shower then you must respect the size of the generator to get the best service. The larger the room the larger the generator you will need and consequently the more you will have to pay to ensure your modern steam room works perfectly. The size and height of your room will dictate the type of generator that you will need to install in your modern steam room and not the other way around.

Consider portable steam sauna- If you are on a budget and do not want to have the headache of calling a plumber to set up a modern steam shower room then you can always consider a portable steam sauna as an alternative. A portable steam sauna is perfect for small spaces or for those that are just considering a temporary modern steam room due to health reasons.

Wood selection is very important. A sauna is heat generating product, and with a great fluctuation of room temperature and in some cases, depending on type of sauna, there is a dry to humid moisture content repeatedly. Keep in mind when constructing a sauna, non-toxic glues and varnishes, stains, preserves, or sealers should not be used. Saunas are constructed of three main types of wood. Very rare use of basswood or pine is used for sauna construction.

All Saunacore saunas are constructed with non sealed, non varnished, non-toxic clues.

Saunacore only uses the highest quality kiln dried wood from Canadian mills.

WESTERN RED CEDAR:

Western Red Cedar is renowned for its high impermeability to liquids and its natural phenol preservative. It is ideally suited for exterior and interior use where humidity is high. Cedar’s natural oils are the reason it is decay-resistant and rich in colour. Top grade 11/16” thick cedar Kiln dried.

This type of wood is rich in color, and most durable when it comes to a high moisture sauna, a traditional sauna. This sauna used in CHINA made saunas is usually up to 8mm (5/16” thick). Saunacore uses 11/16” thick cedar. Much more durable, less chance of warping.

HEMLOCK:

In its unique way, Hem-Fir is a perfect combination of strength and extraordinary beauty and is quite literally one of the most handsome, elegant and versatile softwood species combinations on the market today. Hem-Fir lumber is light and bright in colour, varying from a creamy, nearly-white to a light, straw-brown colour. It can be as light or lighter in colour than some of the Western pines and is often considered, by those seeking a strong wood with a very light colour, as the most desirable of the Western softwoods. This wood is in most cases used in construction of CHINA made saunas. Much more economical wood over poplar and cedar, and usually very thin. Made in CHINA saunas the this wood is usually 8mm (5/16” thick).

POPLAR:

Poplar trees are known to grow taller than any other U.S. hardwood species. It is found alone in open, rich, moist soil. Because of its fast maturity, the lumber from poplar is lightweight and soft for a hardwood. It is strong, durable and seasons well resisting warping once it is dried and has no knots. Saunacore constructs sauna with this type of wood for people that suffer from allergic reactions from the natural oils in cedar wood. This type of wood used is up to ¾” thick.

Saunacore Canadian built sauna wood is kiln-dried up to 10% less moisture content in their cedar and poplar wood. Air dried wood is not as curing, and an older method of wood drying. The wood moisture content is much higher than 10% which has a much greater chance of the wood to warp or crack.

ALL Saunacore wood is clear select grade kiln dried western red cedar or American poplar wood. All pre-sanded from the finest Canadian mills in Canada. Select grade means selected boards for premium quality. Saunacore wood is the thickest, and outmost highest quality in the industry. No knots, no veins, just premium beautiful, durable, long lasting wood. Compare, our saunas weight almost double the weight of our competition.

1. Allow sauna/steam bath to heat up accordingly. Be prepared to spend time to enjoy and relax, with no set length of time.
2. Always wait minimum of 1 hour after eating a large meal. Sauna can be taken anytime of the day. Usually in the morning to rejuvenate and invigorate, and at night to help relax and sleep.
3. Preheat the sauna, minimum of 10-15 minutes.
4. New users to the sauna/steam that are not accustomed to the temperatures should start at lower temperatures, until the body becomes more tolerable. Let the bodies endurance build over repeated sauna sessions.
5. Taking a sauna with as little clothing as possible is preferred. Allows the body to release heat, and allows penetration of heat. Jewelry should not be worn.
6. Any bathers with any medical conditions or disorders should always consult with their doctors.
7. Take a warm rinse or shower, to remove any deodorants, perspiration, and then enter the sauna and relax on the top level bench for 10 – 15 minutes. Lying down is total relaxation. The dry heat will increase the blood circulation and will eventually bring the body to perspire. Staying longer than 30 minutes is not recommended. Always go by what you body is telling you, this is a good recommendation of when enough is enough.
8. Once your done, leaving the sauna should be followed by a cool shower, which will close open pores, refresh and leave you invigorated.
9. Rest for 10-15 minutes to allow your body to cool down slowly, and then you may want to repeat the whole cycle again. If not, your ready for your day.
10. After the sauna, allow yourself 20 minutes to relax and cool down before dressing. A light snack and refreshing beverage will hit the spot. The body will need to replace the water and salts that were perspired during the sauna session.
11. The sauna is a great tool for those who suffer from tiredness, acne, sleeping, and tension or stress. Arthritis and rheumatism sufferers as well as muscle and joint aches from over exertion, will find the sauna heat very relaxing.

Note: supplied by Art of Sauna Building