A steam shower looks simple once it is finished — a beautiful enclosed shower that fills with warm, soothing steam at the touch of a button. Behind the tile, though, a small system of components works together to make that happen. Understanding what each part does, and where it belongs, is the best way to plan a steam shower that performs the way you expect from the very first session.
The easiest way to understand a steam shower is to follow the steam itself: from the water supply, through the generator, down the steam line, into the room, and back out again when the session is over.
The steam generator: where steam is made
Every steam shower starts with a steam generator — a compact unit that heats water until it turns to steam. The generator never goes inside the steam room. Instead, it is installed nearby in a spot that stays accessible for service, such as a closet, vanity cabinet, the space under a sealed bench, a heated attic, or a basement.
Depending on the model, a generator can often be installed a surprising distance from the shower — some residential models allow up to 60 feet — but shorter runs are always better. The maximum distance varies by manufacturer and model, so always confirm it in the installation manual.
Sizing matters. Generators are sized by the room's adjusted volume, not just its length, width, and height. Materials like natural stone and glass, along with ceiling height and other construction details, can increase how much steam the room needs. Use our steam sizing calculator to find the right size for your space.
The steam line: getting steam to the room
Steam travels from the generator to the shower through a steam line. Two details make the difference between a line that performs well and one that does not:
- Insulation. Steam cools and turns back into water as it travels. Insulating longer runs helps more steam reach the room.
- Pitch. Mr. Steam's guides give a pitch of about 1/4 inch to 3/4 inch per foot, toward either the steamhead or the generator, so condensation drains away instead of pooling at a low point. Follow the installation manual for your generator.
The steamhead: where steam enters
The steamhead is the fixture on the shower wall where steam flows into the enclosure. It is mounted low — roughly 6 to 12 inches above the finished floor — because steam naturally rises. Starting near the floor lets warm vapor fill the room evenly instead of blasting directly at the bather.
For comfort and safety, the steamhead should sit away from where people sit and stand, ideally on the wall opposite the bench. Avoid mounting it high on the wall, right next to the control, or anywhere that aims steam at a seated bather or blocks its path with an obstruction.
Most home steam showers need just one correctly placed steamhead. Only very large rooms paired with the biggest generators may call for a second one, and that decision comes from the generator's sizing requirements.
The control: the brain of the system
The control is where you start a session and set the temperature and time. Many modern controls add features like programmable presets, lighting, aromatherapy, and audio.
Placement is about more than convenience. Many controls also read the room temperature, so they belong about 4 to 5 feet above the floor, within easy reach of the bench, and on the wall opposite the steamhead. Mounted right beside the steamhead, a control would sense the hot steam coming out of it instead of the temperature where you are actually sitting — so the spot that is easiest to reach is also the spot that gives the most accurate reading.
The enclosure: what keeps the steam in
A steam shower only works if the room can hold steam. That means a fully enclosed, properly waterproofed and sealed space — walls, ceiling, and door included. Any niche, ledge, or other built-in detail is fine as long as it keeps the enclosure sealed.
For the full list of enclosure, electrical, and plumbing requirements, read what every homeowner needs to know before installing a steam shower.
The bench: where you relax
A bench is technically optional, but it is strongly recommended — steam is meant to be enjoyed sitting back and relaxing, not standing. A good planning guideline for a built-in bench is about 18 inches high and at least 15 inches deep, placed opposite the steamhead whenever the layout allows so a seated bather stays out of the direct steam path.
After the session: drying out
A steam shower needs to stay sealed during a session and dry out afterward. In many bathrooms, a standard exhaust fan located outside the steam enclosure handles this well.
Some designs also include an operable transom — a panel above the door or glass that can be opened between uses for extra airflow and closed during a steam session. A transom is optional; a full-height glass enclosure without one can be a clean solution for a dedicated steam room. Whatever the setup, the goal is the same: hold steam in while the system runs, and let the room dry once it stops.
Putting it all together
Think of a steam shower as a path: water becomes steam in the generator, travels through an insulated and properly pitched line, enters the room low through the steamhead, and fills the space evenly while the control keeps an eye on the temperature near the bench. The sealed enclosure holds it all in, and ventilation clears the moisture once you are done.
Deciding where each part goes before construction starts is the easiest way to avoid costly changes later. Always follow the installation manual for the specific generator, control, and steamhead you choose.
Frequently asked questions
Can a steam shower also be used as a regular shower?
Yes. A steam enclosure works as an everyday shower too. Good ventilation outside the enclosure helps the room dry after use, and the enclosure simply stays closed during steam sessions.
Why does the steamhead go so low on the wall?
Steam rises. A steamhead mounted 6 to 12 inches above the floor lets steam spread naturally through the room and keeps it from spraying directly at anyone inside.
Can the generator go inside the shower?
No. The generator is always installed outside the steam enclosure, in an accessible location close to the shower.
Do glass and stone change the generator size I need?
Yes. Materials like natural stone and glass, as well as ceiling height, can increase the amount of steam a room needs. That is why generators are sized using adjusted room volume rather than raw dimensions alone.
How hot does a steam shower get?
Steam showers typically run at roughly 110–120°F with humidity near 100%. Learn how to enjoy it comfortably in How to Use Your Steam Shower Safely.
Why order from TheSteamStore.com?
- Authorized dealer — the leading steam shower brands with full manufacturer warranty coverage.
- Expert sizing help — use our sizing calculator or call us for help choosing the right system.
- Free shipping — on all orders over $199 (restrictions apply).
Planning a steam shower? Contact our team or call 877-881-5501 — we can help you size your generator and plan where every component should go.