Designed and built in Thailand.
Steam Saunas
Any size, any style.
Wet Steam Room Construction in Thailand
Moist Heat. Deep Relaxation. Built to Commercial Standards.
Custom-built wet steam rooms for homes, spas, resorts and wellness facilities across Thailand — designed for tropical conditions and built to perform for years.
A wet steam room is one of the oldest and most effective forms of heat therapy. Unlike a traditional Finnish sauna that uses dry heat at high temperatures, a steam room operates at a lower temperature with near-total humidity — surrounding the body in dense, warm vapour that opens airways, relaxes muscles and promotes deep perspiration.
At Sisu, we design and build wet steam rooms for residential homes, boutique hotels, fitness centres, wellness retreats and commercial spas. Every room is engineered specifically for Thailand’s tropical climate, using materials and construction methods that handle high humidity, high ambient temperatures and continuous use without degrading.
We handle the full scope of work — room design, structural waterproofing, vapour barriers, tile finishing, steam generator specification, ventilation, drainage, lighting, seating and controls. Whether you need a compact two-person home steam room or a large commercial installation for a hotel spa, we build it properly the first time.
Steam rooms pair exceptionally well with saunas, ice baths, cold showers and swimming pools. As specialists in both dry and wet heat therapy, we can design a complete wellness circuit where guests or residents move between hot, warm and cold environments — the foundation of contrast therapy used by athletes, rehabilitation professionals and wellness practitioners worldwide.
Key Features
Custom Room Design
Every steam room is designed from scratch based on your space, usage requirements and the number of people it needs to accommodate. We produce layout drawings with seating configurations, ceiling slopes for condensation management and equipment placement plans before construction begins.
Full Structural Waterproofing
Steam rooms demand a far higher level of waterproofing than a standard wet room. We apply commercial-grade vapour barriers and waterproofing membranes to all walls, ceilings and floors before any tiling begins. This prevents moisture penetration into surrounding structures — the single most common point of failure in poorly built steam rooms.
Premium Tiling and Finishes
Choose from ceramic, porcelain, glass mosaic or natural stone tiles. All tiles are laid on properly prepared waterproof substrates with epoxy grout rated for continuous steam exposure. Ceiling tiles are installed on sloped substrates (minimum 20mm per metre) to direct condensation to the walls rather than allowing it to drip onto occupants.
Properly Sized Steam Generators
We specify commercial-grade stainless steel steam generators sized precisely to your room volume. An undersized generator cannot maintain temperature. An oversized generator wastes energy and creates uncomfortable bursts of steam. We calculate the correct output based on room dimensions, insulation levels, tile type and expected usage patterns.
Comfortable Seating
Tiled bench seating at one or two levels, designed for comfort during sessions of 15 to 20 minutes. Seat depths and heights follow ergonomic guidelines. Heated seats are available for commercial installations where continuous warmth is expected.
Aromatherapy Integration
Essential oil dosing systems can be integrated with the steam generator to deliver eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint or custom blends into the steam. Automatic dosing pumps ensure consistent fragrance throughout each session.
Climate-Controlled Ventilation
Fresh air intake and extract ventilation are engineered into every installation. This maintains oxygen levels, prevents stale air buildup and ensures the room recovers quickly between sessions — critical for commercial environments with back-to-back use.
Lighting and Atmosphere
Waterproof LED lighting in warm tones creates a calming environment. Colour-changing chromotherapy options are available. Fibre-optic starlight ceiling effects can be specified for premium installations.
Digital Controls
Wall-mounted or external touchscreen controllers manage temperature, session duration, lighting and aromatherapy. WiFi-enabled systems allow remote monitoring and scheduling — useful for commercial operators managing multiple rooms.
Dimensions & Technical Specifications
Room Sizing Guidelines
- For 1 to 2 people: Minimum internal dimensions 1.5m x 1.5m. Ceiling height 2.1m to 2.3m.
- For 3 to 4 people: Minimum internal dimensions 2.0m x 2.0m. Ceiling height 2.1m to 2.3m.
- For 5 to 8 people: Minimum internal dimensions 2.5m x 3.0m. Ceiling height 2.2m to 2.4m.
- For 8 to 12 people (commercial): Minimum internal dimensions
- 3.0m x 4.0m. Ceiling height 2.3m to 2.5m.
- For 12+ people (large commercial): Custom design required.
Room volume is the primary factor in steam generator sizing. Calculate length x width x height in cubic metres.
Operating Conditions
- Temperature: 40 to 50 degrees Celsius (typical operating range)
- Humidity: 95 to 100 percent relative humidity
- Session Duration: 10 to 20 minutes per session (recommended)
- Recovery Time: 5 to 10 minutes between sessions with ventilation
Construction Requirements
Walls: Concrete block, cement board or steel frame with cement board lining. Timber framing is not recommended for steam rooms in Thailand’s climate.
Vapour Barrier: Commercial-grade polyethylene or bituminous membrane applied to all internal surfaces including ceiling.
Waterproofing: Liquid-applied or sheet waterproofing membrane over a vapour barrier on all tiled surfaces.
Insulation: Extruded polystyrene (XPS) board, minimum 50mm on all walls and ceiling to retain heat and prevent condensation on external surfaces.
Ceiling Slope: Minimum 20mm per linear metre slope towards walls. Prevents condensationfrom dripping onto occupants.
Floor: Non-slip tile with adequate fall to the floor drain. Minimum 1:80 gradient.
Door: Frameless tempered glass door with a minimum thickness of 8 mm. Self-closing hinges. Gap at the floor for air circulation.
Drain: Floor drain with trap, connected to waste.
Steam Generator Specifications
- 3kW: Room volume up to 3 cubic metres
- 4.5kW: Room volume 3 to 5 cubic metres
- 6kW: Room volume 5 to 8 cubic metres
- 9kW: Room volume 8 to 12 cubic metres
- 12kW: Room volume 12 to 16 cubic metres
- 15kW: Room volume 16 to 22 cubic metres
- 18kW: Room volume 22+ cubic metres (commercial)
All generators are stainless steel construction with automatic drain, low-water protection and overheat safety cutoff.
Electircial
Steam generators require a dedicated electrical circuit with a separate breaker and ELCB/RCD protection.
A single-phase 220V supply is suitable for generators up to 12kW.
Three-phase 380V is required for generators above 12kW.
The generator should be installed in a dry, ventilated area within 5 metres of the steam head inlet. Common locations include adjacent utility rooms, under-bench cavities (residential-only for small units), or dedicated plant rooms.
All lighting inside the steam room must be IP67 rated or higher — suitable for continuous immersion and steam exposure. We use 12V LED systems with transformers located outside the steam room.
Control panels are typically mounted outside the steam room door at a comfortable operating height. In-room temperature sensors and safety cutoffs are standard.
Ventilation fans are wired to run automatically when the steam session ends, clearing the room for the next use.
Warranty
Steam Generator
2-year manufacturer warranty on the generator unit covering defects in materials and workmanship.
Waterproofing and Structure
5-year warranty on waterproofing membrane integrity and structural components, provided the room is maintained according to our care guidelines.
Tiling and Finishes
2-year warranty on tile adhesion and grout integrity under normal operating conditions.
Workmanship
2-year warranty on all plumbing, electrical and installation workmanship.
What Is Not Covered
Damage caused by the use of incompatible cleaning chemicals. Limescale buildup from an untreated water supply (we recommend a water softener for hard water areas). Damage caused by physical impact. Modifications or repairs performed by third parties. Cosmetic wear from normal use. Generator damage from power surges without surge protection.
Extended Support
Annual service and inspection packages are available for both residential and commercial installations. Generator descaling, seal replacement and performance checks keep your steam room running efficiently year after year.
Construction
Consultation
We discuss your requirements — room size, number of users, intended use (residential vs commercial), integration with other wellness features and budget.
Site Assessment
We inspect the proposed location to assess structural suitability, drainage availability, electrical supply, ventilation routes and access for equipment delivery.
Design
Full design package including floor plan, elevation drawings, equipment specifications, material selections and a detailed quotation.
Construction Timeline
A typical residential steam room takes 3 to 5 weeks from the start of construction to commissioning. Commercial installations vary based on size and complexity — typically 4 to 8 weeks.
Construction Stages
1. Structural preparation (walls, ceiling framing if required)
2. Insulation and vapour barrier installation
3. Waterproofing membrane application
4. Plumbing rough-in (steam inlet, drainage)
5. Electrical rough-in (generator circuit, lighting, controls, ventilation)
6. Substrate preparation and ceiling slope formation
7. Tiling — walls, ceiling and floor
8. Bench construction and tiling
9. Glass door installation
10. Steam generator installation and connection
11. Lighting, controls and ventilation commissioning
12. Testing, handover and user training
Service Areas
We install steam rooms across Thailand. Our primary service areas include the Eastern Seaboard, Isan, Bangkok and surrounding provinces. Contact us to discuss your project location.
Care & Maintenance
After Each Use
Leave the door open and run the ventilation fan to dry the room. This prevents mould and mildew growth and extends the life of grout and sealants.
Weekly
Wipe down all tiled surfaces with a mild, non-abrasive cleaner. Do not use bleach or acidic cleaners — these damage grout and corrode metal components. Clean the floor drain to ensure it is free of debris.
Monthly
Run the generator’s automatic drain cycle (or drain manually if not automatic) to flush sediment. Inspect door seals and hinges. Check the ventilation fan operation.
Every 3 to 6 Months
Descale the steam generator using the manufacturer-recommended descaling solution. Frequency depends on water hardness — hard water areas may require more frequent descaling. Inspect all grout lines for cracking or deterioration and repair promptly.
Annually
Professional inspection of the generator, electrical connections, waterproofing integrity and ventilation system. We offer annual service packages covering all of these items.
Water Quality
We strongly recommend installing a water softener or filtration system on the water supply to the steam generator. Hard water causes limescale buildup, which reduces generator efficiency and lifespan. This is particularly important in many parts of Thailand where water hardness is moderate to high.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between a steam room and a sauna?
A: A traditional Finnish sauna uses dry heat at 80 to 100 degrees Celsius with low humidity (10 to 20 percent). A steam room uses moist heat at 40 to 50 degrees with near-total humidity (95 to 100 percent). The experience is quite different — saunas feel hot and dry, while steam rooms feel warm and enveloping. Both offer significant health benefits, including improved circulation, muscle relaxation, stress reduction and better sleep. Many wellness facilities include both for variety.
Q: How much does a steam room cost?
A: Costs depend on room size, finishes, generator specification and site conditions. A compact residential steam room for 2 people typically starts from around 180,000 THB. Larger residential rooms and commercial installations vary based on complexity. We provide a detailed quotation after the design phase.
Q: Can I add a steam room to an existing bathroom?
A: In many cases, yes. If you have a suitable space with adequate drainage, an electrical supply, and access to ventilation, we can convert part of an existing bathroom or an adjacent room into a steam room. A site assessment will confirm feasibility.
Q: How much space do I need?
A: A compact steam room for 1 to 2 people requires as little as 1.5m x 1.5m of floor space. For 3 to 4 people, allow at least 2.0m x 2.0m. Ceiling height should be between 2.1m and 2.4m.
Q: How much electricity does a steam room use?
A: A small residential steam generator (3 to 6kW) uses roughly the same electricity as a large air conditioning unit. A typical 15-minute session costs only a few baht in electricity. Commercial generators are larger but operate intermittently based on demand.
Q: Is a steam room safe?
A: Yes, when properly built and used sensibly. Our generators include overheat protection, low-water safety cutoffs and timed session controls. We recommend sessions of 10 to 20 minutes at a time, staying hydrated and avoiding steam rooms if you have certain medical conditions. Consult your doctor if you have cardiovascular concerns.
Q: Can I use essential oils in the steam room?
A: Yes. We can integrate an automatic aromatherapy dosing system with the steam generator. This delivers a controlled amount of essential oil into the steam — eucalyptus, peppermint and lavender are popular choices. Do not pour oils directly onto the steam head as this can damage the equipment.
Q: How does a steam room differ from a hammam?
A: A hammam (Turkish bath) is a cultural bathing tradition that uses a steam room as its centrepiece, combined with hot stone platforms, body scrubbing and cold water rinsing. The steam room itself is essentially the same technology. We can design hammam-style rooms with heated marble benches and traditional layouts if this is the experience you are looking for.
Q: What maintenance is required?
A: Regular cleaning of tiled surfaces, periodic descaling of the steam generator, drain maintenance and annual professional inspection. With proper care, a well-built steam room will perform reliably for many years. We offer maintenance packages for both residential and commercial clients.
Q: Can a steam room be combined with a sauna?
A: Absolutely — and we highly recommend it. Having both a dry sauna and a wet steam option gives you (or your guests) variety and allows for a more complete heat therapy experience. We design integrated wellness spaces that combine saunas, steam rooms, cold plunge, ice showers and relaxation areas into cohesive circuits.
Q: Do steam rooms help with respiratory issues?
A: Many people find steam inhalation helpful for clearing congestion, easing sinus pressure and improving breathing. The warm, moist air can help open airways and loosen mucus. Adding eucalyptus oil enhances this effect. However, steam rooms are not a medical treatment — consult your doctor for persistent respiratory concerns.
Q: How long does it take for the steam room to heat up?
A: A properly specified generator will bring a well-insulated room to operating temperature in 10 to 20 minutes, depending on room size and starting ambient temperature. Commercial systems with timer controls can be set to pre-heat before opening hours.
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