Cart is empty Steam room vs sauna, in one line: a sauna heats a wood-lined room with a heater and stones, and a steam room fills a sealed, tiled enclosure with steam from a separate generator. Which one suits you mostly depends on the room you can build and the plumbing and power you can get to it.
Steam Room vs Sauna: How Each Works
Sauna: a heater and stones
A traditional sauna uses a heater and stones to heat the air inside a wood-lined room. You sit on wood benches, and the room is generally dry. When the heater permits it, you can ladle water onto the stones for a burst of steam.
Traditional sauna temperatures depend on the heater and room. Harvia’s wood-stove manual calls anything above 212°F generally too high, and every heater has its own limits in the manual.
Infrared is another sauna option, with a different heating method. The infrared saunas Backyard America sells top out around 149–170°F, depending on the model. Our guide to traditional and infrared sauna differences explains that separate choice.
Steam room or steam shower: a separate generator
A steam generator boils water and sends steam through a pipe into a fully enclosed room. The enclosure uses tile or another non-porous finish instead of exposed wood. A steam shower combines that enclosure with a shower, so the same space can serve both purposes.
Steam runs much cooler than a sauna. For example, Kohler’s Invigoration steam control lets you set 90–125°F. That’s one control’s range, so check the system you’re looking at.
The terms “wet vs dry sauna” usually describe how a traditional sauna is used. Adding water to approved heater stones creates a wet sauna session; it does not turn the wood room into a steam shower. Likewise, “dry sauna vs steam sauna” can be unclear. The quick test: does it use heated stones or a steam generator?
What Each Needs in Your House
Space and room construction
Start your steam shower vs sauna comparison with a floor plan. A sauna needs room for its benches and heater, plus the clearances and ventilation specified in its manual. Measure first, and make sure the panels can get through your doors.
A steam shower needs a completely enclosed, waterproofed space. Tile is only the surface. Your contractor has to plan the waterproofing and vapor barrier behind it.
Mr. Steam identifies about 3 by 3 by 7 feet as the smallest comfortable enclosure for one person and recommends an 8-foot ceiling. Its steam shower planning guide also calls for double-paned windows where present, steam-rated lights, and an exhaust fan in the bathroom outside the enclosure.
Plumbing and generator access
A steam system adds plumbing beyond the shower fixtures. Mr. Steam describes three generator connections: a water feed, a steam line, and a drain, using brass or copper piping. Have a licensed plumber plan those connections from the selected model’s manual.
The generator belongs outside the steam enclosure in an accessible location, such as a suitable closet, vanity, heated attic, or basement. It must never go inside the steam shower, outdoors, or anywhere water could freeze. Plan a service door before the cabinets go in.
A traditional sauna does not need a steam generator or its water-feed and steam-line plumbing. Any separate shower or other plumbing you add is its own part of the project.
Electrical planning and permits
Mr. Steam systems typically need a dedicated 240V circuit, with 208V used in some homes. Generator sizing and circuit sizing must come from the maker’s manual. Have a licensed electrician handle the electrical work and a licensed plumber handle the plumbing.
The outdoor electric sauna heaters we sell typically call for 240V circuits sized to the heater, with 6–9 kW models among the examples. Some infrared units plug into 120V. A wood-burning sauna needs no heater circuit, though you should confirm any separate electrical needs for your project.
Ask your local building department which permits and inspections apply before work starts. Your electrician should also check that your panel has room for the new circuit.
Indoor Bathroom or Backyard Building?
Steam is an indoor bathroom project. It fits best when you are prepared to build or rebuild a sealed shower enclosure and provide a protected generator location nearby. An open shower layout needs a different enclosure plan before it can contain steam.
Backyard America carries steam generators and steam shower systems from several makers. You can compare Kohler steam shower options, Mr. Steam systems, and ThermaSol steam shower equipment once you have your enclosure dimensions and proposed generator location.
Saunas can fit indoors or stand as backyard buildings. Our outdoor saunas give you a separate space without using bathroom floor area. Before choosing a site, ask your local building department and HOA about applicable setbacks, permits, and snow-load requirements. For a wood-burning model, also confirm the requirements that apply to its placement and chimney. If you’re considering a plunge alongside it, our sauna and cold plunge planning guide covers tubs, cooling, and layout.
What Upkeep Looks Like
With steam, inspect grout and seals and follow the enclosure maker’s cleaning instructions. Drain or flush the generator as directed in its manual. After use, ventilate the bathroom and let the enclosure dry. Make sure you can still reach the generator when service is needed.
With a sauna, let the room dry with the door open after use, following the manufacturer’s directions. Care for the bare wood according to its instructions, and check the heater stones for damage and proper placement. The heater manual determines when stones need attention or replacement.
Steam Room vs Sauna at a Glance
| Feature | Sauna | Steam room or steam shower |
|---|---|---|
| Heat source | Traditional: heater and stones; infrared uses a different heating method | Separate generator boils water and pipes steam inside |
| Typical temperature | Traditional varies by heater and room; infrared models we sell top out around 149–170°F | Kohler Invigoration control offers 90–125°F; check your system |
| Humidity feel | Generally dry, with bursts of steam when water is added to approved stones | Moist, steam-filled enclosure |
| Room build | Wood-lined room with benches | Sealed, waterproofed enclosure with non-porous finishes |
| Plumbing | No steam-generator plumbing | Generator water feed, steam line, and drain |
| Electrical | Electric heaters typically need 240V; some infrared units use 120V; wood-burning heaters need no circuit | Mr. Steam typically requires dedicated 240V, or 208V in some homes, sized per manual |
| Where it goes | Indoors or in a backyard building | Indoor bathroom, with generator outside the enclosure in a protected location |
| Upkeep | Dry the room, care for wood, check stones | Check grout and seals, maintain generator, ventilate after use |
Which One Fits?
Your steam room vs sauna decision should follow the space and construction work you are ready to take on.
- Choose a steam shower if you want steam within your bathroom and can provide a sealed enclosure, plumbing, and accessible generator space.
- Choose a traditional sauna if you want a wood-lined room with heated stones and the option to add water as the heater allows.
- Consider an outdoor sauna if you want a separate backyard building and have confirmed the site requirements.
- Compare specific infrared models if a 120V connection matters to your plan, since that option depends on the unit.
Questions about either one? Call us at 888-596-4403. Backyard America doesn’t install saunas, but we can help you find an installer and give you expert support by phone. You can also request a project quote with your dimensions, preferred equipment, and questions.
