Steam showers require the highest level of water management, more specifically vapor control. It is certainly possible to build a successful steam shower using tile to get all the custom aspects you desire, but you'll need to hire a contractor who is well qualified and understands the difference between steam showers and regular showers.

There are some things to keep in mind after the selection is made; framing, electrical, insulation, drainage, maintenance....

Never tried a free standing one. I have used many private and club steam showers and one of the world's oldest Hamman's in Turkey. Steam rocks.

If your planning on a steam shower in your home check out these resource links:

* [STEAM SHOWERS BRING THE BELOVED SPA FEATURE HOME[(https://www.houzz.com/magazine/steam-showers-bring-a-beloved-spa-feature-home-stsetivw-vs~9749023)

* [HOW TO CHOOSE TILE FOR A STEAM SHOWER[(https://www.houzz.com/magazine/how-to-choose-tile-for-a-steam-shower-stsetivw-vs~3523481)

* TOP FIVE STEAM SHOWER GENERATORS

This is my first experience with steam showers. Istanbul Turkey. The men and women have separate sections and the effect of the light coming through the tiny round channels is amazing. Worth the trip for sure.

Men's section. The center platform is heated from below. You lie here and relax and the old guy subs you down with a lufa pad. Scared me to death when he crack my neck. Part of the service but I had no idea it was coming. I think he took off at least 5 layers of skin.

The ladies section. Much smaller but same service as the men. My wife went at the same time I did.

phoenix,

As you know, there are upsides and downsides to each. You buy a prefab unit and "you get what you get". You get a certain size, with certain features, made with certain materials, created in a certain design style. The size, features, materials and style may be everything you want. Perfect. In that case, you can have a unit up and running in minimal time.

With a custom steamer, the choices are yours. You'll need to self educate or work with a capable builder/installer so the design is correct. That construction is correct. That you have a vapor barrier (not just waterproofing, as "waterproof" does not always mean "vaporproof") within the assembly. That you'll want to select material finishes based on aesthetics and performance. That any lighting, venting, etc, needs to be appropriate for a steamer. That the steam generator needs to be properly sized for the volume of the unit and the surface materials used in the unit. The location of the steam head needs to be considered versus the location of the user.

It goes on and on.

I don't have a recommendation or advice for free-standing or prefab units. Not that I have anything against them, I just don't have enough familiarity with them to offer a recommendation. Vetted peer reviews from existing owners would probably be your better bet.

For site-built, the basics? I recommend cement board as the tile backer board. A vapor impermeable topical sheet membrane to go over the cement board. Porcelain tile (no natural stone, most will absorb and hold moisture) as the wall covering. While others are adequate, I recommend Thermasol steam generators. Other materials will work. Those are my general guidelines.

With a prefab unit, if anything goes wrong, you may simply have one-stop shopping for problems with the unit, especially if the unit is installed by a company rep. You simply call the manufacturer. That can be very convenient. With a site built steamer, you may have several trades involved int eh construction. You can have installation issues, material issues, equipment issues, etc. The plumber can point at the electrician who can point at the manufacturer, etc. If you have a GC, then the GC will be your go to guy. If you hire the subs yourself, then you;re the one trying to resolve discrepancies.

Best bet is to find a reputable company that has been around for a while, and a reputable installer who's not doing his first installation. Have a thorough conversation beforehand so you understand the particulars of any installation (prefab or custom) before any work begins.

Good luck.