Can Clay Tile Be Used in a Steam Shower?

Yes, many of our clay tiles can be used in a steam shower. However, the success of a steam installation depends far more on the shower assembly and waterproofing system than on the tile material itself.

Steam showers create a high-heat, high-moisture environment with vapor pressure. Because of this, the entire installation must be built as a steam-rated system from substrate to surface.

Below is guidance by tile type.

Steam Shower Requirements (All Tile Types)

Regardless of tile selection, steam showers require:

• A vapor-proof waterproofing membrane rated specifically for steam

• Proper slope and drainage

• Steam-rated thinset and grout

• Full cure time before operation

• Appropriate sealing where required

If the assembly is not built correctly, even really hardy tiles (like porcelain for example) can fail.

Tile Type Guide for Steam Showers

Terracotta Tiles

(Saltillo, Organic Terracotta, Reverse Terracotta, Pressed Terracotta, Dhanis Terracotta, and other unglazed clay bodies)

Are they recommended for steam showers?
No, we do not typically recommend porous terracotta tiles for steam shower installations.

These tiles are naturally absorbent and require sealing even in standard residential applications. In a steam shower, the constant heat and vapor pressure significantly increase moisture exposure, which can lead to:

• Deep moisture absorption

• Increased maintenance requirements

• Potential staining or efflorescence

• Premature sealer breakdown

While technically possible with extensive sealing and a fully vapor-proof steam-rated assembly, the long-term maintenance demands make porous terracotta a higher-risk choice for steam environments.

For steam showers, we generally recommend choosing a glazed clay or Cotto option instead.

If a client is determined to use terracotta in a steam environment, the installation must include:

• A fully vapor-proof steam-rated membrane

• Multiple coats of high-quality penetrating sealer

• A breathable topcoat system

• Ongoing maintenance expectations - These tiles will develop character over time and are ideal for clients who appreciate natural variation and patina.

Because of the maintenance demands, these types of terracotta are best reserved for dry or standard wet areas rather than steam enclosures.

 

Cotto Terracotta (Denser Body)

Can it be used?
Yes, with proper installation and sealing.

Cotto is fired at a higher temperature and is denser than traditional porous terracotta bodies. This makes it more suitable for high-moisture environments, including steam showers, when installed correctly.

Steam shower requirements still apply:

• A vapor-proof membrane rated for steam

• Steam-approved thinset and grout

• Proper slope and cure time

• Sealing after installation (penetrating sealer required)

Cotto must be sealed, as it is still a natural clay product, but it performs significantly better than traditional porous terracotta in steam conditions.

 

Glazed Terracotta and Glazed Clay Tile

Can it be used?
Yes, and generally with fewer maintenance concerns.

The glazed surface is less porous than raw clay, making it more resistant to moisture exposure. However:

• The substrate must still be steam-rated

• Expansion and movement joints should be planned carefully

• A vapor-proof membrane is required

• Proper installation materials must be used

• Grout and any exposed clay edges should be sealed as needed

Glazed terracotta is often a strong candidate for steam showers when properly installed.

Final Considerations

Steam showers are not a standard shower. They are a specialty installation. The most common failures occur due to:

• Improper vapor barrier installation

• Inadequate cure time

• Incorrect thinset or grout

• Skipping sealing steps (for porous clay types)

If you are planning a steam shower project, we strongly recommend working with an installer experienced in steam-rated assemblies and sharing our installation resources with them before beginning.

Steam Shower Clay Tile FAQ

Is Saltillo too porous for a steam shower?

Saltillo is highly porous and is not typically recommended for steam showers. While it can technically be installed with extensive sealing and proper vapor-proof construction, the long-term maintenance requirements are significant. For steam environments, glazed clay or glazed terracotta tiles are generally a better choice.

Can terracotta tile be used in a steam shower?

Porous terracotta tiles such as Saltillo, Organic, Reverse, Pressed, and Dhanis are not typically recommended for steam showers due to their absorbency and maintenance requirements.

Denser options such as Cotto, as well as glazed clay tiles, are better suited for steam environments when installed as part of a properly constructed steam-rated shower system.

Will clay tile crack in a steam shower?

Clay tile handles heat very well. Cracking in steam showers is almost always caused by movement in the substrate, improper installation, or lack of expansion joints, not by the tile itself. When installed over a properly built steam-rated system, clay tile performs beautifully.

Is porcelain better than clay for steam showers?

Porcelain is less porous and requires less maintenance, but it is not inherently “safer” in a steam shower. Failures in steam showers are typically due to improper waterproofing or vapor barrier installation, not the tile material. Both porcelain and clay can perform well when the assembly is built correctly.

Do I need to seal glazed clay tile in a steam shower?

Glazed clay tiles have a protective surface, but grout lines and any exposed clay edges should still be sealed. The overall shower must still be constructed with a vapor-proof membrane rated for steam.

How often does clay tile need to be resealed in a steam shower?

Resealing frequency depends on the tile type and usage.

• Saltillo and unglazed terracotta may require periodic resealing depending on wear and moisture exposure.

• Glazed clay tiles generally require less maintenance, though grout lines may need occasional resealing.

Regular inspection is recommended in all steam environments.

What is the most important factor when using clay tile in a steam shower?

The most important factor is a properly constructed steam-rated shower assembly. This includes a vapor-proof waterproof membrane, correct thinset and grout, proper slope, and full cure time before operation. Even the most durable tile will fail if the underlying system is not built correctly.