How much does a steam room or steam shower cost?

Steam shower cost

A steam shower installation costs $3,000 to $10,000 on average, depending on if it's a prefab cabin, existing shower conversion, or custom steam room. Adding spa-like features like a sound system, mood lighting, aromatherapy, auto-flushing, touch-screen controller, and built-in seating costs the most.

Average cost to install a 4' x 5' x 8' steam shower. Cost data is based on research and project costs reported by HomeGuide members.

Steam shower installation cost

The costs to add a steam shower during a bathroom remodel depend on the installation method:

Prefab steam shower insert installation cost

A prefab steam shower costs $2,900 to $6,800 installed. A prefabricated steam shower includes all the necessary parts and connects to the existing plumbing. Many prefab inserts are easy to install and include a regular shower head, seats, massaging jets, lighting, and sound systems.

Some prefab units also include a bathtub and faucet.

Prefab inserts tend to have a small color selection, lower performance than a custom install, and are costly to repair.

Cost to convert a shower to a steam shower

Converting a shower to a steam shower costs $2,300 to $11,700, depending on size, materials, and existing condition. Steam showers require a complete enclosure, insulation, and waterproofing. Older homes may need new shower walls for a steam room conversion.

Minimum requirements include:

• Full enclosure
• Waterproofing all surfaces and ceiling
• One steam head
• Control panel
• Dedicated 220V or 240V circuit
• Steam generator
• Plumbing lines to and from the steam generator
• Drain line from the steam generator
• Electrical disconnect near the generator

Custom steam shower cost

A custom steam shower costs $4,000 to $16,500. Custom steam rooms offer more color, shape, and layout options and perform better than prefab units. Installation costs depend on size, materials, controller features, and extras like mood-lighting or aromatherapy systems.

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Cost factors to build a home steam room

The following factors affect the cost to build a home steam room:

• Size – Larger spaces require more powerful steam generators and additional materials.
• Location – Exterior walls need additional insulation. Converting an existing shower to a steam room may require tile removal to install water and vapor barriers on all surfaces.
• Materials – Porous materials require larger steam generators and frequent resealing.
• Amenities – Potential add-ons include seats, towel warmers, light, sound, and aromatherapy systems.
• Steam generator – Higher-priced models include faster steam delivery and auto-flushing.
• Controls – Panels with advanced functionality or wireless connectivity cost more.
• Tile installation – The ceiling and all surfaces must be sloped to direct water to the drain.
• Electricians charge $40 to $100 per hour to install a new 220V or 240V circuit and a disconnect. Some steam generators also require GFCI protection.
• Plumbers charge $45 to $150 per hour to install a steam generator, drain, and run water lines to the steam shower.
• Enclosure – Installing a glass shower door costs $800 to $3,600 for an enclosed steam room.
• Ventilation – Installing an exhaust fan outside the steam room near the shower door entry or transom helps remove excess moisture and humidity. Bathroom exhaust fan installation costs $250 to $950.

Steam shower door and glass walls cost

A glass shower enclosure costs $800 to $3,600 for a steam room, depending on the glass type, thickness, and features.

• Textured, tinted, frosted, or low-iron glass increases the cost by $150 to $1,000.
• Adding a protective glass coating like EnduroShield or HydroShield costs $250 to $1,300 more and reduces soap scum buildup.
• An all-glass enclosure typically requires a larger steam generator.

Steam shower wall tile installation cost

Steam shower tile installation costs $7 to $25 per square foot or $800 to $3,000 on average. Shower size, material, tile layout, and surface prep affect the cost.

• Non-porous tiles like porcelain and ceramic are ideal for steam rooms.
• All surfaces require waterproofing and sealing, including the ceiling.
• Ensure the tile is rated explicitly for steam showers before installing.
• Colored glass tile shows trapped moisture less than clear glass.

Steam generator unit prices

Bathroom steam generator prices are $800 to $4,000, depending on the size, features, and brand. Features like auto-flush, quiet operation, fast heat time, and compatibility with spa options cost the most. Some support spa options like music players, chromatherapy, aromatherapy, and customizable presets.

• Most generators may be installed up to 25 feet away from the steam shower but should be easily accessible for maintenance.
• High-end steam generators may be installed up to 60 feet away.
• For homes lacking space outside the shower, install a waterproof generator under a bench within the shower.

Correct steam generator sizing depends on:

• Materials – Porous materials like marble and natural stone disperse heat faster than non-porous tile and require a larger generator.
• Exterior walls – Each exterior wall adds 10% or more to the generator size requirement. Heat dissipates faster on exterior walls, especially in colder climates.
• Ceiling height – A ceiling above 8 feet typically requires a larger generator.
• Windows or skylights – Steam rooms with windows or skylights usually require the next larger size generator.

Steam bath equipment cost

Steam showers only require a steam generator, steam head, and control panel, but extra features may add value and provide a real spa experience.

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Home steam room costs and options

Building a steam room shower combo for home

Building a steam room shower costs $3,000 to $10,000, depending on location, size, materials, and features included. A steam room shower for a home is typically larger than a regular shower, with both a traditional shower head and room for a relaxing steam session.

Walk-in shower steam rooms

A walk-in shower steam room functions as a regular shower but is fully enclosed to create a steam room experience when desired. Most prefab steam showers and custom steam showers are walk-in shower enclosures with a low threshold.

Cost of a steam shower vs. regular shower

A regular shower installation costs $2,000 to $9,000, while a steam shower costs $3,000 to $10,000 on average. Including steam adds 25%+ to the installation cost due to the larger size and additional materials, insulation, waterproofing, and plumbing and electrical work.

Steam shower vs. sauna cost

A home sauna costs the same as a steam shower at $3,000 to $10,000 on average. Steam showers heat to 110° to 115° F with near 100% humidity. Saunas run hotter at 120° to 195° F but with dry heat.

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DIY steam shower kit cost

DIY steam shower kits cost $950 to $5,000, depending on size and features. Basic steam shower kits include a steam generator, steam head, and a basic control panel. Larger kits include multiple steam heads, aroma and light therapy, speakers, and a high-tech control panel.

*Kits by Thermasol typically do not include the generator.

Installation may still require a local plumber or electrician.

How to build a steam shower stall

Building a steam shower stall involves many complex steps and skills. Always consult with a licensed contractor to ensure a successful design and installation.

Follow these guidelines when planning your steam shower:

• The minimum steam shower size is 3' x 3' x 7'.
• Ceiling height should be no more than 8' for best performance.
• Choose a location on an interior wall for installation. Exterior walls dissipate heat.
• Steam showers require additional insulation.
• All surfaces must be waterproofed, including the ceiling.
• Check with the manufacturer for all materials and fixtures to ensure they can handle high temperatures and steam.
• Install an exhaust fan near the shower entry or transom but never inside the steam shower.
• Consider installing two levels of lighting—bright for cleaning and dim for relaxing.

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Is a steam shower worth it?

A steam shower is worth it for homeowners who would use it regularly. A steam shower costs at least 25% more than installing a regular shower but increases home resale value. Steam rooms have several proven health benefits and removes public exposure risks.

What is a steam shower?

A steam shower is a sealed shower enclosure with a generator that releases heat and steam into the stall when activated. A steam shower also functions as a regular shower and provides an alternative for homes with small water heaters, low pressure, or where high-performance showers are not feasible.

What is a steam room?

A steam room is an enclosed space that uses a generator to fill the room with heat and steam. Steam rooms typically run at 110° to 115° F with 100% humidity. Sitting in a steam room generates sweat, increases circulation, and promotes relaxation. Larger steam rooms add a social element.

What are the benefits of a steam shower?

Steam shower benefits include:

• Better skin
• Decongestion
• Faster exercise recovery
• Improved circulation
• Improved sleep
• Pain relief
• Relaxation
• Stress reduction

How does a steam shower work?

A steam shower uses an electric generator box to boil water and release heat and steam through one or more heads in the shower stall. A control panel inside or outside the shower allows the user to adjust the steam session's temperature and duration.

How much does it cost to run a bathroom steam shower?

Running a steam shower for 30 minutes costs $0.35 to $0.70 on average. The cost to run a bathroom steam shower depends on the steam generator size, local water and electricity rates, and usage frequency. A 30-minute steam session typically uses 2 to 2.5 gallons of water.

The heat-up time for most steam showers is about 10 minutes.

Does a steam shower increase home resale value?

A steam shower increases home resale value. Houses including a steam shower typically sell for 30% more than comparable homes without a steam shower. Including a steam shower as part of a total bathroom renovation can also bring a 60% to 68% return on investment.

Can a steam shower chamber be used as a regular shower?

A steam shower chamber functions as both a steam room and a regular shower. Most modular steam units and custom installations include a shower and may replace a traditional home shower. Since steam showers generate sweat, most people follow a steam session with a shower.

Does a steam shower need to be enclosed?

Steam showers require a complete floor-to-ceiling enclosure, exterior wall insulation, and a watertight door to prevent steam from escaping. Installing a transom over the door provides the option to release steam as desired during a shower.

How much does it cost to repair a steam room?

Steam room repair costs $300 to $750 on average. Technicians typically charge a diagnostic fee of $125 to $200. Some steam generators must be shipped to the manufacturer for repairs. Some issues can be troubleshot and fixed without a repair technician visit.

The most common steam generator problem is scale buildup in the tank. Install an autoflush system to prevent scaling and reduce calcium deposits.

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Hiring a steam shower installer

Before hiring a steam shower installer, remember to:

• Get at least three written estimates to compare.
• Ask for references or a portfolio with examples of their previous steam shower installations.
• Browse their reviews on HomeGuide, Google, and the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
• Select companies that are insured, bonded, and have been in business for more than five years.
• Avoid selecting the lowest quote as quality may suffer.
• Get a detailed estimate, contract, and warranty in writing before the work begins.
• Never pay in full before the project starts. Follow a payment plan instead for work completed.

Questions to ask

• What experience do you have installing steam showers?
• Do you have a portfolio of past work I can view?
• Do you recommend a specific steam generator brand, and why?
• Where is the best location in my home for the steam generator?
• Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
• What is and is not included in the installation fee?
• What additional costs should I expect?
• How long does the installation take?
• What maintenance is required?
• Is there a warranty, and if so, what does it include?
• What do you charge for repairs?
• If the steam generator fails, can it be repaired onsite, or will I have to ship it to the manufacturer for repairs?

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