How Much Does a Steam Room or Steam Shower Cost?

Average Cost to Install a Steam Shower

Steam Shower Installation Cost per Component

Prefabricated steam showers will cost far less than custom installs. Keep reading to find out all the cost details.

Prefab Steam Shower Cost

Prefab steam showers can cost anywhere from around $2,800 to $7,100. Models with built-in sound systems and other luxury features will be on the higher end of the price range. 

Custom Steam Shower Cost

Custom steam showers can cost anywhere from $4,000 to $14,000 or more. Deluxe tiles and other add-ons will drive up your budget. 

Steam Shower Door and Glass Walls

Glass walls cost $700 to $1,900, and glass shower doors cost $550 to $1,350. The thickness of the glass has an impact on the overall cost. For example, 1/2-inch glass is more expensive than glass that’s 3/8-inch thick. The glass type can affect the price as well, with clear glass coming in lower and rain glass being the most expensive.

Cost to Install Steam Shower Wall Tiles 

The cost to install shower wall tiles in a steam shower measuring 3 by 3 by 7 feet is around $640 to $1,400, including labor. There are various options in different price ranges, with non-porous choices like ceramic and porcelain being ideal. Bring in a local bathroom tiling contractor to ensure the surface is smooth and sloped to direct water down the drain. 

Steam Generator 

A steam generator unit is around $500 to $2,000, with most units having a capacity of 4.5 to 12 kilowatts at 90 to 450 cubic feet. Power and volume have the most significant impact on the price of a steam generator. You'll save money if you buy the generator in a package that includes the control panel, pressure release valves, and steam heads.

Additional Steam Shower Installation Cost Factors

Along with the unit itself, there are many different options and add-ons to consider in your steam shower budget. Here are the main factors that play into the final project price.

Lighting

The cost to install lighting in your steam shower varies based on what you select. Hidden LEDs are a cost-effective choice that can go in the ceiling or under a bench, while recessed lights can give a starry effect or cycle through changing colors.

Controls

Manual turn valves are the least expensive to install with your steam shower system, while wireless and smart systems will cost the most.

Materials

Ceramic and porcelain tile walls are the most cost-effective. Different tiles prices vary, with higher-end options including granite, marble, and slate.

Flushing

Automatic flushing systems are available for your generator to reduce calcium buildup. On the other hand, manual versions require you to clean the generator every 20 steam baths by diluting citric acid with water.

Upgrades

You may want to leave extra room in your budget for upgrades. Add-ons such as sound systems, deluxe seating, and aromatherapy oil wells add an ultra-deluxe touch. 

Electrician Labor Costs

Electricians cost $50 to $100 per hour. You'll need the help of an electrician to install the generator and other mechanical components properly. 

Plumber Labor Costs

Plumbers cost $100 to $300 per hour and are necessary to ensure your steam shower is properly integrated into your home’s plumbing system.

Cost to Convert a Regular Shower to a Steam Shower

The average price for a unit, steam generator, and labor is $4,300. The cost to install a regular shower is around $6,500, including labor, materials, and supplies. Labor is about the same for both, coming in at around $540 for an average-size shower.

Cost to Build a Steam Room

Materials and labor included, the average cost to build a steam room is $44 per square foot, or between $22 and $65 per square foot. Custom steam rooms can cost much more, up to $130 per square foot. Converting an existing shower to a steam room costs about $2,600, depending on its size.

Home Steam Room

Many factors play into installing your home steam room. These include:

• Removal of existing tiling: $1.50–$6.80 per square foot for any new installation

• Installing new tiling: $12 per square foot

• Electrician fee: $50–$100 per hour

• Plumber fee: $100–$300 per hour 

• Ventilation: $200–$1,000

Walk-In Shower Steam Room

A distinct advantage of a walk-in shower steam room is that its open design fits any size bathroom. It's also easy to clean due to a lack of doors or glass walls, and it’s easily accessible as well. The average tile installation cost for a walk-in shower steam room is $12 per square foot, excluding contractor fees. It's an extra $1,250 for a generator and around $600 to hire a plumber and electrician for the job.

Shower-Steam Room Combo

Hybrid shower and steam rooms combine the best of both worlds, coming in at around $4,000 to $6,000 for the unit alone. These provide a dedicated steam area and a separate standing shower.

DIY Steam Shower Kit vs. Hiring a Shower Installation Pro

A DIY steam shower kit is a great option for handy homeowners on a budget. A prefabricated unit costs around $1,100 to $4,500, including a generator, fittings, and steam heads. However, these may still require the help of a local electrician and a plumber near you to set up.

A local general contractor can also manage the project and bring in the right pros for a total price of $2,700 to $6,200. This includes the unit, all materials, and their time.

FAQs

What is a steam shower?

A steam shower is an enclosed bathing area with both a regular shower and a humidifying unit that generates water vapor. Both can be used at the same time or independently.

What is a steam room?

A steam room is enclosed from floor to ceiling, generating moisture with a heating unit that disperses via diffusers in the wall or ceiling. It can also include a regular shower separate from a larger seated area.

What are the benefits of a steam shower?

Steam showers offer a range of potential pros, including:

• Skin benefits, such as improving circulation and clearing blemishes

• Decongestion

• Pain relief

• Stress and anxiety reduction

• Relaxation

• Muscle recovery

• Improved sleep

What is the difference between a steam shower and a sauna?

Saunas use dry heat, while steam showers use moist heat. Both can provide relaxation, along with a range of other health and wellness benefits.

Are steam showers worth the money?

Steam showers make up for their price tag in luxury and relaxation, so they're worth the investment if it fits into your budget. When your home is on the market, they're also a high-end selling point: You could make an extra 30% or more on what it costs to install one.

How much does it cost to repair a steam room?

The average steam room repair costs anywhere from $170 to $600. It takes one to six hours, depending on the complexity of the task or the severity of the damage.

How much is it to run a steam room or shower?

An average steam session uses $0.05 per minute of water and electricity, so a 20-minute shower should add around $1 to your monthly utility bills.