Steam Shower Cost
Installing a 3 by 3 by 7 foot steam shower is about $2,650 to $6,050, or an average of around $4,300 including all materials. If you only require the unit and generator, expect to pay between $2,270 to $5,350. Qualified electricians and plumbers charge $83 per hour, or about $500 to $580 for a project this size. The average install can take 6 to 7 hours.
On average, steam rooms are $44 per square foot compared to $69 per square foot for steam showers. While they're cheaper per square foot, they require more space. Expect a larger overall budget for a steam room.
On This Page:
| Factor | Avg for a 3x3x7 Unit |
|---|---|
| Installation | $500 - $580 |
| Unit & Generator Only | $2,270 - $5,350 |
| Total | $2,770 - $5,930 |
| Factor | Avg for a 3x3x7 Unit |
|---|---|
| Installation | $1,000 - $6,000 |
| Materials | $2,500 - $6,200 |
| Steam Generator | $500 - $2,000 |
| Total | $4,000 - $14,200 |
Average Cost of a Steam Shower Insert
The total for materials and installation of a steam shower insert is about $4,300. The average price for a prefabricated steam shower with a 3-kilowatt generator (and all of the required fittings) is $3,810. The average labor rate to install it about $540. This includes preparing the site, assembling the unit, connecting it to your drains and plumbing supply, and cleaning up.
Custom Steam Shower Cost Estimate
A custom steam shower will average you between $4,000 and $14,200. The materials range between $3,000 and $8,200. The price can vary substantially depending on the size and features.Labor time for installing it is an additional $1,000 to $6,000, including the tilers, glass fitters, electricians, and plumbers.
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Steam Shower Door & Glass Walls Costs
Glass walls cost $700 to $1,900 and glass shower doors $500 to $1,300. Factors include:
- Thickness: Half inch glass is more expensive than 3/8 inch.
- Type of glass: Clear versions are the cheapest and rain glass the most expensive.
Steam Shower Wall Tile Installation
The cost to install wall tiles in a steam shower measuring 3 by 3 by 7 feet is $640 to $1,300. This is the minimum recommended size for a unit. The rate includes labor using 12 by 12-inch tiles.
Steam Generator Price
A generator unit is $500 to $2,000. Most of the time they are 4.5 to 12 kilowatts and 90 to 450 cubic foot capacity. Power and volume have the biggest impact on cost. You can save money if you buy the generator in a package including the control panel, pressure release valves and heads.
Other Price Factors
Other than size, factors that impact the price include:
- Lighting: LED can be hidden in the ceiling or under a bench, recessed to create a starry effect or to affect your mood – known as chromatherapy. Read our guide to learn more about the cost to install lighting.
- Controls: Manual turn valves are the cheapest. Electronic touch pads with remote controls the most expensive.
- Materials: Ceramic and porcelain tile walls are the most cost effective. Deluxe options include granite, marble, and slate.
- Flushing: Automatic systems are available for flushing your generator which reduces calcium build up. Manual versions require you to clean the generator every 20 steam baths by diluting citric acid with water.
- Extras: Add sound systems, seating, and aromatherapy oil wells for an ultra-deluxe touch.
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Average Cost to Build a Steam Room
Material and labor included, the average cost to build a steam room is $43 per square foot or between $22 and $65 per square foot. Customs versions can be twice this much, or $44 to $130 per square foot. Converting an existing shower to a steam room is about $2,515, depending on size.
Home Steam Room Cost Factors
- Removal: $1.50-$6.80 per square foot of old tiling to prepare for any new installation.
- Electricians cost: $65-$85 per hour.
- Plumbers cost: $45-$65 per hour.
- Tiling: $12 per square foot.
Walk-In Shower Steam Rooms
The average cost of tile installation for a walk-in shower steam room is $12 per square foot excluding contractor fees. It is an extra $1,250 for a generator and $540 to hire a plumber and electrician for the job.
A distinct advantage of a walk-in shower steam room is that the open-plan design fits into any size of bathroom. It's easy to clean due to a lack of doors or glass walls, and it’s easily accessible.
Cost of Steam Shower vs. Regular Shower
The average price for a steam unit, generator, and labor is $4,300. Thecost to install a regular shower is $1,125 including labor time, materials and supplies. Labor is about the same for both at around $540 for an average-sized shower.
Convert a Shower to Steam Shower Cost
The total amount for labor to convert to a steam shower is $380 to $650. The required components fall between $1,000 to $3,000. This includes
- heating unit
- generator
- pressure relief valve
- steam heads
- thermostats
- control
- supply and drain pipes
Building a Shower Steam Room Combo
The hybrid shower and steam room combine the best of both worlds for $4,000 to $6,000 for the unit alone. It provides a dedicated steam area and a separate standing shower.
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Using a DIY Steam Shower Kit vs. Hiring a Shower Contractor
If you’re on a tight budget or you enjoy handiwork, a DIY steam shower kit is a great option. A prefabricated unit is $1,100 to $4,500 including a generator, fittings and steam heads. You will still need to hire a plumber and electrician in your area.
A hired contractor can manage the project for a total price of $2,650 to $6,050. This includes the unit, all materials and their time. We recommend this approach as it is stress-free compared to having to move a prefabricated unit into place yourself and sourcing a contractor team.
FAQs
What is a steam shower?
A steam shower is an enclosed bathing area with two functions. The first is a regular shower and second is a humidifying unit for generating water vapor. They can be used at the same or independently of each other.
What is a steam room?
A steam room is closed off from floor to ceiling. It generates moisture using a heating unit and dispersed from diffusers on the wall or ceiling. They may have a regular shower too and often dedicate more space to a sitting area.
What’s the difference between a steam shower and sauna?
The difference is that a sauna uses dry heat and a steam shower uses moist heat. Both aide relaxation and decrease stress.
Are steam showers worth the money?
Steam showers are worth the money if you value the physical and mental health benefits they offer. When it comes to selling your home, you could make an extra 30% or more on what it cost you to build.
How much does it cost to repair a steam room?
Excluding materials, a steam room repair costs $100 to $300 per hour. This is the low price when hiring a general handyman capable of working with plumbing, electrical systems and other components. It takes 1 to 6 hours, depending on the complexity of the task or 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 adds only $1 to your bills.
