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The steam shower is one of the most luxurious functions in the bathroom today. It can not only add a spa-like experience to your daily hygiene procedures, but also increase the value of your home. Steam has many benefits, and in this cost guide, we will introduce you to all aspects of installing a steam shower in the bathroom. Learn more about the cost of steam showers, the types available, and more.
The function of a steam shower is similar to a normal shower to a large extent, except that it also includes a steam valve that heats the steam and releases the steam into the enclosed space. Many steam showers are equipped with advanced options such as FM radio, aromatherapy and benches.
There are two types of steam showers: prefabricated and customized. The prefab steam shower is sold as a complete system that can be inserted into your existing shower space (provided it is large enough). On the other hand, custom steam showers are tailored to your specific needs. These can be very expensive to install, while the cost of installing prefabs is much lower.
Either way, it seems that the steam shower enjoys a high return on investment. According to some estimates, up to 70%.
Although steam showers are a relatively new trend, they are easy to find; pre-made steam showers can be found in home improvement stores. Customized models will increase the cost of the steam shower, making the average price a bit higher.
You need to pay between US$1,000 and US$5,000 for a prefabricated steam shower, and most units are priced between US$2,500 and US$4,000. This equates to an average of about $70 per square foot, because most steam showers are 3 x 3 x 7 feet. If you choose to install a prefabricated steam shower room in an existing shower space, please keep this in mind: you must have a shower room large enough to accommodate the steam shower plug-in.
If this is the case, you only need to add a steam generator, which can significantly save costs. For this, it is expected to pay US$2,300 to US$5,500.
Want to know what you need to pay when you install a steam shower in the bathroom? The following is a breakdown of the different factors you can expect to increase the estimated cost of a steam shower.
Steam shower plug-ins sold by Home Depot range in price from US$2,000 to US$5,000. This will be the biggest variable for installing a steam shower. As we have seen above, the cost of a customized model can be about three times higher.
If you need to customize the space for your steam shower room, you must also consider this cost. The steam shower has a glass enclosure, which includes the top of the shower to prevent excessive moisture from accumulating in the bathroom. The cost of a glass wall is 600 to 2,000 US dollars, and the cost of a glass shower door is 500 to 1,500 US dollars. You will pay more for thicker glass, but you are unlikely to need to repair or replace it.
Steam showers are often a combination of physical advantages and aesthetics, so you may want to install attractive tiles in your model. The price of installing wall tiles for steam showers ranges from $600 to $1,400.
Whether you choose a prefab or a custom unit, you will need a generator to power it, which will cost 500 to 2,000 US dollars. Most steam shower generators have a power of about 4.5 to 12 kilowatts and a capacity of 90 to 450 cubic feet.
There are several main differences between steam shower and sauna, although the two terms are often used interchangeably. First of all, the sauna is usually a completely independent room with its own heat source. On the other hand, a steam shower is a smaller enclosed space in a larger room, such as a bathroom. The heat source for the steam shower is a small generator, placed outside the enclosure, usually in a nearby closet.
The second main difference between a steam shower and a sauna is the temperature used. Because steam showers are small and completely sealed, they only need to run at around 105 degrees Fahrenheit to get the same health benefits as saunas, which are usually as high as 175 degrees Fahrenheit (humidity levels are significantly lower than steam showers).
The steam shower provides a perfect environment for mold growth. This means that regular maintenance is essential to keep the steam shower clean and running at full capacity. Simply immerse in a vinegar solution (equal parts of vinegar and water) to prevent the valve from being blocked by calcium deposits. Just unscrew the valve and shower head and immerse them in the vinegar solution. When they are soaking, use the same solution (or a cleaner you trust) to scrub the walls, glass doors, and shower floors. Don't forget the small gaps between the shower door track and the tight corners of the floor.
The benefits of a steam shower are many. Warm, high-humidity circulating air is good for skin and muscle soreness, and it can also remove toxins from the body. Steam can help recovery after strenuous exercise and also help stress management.
Christin Perry is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in many media including WeddingWire, The Knot, Parents and Verywell Family. When not working, Christin enjoys reading, gardening, and hanging out with her husband and four young children. She also likes to do some small home improvement projects whenever she gets the chance.
Samantha is an editor, covering all home-related topics, including home improvement and maintenance. She has edited home repair and design content on websites such as The Spruce and HomeAdvisor. She also hosted videos about DIY home tips and solutions, and launched a number of home improvement review committees equipped with licensed professionals.