How To Build A Steam Shower For Your Home (2024)

• Working time: 4 to 8 hours
• Total time: 3 to 4 days
• Skill level: Intermediate
• Project cost: $5,000 to $12,000

The best thing about building a steam shower in your home is that you get to relax in it afterward. While that’s partially true, it’s not quite that simple. But the process can be simple enough for you to do much of the work yourself. Learn what you need to know about how to build a steam shower here. Get ready to upgrade your bathroom and your relaxation game.

When To Build A Steam Shower For Your Home?

A steam shower can be built anytime of year. All of the components of a steam shower will be located indoors so weather won’t be a factor. In fact, it’s a great wintertime project for just that reason.

Safety Considerations

For this project, we recommend hiring a plumber and an electrician to perform the difficult and dangerous tasks. Building the shower itself requires the use of various hand tools. Follow all safety guidelines for each specific tool and use eye protection when necessary.

Tools

• Safety glasses
• Screwdrivers
• Utility knife
• Pliers
• Wrenches
• 24-inch level
• Rubber mallet
• Allen wrenches
• Tape measure
• Pencil

Materials

• Steam shower enclosure kit
• Steam generator kit

Instructions

There are many design options for steam showers. Styles ranging from multi-person, custom-built installations to simple DIY kits are available. For our project, we’ve chosen to install a prefabricated steam shower kit that can be purchased at popular home centers.

1. Prepare the Site

The first step is to make sure that your bathroom is ready for a steam shower installation. Ensure that exterior walls are insulated and any existing fixtures have been removed from the installation site. Some homeowners choose to paint the bathroom walls with mold-resistant bathroom-quality paint.

2. Purchase Steam Shower Enclosure Kit

Carefully measure the dimensions of the shower location and purchase a steam shower enclosure kit appropriate for your bathroom.

3. Rough in Plumbing

The location of your steam shower may already have the required plumbing installed. However, in most homes, some initial plumbing work will be needed. Hire a trusted plumber to rough-in the supply lines and drain lines.

Decide, with the plumber, the best location to install the steam generator. Often, the best place is right in the bathroom. Other common installation locations include the basem*nt, a nearby closet or even the attic.

4. Rough in Electrical

Schedule the electrician after the plumber has completed their rough-in work. The electrician will need to install a 240 volt, GFCI protected circuit to the steam shower’s location. The final installation connections will come later.

5. Build and Install Shower Enclosure

Instructions for building and installing the shower enclosure will be included with the kit that you’ve purchased. Steam shower kits have tight tolerances to allow them to function properly. Be sure to carefully follow all of the directions during the installation.

6. Finish Plumbing

When the enclosure is complete, it’s time to bring the plumber back to make the final connections.

7. Finish Electrical

You will likely have made some electrical connections during the building of the enclosure. Now, it’s time to have the electrician make the final connections to the home’s wiring system.

8. Finish Installation

It’s likely that the installation of your shower has left you with some finish work to do. You may need to create a method of easy access to the steam generator if it’s in an enclosed area. You may also need to patch some new holes in the wall. Trim work is often used to make the shower appear original to the room.

When To Call A Pro

You’ll need to hire a plumber and an electrician for this project unless you’re a very advanced DIYer. Often, hiring an interior designer may be in your best interest. They can quickly provide information regarding installation needs and challenges so you can know what you’re getting into.

For fully custom built steam shower installations, or if a major bathroom renovation is needed to accommodate one, you may consider hiring a contractor to handle the entire project.

Other Considerations

Having a steam shower in your home is wonderful. However, there are some things to consider before making the commitment to building one.

Operating Cost

Although steam showers don’t require much water to produce steam, they do require quite a bit of electricity. The average cost is usually under a dollar per shower. But, if several people in the home use it often, you’ll notice it on your electric bill.

Maintenance

Be prepared to increase the amount of attention you give to your shower. Regular maintenance needs to be done on the steam generator, and regular cleaning will be needed to reduce the risk of potential mold growth in the bathroom.

Costs vs. ROI

Putting a steam shower in your home can be as straightforward as installing and enjoying. It can also be the focal point of an expensive home remodel. If you’re concerned about the resale value of your home, versus the cost of your investments, be sure to understand the market in your area and how it may affect your ROI numbers before proceeding.

Avoid Hidden Costs