A steam shower can be a smart addition to your custom home, helping both your health and your finances. Steam rooms have been linked to health benefits including relief from sore joints and muscles, soothing allergies and reducing stress. One analysis found that houses with steam showers sell for 31% more than their expected price.
A steam shower replaces a plain shower stall, and many people opt to install one in their master bathroom. Homeowners that invest in one can create a luxury spa atmosphere at home. Steam rooms are also “green.” Steaming for 20 minutes only consumes a few gallons of water as opposed to several dozen gallons for a shower that lasts just as long.
As you plan a steam shower for your custom home, you’ll want to understand the various options and the costs involved so you can create the most functional and best possible steam shower for your budget.
1) The steam generator. A steam generator is the heart of your steam shower and can cost on average up to a few thousand dollars. Cold water pumped into the generator is heated to boiling. Then, steam flows into the shower through a steam head. More expensive models build steam faster. As you choose a generator, make sure to pick one that’s large enough to steam your space, but not too large to be wasteful. Generators can be tucked into a closet or attic space or placed beneath a bench in your shower stall.
2) Steam shower controls. To adjust steam temperature and time, you’ll need to install digital controls. Some homeowners install controls inside the shower stall, while others choose to place the controls outside the stall. Another option is to also have a remote control so you can stay seated while adjusting the temperature or setting a timer. A panel can control extras as well, like special lighting, music and aromas. Controls range in price. Higher tech ones with features like a touch screen will cost more.
3) Tiling options. Porcelain tile is a great option for steam showers and it comes in a variety of shapes, colors and styles. Choosing the tiling for your steam shower is an opportunity to put your own unique design spin on the space. For benches, solid or composite stone is often the most comfortable to sit on. When choosing flooring, make sure to look for tiling that gets a good slip-resistance rating. Steam showers with a curved ceiling work well because water droplets can then run down the sides of the space instead of dripping straight down. For curved ceilings, smaller tiling works best.
4) Types of benches. Some homeowners decide to install a simple bench in their steam shower, but others choose to get creative. Options include an ergonomic bench that props up your head and supports your spine, or an oversized wooden bench that can give your space a spa-like sauna feel. For smaller steam showers, a floating bench can free up floor space and often gives the illusion of a larger shower.
5) Other design elements. When building a steam shower, many people choose to use a frameless glass door to enclose the shower as opposed to a framed door. A frameless steam shower door gives the shower a more seamless and sleeker look and it can make your bathroom appear even larger than it actually is.
6) Spa-like extras. Bells and whistles you can add to your steam shower include special mood lighting, Bluetooth audio so you can listen to relaxing music while steaming, and a pump to infuse calming aromatherapy oils into the shower.
In addition to buying a steam generator and the necessary parts and materials piecemeal, homeowners can also opt to purchase a steam shower kit instead. A steam shower kit can include the generator, shower tools, and the glass enclosure.
Whether you decide to opt for the a la carte option or to purchase a steam shower kit, steam shower installation should always be left to the professionals.
At Arieli, our team can work with you to design and build your ideal steam shower that you’ll enjoy for years to come.
