What You Need to Know Before Installing a Steam Shower in Your Home
Our Austin Architects Review the Top Considerations to Keep in Mind Before Installing a Steam Shower
If you are looking to create a spa-like primary bath retreat or bring the benefits of the sauna to your home gym, a steam shower may be the perfect addition to your home renovation or new build plans. Of course, a lot goes into installing a steam shower in your home. So, our Austin architects have compiled a list of benefits and considerations to keep in mind before starting the job.
Steam Shower by DK Studio
Here’s What You Need to Know Before Installing a Steam Shower
There’s a lot to learn when planning your first remodel or building your first house. Every item on your wishlist needs to be carefully planned and accounted for ahead of time, including the addition of a steam shower to your bathroom! Here’s everything you need to know before installing a steam shower in your home.
What is a Steam Shower?
First, what is a steam shower exactly? You may have seen the phrase while thumbing through magazines and inspiration boards but not experienced one firsthand. A steam shower is a shower stall that produces steam and traps water vapor and heat for a sauna-like feel. Steam showers are shown to reduce stress, relieve pain, and promote general wellness.
How Does a Steam Shower Work?
Steam showers have all the same components as a regular shower with the addition of a steam generator. The steam generator heats water to a boil and then pipes steam into the shower stall. While traditional shower stalls may be left open, steam showers are entirely closed to trap the steam. Steam showers include controls to adjust the temperature and amount of steam. Some models have options for aromatherapy, light therapy, and even music speakers.
Steam Shower Design Considerations
Steam shower designs need to be planned and accounted for early on in the architectural design process. Here are the top design considerations to keep in mind when building your steam shower.
Housing Special Equipment
Steam showers require special equipment to produce steam that must be housed and concealed in the bathroom design. Typically, 12 to 16 inches are needed above or adjacent to the shower stall to accommodate all components. In addition, architects may need to design ceiling dropdowns in bathrooms with higher ceilings to place equipment and create a properly proportioned steam shower stall.
Glass Enclosures
Unlike traditional showers that can be left open, steam showers need to be enclosed entirely to trap the steam and heat inside. Design options include creating a walled shower stall, installing floor-to-ceiling glass panels, or placing a hopper window above the shower door.
Angled Ceiling
When steam rises, it condensates as water droplets on the ceiling of the shower stall. In order to keep water droplets from dripping on you, the ceiling of the steam shower needs to be slightly angled. Angled ceilings allow the water to run down and drip on the wall rather than your head.
Waterproofing
All showers need to be waterproofed. However, it is an especially critical job for a steam shower that will create a wet and humid environment. Concrete backing boards and waterproof membranes will need to be installed to protect the interior walls from moisture and mold. Ceramic tile, natural stone, or slabs of marble are excellent materials to finish off the inside of the shower. When choosing materials, consider selecting finishes that create a relaxing spa-like look.
Bench Seating
Steam showers are made for relaxation. While you may forgo bench seating in a traditional shower, it is a must-have necessity for long steams. Also, consider adding in alcoves and built-in shelving for easily accessible storage.
The Top 5 Steam Shower Benefits
There are many benefits to owning a steam shower. Here are our Austin architects’ top five reasons to include one in your home.
Steam Shower in Primary Bath by DK Studio
1. Stress Relief
First and foremost, steam showers are the ultimate stress reliever. They can help you unwind and recharge after a long day, and they have even been shown to improve sleep.
2. Post-workout Recovery
A steam shower is the perfect home amenity to include if you are designing a home gym. After working out, metabolic waste builds up in the muscles. A good steam can help flush this waste out of your system and help you recover faster from your workout.
3. Detoxing
Steam showers are guaranteed to make you break a sweat! Sweating helps the body remove toxins and chemicals, allowing you to feel energized and ready to take on the day. Trade in your juice cleanse for a relaxing at-home steam!
4. Skincare
A steam shower is also the perfect addition to your nightly skincare routine. Steam acts as a natural moisturizer and helps open up clogged pores to promote beautiful glowing skin. After a steam, your skin is more open to absorbing necessary vitamins, minerals, and oxygen.
5. General Wellness
Finally, steam showers help to promote general wellness. Taking regular steams has been shown to improve blood circulation, relieve joint stiffness, fight off colds, and boost metabolism. Homes designed around wellness are trending in the world of architecture because there is value to creating spaces that make us feel our best.
How Much Does a Steam Shower Cost?
The cost of installing a steam shower in your home can range anywhere from $7,000 to $12,000. This price includes equipment, labor, and final finishes. While a steam shower is a larger investment than a traditional shower stall, our Austin architecture clients have said their steam showers have been the best investment they ever made. For many of our clients, it’s the favorite part of their homes.
Reasons to Install a Steam Shower in Your Home
Here are the top three reasons to install a steam shower in your home.
Quality of Life
Steam showers bring the spa experience home and improve overall quality of life.
Improved Resale
Steam showers are quickly becoming a sought-after home amenity, improving the resale value of your home.
Personalized Enjoyment
The biggest trend in residential home design is personalized enjoyment. Our homes should be sanctuaries, so invest in the key elements that will bring you happiness.