Steam Shower Installation: Cost & What to Know (Avondale, AZ)
Reviewed by Steve Hunt, Owner & Lead Designer · AZ ROC #339999
Updated June 19, 2026 • 6 min read
Weighing shower types? Our complete Avondale shower guide compares walk-in, tub-to-shower, curbless and groutless side by side, with real installed costs.
Quick answer: A steam shower is a fully sealed, waterproof shower enclosure fitted with a steam generator. It requires a sealed ceiling (slightly sloped), a vapor-proof full-height door, non-porous walls (porcelain, stone, or solid surface), and meticulous waterproofing. Cost is a premium over a standard custom tile shower, driven by the generator plus the sealed enclosure. Infinity Kitchens and Baths (AZ ROC #339999) designs and builds steam showers in Avondale.
A steam shower turns your daily shower into a spa experience — and it's one of the most-requested luxury upgrades we get asked about. But a steam shower is more than a fancy fixture; it's a fully sealed, purpose-built enclosure. Here's what to know before you commit.
What Is a Steam Shower?
A steam shower is an enclosed shower fitted with a steam generator that produces warm, moist vapor. Unlike a standard shower, the enclosure must be completely sealed — floor to ceiling — so the steam stays in and moisture doesn't damage the surrounding bathroom.
What a Steam Shower Requires
- A fully sealed, waterproof enclosure — including a ceiling (sloped slightly so condensation runs off rather than dripping on you).
- A vapor-proof, full-height door with a transom or seal at the top.
- A steam generator sized to the enclosure's volume, usually installed nearby (a vanity cabinet, closet, or attic).
- Proper waterproofing behind every surface — steam finds any weakness in the system.
- Non-porous wall surfaces — porcelain tile, natural stone, or solid-surface panels.
What Does a Steam Shower Cost?
Cost depends on the size of the enclosure and the generator, plus the sealing and tile work involved. The steam generator itself is a meaningful line item on top of a standard custom shower build, and the fully sealed enclosure adds labor. We provide an exact figure after seeing your space; in general, a steam shower is a premium upgrade over a standard custom tile shower.
Benefits
Beyond pure relaxation, steam showers are valued for helping with congestion, sore muscles, and skin. They add a luxury, resort-like feature that stands out — and in our experience, the homeowners who add one rarely regret it.
Things to Consider
A steam shower must be enclosed (an open walk-in won't hold steam), and good bathroom ventilation outside the enclosure is important to manage overall humidity. The enclosure also needs to be built to handle constant moisture — which is exactly why waterproofing and the right materials matter so much. This is not a DIY or budget-contractor project.
Steam Showers in Avondale: Hard Water, Heat and Permits
Hard water. Avondale's tap water is a blend of city well water and Colorado River water, and the city's 2022 water quality report put city well water at about 21 grains per gallon — "very hard" on the report's own scale. A steam generator boils that water every time it runs, and the minerals stay behind as scale. We specify generators with an automatic drain or flush cycle, place them where they can be reached for descaling, and often recommend a water softener on the supply line.
Generator location. The attic is a common spot for a generator, but Avondale attics get extremely hot: National Weather Service 1991–2020 normals for the area show roughly 111 days a year at 100°F or hotter. We prefer a vanity cabinet, linen closet, or other conditioned space within the manufacturer's distance limit, so the unit stays cool and easy to service.
Ventilation. Every session releases a cloud of moisture into the bathroom when the door opens, and monsoon season (June 15 – Sept. 30) brings humid, stormy weeks on top of that. A properly sized exhaust fan outside the enclosure, run after every use, keeps that moisture out of drywall and cabinets. Our guide to bathroom ventilation and moisture fixes covers fan sizing.
Permits. A steam generator usually needs a new dedicated electrical circuit and a water supply, and the shower itself involves plumbing. In Avondale that work needs a permit from the City of Avondale's Building Services Division (Development Services Department, 11465 W. Civic Center Dr., 623-333-4000), filed online through Accela, and the city's inspection list includes a pre-slope and shower liner test before tile goes on. We pull the permit and meet the inspector. If you live in an HOA, check its rules as well — the city does not track HOA covenants. Our Avondale permit guide has more detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a steam shower cost?
It's a premium upgrade over a standard custom tile shower. Cost depends on the enclosure size, the steam generator, and the sealing and tile work required. We give you an exact written estimate after evaluating your space.
Can any shower be made into a steam shower?
No — a steam shower must be a fully enclosed, sealed unit, including a sloped sealed ceiling and a vapor-proof door. An open or curbless walk-in shower won't hold steam. The enclosure must also be waterproofed to handle constant moisture.
What surfaces work best in a steam shower?
Non-porous materials: porcelain tile, natural stone (properly sealed), or solid-surface panels. The entire enclosure must be waterproofed behind the surface, since steam will find any weak point.
Are steam showers worth it?
For homeowners who want a spa-like experience, yes. They're prized for relaxation and for easing congestion and sore muscles, and they add a standout luxury feature. They do require a proper sealed build — this isn't a budget or DIY project.
Do I need a permit for a steam shower in Avondale?
In almost every case, yes. A steam generator usually needs a new dedicated electrical circuit and a water supply line, and the City of Avondale requires a permit for electrical and plumbing work beyond minor repairs. We pull the permit through the city's Building Services Division and meet the inspector, including the pre-slope and shower liner test before tile goes on.
Related Reading
- Walk-In Shower Installation
- Custom Tile Shower Installation
- Master Bathroom Remodeling
- Best Faucets and Fixtures for Hard Water
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