Sauna vs Steam Room: Which Should You Install?
Both saunas and steam rooms deliver heat therapy and relaxation, but they do it in fundamentally different ways. The choice between them affects installation requirements, ongoing costs, and the experience itself. Here's what you need to know.
Common Scenarios
Respiratory health is a priority
You deal with sinus congestion, allergies, or respiratory issues. A steam room's moist heat opens airways and can provide noticeable relief — but the waterproofing and plumbing requirements make it a bigger installation project.
Renovation budget is a key factor
You want heat therapy at home but need to keep costs reasonable. A sauna is significantly cheaper to install — no waterproof membrane, no plumbing, and prefab options start around $3,000.
Muscle recovery after workouts
You exercise regularly and want recovery benefits. Both help with muscle relaxation, but a dry sauna's higher temperatures promote deeper sweating and may be better for joint and muscle soreness.
The Key Difference: Dry vs Wet Heat
A traditional sauna uses dry heat — typically 150-195°F with humidity around 10-20%. The heat comes from an electric, gas, or wood-burning heater that warms rocks and radiates heat into the room. You can add a small amount of humidity by pouring water on the rocks (called "löyly"), but the environment stays primarily dry.
A steam room uses wet heat — typically 110-120°F with humidity near 100%. A steam generator boils water and pipes the steam into a sealed, waterproof room. Despite the lower temperature, the high humidity makes it feel just as intense.
Installation Requirements
Sauna
- Walls can be standard framing with foil vapor barrier and wood paneling
- Floor can be tile, concrete, or wood (wood is traditional)
- Needs a 240V dedicated electrical circuit for the heater
- Adequate ventilation (intake and exhaust vents)
- Does NOT require waterproof construction — moisture levels are low
Steam Room
- Must be fully waterproof — tile or stone walls with waterproof membrane behind
- Sloped ceiling required (to prevent condensation dripping on users)
- Steam generator (located outside the room) needs water supply and drain
- Sealed glass door and walls — steam cannot escape
- Requires both electrical (generator) and plumbing connections
Cost Comparison
| Factor | Sauna | Steam Room |
|---|---|---|
| Prefab Unit | $3,000-$8,000 | Not common (custom builds) |
| Custom Build | $6,000-$20,000 | $10,000-$30,000+ |
| Operating Cost | $3-$5 per session | $1-$3 per session |
| Maintenance | Low (wood conditioning) | Moderate (mold prevention, descaling) |
Health Benefits
Both provide cardiovascular benefits, stress relief, and muscle relaxation. The main differences:
- Sauna: Better for deep sweating and detoxification. The dry heat helps loosen tight muscles and can help with joint pain. Some people find it easier to breathe in dry heat.
- Steam room: Better for respiratory congestion and skin hydration. The moist heat opens airways and can help with sinus issues. Good for people with dry skin conditions.
Which Is Right for You?
Choose a sauna if you prefer dry heat, want a simpler installation with lower upfront cost, or are considering an outdoor setup. Choose a steam room if you prefer humid heat, want respiratory benefits, and have the budget and plumbing access for a more complex installation.
An experienced installer can help you evaluate your space and preferences. Browse Sauna Installer Pros to find installers in Texas, Florida, and Tennessee who can advise on both options.
Related guides: Sauna Permits & Regulations · Outdoor vs Indoor Saunas · Home Sauna Installation Cost Guide
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Browse All installersFrequently Asked Questions
Which is better for your health — a sauna or steam room?
Both provide cardiovascular benefits, stress relief, and muscle relaxation. Saunas are generally better for deep sweating and joint pain relief. Steam rooms are better for respiratory congestion and skin hydration. Neither is medically "better" — the best choice depends on your personal health goals and preferences.
Can I convert my existing bathroom into a steam room?
Technically yes, but it is expensive. The entire room must be fully waterproofed with a membrane behind tile, the ceiling must be sloped to prevent dripping, and you need a steam generator with a water supply and drain. Most bathrooms require $10,000-$30,000+ in modifications. A sauna conversion is typically simpler and cheaper.
How much does it cost to run a sauna vs a steam room per month?
A sauna costs roughly $3-$5 per session in electricity (about $40-$75/month for daily use). A steam room costs $1-$3 per session (about $20-$50/month). However, steam rooms have higher maintenance costs — mold prevention, descaling the generator, and tile/grout upkeep can add $200-$500 annually.