I had always wanted an outdoor shower for my home, but I didn’t know how to build one.
I looked up all of the tutorials online, but nothing seemed like a good fit for what I had in mind.
That’s when I realized that building an outdoor shower was something that I would need to do on my own and figure out as I went along.
I researched a bunch of plans. In all honesty, I haven’t started yet, and I’m still mulling which one to choose, but check out my list so far below:
15 DIY Outdoor Shower Ideas & Plans
#1. Cheap DIY Outdoor Shower
#2. Simple DIY Outdoor Rain Shower
#3. Rustic Outdoor Shower
#4. Outdoor Camping Hot Shower Kit
#5. Backyard Solar Outdoor Shower
#6. Easy Outdoor Shower Stall
#7. Make an Outdoor Shower!
#8. Outdoor Hot Shower
#9. How To Build A Modern Outdoor Shower
#10. Tropical Wall-Mounted Outdoor Shower
#11. Exterior Privacy Shower
#12. Outdoor Shower
#13. How to make an Outdoor Shower
#14. DIY Outdoor Shower
#15. DIY Outdoor Shower Ideas
Materials required
- Waterproofing material
- Substrate for floor
- Drainage material
- Material to build walls and roof
- Hoses, water distribution system, showerhead, faucet handles/mixers, shower fixtures, or ‘finishing’ of the outdoor shower (optional)
The Steps To Make DIY Outdoor Shower
Step 1: Decide on Location
The first step is to decide on a location for the DIY outdoor shower. It can be attached to an existing building or it can be freestanding.
If attaching it to an existing building, make sure that there is enough space and that the structure is strong enough to support the shower.
If building a freestanding shower, choose a level spot that is close to a water source.
Step 2: Prep the Location
Once you have chosen a location, you will need to prep the area. If you are attaching the shower to an existing building, make sure the surface is level and clean. If you are building a freestanding shower, make sure the ground is level and clear of mounds and obstructions.
Step 3: Lay Out the Frame and Add Waterproofing Material
A DIY outdoor shower will be composed of a frame that will hold the walls, roof, and floor in place. This frame must be airtight so that water does not seep through the cracks.
The frame can be made out of wood, metal, or plastic. If using wood, make sure to use a water-resistant type such as cedar or redwood.
Once the frame is in place, you will need to add a layer of waterproofing material. This can be done with roofing tar, roofing cement, paint, or a waterproof sealant. Make sure to cover all of the joints and seams in the frame.
Step 4: Add the Substrate for the Floor
The floor of the shower will need to be sloped so that water can drain away. You can use a variety of materials for this, such as gravel, paving stones, or pea gravel. If using pea gravel, make sure to use a layer at least 4-6 inches deep.
Step 5: Add the Drainage Material
Once the floor is in place, you will need to add a layer of drainage material. This can be done with a variety of materials such as gravel, paving stones, or pea gravel. If using pea gravel, make sure to use a layer at least 4-6 inches deep.
Step 6: Build the Walls and Roof
The walls and roof of the DIY outdoor shower can be made out of a variety of materials such as wood, metal, or plastic. If using wood, make sure to use a water-resistant type such as cedar or redwood.
Once the walls and roof are in place, you will need to add a waterproofing material. This can be done with roofing tar, roofing cement, paint, or a waterproof sealant. Make sure to cover all of the joints and seams in the frame.
Step 7: Connect the Hoses, Water Distribution System, and Showerhead
The final step is to connect the hoses, water distribution system, and showerhead. Make sure to use a waterproof sealant on all of the connections.
If you are using a freestanding shower, you will need to install a water distribution system.
This can be done with piping and valves, PVC, ABS Plastic, or Galvanized Pipe. Make sure to use a waterproof sealant on all of the connections.
Benefits Of An Outdoor Shower
1. Customizable to specific location and needs
You can make the outdoor shower exactly the size and shape you need. It can also be attached to an existing building or built as a freestanding unit. It is also easy to customize it with add-ons such as a light, fan, or heater.
2. Low cost
The materials needed to build an outdoor shower are relatively inexpensive and can be found at most home improvement stores. This is because a basic outdoor shower is a simple structure with a frame, waterproofing material, and drainage material.
3. Low maintenance
Outdoor showers typically have very low-maintenance needs. You will only need to clean out the floor of debris and ensure the drainage system is free of clogs. It can also be easily refinished every few years to keep it looking new.
4. Adds value to your home
An outdoor shower can add value to your home by making it more attractive and increasing its functionality. It can also be a selling point if you decide to sell your home in the future.
5. A great way to enjoy the outdoors
Outdoor showers are a great way to stay cool and enjoy the outdoors. It can be a relaxing place to read a book, take a nap, or just relax after being in the sun all day. They also provide privacy if you want to take an outdoor shower without being seen.
Having an outdoor shower gives you the opportunity to spend time outside enjoying nature. This is especially true during the summer months when you can use it to cool off after working hard in the yard.
6. Help keep your indoor shower clean
If you have an outdoor shower, it can help keep your indoor shower clean. This is because it will be used to rinse off the sand and dirt before entering your home. This will help reduce the amount of dirt and sand that enters your indoor shower.
7. A great way to cool off
An outdoor shower can be a great way to cool off during the summer months. It is a practical way to wash off without going inside and wasting water.
This also helps reduce the amount of water that goes into your indoor shower as well as helping keep your home cooler during those hot summer months.
8. Easy access to cleanliness
An outdoor shower can be a great way to have easy access to cleanliness. This is especially handy when you have guests over and do not want them tracking sand and dirt through your home.
It is also great for children who like to play in the sand and get dirty. Having an outdoor shower makes it easy for them to rinse off and get clean.
9. Conserver water
One of the biggest problems with indoor showers is that they waste a lot of water. An outdoor shower uses much less water than a traditional bathroom shower. In fact, it only requires about half the amount of water used by an average bathroom shower.
Add An Outdoor Shower Curtain
- Measure the width of the opening where you want to hang the shower curtain.
- Cut two pieces of fabric to size.
- Sew the two pieces together along the edges.
- Fold the top edge over about half an inch so that the seam is hidden.
- Pin the top edge down.
- Stitch the top edge down using a zigzag stitch.
- Turn the bottom edge under by about half an inch.
- Pin the bottom edge down.
- Stitch the bottom edge down using a zag stitch.
- Repeat steps 5 through 9 for all four sides.
- Place the curtain inside the tub.
- Hang the curtain from the ceiling.
- Attach hooks to the wall above the tub.
- Hang the curtain.
- Enjoy your new shower curtain.
In Summary
DIY outdoor showers are showers that are built by the homeowners themselves, as opposed to purchasing a pre-fabricated shower. They can be made out of a variety of materials, including wood, metal, and plastic.
An outdoor shower is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, increase the value of your home, and keep your indoor shower clean. It is a simple structure that can be customized to fit your specific needs.
Materials are easy to find and the construction process is relatively easy. There are many benefits to having an outdoor shower and it can be a great addition to any home.
Hi, my name’s Elena Coolidge. I’m a DIY enthusiast who loves building fun woodworking plans. These DIY plans are fun hobby projects for enthusiasts or even more advanced builders that want to build things like bunk beds, end tables or even a duck box!
