How to Build a DIY Outdoor Shower

Step 1: Choose Your Perfect Style and Location

Escape the heat and embrace the cool water solace of an outdoor shower. In this article, we'll take you step-by-step through the process of creating your own refreshing DIY outdoor shower that you'll never want to leave. Let's dive in!

Location:

Before you start building, make a decision on the style and location for your outdoor shower. Consider functionality, aesthetics, and potential plumbing requirements.

Style:

• Choose an area that's level, well-draining, and has easy access to water and drainage.
• Ensure privacy by placing the shower near a fence, wall, or enclosed area.
• Consider a location close to your house, so you can easily access electricity for lights or power tools.

Step 2: Gather Your Materials & Tools

• A minimalist approach: Use a simple showerhead attached to a garden hose for functionality over form.
• The complete spa experience: Consider a more elaborate design with multiple showerheads, wooden or tiled walls, and flooring.

Materials:

Time to go shopping! Below is the list of essential materials and tools required for your DIY outdoor shower project.

Tools:

1. Showerhead and arm - check out Ferguson for a range of stylish options.
2. Water supply lines and shut-off valve
3. PVC pipes, elbows, and T-joints
4. Outdoor-rated wood or alternative materials for walls and floor
5. Concrete blocks for the shower base (optional)
6. Waterproof sealant (marine grade)
7. Screws, nails, brackets, and mounting hardware
8. Stain or paint for wood protection (optional)

Step 3: Plan Your Plumbing

1. Measuring tape
2. Level
3. Saw or power saw
4. Drill and drill bits
5. Adjustable wrench and plumbing wrench
6. Hammer
7. Pipe cutters
8. Utility knife
9. Paintbrush or paint roller

Connecting to Your Existing Water Supply:

The plumbing system for your outdoor shower can be connected to your home's existing water supply, or a standalone system using a garden hose.

Garden Hose Set-Up:

1. Determine the main water line and identify where you will connect your shower water line.
2. Install a shut-off valve at the connection to the main water line.
3. Run a water supply line from the shut-off valve to the location of your shower.
4. Install an elbow or T-joint at the shower location to split the water line between hot and cold connections.
5. Connect the showerhead/arm to the water supply lines.

Step 4: Assemble Your Shower Space

1. Purchase a garden-hose-to-showerhead adapter (found in most hardware stores).
2. Attach the showerhead to the adapter and tighten it to the hose.
3. To ensure water flow isn't obstructed, use a hose splitter to create a separate water line for the shower if necessary.

Step 5: Put on the Finishing Touches

Your outdoor shower space can be as basic or elaborate as you choose. You can build a wooden frame structure or use existing structures like fences and walls. Consider these steps for a wooden freestanding structure:

1. Cut the wooden posts to the desired height of your shower enclosure.
2. Secure the vertical posts in place using concrete blocks, brackets or set them into the ground with cement.
3. Run horizontal support beams across the tops of the vertical posts, securing them with screws, nails, or brackets.
4. Attach wooden planks or alternative material to the frame, starting from the bottom and working your way up, creating walls for privacy.
5. To build the floor, create a wooden grid using beams supported by concrete blocks, and then attach the wooden planks or alternative flooring to the grid.

For a comprehensive example, check out this DIY outdoor shower tutorial.

Add the final touches to your shower space, such as:

1. Applying a waterproof sealant to protect the wood from water damage.
2. Staining or painting your enclosure to complement your outdoor decor.
3. Installing hooks for towels and toiletries.

Whether choosing a rustic wood enclosure or sleek tiling, your outdoor shower is bound to provide you with a refreshing retreat in the warm months ahead! Now take a step back, admire your handiwork, and get ready to enjoy your DIY outdoor shower oasis. Happy showering!