Imagine this: it’s a sweltering summer day, and you’ve just returned from a blissful day at the beach. You’re covered in sand, but the thought of bringing all that grit into your house makes you cringe. What’s the perfect solution? A refreshing outdoor shower!
At Robert Kline Art, we’re passionate about creating beautiful and functional spaces. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of building your own private outdoor shower enclosure, turning this dream into a reality. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a beginner, our detailed instructions and expert tips will empower you to tackle this project with confidence.
Let’s dive in!
Why Build an Outdoor Shower Enclosure?
Before we delve into the construction process, let’s explore the compelling reasons why an outdoor shower enclosure is a fantastic addition to any home, especially those with septic systems or well water:
- Minimize Mess: Keep sand, dirt, and grime out of your house, preserving your plumbing and reducing cleaning time.
- Water Conservation: Outdoor showers typically use less water than indoor showers, promoting sustainability.
- Septic System Protection: Reduce the strain on your septic system by minimizing the amount of sand and debris it needs to process.
- Enhanced Outdoor Experience: Enjoy the invigorating feeling of showering under the open sky, surrounded by nature.
Planning Your Outdoor Shower Enclosure
1. Location, Location, Location
Choosing the right spot for your outdoor shower enclosure is crucial for both practicality and aesthetics:
- Privacy: Select a location that provides adequate privacy from neighbors and passersby. Consider using existing structures, fences, or strategically planted shrubs for natural screening.
- Water Access: Ensure easy access to a water source, such as a garden hose bib. If you’re planning to connect to hot water, factor in the plumbing requirements.
- Drainage: Choose a location with a slight slope to facilitate proper water drainage. Avoid areas prone to flooding or standing water.
2. Design and Materials
The beauty of DIY projects lies in customization. Tailor your outdoor shower enclosure to your preferences and needs:
- Size and Layout: Determine the ideal size for your shower enclosure based on your available space and desired level of comfort. A standard size of 4 feet by 4 feet is a good starting point.
- Materials: Pressure-treated lumber is an excellent choice for framing due to its durability and resistance to moisture. For the walls, consider using cedar fence boards for their natural beauty and rot resistance. Opt for rust-resistant hardware and fixtures.
- Style: Get creative with the design! Embrace a rustic look with reclaimed wood, add a touch of elegance with stone accents, or opt for a modern vibe with sleek metal finishes.
Building Your Outdoor Shower Enclosure: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you’ve planned your dream outdoor shower, let’s gather our tools and materials and get building!
Materials You’ll Need
- Foundation: Gravel, sand, concrete deck footing blocks (or concrete mix), patio stones
- Framing: Pressure-treated lumber (4×4 posts, 2x4s), deck screws, post caps
- Walls: Cedar fence boards, spacers (2 1/2 inches high), rust-resistant screws
- Finishing Touches: Shelves, hooks, shower curtain (optional), door hardware (optional)
- Tools: Safety glasses, gloves, work gloves, measuring tape, level, saw (circular saw or miter saw), drill, shovel, wheelbarrow
Step 1: Preparing the Foundation
- Mark the Area: Use string and stakes to outline the perimeter of your shower enclosure, ensuring square corners.
- Excavate and Level: Dig a shallow trench around the perimeter, deep enough to accommodate a layer of gravel and the concrete deck blocks. Level the bottom of the trench.
- Install the Base: Fill the trench with a layer of gravel for drainage, followed by a layer of sand. Compact the gravel and sand firmly. Set the concrete deck blocks on the sand, ensuring they are level and evenly spaced.
- Lay the Patio Stones: Create a durable and attractive shower floor by laying patio stones over the remaining area within the foundation. Cut stones as needed to fit around the deck blocks, using a wet saw.
Step 2: Framing the Structure
- Install the Corner Posts: Attach the 4×4 posts to the deck blocks using metal post bases or concrete anchors, ensuring they are plumb (perfectly vertical) and securely fastened.
- Add Bracing: Install 2×4 bracing between the posts at the top and bottom to provide structural support and prevent racking.
- Frame the Walls: Cut 2x4s to size and attach them horizontally between the posts to create the wall frames. Space the 2x4s according to the width of your chosen fence boards.
Step 3: Installing the Walls
- Cut and Attach the Fence Boards: Cut the cedar fence boards to the desired height, leaving a small gap (about 1/4 inch) between each board for expansion and contraction. Attach the boards to the 2×4 framing using rust-resistant screws, ensuring they are level and evenly spaced.
- Alternate for Privacy: To enhance privacy while allowing for airflow, alternate the placement of the fence boards on each wall section. Attach one board to the outside of the frame, then the next board to the inside, and so on.
Step 4: Adding the Finishing Touches
- Install Post Caps: Protect your posts from moisture and add a polished look by installing decorative post caps.
- Mount Shelves and Hooks: Attach shelves and hooks to the interior walls to provide convenient storage for toiletries, towels, and clothing.
- Consider a Door or Curtain: For added privacy, install a door or hang a shower curtain. A simple wooden door with weather-resistant hinges and hardware complements the rustic aesthetic.
- Connect the Water Supply: If you haven’t already, connect your water source to the showerhead location. If you’re using hot water, have a qualified plumber install the necessary plumbing.
Building and outdoor shower enclosure tutorial
Expert Tip: Apply a weather-resistant sealant to all cut ends of the lumber to enhance its longevity and protect it from moisture damage.
Enjoying Your New Outdoor Oasis
Congratulations! You’ve successfully built your own private outdoor shower enclosure. Now, it’s time to step inside, embrace the refreshing water, and revel in the satisfaction of your accomplishment.
Maintaining Your Outdoor Shower Enclosure
- Regularly rinse the shower floor to remove sand, dirt, and soap residue.
- Inspect the structure periodically for any signs of wear and tear, addressing them promptly.
- Apply a fresh coat of sealant to the lumber every few years to maintain its weather resistance.
Inspiring Creativity
At Robert Kline Art, we believe in the transformative power of handmade creations. We encourage you to personalize your outdoor shower enclosure with unique touches that reflect your style and enhance your showering experience.
- Add a Pop of Color: Paint the fence boards in vibrant hues that complement your outdoor surroundings.
- Incorporate Natural Elements: Enhance the organic feel by adding potted plants, a bamboo mat, or decorative stones.
- Create Ambiance: Hang string lights or lanterns around the shower enclosure to create a magical ambiance for evening showers.
Outdoor shower made with wood slats under a tree
Robert Kline Art: Your Partner in Creativity
We hope this guide has inspired you to embark on your own outdoor shower enclosure project. Remember, at Robert Kline Art, we’re here to support your creative journey every step of the way.
Explore our website for more DIY inspiration, crafting tips, and unique handmade gifts that celebrate the art of creating.
Share your outdoor shower enclosure creations with us! We can’t wait to see your masterpieces.
Back view of a wooden outdoor shower enclosure behind a cottage