If you love going to the beach, having an outdoor shower ensures that no one in the household leaves sandy traces all over your house. On the other hand, it’s also ideal for those who have a swimming pool in their backyard. An outdoor shower reinforces the healthy and hygienic habit of showering before jumping into the water.
It may sound like too much work, but a DIY outdoor shower enclosure isn’t as challenging to build as some think. Today, we’ll show you how to make a shower enclosure that is perfect for your summer water adventures.
How To Build a DIY Outdoor Shower Enclosure
What’s fun about DIY shower enclosures is that you can build them however you want. Now’s the time to embrace your creativity. Depending on your preferred design, you can use different materials or paint it in a mix of bright colors.
Enclosures can be made of pressure-treated wood, hardwood like cedar and teak, plastic materials, or even salvaged window shutters. Your choice is virtually endless.
Follow these steps for building a shower enclosure:
Step 1: Look for the Best Spot
It is best to build your outdoor shower somewhere closer to the house. More than anything, this makes setting up the plumbing easier. Plus, you’ll have easy access to existing hot and cold water lines. You also want a spot that’s quite elevated so that water can drain properly and prevent the build-up of puddles.
Speaking of drainage, each region has slightly different policies or regulations concerning plumbing for outdoor showers. It’s important to consult local codes when deciding whether to dig a proper one or simply divert runoff into the garden.
Step 2: Prepare the Foundation or Flooring
Measure and mark the ground so that you have a guide on where to dig. The standard size for a shower enclosure is 4 x 6 inches. Of course, you can make it smaller or bigger depending on your needs.
Preparing the foundation is often the most challenging. You’ll likely come across a lot of roots, dirt, rocks, and hard soil. Dig the ground until you can fit four (4) deck blocks. These blocks will hold the posts in place.
Next, fill the pit with gravel, leveling out the surface. Now, if you have kids, this is the part where you need reinforcement to stamp the gravel. The more, the better.
After that, pour sand over the gravel and level it out. At this point, you have the option to use any kind of stone paver or tile. Stone pavers are an excellent choice because they don’t get slippery when wet. You can also choose textured outdoor tiles for the flooring.
Step 3: Install the Posts
You need 4 x 4 lumber for the posts, plus some 2 x 4 pieces to brace around the top of the posts for stability. Before installing the posts, measure the distance between the outer edges of each post on one side. Then, screw the two posts together with the brace on top. Make sure to clear the deck blocks of dirt before fitting the posts in.
Next, install the other set of posts. After installing the four posts on each corner, you can now install the fifth one, which is basically a support for the wall of your enclosure. Leave an opening (about 27 inches) for the enclosure entrance. Make sure the posts are leveled.
Step 4: Finish the Flooring
If you used stone pavers, consider filling each side with pebbles. You can also pour concrete mix to hold everything together. If you choose to use outdoor tiles, you must glue them on the ground using a similar adhesive.
Step 5: Frame the Walls
Putting up the walls is the fun part, as it’s when you’ll see your project really coming together. Before you do that, install braces around all sides except the enclosure entrance. Doing this will ensure that you have stable and solid walls that can withstand the elements.
Use 2 x 4 wood pieces for the braces cut in half. Mount them on the inside center of the 4 x 4 posts. Next, add another piece of wood on each side, making sure they are equally spaced apart. You will have a total of three braces per wall. For added support, you can also screw in a 2 x 2 lumber along the center of the longest wall.
Step 6: Build the Walls
By now, your shower enclosure should be near finished. The next step is to build the walls. You can use fence board or recycled wood pallets, as long as they have equal widths and lengths.
Install each wood slat on one of the outer sides of the post or alternate them on the inner and outer sides of the brackets you installed. This style will give you privacy and airflow at the same time.
Lastly, stain the wood boards. Apply varnish or wood stain to both the interior and exterior sides to help protect the wood from water damage.
If you want something different, use a combination of different materials for your wall. Contrasting materials like wood and stone create a beautiful finish that you will often see in resorts and luxury spas.
Step 7: Furnish Your Shower Enclosure
Once your shower enclosure is done, it’s time for the finishing touches. When furnishing your shower enclosure, make it more “personal” by choosing fixtures, decorations, and pieces that reflect your style.
Install a few corner shelves where you can place shampoos and other toiletries, along with a couple of hooks for clothing and towels. Lighting is important, too, adding life to your DIY project.
Some cute wall hangings will make your shower enclosure more special. For a “beachy” vibe, install some brass fixtures and add a tropical plant life nearby.
There’s No Limit to Outdoor Fun!
As you can see, a DIY outdoor shower enclosure isn’t a complicated project. What’s more, you won’t need a lot of tools and supplies to get started.
For a bit of privacy before and after swimming, don’t hesitate to give this project a try. Not only will you enjoy building it, but your family will love it, too. Who knows? Maybe you’ll build an outdoor sauna next!