How to Build an Outdoor Shower

Whether you plan to use it to wash dogs, rinse before getting in the pool, or cool off after doing yard work, an outdoor shower is a great way to keep your dirtiest messes out of the house. In fact, bathing outdoors under rain shower heads surrounded by the sights and sounds of nature can be a complete sensory experience that rivals a spa. Once you start using one, you may wonder how you ever lived without it.

Outdoor showers come in all shapes and sizes. Some are as simple as a garden hose and a shower curtain, while others are complete buildings with all the comforts of home — benches, windows, and more. If you're comfortable using an electric drill and circular saw, you can build your own outdoor shower in an afternoon and begin showering alfresco by sunset.

Materials

To build a 4-by-4-foot shower, you'll need the following materials:

• 4 posts that measure 4 inches x 4 inches x 9 feet
• 7 planks that measure 2 inches x 4 inches x 46 1/2 inches
• 6 pieces of wood that measure 2 inches x 2 inches x 65 inches
• 4 planks that measure 1 inch x 6 inches x 57 inches
• Additional 2 x 4 planks to use as temporary supports
• 3-inch deck screws
• Shower curtain
• Corrugated tin panels that measure 25 1/2 inches x 72 inches
• Circular saw
• Electric drill
• Post hold digger
• Measuring tape
• Level
• Adjustable shower rod
• Shower assembly

Optional materials include paint, paintbrushes, and pea gravel or pavers. Choose pressure-treated wood that can withstand the elements.

Step-by-Step Directions for an Outdoor Shower

Prepare for the project by measuring and cutting the planks, a task you can do at home with a circular saw or on-site at your local home improvement store. If you plan to paint the shower, consider painting the planks before you begin working with them. You'll be able to completely cover the wood with paint and won't have to worry about cutting into tight corner spaces.

Gather all the necessary materials and get to work.

1. Choose a site.

When choosing a spot for an outdoor shower, the two most important factors to consider are proximity to a water source and the grade of the land. Be sure to choose a site that's close enough to an outdoor water spigot so you can run a hose from the spigot to the shower or install new pipes. If you want hot and cold water in the shower, you may need to hire a plumber to install hot and cold lines. An outdoor shower should sit on fairly flat ground to prevent run-off water, but a slight grade — as long as it doesn't pool and create a soggy mess — can help keep the floor of the shower dry.

2. Dig post holes.

Dig four holes, each 4 feet apart. The holes should be at least 2 feet deep and about 6 inches wide to accommodate the posts. When you connect the holes, they should form a 4 x 4 square.

3. Install and level posts.

Place a post in each hole, using helpers or a brace to keep them upright, while you attach a spacer to help them stay in place as you work. Position the spacer between two poles, and nail or screw it directly to each pole. Repeat this on each side and adjust the height of each pole until they are all level.

4. Add top and bottom rails.

Measure and mark 4 inches from the top of each post. Then line up a short 2 x 4 with the line, leave 4 inches of space above it, and clamp the board in place. Repeat this on each post to create support for the top rail. Slide a 2 x 4 into the space above the support board, and screw it into the posts.

For the bottom rails, measure and mark 12 inches from the ground. Place a 2 x 4 plank between the posts on three sides, leaving one side open so you can enter and exit the shower. If you notice the posts are not level, take the time to level them before attaching the planks.

5. Attach vertical braces and top cap.

Vertical braces and a top cap add a decorative touch and additional stability to the shower frame. For this, you can use a 2 x 2 piece of wood. These pieces should fit between the top and bottom rails, flush with the corner posts. For the top cap, attach 1 x 4 planks horizontally along the top of the shower.

6. Fill holes around posts.

With the frame complete, fill in the holes around each post with the dirt you dug up or concrete. Pack the dirt firmly around the post to hold them in place, or follow the direction for mixing and pouring a bag of concrete.

7. Lay gravel or stones.

Pea gravel is a good choice for a shower floor. It gives you a place to stand while you're using the shower and can help the area drain. Pavers are an excellent alternative, especially if the land is on a grade because they won't spill and spread like gravel can.

8. Install the sides.

You can have some fun building the walls for the outdoor shower. A simple option is to install panels of corrugated tin between the top and bottom rails. You can also install cedar or teak planks horizontally around the frame to create walls.

9. Assemble and attach the shower plumbing.

With the structure in place, you can install the shower plumbing to a corner or wall. You can purchase the components individually or buy a shower system complete with the shower head and connecting pipes, or customize the shower by installing individual pieces, including the shower arm holder and diverter valve. Follow the manufacturer's installation instructions for the best results. If you plan to install a hand shower, you can install the shower slide bar during this step.

10. Connect the plumbing to a water source.

All you need is a garden hose to connect to the shower system. Depending on the system, you may need to attach a coupler that joins the end of the hose to the shower pipe. Then you can use the handles on the shower system to control the flow of water. If you want more water pressure than what you get from the hose or prefer having hot and cold water, you may need to hire a professional to complete the installation.

11. Add a shower rod and curtain for privacy.

An adjustable shower rod should easily slide across the opening of the shower. Then you can attach a shower curtain for privacy and begin using your outdoor shower.

How to Choose a Shower System for an Outdoor Shower

When choosing a shower system for an outdoor shower, consider how you plan to use it. A shower arm is an excellent choice if you want to customize the space because you can choose the style of shower head that best meets your needs, whether it's an adjustable shower head that lets you direct the stream of water where you want it or a rain shower head that gently drops water over your body. If you plan to use the shower for bathing dogs or washing dirt and mud off your body, you may prefer a hand shower that's convenient for reaching hard-to-reach places.

Kingston Brass Shower Systems

Kingston Brass is your one-stop shop for kitchen and bathroom fixtures. You can find everything you need for an outdoor shower, from shower heads to shower arm diverters and more. Featured shower systems come in a variety of styles and finishes, from vintage to modern and polished chrome to matte black. Check out the Vintage line of wall mount shower systems with dome-shaped shower heads to add a classic touch to your alfresco shower.