DIY Outdoor Shower: How to Build the Shower of Your Dreams Outside

By Abid Haque

For many, an outdoor shower drums up memories of hot summer days with neighborhood fire hydrants or a quick rinse before the pool. As an adult, showering outside can sound more like the necessary by-product of a camping trip or a way to keep from tracking sand in the house, but this needn't be the case. Outdoor showers have evolved to become everything from luxurious escapes to unique seated adventures.

With the right kind of weather and a bit of spare yardage, you can build an escape from the monotony of your daily shower routine. If you’re lost on where to start, keep reading for a detailed step-by-step guide on how to create your own outdoor oasis regardless of budget. So, what are you waiting for? Get outside and take off your clothes.

1. Decide on a Layout and Space

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The most crucial first step in building your own outdoor shower is deciding where and what type of shower you want. Some people want a smaller nook that's exposed to the rest of the yard while others see the shower as an opportunity to hide unsightly parts of their outdoor space like AC units. There's no wrong choice, and it really just boils down to personal preferences and desired level of comfort. If you’re embarking on this project to feel closer to nature, you can leverage existing greenery for a living privacy screen.

Other things to keep in mind are the distance of the shower from the walls of your home, whether you’ll want heated water, and if there are any important utility lines near the space you’ve selected (something best confirmed with your providers). For obvious reasons, picking a space that's close to an outdoor faucet is the best way to avoid copious amounts of hosing or pipes, which can be difficult to hide without digging.

2. Finalize a Budget and Gather Your Materials

It's easy to get carried away when building your own outdoor shower, so after deciding on your must-haves, it's best to have a budget in mind. The best way to go about this is to make a list of steps for the construction that you may need help with (i.e., the plumbing) and then get quotes from professionals. If you’re on an extremely tight budget, no need to worry because there's a way to get creative with just $50.

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After you’ve settled on a dollar amount, it's time to decide on materials. The two most commonly used for the structure are cedar (it's naturally mold- and mildew-resistant) and PVC. There are a number of great tutorials out there that take you through every material and measurement you’ll need to take, but if you’d rather leave the shopping to someone else, there are companies that supply shower kits based on size. The other material you need to consider when building your dream shower is the floor. Aside from ensuring a good pitch in the opposite direction of your home to avoid any water damage, the flooring offers a chance to get creative. Some people opt for colorful tiles to add a layer of sophistication, while others just lay down smooth stones—the choice is all yours.

3. Style Your Oasis

The trick to making your new outdoor shower feel less like roughing it and more akin to an outdoor spa is by adding thoughtful accessories to elevate the design and practicality of the space. Creating dedicated areas for shower supplies, hanging low-maintenance plants, and even adding things like a mirror or something as small as a towel hook can make the entire outdoor shower experience exponentially more enjoyable.

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If your build hasn't tired you out, there are more involved ways to take your outdoor shower aesthetic to the next level. These include staining the wood (if you used cedar), building a clear plastic or glass roof so the shower is enjoyable year-round, and, lastly, building a door so you can create a fully enclosed space.

So regardless of how quirky or small the outdoor shower of your dreams is, we’re here to let you know that it's possible. All you need is a little bit of planning, determination, and, ideally, an extra set of hands to make the process as painless as possible.