An outdoor shower might initially feel like a luxury, similar to a hot tub or sauna, but it’s actually incredibly practical. With some basic woodworking and plumbing skills, you can easily build one in your own yard, just in time for the summer heat.
Outdoor showers offer a refreshing break on hot, humid days, and there's something invigorating about showering in the open (semi-enclosed) air.
The video above demonstrates how to build a freestanding outdoor shower using cedar boards for the structure, pressure-treated lumber for the base to prevent decay, and 1 x 1 concrete blocks for the footings. Additional features include a sliding door with pocket door hardware and various decorative caps to shield the end grain from moisture.
The follow-up video goes into more detail about the design and layout, highlighting how to achieve the perfect balance between openness and privacy.
They recommend avoiding any rigid connections with the plumbing, as a wooden outdoor shower can shift and expand over time. Instead, they use a splitter from a nearby garden hose for the water supply, eliminating the need to tap into the home's plumbing system.
For a simpler option, you can purchase a standalone PVC outdoor shower that easily connects to your hose, as demonstrated by Antonio Sabato Jr.