Building an outdoor shower starts with locating the water supply lines, especially if you want both hot and cold water options. For existing exterior spigots, determining the shower’s position relative to the spigot is sufficient. However, if you need hot water, locating the supply lines inside the house is necessary, which may involve cutting into walls or hiring professionals for assistance.
Setting up the privacy wall posts follows next, where you dig holes, fill them with drainage gravel, and set 4×4 posts securely in concrete. If your shower is freestanding, ensure proper support for the showerhead and valve assembly with a taller post positioned in the center.
Connecting the water supply lines involves plumbing work, either with PEX lines or copper pipes. For a cold-water shower, mounting the showerhead and valve assembly is straightforward. For hot and cold water, drilling holes through the home’s wall and installing plumbing tees and isolation valves are essential to redirect water lines to the shower.
Creating a drainage area is crucial to prevent water accumulation around the shower. This involves digging, framing with 2x4s, filling with drainage gravel, and tamping it down.
Building the wood floor involves constructing a sturdy frame and attaching floorboards securely. Privacy wall stringers are then cut and mounted, followed by installing privacy wall boards across the stringers. For showers with doors or gates, additional stringers are needed, along with proper hardware for functionality.
Once all components are in place, including the door or gate if applicable, the outdoor shower is ready for use. It’s essential to test the plumbing for leaks and ensure proper drainage before enjoying the convenience of an outdoor shower.