Outdoor showers of yesteryear used to consist of a single hose—pretty simple, eh? Today’s outdoor showers are like an extension of your home, connecting inside and out in a rejuvenating manner. They’re more elaborate and luxurious—and you can incorporate your personality into the design. Want proof? This HGTV article touts the benefits of outdoors showers.
Plus, building outdoor shower can be a DIY project, depending on the caliber of the shower you desire and your building/plumbing expertise. Think an outdoor shower would make a perfect summer project? Here are a few pointers and considerations to help you get started.
Do your homework. Before you break out the tools and materials, check your local building codes—there may very well be bylaws regarding design or drainage as well as lot-line restrictions.
Pick the right site. Decide whether you want a freestanding or wall-mount shower. A freestanding shower is portable and attaches to flexible hosing. Wall-mount showers are stationary. If you build the shower against one wall of your home, you can tap into existing water and sewer lines. This helps cut down on costs. Learn more about the different types of alfresco showers—as well as their costs, benefits, and concerns, in this Bob Vila article. And for more excellent site considerations, check out this Custom Home article, courtesy of BNET.
Drain away. Your should have a good drainage system that carries water away from your house. As I mentioned above, you’ll want to check your local building codes—in some areas, for example, allowing water to drain through a bed of stones (one easy solution) doesn’t exactly fly.
Choose materials wisely. Make sure your material selections are weather-resistant and can stand up to a serious rainstorm. For the frame, stone, cedar, and mahogany are smart options. For the shower fixtures—the shower head; a rack for shampoo, soap, and towels; and a robe hook—opt for stainless steel, brass, or galvanized metal. Underfoot, choose nonslip mildew- and rot-resistant surfaces such as cedar or brick.
Make privacy a priority. Unless you live in a secluded area, you’ll want to make sure you aren’t giving your neighbors an unexpected show—that’s why you’ll want to pay particular consideration to your enclosure. See how home improvement expert Ron Hazelton created a light-filled yet private shower here.
You can also create a sense of enclosure without blocking sunlight with a shade screen. Or consider established climbing vines, which provide a level of privacy (and their leaves trap cool air to block summer heat). If no one can look down on you from a second-story window, you might even leave the top of the shower open. Get the nitty-gritty on creating privacy here.
Need design inspiration? Check out the six striking showers here. If you’re ready to build, here are step-by-step instructions from DIY Network. Or watch this video from This Old House.
Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All
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This is something that I will be having in my home when I do get to have my own home, especially for here in South Africa, and these also come in very handy if you live by the sea.
Posted by: Sue @ Blinds | June 18, 2009 at 03:36 AM