---
title: "How To: Make an Outdoor Shower"
description: "Whether you’re cooling off, rinsing off, or actually bathing, an outdoor shower is a fun and relatively easy summer DIY project."
date: "2012-06-18"
modified: "2021-03-18"
authors:
  - name: "Chris Gardner"
    job_title: "Guest Contributor"
    link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/chris-gardner/"
url: "https://www.bobvila.com/articles/2486-how-to-make-an-outdoor-shower/"
categories:
  - "DIY"
  - "Exterior"
  - "Skills & Techniques"
tags:
  - "deck patio & porch"
  - "How To"
  - "how-to"
  - "outdoor structures"
---

# How To: Make an Outdoor Shower

![How to Build an Outdoor Shower](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/how-to-build-an-outdoor-shower.jpg>)
*Photo: istockphoto.com*

Whether you’re cooling off, rinsing off, or actually bathing, an [outdoor shower](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/2486-how-to-make-an-outdoor-shower/>) is a fun and relatively easy summer DIY project that you’ll find yourself using even more than you imagined.

Of course, the easiest installation is one involving a garden hose, shower head, and tree branch, but you can DIY your own free-standing outdoor shower just as easily by following the steps below:

### Tools & Materials

Bobvila.com may earn a commission from purchases made through these links.

- [Post hole digger](</asearch?q=Post%20hole%20digger>)
- [Electric drill](</asearch?q=Electric%20drill>)
- [5/8" spade bit](</asearch?q=5/8%20spade%20bit>)
- [Circular saw](</asearch?q=Circular%20saw>)
- [Garden hose](</asearch?q=Garden%20hose>)
- [1/2" pipe straps](</asearch?q=1/2%20pipe%20straps>)
- [Nylon plumbing tape](</asearch?q=Nylon%20plumbing%20tape>)

- [Shower head](</asearch?q=Shower%20head>)
- [1/2″ threaded shower arm](</asearch?q=1/2″%20threaded%20shower%20arm>)
- [4-1/2" decking screws ](</asearch?q=4-1/2%20decking%20screws%20>)
- [3-1/2" decking screws](</asearch?q=3-1/2%20decking%20screws>)
- [2-1/2" decking screws](</asearch?q=2-1/2%20decking%20screws>)
- [Outdoor wood sealer](</asearch?q=Outdoor%20wood%20sealer>)
- [Quick-drying concrete](</asearch?q=Quick-drying%20concrete>)
- [1/2" threaded faucet](</asearch?q=1/2%20threaded%20faucet>)

**YOU'LL ALSO NEED**
 - Two 8-foot lengths of 4" x 4" lumber (cedar, redwood or pressure-treated are best)
 - Two 8-foot lengths of 1" x 4" lumber
 - 1/2" galvanized pipe in threaded lengths of 48", 24", and 6"
 - Two 90° galvanized pipe elbows
 - Pea gravel or small stones

**Note:** This tutorial is designed for those with an outdoor water spigot. If you desire hot water for your outdoor shower, hire a plumber to run hot and cold water to your site.

## Step 1

**Choose the location of your outdoor shower.** Select an area that’s relatively level; a slight grade will promote runoff. Consider it’s proximity to your outdoor spigot and the relative privacy it affords.

## Step 2

**Build the base.** Cut one 4" × 4″ into four equal 23″ lengths. Build a basic square by staggering the ends and securing with 4-1/2″ screws. Then, cut the 1" × 4″s into seven 26-1/2″ lengths and space them evenly on top of the base, leaving about a 1/4″ between boards for drainage. Secure the slats to the frame with 3-1/3″ screws. Finish the entire base and the uncut 8' length of 4"× 4″ with wood sealer and allow to dry.

## Step 3

**Install the shower.** Dig a 12″ deep hole with a post hole digger, and insert the 8′ 4" × 4". You can use concrete to secure it, or just fill the hole with dirt. Place the shower base next to the upright 4"× 4″, mark its location, then remove the base and cover the ground with pea gravel or small stones to help with drainage. Place the base on top of the gravel.

![DIY Outdoor Shower Diagram](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/CGardner_DIY_Outdoor_Shower_Bob_Vila_illustration.jpg>)

## Step 4

**Install the plumbing.** Use a 5/8″ spade bit to drill a hole all the way through the 4" × 4″ about 6″ above the ground and 2-1/2″ above the base. Connect the plumbing in the following order: Shower head – shower arm – 90° elbow – 48″ length – faucet – 24″ length – 90° elbow – 6″ length. Use nylon plumbing tape at each joint. Then, stick the 6″ horizontal pipe length through the hole in the base of the 4"× 4″upright, and set the plumbing flush to the face. Use 2-1/2″ screws to secure the plumbing to the 4" × 4″ with the pipe straps.

## Step 5

**Add the water.** Attach the hose to the coupler in the back of the shower. You may want to purchase a Y-splitter for your outdoor spigot so that you can run an additional hose for lawn and gardening tasks. Test the water, and enjoy!

## Author
Chris Gardner is an artist, writer, and sawdust-maker living and making messes in Portland, Oregon. He's the editor-in-chief of the DIY home decor community [Curbly.com](<https://web.archive.org/web/20230923114318/http://www.curbly.com/>), and the founder of [ManMadeDIY.com](<https://web.archive.org/web/20230923114318/http://www.manmadediy.com/>), a craft, art, and design site for guys.

### Author social links  
[Twitter](<http://www.x.com/manmadediy>)