Summer Showers
With summer in full swing, we’re finding ourselves yearning for the great outdoors—even when it comes time to shower. If you can’t swing a pool or spa on your property, an outdoor shower is an affordable luxury, no matter your style or budget. With some basic DIY skills, you can design and build your own little bit of bathing paradise with some shower fixtures on a wall, a simple stall, or even by utilizing a tree in your yard. Make a retreat under an arbor. Or, create an enclosure with the corner of a patio and a sweeping, circular curtain rod. The options are almost limitless. Here are some of our favorite homemade installations.
Metal Works
Metal adds a bit of sheen to your backyard while offering you a place to rinse off after a day of working in the garden or lounging by the pool. Add partial walls for greater privacy or—for a more ambitious undertaking—incorporate a hinged door to enclose the shower completely.
Surf(board)'s Up!
Curtain Call
For transportable or low-commitment outdoor shower ideas, purchase a kit like this (available on Amazon) that can be hooked up to a common garden hose. Add a colorful curtain, and voilà! Your summer weekends just got a little better with a simple open-air shower.
Slatted Beams
If you aren’t too modest, a straightforward stacked-slat construction is a modern option for an outdoor shower. We love the clever addition of tropical plants and sleek concrete pavers for a zen showering experience.
Fully Exposed
No neighbors? No need to worry about privacy, then. This exposed, wall-mounted outdoor installation requires nothing more than assorted pipe fittings, a shower head, and access to a water line. Towel hooks are optional but convenient.
Beneath an Arbor
Arbors are meant to be walked under, so why not shower under one, too? This open-air shower idea not only looks inviting but provides just the right amount of shade and bathing privacy. If you can manage the plumbing, you can easily install an arbor.
Canvas Enclosure
Plumbing pipe is an inexpensive—and intrinsically waterproof—framing system for an outdoor shower. Curtains can be mounted on hooks for easy disassembly during winter months. Be sure to use a heavy-duty waterproof material like canvas to prevent the buildup of mold and mildew.
Bamboo Bower
If you desire a more tropical look, you can create a setup with framing lumber and bamboo. This outdoor shower happens to be in a hot and humid locale, but there's no reason you can't bring a bit of paradise to your own backyard.
Patio Divider
No reason why a freestanding patio wall—either existing or newly built—can't house an outdoor shower. If existing, no need to conceal plumbing; just mount to the wall, affix a shower head, and connect to a water source. A circular shower curtain rod will easily provide draped privacy.
Rain Forest
The mixed materials incorporated into this brilliant, very tranquil outdoor shower add interest and privacy. Tall, lush greenery gives the space a natural vibe while providing a little shade. Don't forget a vintage ladder as a rustic towel rack!
Modern Concrete Panel
A simple, vertical slab of concrete is all that’s needed to create a modern backdrop for an outdoor shower. For a place to hang towels that matches this shower’s simplicity, place a freestanding coat rack nearby.
Cedar Pillar
Tile Focal Point
A wall of stunning tile blends into the tree-lined background of this contemporary outdoor shower. Add a rainfall shower head to this simple and minimalist design, and you may feel you've stepped out into the rain to bathe.
On a Tree
The shade of a tree provides the canopy over an outdoor shower mounted to its branch. There's nothing better than exiting the lake and then showering off with it still in view.
Assembly Required
Don't Miss!
Get the help you need for the home you want—sign up for the Bob Vila newsletter today!
