Step-by-Step Guide to Building an Outdoor Shower in Texas: Enhancing Your Home with Practical Elegance
Creating an Outdoor Shower in Texas
Summers in Texas are famously hot, making the idea of an outdoor shower particularly appealing. An ideal spot for this new addition is right by the stock tank pool, which is not only convenient for a quick rinse before swimming but also helps to conceal an unsightly area of the house. This dual functionality of aesthetics and utility enhances the outdoor space significantly.
Digging post holes was the initial step in constructing the outdoor shower. Each hole was about 12 inches wide and 24 inches deep. It’s crucial to consult with utility providers before such digging to avoid disrupting underground lines. After the holes were prepared, a couple of inches of pea gravel was added for improved drainage, helping prevent the posts from moisture exposure.
To protect the posts further against moisture and resultant wood rot, a protective sleeve known as ‘Post Saver’ was employed. These sleeves are heat shrinkable with a tar-like liner, ensuring a watertight seal around the posts at ground level. This preparation is vital for the durability of the structure in the moist environment of a shower.
Setting the Framework
With the practicalities of post placement addressed, including strategic shading from the intense Texan sun, the posts were set using a fast-setting concrete mix. This type of concrete doesn’t require prior mixing; it’s poured dry into the holes and then water is added, simplifying the process. The concrete sets quickly, providing a strong and stable base for the shower structure.
The next day, the set posts allowed for the removal of temporary braces, and the real shape of the outdoor shower began to take form. The floor design followed, involving the removal of grass and a slight excavation to create a gentle slope for water drainage away from the house. The use of natural stone pavers and rocks for the flooring not only emphasizes a connection to nature but also ensures durability and aesthetic appeal.
Edging was installed to neatly define the shower area, and a weed barrier was laid down to prevent unwanted growth under the pavers. Sand was then leveled over this area to provide a stable base for the pavers, with leftover materials from previous projects being utilized efficiently.
Constructing Walls and Adding Finishes
The walls of the shower were crafted from cedar, a wood chosen for its resistance to rot and insects, making it ideal for outdoor use. The structure included horizontal cedar slats, giving it a modern and polished look. Each piece of wood was precisely cut and attached with minimal visibility screws to maintain a clean aesthetic.
To protect the cedar from the elements and to preserve its rich color, a varnish primer specifically designed for exterior wood was applied. This initial sealant helps to protect against moisture and UV damage. A top coat of UV-protected varnish added further durability and beauty, highlighting the natural grain of the cedar wood.
The finishing touches included trimming the excess post length and adding cap boards across the top of the structure. These not only enhanced the shower’s appearance but also provided a practical ledge for shower essentials and decorative items.
Plumbing Installation and Final Touches
For plumbing, a simple yet effective system was installed, drawing water from an existing outdoor spigot. The use of galvanized steel pipes ensured durability, and a water valve was added within the shower for easy access. The entire setup was designed to use cold water, which is a refreshing choice in the hot Texan summers where tap water reaches comfortable temperatures.
The completion of the plumbing marked the end of major construction, with the addition of a high-quality shower head as the final touch. This outdoor shower not only brings practical benefits but also enhances the leisure quality of the home, offering a resort-like experience right in the backyard.
The transformation from a plain, underutilized space to a functional and beautiful outdoor shower exemplifies thoughtful design and craftsmanship. The integration of natural materials like stone and cedar, along with the strategic placement by the pool, creates a seamless addition to the home that is both useful and enchanting. The new outdoor shower is not just a way to beat the heat, but a delightful enhancement to the outdoor living space, proving to be a hit with both the homeowners and their guests.
