Transforming your backyard into a personal oasis is easier with DIY outdoor shower ideas. An outdoor shower adds both style and function, making it perfect for cooling off on hot days or rinsing off after a swim. There are countless creative ways to build one, using materials like reclaimed wood, stone, or even repurposed fixtures.
Some designs offer a rustic, natural feel, while others create a sleek, modern vibe. With the right setup, you can enjoy a refreshing outdoor shower experience while enhancing the beauty of your outdoor space. Get inspired to create a unique and practical backyard feature.
1. Rustic Wood Pallet Shower
A rustic wood pallet shower brings a sense of nature and rugged charm into your bathroom. The wooden pallets create an authentic, earthy atmosphere, ideal for those seeking a more organic aesthetic. Pairing it with a rustic showerhead and wooden accents enhances the farmhouse vibe, making your bathroom feel like a cozy retreat. This design blends functionality and style, using reclaimed wood for both walls and shelving, bringing a sustainable element into your space.
To achieve this design, start by securing your pallets on the walls to form a solid, weathered backdrop. Make sure to treat the wood with a waterproof finish to keep it durable. The contrast of smooth, modern fixtures like chrome showerheads against the rough-hewn wood creates a striking balance between old and new. You can even add a wooden bench for a complete rustic feel that elevates the shower’s functionality and comfort.
2. Privacy Curtain Shower
For those who appreciate privacy without sacrificing space, a privacy curtain shower offers the perfect solution. This simple, yet effective design uses a curtain that surrounds the shower area, making it ideal for smaller bathrooms or shared spaces. The curtain creates a soft barrier, providing a sense of personal space while being easy to move or adjust when needed. You can choose from a variety of colors and patterns to enhance the overall look.
Installing a high-quality waterproof curtain is key for this design, and you can select a minimalist curtain rod for an unobtrusive setup. The curtain can also act as a feature element, adding a pop of color or pattern that complements the rest of the bathroom. If you prefer a more modern feel, opt for a clear curtain for a lighter, airier atmosphere, ensuring that your shower feels both private and spacious.
3. Bamboo Shower
A bamboo shower is an eco-friendly way to infuse your bathroom with a tropical, calming vibe. Known for its sustainable properties, bamboo provides a unique, natural aesthetic, making it a great choice for those looking to create a serene, spa-like atmosphere. Whether it’s used for walls, flooring, or accents, the texture of bamboo brings a warm, organic feel that’s perfect for relaxation.
To build this design, you can opt for bamboo panels for the shower walls or incorporate bamboo accessories, like a towel rack or shelving. Pair the bamboo with a sleek, modern showerhead and warm lighting to highlight the texture and give the room a cozy glow. The natural tones of bamboo also pair well with neutral-colored tiles or stone, creating a harmonious balance of natural elements.
4. Vintage Rain Shower
If you’re seeking a touch of luxury combined with timeless elegance, a vintage rain shower might be just what your bathroom needs. This design channels the charm of old-world craftsmanship, using antique-style showerheads that mimic the feeling of rainfall. The larger showerhead and slow-flow water design create a peaceful and indulgent experience, while the vintage aesthetic brings a sense of nostalgia to your modern space.
To incorporate this into your bathroom, choose a brass or bronze rain showerhead for that classic, old-fashioned touch. Pair it with traditional tiles or retro accents to elevate the vintage feel. For a truly sophisticated look, consider adding vintage fixtures and soft, ambient lighting to create a spa-like experience every time you step into the shower.
5. Stone and Tile Shower
A stone and tile shower combines rugged beauty with refined elegance. The natural textures of stone and tile give this design a timeless quality, bringing a sense of luxury and earthiness into your bathroom. Whether you go for a smooth, polished stone or a more rustic, rough-hewn look, these materials provide both durability and style. With a variety of colors and textures, you can customize the shower to match your tastes.
To bring this design to life, focus on pairing natural stone for the flooring and accents with classic tiles for the walls. Combining these two elements creates an earthy, sophisticated look that’s both functional and beautiful. To add a modern touch, choose sleek, matte tiles for a minimalist vibe or go for a textured stone for a more traditional approach.
6. Minimalist Pipe Shower
For a truly modern approach, a minimalist pipe shower strips away the excess, focusing on clean lines and simplicity. This design uses exposed pipes as a statement feature, with the water flowing directly from a pipe-style showerhead mounted to the ceiling or wall. The raw, industrial feel of the exposed plumbing combined with minimalist decor creates a striking contrast, allowing the pipes themselves to become part of the design.
To achieve this look, leave the plumbing exposed and opt for a sleek, simple showerhead to maintain the minimalist aesthetic. Choose neutral colors for the rest of the bathroom to ensure that the pipes are the focal point. Adding a glass shower enclosure will also help to keep the space feeling open and airy while preserving the industrial style.
7. Tiled Enclosure Shower
A tiled enclosure shower offers a clean and classic design that’s both stylish and functional. The enclosure provides privacy and a polished look, with tiles used to frame the entire shower area. Choose from a wide range of tile styles, from modern subway tiles to vintage mosaics, depending on the atmosphere you wish to create. The tiled enclosure gives the space a cohesive, finished look while offering easy maintenance and cleaning.
When planning this design, consider creating a pattern or accent wall with a different tile design to add visual interest. Combine large-format tiles for the main shower walls with smaller, decorative tiles around the floor or in the shower niche. The result is a streamlined, visually pleasing shower that enhances the overall design of your bathroom.
8. Cedar Privacy Screen Shower
A cedar privacy screen shower offers a unique way to combine privacy with the beauty of natural materials. The rich, warm tones of cedar create a cozy, intimate space, while the screen itself provides the perfect barrier to ensure your shower is your own sanctuary. The natural scent of cedar can even add to the relaxing atmosphere, turning your shower into a calming retreat from the outside world.
To build this design, install a cedar wood screen around the shower area for both privacy and aesthetic appeal. Pair it with a neutral-colored showerhead and soft, warm lighting to highlight the natural beauty of the wood. The texture of the cedar will contrast beautifully with smooth tiles or stone floors, enhancing the rustic feel while maintaining a sense of openness.
9. Tropical Oasis Shower
Step into your own personal tropical oasis with a shower that brings the lush, relaxing vibe of an island getaway to your bathroom. This design is all about creating a soothing, natural environment, filled with plants, earthy materials, and vibrant, tropical colors. Incorporate lush greenery, palm trees, or tropical flowers around the shower to create a space that feels like a luxurious retreat.
To achieve this look, select tropical tiles or a mosaic wall featuring vibrant colors and patterns. Consider adding a rainforest showerhead to simulate the feeling of a tropical downpour. The addition of bamboo accents, stone flooring, and overhead greenery can make the shower feel like an indulgent escape into nature every time you step inside.
10. Shower with Pallet Bench
A shower with pallet bench offers both comfort and utility, creating a practical, yet stylish addition to your bathroom. The pallet bench provides a spot to sit or store items, making it a great solution for those who enjoy a more functional shower space. The rustic charm of the pallet adds warmth and texture, while the open design of the bench ensures your bathroom doesn’t feel overcrowded.
To create this design, start by installing a pallet as a bench along one side of the shower. It can serve as a space to sit while showering or a place to place your towels. Pair the pallet with sleek, modern fixtures and a simple showerhead to keep the overall look clean and stylish. Adding a few potted plants nearby will enhance the natural, earthy vibe.
11. Modern Concrete Shower
A modern concrete shower is the epitome of industrial chic, with sleek, minimalist features that create an effortlessly cool atmosphere. The clean, hard lines of concrete provide a contemporary and edgy backdrop for your shower space. Whether it’s used for the walls, flooring, or even the shower bench, the raw, unfinished look of concrete makes a bold statement while offering durability and ease of maintenance.
To design this modern shower, opt for polished concrete for the walls and floor to create a smooth, reflective surface. Choose simple, contemporary fixtures such as a rain showerhead or a linear drain for a minimalist finish. Adding a glass shower enclosure helps maintain an open, airy feel while showcasing the concrete’s unique texture.
12. Hammock Shower
A hammock shower combines relaxation with functionality in the most delightful way. Designed to offer a unique shower experience, this design incorporates a hammock-style seat within the shower area, allowing you to fully relax while you shower. The idea is to create a soothing environment where you can enjoy a warm, comforting shower while lounging in a suspended hammock.
To make this shower design work, install a hammock chair that is both durable and waterproof, ensuring it holds up well in a wet environment. Choose soft, earthy tones for the rest of the bathroom to enhance the feeling of calm. With tropical plants and soft lighting, this design turns an ordinary shower into a luxurious retreat, making it feel like you’ve stepped into your own personal spa.
FAQs
1. What materials do I need to build an outdoor shower?
To build an outdoor shower, you’ll typically need a sturdy shower head, plumbing materials (PVC pipes or hoses), a water source (either from your house or a separate tank), a shower enclosure (wooden slats, vinyl, or even a bamboo screen), and a good-quality drain system. You’ll also want waterproof materials for the floor, like stone, gravel, or tiles.
2. How do I hook up an outdoor shower to my plumbing?
Connecting an outdoor shower to your plumbing can be done by extending your existing water supply line to the outdoor area. If you’re not familiar with plumbing, you can either hire a professional or use a flexible hose with an outdoor faucet. For more permanent setups, you may need a plumber to ensure proper drainage and water pressure.
3. Can I build an outdoor shower without any plumbing?
Yes! You can create a simple outdoor shower by using a gravity-fed system or a portable shower bag. This is a great option if you don’t want to deal with plumbing. These types of systems typically rely on a large water reservoir that’s elevated to allow gravity to feed the water through a showerhead.
4. What are some creative ways to enclose an outdoor shower?
Get creative with your shower’s privacy! You can use materials like wooden pallets, bamboo screens, lattice panels, or even a garden wall with climbing plants. If you’re looking for a more rustic vibe, a repurposed wooden fence can work perfectly. The goal is to create a functional yet aesthetic barrier to keep you comfortable.
5. What is the best type of flooring for an outdoor shower?
For outdoor showers, choose materials that are slip-resistant and durable, especially since water can make surfaces slippery. Stone, pebbles, tiles, and wooden slats are popular choices. Make sure to install proper drainage so water doesn’t pool around your feet.
6. How can I make sure my outdoor shower doesn’t waste water?
To conserve water, you can install a low-flow showerhead or even use a rainwater collection system to provide the water for your shower. This is an eco-friendly option that helps you make the most of natural resources.
7. Can I use an outdoor shower during winter?
If you live in a colder climate, you may want to consider shutting off the water supply to your outdoor shower in the winter to prevent pipes from freezing. Some people install insulated pipes or even purchase outdoor showers designed to be used in cold temperatures, but it’s usually safer to keep it seasonal.
8. How can I make my outdoor shower look stylish?
You can give your outdoor shower a stylish touch by adding decorative elements like hanging plants, colorful towels, or mood lighting. Natural materials like stone or wood can bring a calming, zen-like vibe, while adding features like a rainfall showerhead or a rustic bench can enhance both the functionality and aesthetic.
9. How much does it cost to build a DIY outdoor shower?
The cost of building a DIY outdoor shower varies depending on materials, size, and whether you hire a plumber. On average, you can expect to spend anywhere from $300 to $2,000. Simple setups with minimal plumbing are less expensive, while more elaborate, enclosed setups can cost more.
10. Can I build an outdoor shower without professional help?
If you’re comfortable with basic DIY skills and have some experience with plumbing or carpentry, building an outdoor shower can be a fun project. However, if you’re unsure about anything, it’s always a good idea to consult a professional for plumbing or electrical work to avoid potential issues down the line.