-
Step 1
Decide whether you want a portable shower or a permanent installation. Simple showers can be connected to a garden hose and are a very low-cost, portable solution. However, their "down" side is that they only provide cold water showers. More permanent showers can be hooked up to an outdoor plumbing line or a mounted to an outside wall of the house.
-
Step 2
Set a budget for the project. You can spend a few hundred dollars for a simple shower with a stall made of decking materials. A tiled shower with enclosed plumbing will require a higher investment. Remember to budget for plumbing costs. Include extra expenses (like landscaping) that provides privacy and lighting for your shower area.
-
Step 3
Browse books and websites for inspiration and ideas. See the resources section for some reading to get you started.
-
Step 4
Build some sort of shower enclosure for privacy. You could build a wall or a simple enclosure using fence and deck materials. Ready-made shower stalls are also available. Think about features that may come in handy, like towel racks, benches, niches for shampoo and changing areas.
-
Step 5
Purchase fixtures that are frost-proof and won't rust. Choose materials that resist mildew and can withstand often brutal outdoor elements. Be sure to pick the right showerhead. An overhead rainfall showerhead is relaxing, while a hand-held nozzle offers convenience.
-
Step 6
Choose an appropriate drain. A slow-draining soil may require a system that drains water underground. Find out whether your town requires your shower to have a specific kind of drainage system.
