Outdoor Shower Installation for Backyard Oasis Ideas

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Creating a backyard oasis is all about transforming your outdoor space into a serene and inviting retreat. One of the most luxurious and practical additions you can make to your backyard is an outdoor shower. Whether you're looking to rinse off after a swim in the pool, cool off after a sandy walk on the beach, or simply enjoy the tranquility of an al fresco shower, an outdoor shower can be both functional and stylish. In this article, we'll explore various outdoor shower ideas, from simple DIY projects to elaborate custom-built designs, to help you create the ultimate backyard oasis.

Why Install an Outdoor Shower?

An outdoor shower is more than just a practical solution for rinsing off; it's an opportunity to enhance your outdoor living experience. Here are some compelling reasons to consider installing an outdoor shower:

1. Convenience: An outdoor shower lets you rinse off quickly and easily, whether you've been swimming, gardening, or simply enjoying the outdoors.
2. Luxury: Imagine stepping out of your shower and into the fresh air, surrounded by nature's beauty.
3. Privacy: Depending on your design, an outdoor shower can provide a private space for personal hygiene without disturbing others in the household.
4. Energy Efficiency: In warm climates, an outdoor shower can be a more energy-efficient option than heating up your indoor shower.

Choosing the Right Materials

When it comes to designing an outdoor shower, selecting the right materials is crucial for durability and aesthetics. Here are some popular materials you might consider:

1. Stone: Natural stone such as granite or travertine is both durable and visually appealing. It can withstand harsh weather conditions and add a touch of elegance to your outdoor space.
2. Marine-Grade Wood: Wood is a popular choice for outdoor showers due to its natural look and ability to thrive in various temperatures. Marine-grade wood is particularly resistant to rot and insect damage.
3. All-Weather Tile: Tile is another excellent option for outdoor showers. It's easy to clean, durable, and comes in a variety of styles and colors to match your design preferences.
4. Brick: Brick is a classic choice that can add a rustic charm to your outdoor shower. It's also highly durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions.
5. Concrete: Concrete is versatile and can be molded into various shapes and designs. It's also relatively inexpensive compared to other materials.

Designing Your Outdoor Shower

The design of your outdoor shower should reflect your personal style and complement the existing architecture of your home. Here are some design ideas to consider:

1. Simple DIY Outdoor Shower

   • For a simple DIY project, you might choose a showerhead attached to the siding of your house. This is a straightforward and cost-effective way to add an outdoor shower without much fuss.
   • Alternatively, you could build a spacious backyard shower complete with privacy walls and a large rain showerhead. This option provides more space and can be customized to fit your needs.

2. Stucco Outdoor Shower

   • A stucco outdoor shower is a luxurious option that can be built into a tall textured terracotta-colored stucco wall. This design provides ample space and allows you to take in the surrounding views while rinsing off.
   • Interior designer Melissa Young at My Studio ID has created such a roomy outdoor shower that offers simple plumbing hardware and a pair of towel hooks, making it both functional and stylish.

3. Archway Outdoor Shower

   • For a more discreet option, consider an archway outdoor shower tucked under the arches of a historic adobe-style home. This design provides easy access without interrupting the outdoor flow or competing with the architecture.
   • Home Consultant has designed such an archway shower that blends seamlessly into the historic setting.

4. Teak Wood Outdoor Shower

   • A teak wood outdoor shower offers a modern look with clean lines that hug the house while adding contrast to the surrounding cool palette of grays and stainless steel.
   • Mark Stewart Home Design has created such a simple yet elegant outdoor shower using warm-toned teak wood.

5. Patio Outdoor Shower

   • A patio outdoor shower stall finished in the same siding as the house helps it hide in plain view when not in use. This design ensures that your outdoor shower is ready when needed but unobtrusively on standby when it's not.
   • Pinnacle Landscapes has designed such a patio shower that blends seamlessly into the surrounding landscape.

6. Tropical Outdoor Shower

   • A tropical outdoor shower is designed to be shown off, featuring a mix of neutral patterned tile, a stainless steel rain showerhead, and tall dark stained wood fencing for privacy and calm.
   • Lush plantings on the inside and beyond the fence give this space a tropical getaway feel, making it perfect for those who love nature.

7. Indoor-Outdoor Shower

   • Connecting an indoor shower with an outdoor shower can be practical from a plumbing standpoint and is an option to consider depending on your needs and the layout of your home and outdoor space.
   • GG Interiors has designed such an indoor-outdoor shower where the adjoining outdoor shower has a wood slat wall and plumbing fixtures that mix industrial piping with a copper showerhead, complementing the outdoor setting with plenty of greenery.

8. White Brick Outdoor Shower with Plants

   • An L-shaped post-surf outdoor shower in Costa Rica is constructed with white brick walls that give it a clean feel. The space is warmed up with plenty of leafy tropical plants and conveniently located next to the surfboard storage hut.
   • This design ensures that both people and boards can rinse off before heading indoors, making it a practical and stylish solution.

Additional Design Ideas

1. Add Patterned Tile

   • Adding patterned tile to your outdoor shower can add a wow factor. The encaustic handmade cement tile used on this shower is the Pavilion I from Cement Tile Shop, which adds texture and visual interest to the space.
   • Studio AR&D Architects have designed such an outdoor shower featuring patterned tile that complements the natural elements of the yard.

2. Open Air Tree Shower

   • An open air tree shower perched high in the branches of an ancient oak surrounded by forest creates a dreamy experience with a huge copper showerhead.
   • The Woodsman’s Treehouse in the UK offers such a unique outdoor shower experience that soothes both body and mind.

3. Spiral Outdoor Shower

   • A spiral outdoor shower enclosure made from stacked stone flooring and featuring a rainfall showerhead provides a rustic and cozy feel.
   • The Mhondoro Game Lodge in South Africa has designed such a unique outdoor shower that blends seamlessly into its natural surroundings.

4. Climbing Roses

   • An outdoor shower in a California home offers dual entrances: one through the marble-clad interior shower via a glass door and another through a patio door.
   • The view outward from within the bathroom resembles a charming terrace adorned with climbing roses, making it both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

5. Indoor-Outdoor Bathroom

   • A tropical outdoor shower of a beach house in Brazil features an open bathroom that is completely open to the exterior with its own garden defined by walls like a private patio.
   • Studio Mk27 has designed such an indoor-outdoor bathroom that provides a luxurious and refreshing experience surrounded by nature.

6. Shower Privacy Wall

   • Transforming your backyard into a tranquil nature retreat involves adding a wood privacy screen to shield you from prying eyes.
   • Edmund Barr for BHG has designed such an outdoor shower with privacy walls that add a serene aesthetic to the space.

7. Outdoor Shower Privacy Wall

   • A quintessential California ranch home features darkly painted board and batten siding creating the perfect backdrop for an outdoor shower.
   • Cedar panel walls provide privacy enclosures for this fabulous outdoor showering experience, making it both practical and stylish.

8. Colorful Tile

   • Having an outdoor shower is a dream come true, especially when it features beautiful tile patterns like ‘Tahala’ from Cement Tile Shop.
   • The pattern makes for a one-of-a-kind showpiece, and the custom-made shower faucet by Watermark Faucets adds to its elegance.

9. Surfboard-Inspired Shower

   • An outdoor shower inspired by surfboards comes as a kit from Cape Cod Shower Kits, featuring surfboard plumbing that adds a fun touch to the space.
   • This design is perfect for those who love the beach lifestyle and want to bring that element into their backyard oasis.

DIY Outdoor Shower Ideas

For those who enjoy DIY projects, there are numerous creative ways to design an outdoor shower using salvaged materials or simple installations:

1. Salvaged Materials Outdoor Shower

   • Using an old French tub purchased at a flea market along with corrugated metal and an outdoor shower fixture, Karen Paez Emile transformed a corner in her backyard into a dreamy oasis.
   • The corrugated metal backdrop and hanging shelf made from old driftwood collected during beach trips add a rustic charm to this DIY project.

2. Rustic Lakehouse Outdoor Shower

   • Homeowners Sheri and Gerry Weber salvaged discarded garage doors to craft a rustic outdoor shower enclosure on the side of their lake house.
   • The built-in hinged-door window provides a view of the lake while showering, making it both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

3. Shutter-Style Door Enclosed Shower

   • Tucked amongst lush flowers, this freestanding outdoor shower enclosure at a home in the Bahamas designed by Amanda Lindroth beckons for a quick rinse off or a longer linger.
   • The enclosure’s hinged shutter doors mimic Bahama shutters seen throughout the island, adding to its charm.

4. Corrugated Metal Outdoor Shower

   • At his unconventional open-air Texas retreat called “Bee Camp,” homeowner Mike Bates asked for a second shower placed on the outer edge of the main living space.
   • The stainless steel fixture selected by Houston designer Mimi Meacham adds a touch of modernity to this DIY project.

5. Open-Air Wall Installed Outdoor Shower

   • For those with limited space or preferring simplicity, you can simply install a shower fixture to an exterior wall like an exterior spigot.
   • Adding hooks for towels and wet suits completes this easy DIY installation.

6. Cottage-Style Outdoor Shower Enclosure

   • For a cottage look, use shiplap or board-and-batten siding for your shower enclosure. Industrious DIYers can craft their own using treated wood or vinyl panels.
   • Alternatively, try this ready-to-assemble kit for a similar look without the DIY effort.

7. DIY Freestanding Outdoor Shower Enclosure

   • This rustic freestanding shower enclosure is made with wood fence boards installed alternating inside and out, creating a private place to rinse off after a dip in the lake or a trip to the beach.
   • Patio stones provide a durable floor, making it both practical and stylish.

8. Easy Beach House Outdoor Shower

   • A stylish beach house gets a pair of adorable matching cottage-style outdoor showers made from no-rot composite fencing material that will hold up to all the sun, sand, and lots of water.
   • The durable composite deck flooring adds more durability and is friendlier on feet than rough wood, making it perfect for beachside living.

Tips for Installation

1. Select Durable Design

   • When designing your outdoor shower, select materials that can withstand year-round exposure to elements such as harsh sun or snow.
   • Materials like stone, marine-grade wood, and all-weather tile are excellent choices for durability.

2. Consider Privacy

   • Depending on your setting, consider adding doors or outdoor fabric curtains for privacy if needed.
   • Alternatively, you could opt for no enclosure at all if you prefer an open-air experience.

3. Ensure Sufficient Drainage

   • Proper drainage is crucial to prevent water accumulation around your outdoor shower area.
   • Ensure that your design includes adequate drainage systems to keep the space dry and safe.

4. Locate Strategically

   • Locate your outdoor shower strategically near your pool or other outdoor living areas for convenience.
   • Consider placing it on a property wall if space is limited but still accessible.

5. Pair with Bath for Instant Luxury

   • Pairing your outdoor shower with a bath can instantly elevate your backyard oasis into a luxurious retreat.
   • This combination provides versatility in bathing options and adds an element of indulgence to your outdoor space.

Conclusion

Creating an outdoor shower is not just about functionality; it's about enhancing your outdoor living experience with style and luxury. Whether you choose a simple DIY project or an elaborate custom-built design, there are countless ways to transform your backyard into a serene oasis. By selecting durable materials, considering privacy needs, ensuring proper drainage, and strategically locating your outdoor shower, you can create a space that combines practicality with indulgence. So why not elevate your backyard oasis with an outdoor shower today?