Home Project: I'm Wanting to Build an Outdoor Bathroom with Shower and Bathtub. Looking for Tips!

Falconjack on 05/12/2021 - 16:54

I'm looking at building an outdoor bathroom in the backyard but there don't seem to be any companies that do this, so I'll need to be creative and grab tips off you all!
Here are some of the considerations I'm making:
1. Water connection: hot and cold water from the main building's supply
2. Drainage: connect main sewer. Alternative would be to just drain into the ground away from the main building.
3. Shower area:
a) Have a windbreak so it can be used during winter while preserving the heat, and will offer privacy. I'm really struggling to decide between a wall, wood, bamboo screen, glass screen and a simple encircling shower curtain.
b) Floor: Pebbles and pavement stone; vs wood panels (like a deck); vs tiled; vs concrete. I'm thinking pebbles and stone will be the easiest to install, and will give a natural look.
4. Bathtub: Acrylic free-standing tub. This is cheaper and lighter than a cement tub.
5. Bathroom enclosure:
a) Roughly half of the bathroom will be properly "walled off" so as to act as a windbreak and stop objects from flying around. When considering durability + cost of material + cost of installation, what material would be recommended here? e.g. Brick, stud walls with cladding (marine plywood vs cement fibre sheets etc.) vs timber frame with wooden panels (like a sauna cabin), vs. steel frame + paneling.
b) Remainder of the side enclosure: probably bamboo vs polycarbonate to give it a natural free-flowing feel.
c) Roof: polycarbonate allow light to come through and protect against rain/ hail. Planning to install this over wooden beams (or steel), and have downlights installed
6. Other attachments: Taps, basin, LED mirror, wooden bench, power points.

What are your comments and suggestions for the above considerations?
I'm thinking of engaging a plumber +/- builder +/- landscaper +/- electrician. How many chefs do you reckon I'd need for this job?

Home & Garden

Comments

  • djones145 on 05/12/2021 - 16:59
    +2

    tip, watch the block, think it was from week 4, the boys made an outdoor bathroom as well. lots of rules and regulations( if enclosed by walls it's techinally a bathroom and needs waterproofing etc)

    however that's only an issue if u want to sell or get complains from neighbours and council comes checking

  • Hybroid on 05/12/2021 - 17:23
    +1

    I'm looking at building an outdoor bathroom in the backyard

    Genuine question: Why? Is this to supplement a swimming pool?

    Have you looked into any required planning permission or council applications required?

    • Falconjack on 05/12/2021 - 17:30
      +2

      Why? I like to be able to have an outdoor shower or bath for two main reasons:
      1. Helps wash off dirt after mowing the lawn or having done some work, without having to bring it in.
      2. It's an authentic, luxurious feel to be able to chill outdoors.

      Nope, I didn't even consider council approval for a project like this! I'll have to look into this.

  • shaybisc on 06/12/2021 - 07:28

    An outdoor shower for reason 1 looks pretty easy to do. An outdoor bathroom for reason 2 looks like a big, expensive hassle.

    https://www.bhg.com.au/10-best-outdoor-shower-ideas

  • Euphemistic on 06/12/2021 - 20:44

    Not sure how drainage for shower/bath works in the outdoors. You’ll need to check if you can connect to sewer because there are rules around allowing stormwater into sewer. Alternatively, you can’t connect to stormwater due to soaps etc.

    • Falconjack on 06/12/2021 - 22:09

      I would be connecting the outdoor drains to the sewer system, just as the existing indoor bathrooms would be.

      Most outdoor showers either drain into the sewer system or directly into the ground into a pit that's filled with gravel.

      • Euphemistic on 07/12/2021 - 05:29

        Will your outdoor shower have a roof to orevent rain water entering the drain?

  • modsec802 on 07/12/2021 - 07:28
    +1

    Would suck to be your neighbour

    • Falconjack on 07/12/2021 - 19:44

      You know you wish you were there

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