Weather-Resistant Woods
Let’s be real — building an outdoor shower is basically just creating a shower that won’t fall apart when it rains. Ironic right? The best materials for your outdoor shower build are going to be weather-resistant woods like cedar and teak, marine-grade stainless steel for fixtures, and concrete or stone for flooring. But there’s actually a lot more nuance to it than that, especially if you want something that’ll last more than a couple seasons without looking like garbage.
Cedar and teak are the superstars here. I’ve built three outdoor showers over the years and honestly nothing beats these woods for the enclosure. Cedar has natural oils that repel water and insects, and it just smells amazing.
Teak is even better but way more expensive — it’s basically the gold standard for outdoor shower materials because it contains natural rubber and oils that make it incredibly resistant to rot.
My neighbor used pine for his shower and had to rebuild it after two years. Not ideal. Meanwhile, outdoor shower specialists recommend cedar can last 15-20 years if properly maintained. That’s a massive difference.
But yeah, redwood is another good option that people don’t talk about enough. It’s naturally resistant to decay and has this gorgeous reddish color that weathers to a soft silver-gray if you let it. Looks pretty sweet against green landscape.
Anyway, whatever wood you choose, you’ll need to treat it. Even the naturally resistant woods benefit from a sealer. I use a clear marine-grade sealer every couple years on my cedar shower and it still looks almost new after 7 years.
Corrosion-Resistant Metals
For all the fixtures and hardware you’re going to want metal that can handle constant moisture without corroding. This is where a lot of DIY showers go wrong.
316 marine-grade stainless steel is what you want for anything that’s going to get wet regularly. It’s significantly more corrosion-resistant than standard 304 stainless.
Yeah it costs more but this isn’t the place to cheap out. Fine Homebuilding’s materials guide emphasizes how important this is especially near oceans where salt spray will destroy lesser metals.
I made the mistake of using regular stainless for my first shower build at my beach house. Within a year things were spotting with rust. Super annoying.
Brass fixtures are another option — they develop this cool patina over time. Just make sure they’re solid brass not just brass-plated. Chrome-plated brass can also work well if it’s high quality but eventually the plating might wear off in high-use areas.
Flooring Materials
You’ve got several options for the floor and they all have different vibes and maintenance needs.
- Concrete: Durable as hell but can get slippery and hot
- Wood slats: Looks amazing but needs more maintenance
- Stone pavers: Natural look that drains well
- Pea gravel: Super cheap and drains perfectly
I’ve found that a combination works best — like a concrete pad with cedar slats over it. That gives you drainage and a nice feel underfoot while still having solid structure.
Oh and don’t forget about drainage. According to landscape architects, you need to consider where all that water’s going to go. The last thing you want is a muddy mess or water running back toward your house foundation. Makes sense to plan this before you start building.
Enclosure Options
For privacy walls beyond just wood there are some cool alternatives:
Corrugated metal panels can look super modern if that’s your style. They’re lightweight durable and reflect heat which is nice on hot days. Just make sure to get the galvanized or coated kind so they don’t rust.
Wait — let me rephrase. Modern doesn’t always mean better. Some of the best outdoor showers I’ve seen use natural materials that blend with the landscape.
Almost Heaven Saunas recommends using materials that complement your outdoor environment rather than contrast with it.
Bamboo screens are another option I really like. They’re sustainable lightweight and have a cool tropical vibe. But they won’t last as long as cedar in most climates so there’s that tradeoff.
Plumbing Considerations
PEX piping is becoming the standard for outdoor showers because it’s flexible freeze-resistant and easy to work with. Traditional copper looks great exposed but it’s more work to install and can freeze and burst in winter if you don’t drain it properly.
What I’ve noticed over time is that simpler is better for outdoor shower plumbing. The more complicated your system the more maintenance headaches you’ll have.
I’ve got a friend who installed this elaborate rainfall shower with body jets and half of them clogged up after the first season.
Winter Protection
Also quick-connect fittings for winterizing are 100% worth installing if you live anywhere that freezes.
University research shows that freeze damage is the number one cause of plumbing failures in outdoor installations. Makes sense but people still forget about it.
Budget-Friendly Alternatives
If you’re not looking to spend a ton there are some decent alternatives. Pressure-treated lumber can work if it’s properly sealed but it won’t look as nice as cedar or teak.
I’ve seen some cool DIY showers using recycled pallets too. They’re free and can look rustic-chic with some cleaning and sealing. Definitely not going to last as long though.
Composite decking is another option that’s becoming more popular. It’s made from recycled plastics and wood fibers and requires basically zero maintenance. Home improvement experts note that while the upfront cost is higher than wood the lifetime maintenance savings can make it cheaper in the long run.
But yeah sometimes the simplest solution is just a shower head mounted on an exterior wall with a small privacy screen. Not every outdoor shower needs to be a whole built-in structure.
Building your outdoor shower with the right materials means you’ll actually use it for years instead of staring at a rotting eyesore next summer. And honestly there’s nothing better than an outdoor shower after a day at the beach or working in the garden. Totally worth doing right.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brass or Stainless Steel Better for Outdoor Showers?
Honestly, stainless steel is often the way to go for outdoor showers. It’s super durable and resistant to rust, while brass can corrode over time.
Just think about the weather—stainless steel handles it way better. Makes sense, right?
What Is the Best Material for an Outdoor Shower?
The best material for an outdoor shower? I’d say stainless steel or teak wood.
Steel is super durable and looks sleek, while teak can withstand the elements. Just make sure whatever you pick is resistant to rust and water!
Can I Use PEX for an Outdoor Shower?
Yeah, you can use PEX for an outdoor shower! Just make sure it’s rated for outdoor use since it can get cold or hot, and you don’t want it to crack or freeze.
Easy peasy!
What Is the Best Material to Build a Shower?
The best material for a shower is usually tile—super durable and looks nice, right? You can go with ceramic, glass, or even stone.
But don’t forget about waterproof wall panels too; they’re way easier to install and clean.
About the Author
