When it comes to building an outdoor shower, one of the most important decisions is choosing the right base. The base creates the foundation for the rest of the shower and ensures proper drainage. There are a few key factors to consider when selecting a base material.
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Key Considerations for an Outdoor Shower Base
The main considerations when choosing a base for an outdoor shower include:
- Drainage – The base must allow water to drain away from the shower to prevent pooling.
- Durability – It should withstand outdoor elements like rain, sun and freezing temperatures.
- Cost – Base materials range in price from affordable to high-end.
- Ease of Installation – Some bases require more complex construction than others.
- Customization – The ability to build the base to fit the exact shower size and layout.
- Aesthetics – Matching the look and feel of the surrounding space.
Taking these factors into account will help choose the right base for your unique outdoor shower setup.
Common Outdoor Shower Base Materials
There are five main types of materials commonly used to construct outdoor shower bases:
Concrete
Concrete is one of the most popular choices for outdoor shower bases. Here are the pros and cons of using concrete as a base:
- Pros:
- Extremely durable – Withstands heavy use and outdoor elements
- Customizable – Can be molded and shaped as needed
- Permanent – Won’t shift or settle over time when installed properly
- Cons:
- Heavy and difficult to install yourself
- Doesn’t have built-in slope for drainage
- More expensive than other DIY-friendly bases
- Can crack over time if not properly sealed
Paver Stones
Using paver stones or bricks as a base is also quite common. Here is an overview of the pros and cons:
- Pros:
- Relatively affordable DIY option
- Lots of design choices for size, shape and color
- Can create slope by staggering heights of stones
- Easy to install and rearrange later
- Cons:
- Not as durable for heavy usage
- Can shift and settle over time
- Grout between stones can grow mildew
- Stones may need to be re-leveled periodically
Wood
Wood bases are also a DIY-friendly choice. Here are the main pros and cons of wood shower bases:
- Pros:
- Inexpensive material cost
- Easy to work with using basic tools
- Can customize size and create slope
- Variety of wood types and looks
- Cons:
- Prone to rotting and mildew growth
- Needs regular sealing and maintenance
- Not as durable for heavy use
- Softer surface than stone or concrete
Tile
Tile can also be used to construct a shower base. Here is an overview of the pros and cons of tile bases:
- Pros:
- Lots of design options for tile shapes, colors, etc.
- Durable and waterproof surface
- Easier for DIY than concrete
- Can build slope for drainage
- Cons:
- Tile and grout need periodic sealing
- Grout can crack and grow mildew
- Installing mortar bed adds complexity
- More costly than basic wood or crushed stone
Poured Resin
Poured resin is a newer material option for outdoor shower bases:
- Pros:
- Seamless, sleek look
- Completely waterproof
- Durable and long-lasting
- Easy to keep clean
- Can slope base for drainage
- Cons:
- Requires professional installation
- Very expensive compared to DIY options
- Limited design options
Best Outdoor Shower Base by Common Situations
The ideal outdoor shower base depends on your specific needs. Here are recommendations for the best base in common situations:
| Situation | Recommended Base |
|---|---|
| DIY install on a budget | Wood or paver stones |
| Heavy usage in beach/pool setting | Concrete |
| Looks to match stone or brick house | Paver stones |
| Modern, sleek look | Poured resin |
| Natural woodsy setting | Wood planks |
| Southwest adobe style home | Concrete or tile |
As shown in the table, for most DIY installs on a budget, wood or pavers provide an affordable base option. For heavy usage, concrete is the most durable choice. The look of the base can also be matched to the home design with stones, wood or tile. For a modern, seamless look poured resin is best but comes at a higher cost.
How to Install Common Outdoor Shower Bases
Once you select the best base type for your outdoor shower, next comes the installation. Here is an overview of installation methods for some of the most common materials:
Paver Stones
Paver stones require creating a gravel subsurface, adding sand for leveling and then laying the pavers. Be sure to stagger heights for drainage slope. Leave proper gaps between stones and fill with polymeric sand. Tamp the pavers down to secure in place.
Wood
For wood bases, attach treated planks or timbers securely to a subframe of pressure treated lumber. Allow for drainage gaps between the boards. You can use shims under the subframe to create the ideal sloping angle.
Concrete
Constructing a concrete base takes building wood framing, pouring gravel, adding reinforcement wire or rebar, and finally pouring the concrete to the right depth and slope. Finishing and sealing the concrete properly is crucial for longevity.
Tile
Tiling a shower pan requires building a mortar bed base reinforced with wire mesh, applying a waterproof liner, adding the tile with thinset mortar, then grouting and sealing. Extra care must be taken to properly waterproof the mortar and joints.
Features to Enhance Outdoor Shower Base Function
Beyond the basic base itself, there are some additional features you can add to enhance the function of your outdoor shower:
- Drain: Install a proper drain setup with gravel backfill for optimal drainage.
- Slope: Build in a slope of 1/4″-1/2″ per foot for water runoff.
- Tabs: Add tile or stone tabs to create built-in shelving or sitting areas.
- Accessories: Incorporate hooks, shelves or benches as needed.
- Accents: Use decorative tile, stone or pebble inlays to enhance the base design.
Taking the time to build a well-constructed outdoor shower base with proper drainage and added features will pay off for years to come. Selecting the ideal base type, installation method and design for your space will result in an outdoor shower that both looks beautiful and functions reliably.
Conclusion
An outdoor shower base serves as the foundation to a functional and durable outdoor shower setup. Choosing the right material for your specific needs in terms of cost, durability, aesthetics and difficulty of installation will ensure your base performs well. The most common options – concrete, paver stones, wood, tile and poured resin – all have their own sets of pros and cons. Build the base properly with adequate drainage slope for the best performance. Added features like shelves, seating and decorative accents can enhance the utility and design. With attention to detail in selecting and properly installing your base, you can enjoy your outdoor shower worry-free for years to come.
