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How to install a tiled outdoor shower

By Bunnings magazine /

Outdoor shower with orange and white tile panel, overhead shower and hand shower. An orange towel, plants and pool toys sit nearby.

Overview

From sandy beach bodies to muddy dog paws, every Aussie backyard benefits from an outdoor shower. And adding hot water creates a resort-style retreat. Here, the splashback is made from a treated pine frame clad in fibre cement panels, then tiled and finished with heavy-duty sealer. Pavers and gravel form the self-draining base. The cost of this outdoor shower project is under $1,755*

How to build the outdoor shower

This splashback looks impressive but is surprisingly achievable, with minimal cutting and the tiles laid in a simple ‘vertical stack’.

The cutting list

The finished dimensions of the splashback are 2125mm high x 1345mm wide (this includes the thickness of the membrane, bond breaker tape and adhesive).

Frame

From 70mm x 45mm H4 treated pine:
  • Sides 2090mm (2)
  • Ends 1220mm (2)
  • Centre noggins 370mm (2)

From 45mm x 45mm H4 treated pine:

  • Studs 2000mm (2)
  • Side noggins 380mm (4)
Cladding

From 450mm x 4.5mm FC sheet:

  • Sides 2090 x 70mm (2)
  • Ends 1320 x 70mm (2)
  • Front panels 2100 x 450mm (2)
  • Centre front panel 2100 x 415mm

Tools and materials

    Steps

    1. 1

      Build the frame

      Cut timber frame pieces using a mitre saw. Butt the sides against the ends, predrill two holes at each join; secure with 75mm screws. Predrill studs to secure side noggins, one screw each join; predrill and secure through the sides. Secure the centre noggins.
      Close up of a drill driving a screw into a timber frame.
    2. 2

      Install the frame

      Locate house wall studs to mark out the frame at least 150mm from the ground. Enlist help to lift into position using clamps. Predrill and secure a 150mm screw into a top corner. Check for level; secure frame with screws into wall studs. Have the plumber rough in.
      A timber frame mounted against a white wall, with a spirit level leans on the right and two clamps holding the base.
    3. 3

      Clad the frame

      Cut the FC sheet using a fibro cutter and straightedge. Apply adhesive to clad frame sides and ends; clamp to secure with nails. Secure left panel. Mark up centre and right panels to drill shower and mixer holes with 25mm and 44mm holesaws; secure.
      Green Bunnings hammer
      Tip: Cutting tools are perfect for scoring and snapping sheets.
      A gloved hand scores a fibre‑cement sheet with a utility knife guided by a spirit level.
    4. 4

      Apply waterproofing membrane

      Mask off frame. Position reinforcing sleeves around shower and mixer, and bond breaker tape along joints and edges; bed in with waterproofing membrane using a brush. Apply two coats of membrane all over, in opposite directions; let dry after each coat.
      Close up of a black‑gloved hand using a paintbrush to apply pink‑red sealer to a white panel.
    5. 5

      Cut the tiles and trim

      Mix adhesive and water, apply with a notched trowel to frame base and lay tiles, cutting last one to fit; use a clamped offcut as support. Use a hacksaw to mitre the trim for the top, base and sides, adding 20mm tile allowance. Square cut side trim.
      Timber trim clamped to the base of a waterproofed red panel near a white wall.
    6. 6

      Apply the grout

      Remove spacers with pliers. Mix grout and water in a clean bucket; apply using a pointed trowel in a diagonal motion. Cover two rows at a time, pushing grout into gaps and trim, wiping away excess with a clean sponge. Wipe off grout haze. Leave to cure.
      Gloved hand uses a blue grout float to spread light grey grout across orange and grey rectangular tiles.]
    7. 7

      Plumb the shower

      To create the base, set out a stringline to mark an area for four 610mm x 406mm travertine pavers. Clear the ground and compact two 20kg bags of road base with a tamper. In a wheelbarrow, mix two 20kg bags of paver screed and spread evenly, shaping the surface to slope toward a drainage point as advised by your licensed plumber. Position the pavers and tap into position with a rubber mallet. Apply grout and sealer using the same method as the shower tiles. To finish, spread four 15kg bags of decorative stones around the pavers.

      Hands tighten a chrome shower pipe on a wall of orange and grey rectangular tiles.
    8. 8

      Create the self-draining paved base

      To create a self-draining base, set out a stringline for four 610mm x 406mm travertine pavers. Clear the area and use a tamper to compress two 20kg bags of road base. In a wheelbarrow, mix two 20kg bags of paver screed and apply over the area, spreading with a level to slope away from the house. Position the pavers and tap into position with a rubber mallet. Apply grout and sealer using the same techniques as the shower tiles. To finish, spread four 15kg bags of decorative stones around the pavers.
      Square beige pavers set into fresh dark mortar, with loose gravel around the border.
    9. 9

      Keep in mind...

      • Any plumbing work must be carried out by a licensed tradie.
      • Your local council may require outdoor showers to be connected to the sewer and protected by a roof structure. Always check with your local authority and discuss drainage options with your plumber.
      • When using power tools, always protect ears and eyes with ear muffs and safety glasses (gloves and mask are also recommended), follow the manufacturer’s instructions and work in a well-ventilated area.
    10. 10

      Keen for some more outdoor D.I.Y. projects?

      Discover our series of backyard transformation ideas.

      *Project cost is based on the prices of materials purchased at Coffs Harbour, NSW, store (tools and professional plumbing costs not included) and is correct at time of printing. All plants sold separately. Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.

      Timbers vary by state and territory; contact your local store for further information.

       

      Photo credit: Natasha Dickins.

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    Health & Safety

    Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

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