How to Build an Outhouse
Many people in the world do not have the benefit of indoor plumbing. An outhouse keeps everyone healthy and safe from bacterial infection. Building an outhouse is relatively easy and will make a second home, cabin, or campsite more enjoyable.
Required Materials
- 2×4” stock
- 4×4” corner post
- 1×4” stock
- nails
- screws
- roofing paper & shingles
- PVC piping and flange
Required Tools
- hammer
- circular saw/table saw
- level
- tape measure
- paper/pencil
Instructions to Build the Outhouse
- Footers and Frames - There will be three horizontal ribs for the outhouse. One of the frames is at the base, one to the seating system, and one to the roof. Make the frames 3×3’ and nail them together. You will also need 2×4” stock to construct two lateral feet for the outhouse to sit on.
- Posts - Four corner posts will complete the frame of the exterior box. The design specifies 4×4” posts, but remember that this unit will need to be moveable when the waste hole is full, so make the posts as lightweight as possible. Drill and bolt the frames to the corner supports.
- Seat - Locate the seating rib no more then 14” from the floor. This is considered a low placement. Whatever height you make the seat, remember that most people prefer their knees to be above their hips. The hole of the seat should be rectangular and not circular, and no more then 8-10” wide and 18-20” long. Generally these dimensions make for a more sanitary environment. Lay out the seating system boards and attach these to the framing rib. Finally, attach the seat.
- Walls – There are a few options for walls. The more traditional (transport-friendly) option is to use a canvas wall attached to the roofing line. If a solid wall is needed, use a light material. Attach the walls to the exterior of the corner posts and ribs.
- Roof and Door - Given the size of the outhouse, no interior roof joists are likely to be needed. Measure and notch the lower ends of the roof support beams and then fix the boards on top to achieve a relatively steep pitch. Cut a ventilation hole and then PVC piping to the roof. Make sure it is off to the side a little. Cover any roofing with paper and shingles. Traditionally a canvas or screen door is used for access, but if a wooden door is preferred, construct a simple Z-frame and attach lightweight stock to it. Install vertical boards between the upper frame and the base frame.
- Hole - The hole should be 2-3’ deep and 2’ square. Make sure the ground is level around the hole and then slide the outhouse over the hole. Check around the outhouse for spaces between the ground and the wall boards and mound up dirt to close any gaps.
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