This project was built and designed by Sam Macy from Sam Macy Designs.
Sam tackled the completion of an outdoor shower that had been started the previous spring as part of a larger raised garden deck project. The existing structure needed modifications to accommodate proper height and functionality before the plumbing and fixtures could be installed.
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Raising the Roof Structure
The original pergola height proved too low for comfortable use, requiring Sam to raise the entire roof structure. He removed the existing top members and replaced them with a sandwich construction using dimensional lumber and flat boards.
The new design incorporated cedar shingles for both aesthetic appeal and weather protection. Sam demonstrated the traditional shingling technique, explaining how these materials can be cut with a simple knife or utility shears, making them accessible for DIY builders.
Installing the Shower System
Sam selected a weatherproof outdoor shower head specifically designed for exterior applications. The installation required creating a horizontal support member to mount the fixture securely and ensure proper positioning.
Rather than permanent plumbing connections, he chose a removable garden hose system that connects to both hot and cold water spigots. This approach allows for easy winterization in cold climates by simply disconnecting and storing the hoses during freezing months.
Creative Plumbing Solutions
The plumbing installation presented unique challenges due to the raised bed construction. Sam built a small access box within the garden bed to house the connection fittings while keeping them accessible for maintenance.
Using shark bite fittings, he ran new hot and cold water lines to exterior spigots, making the project manageable for someone without extensive plumbing experience. The garden hoses route through carefully drilled holes in the raised bed structure, creating a clean installation.
Practical Design Features
The completed shower incorporates thoughtful details for real-world use. The open design provides views of the surrounding landscape while showering, and the spray pattern works well for cleaning muddy pets in addition to human use.
Sam noted the importance of privacy considerations for those in more populated areas, suggesting curtains or doors as potential additions. The structure also includes space for plantings that could provide natural screening as they mature.
This outdoor shower project demonstrates how existing structures can be modified and improved over time. The combination of traditional building techniques with modern fixtures creates a functional addition that enhances outdoor living while remaining practical for seasonal climates.
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Matt’s Take
These are my personal thoughts and tips based on my own experience in the shop. This section is not written, reviewed, or endorsed by the original creator of this project.
Outdoor showers are one of those projects that seem straightforward until you start thinking through the details. The removable hose system Sam used here is brilliant for cold climates — I’ve seen too many outdoor plumbing installations get destroyed by freeze-thaw cycles because someone skipped the winterization step.
The shark bite fittings make this accessible for woodworkers who might be hesitant about plumbing work. Those fittings are game-changers for DIY projects since they eliminate the need for soldering or threading pipes. Just make sure you’re cutting your pipe ends perfectly square and deburring them — any rough edges can compromise the seal over time.
That access box for the connections is smart planning. I always tell folks to think about maintenance access before you close anything up permanently. Being able to reach those fittings without tearing apart your raised bed will save you headaches down the road. The privacy consideration Sam mentioned is worth serious thought too — what feels private in winter might be completely exposed once the neighbor’s trees leaf out in spring.