Let’s set the scene: it’s mid-July in Rhode Island. You’ve spent the day at the beach, the garden, or the backyard BBQ, and you’re covered in sand, sweat, sunscreen, or some combo of all three. The last thing you want to do is track it into the house.
Enter: the outdoor shower—equal parts luxury, convenience, and backyard flex.
But an outdoor shower isn’t just a rinse-off station. With the right design, it becomes an extension of your home, a reflection of your style, and yes—a serious upgrade in daily living. Whether you’re working with a tight side yard or designing the ultimate spa-like retreat, here are five design ideas to inspire your perfect outdoor setup.
1. Go Natural with Ipe Wood
Let’s start with the good stuff: Ipe wood (pronounced “ee-pay”).
It’s not your only option, but this tropical hardwood is the gold standard for outdoor showers — and for good reason. Ipe is ultra-hard, incredibly dense, and naturally resistant to pests, mold, rot, and moisture. That means no worrying about soggy boards, termite damage, or splinters under bare feet.
Aesthetically, Ipe delivers rich, warm tones that weather into a beautiful silvery gray if left untreated, or stay dark and dramatic with the occasional oiling. It works beautifully for shower walls, decking, or even slatted privacy screens, and adds a sleek, modern feel that plays nicely with both minimalist and rustic styles.
Sure, it costs more than your average lumber, but the payoff is huge: decades of durability, low maintenance, and a premium look that just can’t be beat.
2. Minimalist & Modern
Not every outdoor shower has to be a full-on spa. Sometimes the cleanest, smartest designs are also the simplest.
A wall-mounted fixture on the side of the house, a slatted floor for drainage, and a slim privacy panel can create a low-profile setup that looks intentional — not just functional.
Go for a matte black fixture, a single wooden bench, and neutral-toned accents to keep things feeling fresh and current. Add a few hooks for towels, a small mirror, or even a potted plant if you’re feeling fancy. It’s proof that sometimes less really is more.
3. Enclosed for Privacy (and Personality)
If your shower’s visible from the neighbors’ deck or you just prefer a bit more privacy, building a full or semi-enclosed shower is the way to go.
Wooden enclosures (hello again, Ipe) or horizontal slat panels give you coverage without making the space feel boxed in. You can even add a pergola roof or open skylight to keep things airy while still feeling secluded.
This is also where you can inject some personality: tile accents, a bold-colored door, or industrial hardware to contrast with the natural wood. Just because it’s outside doesn’t mean it has to be basic.
4. Blend Indoor & Outdoor Spaces
For homes with pool houses, walkout basements, or cabanas, the indoor-outdoor hybrid shower is a great move.
Think: a shower that opens to the outside with folding doors or a shared wall. You get the best of both worlds: the fresh air and vibe of an outdoor shower with the privacy and convenience of an indoor one.
It’s also a smart way to make your outdoor shower more usable in cooler months. And if you’re already renovating or building, it’s the kind of detail that makes people say, “Okay, now I want one of those.”
5. Eco-Friendly & Water Smart
Outdoor showers don’t have to be water-wasters. In fact, with the right setup, they can be downright sustainable:
Greywater systems can reuse water for landscaping (check your local codes).
Low-flow fixtures conserve water without sacrificing pressure.
Natural drainage setups, like gravel beds or garden zones, help water return to the earth without pooling.
And remember: choosing long-lasting, natural materials like Ipe over chemically treated wood is better for the environment and your peace of mind.
The Final Rinse
An outdoor shower adds more than just convenience — it adds character, functionality, and a little slice of luxury to your everyday life. Whether you’re going all-out with an Ipe wood masterpiece or keeping it simple and clean, the right design will blend seamlessly with your home and your lifestyle!
FAQs: Outdoor Showers 101
Q: Is Ipe really worth the cost?
A: Yes. While it’s more expensive upfront, Ipe lasts 40+ years, resists pests and rot without chemical treatment, and looks incredible. You’ll spend less on repairs and replacements over time.
Q: Do I need a permit to install an outdoor shower in RI?
A: It depends. Basic cold-water rinse stations may not need one, but plumbing, drainage, or enclosures often do. Always check with your township before starting.
Q: Can I have hot water outside?
A: Absolutely. It might require additional plumbing or a connection to your water heater, but it’s doable — and totally worth it.
Q: How do I keep my outdoor shower clean?
A: Choose materials that resist mold and mildew (like Ipe), and give it a quick rinse or sweep every week or two. A simple scrub and oiling once or twice a year keeps wood looking fresh.
Q: What’s the best location for an outdoor shower?
A: Near a side entrance, pool, or garden hose hookup is smart. Privacy, drainage, and access to plumbing are the key factors to consider.
