Well with the collapse of the outhouse at our cottage last summer it was time to build a new one. We chose a location and started digging, after striking several unmovable rocks we gave up…
The next weekend we set out to dig in a new location, while we didn’t hit any large rocks we did encounter several difficult layers. The first 7 inches was dirt and roots. Then we hit about a foot of grey material that was like digging in a litter box. Next came a dark rusty layer that was harder than hell and had to be busted apart with a steel bar. This layer also brought ground water which started seeping into the hole.
Every inch after the rusty layer for over the next foot or more consisted of hard packed sandy rocks. This layer was so tightly packed we had to use the steel bar to break it up before we could shovel it. We couldn’t stop digging at this point as water continued to come into the hole.
In the end we where exhausted but managed to sink a plastic barrel into the hole to keep the hole from collapsing.
That was it for that weekend, next weekend it was time to build. We got some concrete footers and a pile of lumber based on the plans in our heads and set to work. The black flies were out in full force, and there wasn’t any wind to blow them away, but we kept going. After two days of working from morning to sun down we managed to get everything up and sheeted before the weekend was gone and the rain started.
We still need to install the door, shingle the roof, build the bench, add trim and paint. Next weekend…
See all the posts, from start to finish.
Door would be nice. Lets see how long it stands .. muuhhhaaa
The door is coming, there are a few things left to do before its complete. It should last a long time, its built really well, way more solid that our old one, which is at least as old as me.
im building an out house for our camp but i’m having a hard time w/ the guts. i would like to see the bench and inner workings when you complete yours. thanks these pics helped me out alot.
Jamie, our outhouse is complete and there are a few posts I did on each stage. I’ve put together a quick page which has all the links to each post. I hope you find it helpful.
Building an Outhouse the Complete Series
Where did you get your plan? Did you just wing the size?
We need to build a new one on a cattle ranch. I like the plastic barrel idea.
Shelly, unfortunately the plans for the outhouse were in our heads. So there is nothing I can point you at. The size was 4′x4′, with the side walls at 6′, 7′ at the roof peak. This allowed us to get away with a single sheet of 4×8 plywood per side. Hope that helps.
I designed my outhouse and put it on wheels ( I bought a Coleman flushable potty to put inside). What problems I came across were small and easily remedied by looking at your pics. Thanks for posting them!
Jennifer, you are welcome. Glad you found them helpful.
Very cleaver. Michael is a craftsman…barrell idea is super smart for down the road. Good work. Build something else?
where did you get your footers
Is the bottom cut out of the barrel so that ‘stuff’ percolates into the ground?
Yes, the idea being that the liquids can drain, however if you leave the bottom intact you can have it pumped out by a professional if need be.
All our supplies we got at the home depot, but most hardware stores should carry the concrete footers. They are fairly common in deck building.