Build your own outhouse

A big advantage when building a new outhouse is the wide range of modern, waterless, and odor-free toilet options available. Newer toilets also make installation easier, as some models include a ventilation pipe and a fan for improved airflow. This is the case, for example, with our modern incinerating toilets.

Build your own outhouse

Before you start building, there are important rules to be aware of. While constructing an outhouse without a building permit is generally allowed, you must always seek permission from your local environmental authority beforehand.

Another important regulation applies if you plan to manage toilet waste yourself—you will need to apply for permission to build a latrine compost. Once you have received the necessary approvals, you can start building your Separett outhouse.

Building an outhouse is not particularly difficult; in fact, it can be a fun project for the whole family. You can either buy a pre-made outhouse shed that only requires assembly or design a modern outhouse yourself—just the way you want it.

Construction description of the outhouse

Here’s how to begin building a simple outhouse!

Step 1: The groundwork

You need to start by preparing the groundwork. The simplest way to build it is as a framework of pressure-treated timber. Within that frame, screw in two studs to serve as support for the floor. It is very important to use only strong, sturdy screws designed for outdoor use.

Lay out garden tiles at the corners where the outhouse will stand, then place the frame on top of them. The frame will serve as the foundation for a wooden floor, which should be securely screwed into the framework.

Step 2: The walls

The walls of the outhouse consist of frames and vertical wooden panels. Start by sawing all the crossbars, then screw them together using extra-strong wood screws to ensure a stable construction. Prime the panels before installing them to extend their lifespan.

Attach the crossbars by screwing them into the groundwork, then secure the panels using wood screws or strong nails. Remember to leave approximately five centimeters of clearance from the ground to prevent the wood from coming into contact with moisture and becoming damaged.

Step 3: The door

You build the door using prefabricated timber, held together by studs. The studs should be arranged in the shape of a Z, with the diagonal joist providing structural support to hold the door up.

Once the door is assembled, attach it using a pair of sturdy hinges. Carriage bolts and nuts are ideal for fastening, as it's crucial that the hinges and fasteners can support the door's weight.

If you're building a small outhouse, you can cut a heart-shaped opening in the door, which will provide sufficient ventilation.

Step 4: The roof

Once the walls are in place, it's time to install the roof. Start by attaching the studs to the top edge of the wooden panels. Then, lay the roof, which should also be built from prefabricated wood. Secure it to the crossbars using sturdy outdoor screws.

For better protection, it's beneficial to let the roof extend slightly at both the front and back. Finally, applying roofing paper is essential to protect the entire structure from moisture and weather damage.

Step 5: Details

Then comes perhaps the most enjoyable part—painting and decorating your new outhouse. You can add decorative handles or even carve your own from a fallen branch. Installing a lock inside the outhouse can also be a good idea to ensure privacy.

Even though a building permit is not required for an outhouse, it’s important to take the construction seriously. You may need to add features such as gutters and downspouts to improve durability and functionality.

One last important consideration is ventilation. Proper ventilation is not only essential for reducing odors but also for ensuring the longevity of the structure.

Separett is not responsible for any incorrectly performed work!

The right toilet for your outhouse

When choosing the best toilet for your outhouse, we offer a variety of waterless toilet solutions to suit different needs.

> Incinerating toilet. This is the most common option, as all urine and solid waste are incinerated into ash. As a result, you do not need to apply for permission to build a latrine compost, and the remaining ash serves as excellent plant nutrition.

> Urine diverting toilet. This toilet separates urine from solid waste. Separett’s urine-diverting toilets perform this separation at the source, ensuring that the urine remains completely sterile. The urine can then be diluted with water and used as plant nutrition. Solid waste, on the other hand, is collected in a separate container for disposal or composting.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Maintenance is not just about hygiene—it also helps ensure that your outhouse lasts longer. So, how do you best take care of an outhouse? By regularly cleaning with the right cleaning agents, you can prevent bad odors and keep the space fresh. An all-purpose cleaner is an easy and effective option for maintaining your outhouse.

> How do you empty an outhouse?

The process depends on the type of toilet solution you choose:

• Incinerating Toilet: This type of toilet reduces all waste to ash, which can be conveniently used as plant nutrition. Since the waste is completely burned, disposal is minimal and hassle-free.

• Urine-Diverting Toilet: With this system, urine can be diluted with water and used as fertilizer for plants. However, the solid waste needs to be disposed of in a septic tank or a latrine compost, depending on local regulations and your setup.

Tips for outdoor living and interior design

When designing the interior of your outhouse, consider practical and stylish elements that can be easily set up or built. For example, you can hang a zinc bucket with a tap underneath and pair it with an old-fashioned porcelain sink and a chic soap dish to create a simple yet functional handwashing station outside. Even the most basic outhouse should offer hygienic solutions.

Other essential items include a toilet paper holder, a garbage can, and a mirror. It’s also practical to install hooks for towels to keep the space organized. Among our available accessories, we also offer an insulated seat designed for outdoor use, adding extra comfort to your outhouse experience.

Other alternative

One of our most convenient outhouse options is the Rescue Camping, a portable toilet solution that is easy to assemble and fold away when no longer needed. Additionally, it is designed for effortless emptying and cleaning, making it ideal for those seeking mobile freedom. Whether for camping trips or temporary outdoor setups, this solution ensures both convenience and hygiene.

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Best of luck!