Choose the Perfect Outdoor Shower Floor in 5 Simple Steps

Outdoor showers are the hot new trend for backyard living spaces. They offer a tranquil, spa-like experience right at home. But choosing the right outdoor shower floor is key to comfort and function.

The flooring sets the tone for your whole outdoor shower design. It impacts drainage, slip-resistance, aesthetics, and maintenance needs. By following these 5 simple steps, you can pick flooring that checks all the boxes.

Step 1: Consider Drainage

Effective drainage is crucial for any outdoor shower floor. Without proper drainage, you'll end up with standing water, flooding issues, and very unpleasant showers!

Start by looking at the size and layout of your planned outdoor shower area. Measure the square footage and map out the shape. This helps determine how much slope and drainage capacity you need.

Knowing your existing soil type is also important. Sandy or gravel soils drain quickly, while dense clay soils retain more moisture. Proper drainage prevents water pooling on the surface.

Drainage Options

If possible, connect your outdoor shower drainage to existing household plumbing. This sends water safely into the sewer system.

For standalone outdoor showers, other drainage options include:

• Drywells - Gravel-filled pits that allow water to quickly filter down into soil.
• French drains - Perforated pipes in a gravel bed that whisk water away from the surface.
• Gravel beds - Layers of gravel or crushed stone underneath the floor to aid drainage.
• Perforated drain pipes - Plastic pipes with holes that divert excess water.

Proper slope is also key. A 2% grade or slope allows efficient water runoff without being slippery underfoot. Consider hiring a professional if drainage poses an issue.

Step 2: Evaluate Slip Resistance

An outdoor shower floor needs to drain well, but also provide adequate traction when wet. A slippery shower floor can lead to falls and injuries.

Traction Tips

Look for outdoor shower floor materials with textured surfaces. Small bumps, grooves, or stone patterns improve grip when floors are wet from shower spray.

If using tile, opt for larger grout lines and space tiles slightly apart. This allows water to drain through the gaps instead of pooling on the tile surface.

On concrete, ask for a "broom finish" during pouring/installation. This gives the concrete a lightly textured profile for better traction.

Best Materials for Wet Footing

Natural stone like bluestone provides excellent slip resistance, even when wet. The textured surface and porosity allow drainage while preventing slides.

Concrete can also be formulated with grip-boosting particles like silicon carbide sprinkled on top. This adds traction without compromising the sleek look.

Wood planks with gaps between them drain well while providing sure footing when spaced correctly. Ipe, cedar, and redwood offer stability.

Avoid Slippery Surfaces

Steer clear of highly polished, super smooth materials like glass, porcelain, or granite tiles. They offer little traction when wet.

Likewise, vinyl is slippery, shows damage easily, and retains heat from the sun. Save it for indoor spaces only.

Step 3: Consider Maintenance Needs

The amount of upkeep your outdoor shower floor requires also depends on material choice. Opt for low maintenance floors when possible.

Low Maintenance Materials

Poured concrete requires almost no maintenance, beyond an occasional power wash. It won't rot or degrade from water exposure.

Composite lumber or synthetic decking materials resist moisture damage. Brands like Trex are mold and mildew resistant.

Plastic, resin, or poured polymer tiles need hardly any maintenance. Just mild soap and water keeps them looking fresh.

High Maintenance Materials

Unfinished wood demands the most maintenance. Regular sealing and re-staining is needed to prevent splitting and premature rotting.

Natural stone like granite requires diligent sealing every 1-2 years. Without sealing, stains can occur and discolor the stone over time.

Bamboo, while eco-friendly, can easily warp, crack, or grow mildew if not properly finished and maintained.

Maintenance Tips

For wood floors, inspect sealant every 6 months and reapply as needed. For stone, re-seal with a penetrating sealer annually.

All floors benefit from occasional thorough cleaning. Use a pressure washer on concrete or wood annually to remove grime buildup.

Repair cracked grout or sealant lines as soon as damage occurs to prevent moisture intrusion.

Step 4: Choose Aesthetics

Beyond function, choose outdoor shower flooring that complements your design style. Mix and match materials for visual interest.

Natural wood brings a charming, rustic look well-suited for cabins or lakehouses. Varieties like cedar and ipe add beautiful grain patterns.

For a sleek, modern feel, opt for concrete, glass tile, or porcelain. These surfaces looks polished and elegant.

Bluestone, pebble mosaic tiles, and greenery create a natural vibe perfect for gardens or Mediterranean baths.

Feel free to get creative and combine materials like stone, wood, and greenery for an eclectic look. Add Outdoor rugs for visual softness and comfort underfoot.

Design Inspiration

Think about the mood or theme you want to evoke, and select materials aligned with that aesthetic:

• Walk-in beach shower with seashell tile inlays and driftwood
• Asian spa style with bamboo, river rock, and tropical plants
• Minimalist concrete and steel pipes for an industrial vibe
• Mediterranean style with ceramic mosaic flooring and olive trees
• Tropical theme with greenery, fruitwood, and vibrant colors

Step 5: Determine Your Budget

Cost is often a deciding factor in flooring choice. Measure your shower footprint and get quotes for different material options.

Cost Estimates by Material

• Concrete: $3-9 per square foot
• Wood: $9-15 per square foot
• Tile: $10-25 per square foot
• Stone: $15-30 per square foot

Labor, site grading, drainage work, and accessories will also impact the final price. Shop around for best pricing from contractors.

Ways to Save

Opt for a smaller shower footprint to reduce material costs. Or choose concrete instead of pricier natural stone.

Doing prep work like demolition, digging, and hauling debris yourself cuts labor fees. Finish work like sealing and staining can also be DIY.

Use less expensive wood varieties like cedar versus rich hardwoods. And consider porcelain or ceramic tiles instead of granite slab.

Choosing the optimal outdoor shower floor involves assessing drainage, slip resistance, maintenance, aesthetics and budget. Keep these 5 steps in mind when designing your dream shower retreat.

Focus first on functional factors like proper drainage and textured surfaces for safety. Then choose materials that suit your design style and budget.

The right flooring can make your outdoor shower a relaxing place. Contact us if you need help bringing your ideas to life with custom design and build expertise.