Waterproof a Wood Shower Enclosure for Outdoor Luxury
Imagine stepping out of your back door and into a relaxing, spa-like shower nestled privately into your backyard landscape. A wood shower enclosure offers the warmth and aesthetic of natural materials while creating an indulgent outdoor oasis. With some strategic waterproofing and protective finishes, your wood shower can withstand the elements in style.
Crafting a wood shower enclosure for the outdoors does require forethought and diligence to ensure that all vulnerable areas stay sealed from moisture. But the result is a shower space that truly connects you to nature and provides a little getaway right at home. Read on as we cover everything involved in properly preparing and caring for a luxury wood shower outdoors.
Choosing the Best Wood for Durability
The first step when building a wood shower enclosure outside is selecting lumber that can stand up to the weather. Not all woods are created equal when it comes to water-resistance and longevity.
Cedar, redwood, and teak have natural oils that make them rot-resistant. Redwood is exceptionally hardy and beautiful with its reddish hue. Cedar has a pleasing aroma and tends to withstand insects. Teak has a higher upfront cost but ages gracefully to a stately gray. Another wood type to consider is pressure-treated pine. While not naturally as durable, the treatment helps protect the pine from moisture damage and decay.
Factor In Maintenance when Selecting Wood
Keep in mind that any wood in an outdoor application will need some level of regular maintenance. This includes inspecting for damage, reapplying protective sealants, and cleaning. Teak, cedar, and redwood have longer lifespans before replacement is needed. Pressure-treated pine requires the most frequent upkeep to remain intact.
No matter which wood you select, applying water-repellent finishes and allowing the lumber to properly dry before installation are vital preventative steps.
Sourcing Environmentally-Responsible Materials
You can make eco-friendly choices when shopping for your woods as well. Opt for FSC-certified (Forest Stewardship Council) lumber from responsible forestry companies. Also consider locally available reclaimed woods which give new life to materials that were otherwise discarded.
Keep in mind that even though wood seems like a natural choice, transportation methods and distances still impact its carbon footprint. So try to choose wood sourced closest to where your project is located.
Incorporating Style into the Design
One of the most appealing aspects of building a luxury wood shower outdoors is the ability to showcase beautiful, natural wood textures while crafting a setting that's tailored to your tastes.
Channel a tropical aesthetic with bamboo-style slat walls and benches. Or create a rustic farmhouse look with cedar board and batten siding paired with a stone tile floor. For a contemporary vibe, charred shou sugi ban wood lends drama against crisp white panels.
Customize with Size, Features, and Accessories
Consider the dimensions of your space and how you'll use the shower when designing the layout. Do you hope to enjoy aromatherapy baths outdoors? Shelving to hold essential oil diffusers can help enhance the experience. Will you need space to store multiple towels and robes? Built-in storage keeps items tidy yet handy.
Don't forget about the ceiling height, lighting, and entryway options too. A roofline peak grants head clearance while recessed lighting sets a cozy mood. A wraparound curtain, glass door, or custom gate maintains privacy and seals in warmth while showering.
Maximize Relaxation with Thoughtful Touches
Picture how serene it will feel to have rainfall showerheads streaming from above while you gaze out at flowers and greenery. Radiant floor heating keeps bare feet blissfully warm even on chilly mornings. Essential oil-infused steam drifting through the air adds pure aromatherapy. The right details make all the difference in crafting a soul-soothing oasis using wood's natural beauty as the backdrop.
Waterproofing a Wood Shower Enclosure
The most crucial construction step with an outdoor wood shower is waterproofing. Moisture causes wood to expand, warp, and rot over time. Thoroughly sealing the enclosure preserves the beauty of the wood while preventing leaks and structural issues.
Applying Protective Sealants
Special water-repellent sealants for wood add the first layer of defense. Marine spar varnish resists water absorption while allowing the gorgeous wood grain to show. Multiple coats of polyurethane form a protective barrier. Penetrating epoxy soaks into the wood for all-weather durability.
Use sealants made specifically for outdoor wood that remain flexible to handle expansion and contraction from temperature changes. Always let wood pieces dry fully before applying any protective finishes.
Utilizing Waterproof Backings
Underlayments behind wood walls supply another barrier against moisture infiltration. PVC shower wall panels snap into place after the framing is complete. Cement backerboards get adhered prior to laying tile. These waterproof layers keep liquid out of the vulnerable shower walls.
It's smart to install flashing around joints where water could easily seep behind siding. Proper roof overhangs and drainage slopes prevent heavy rainfall from pooling on flat surfaces.
Ensuring Adequate Ventilation
While vital for containing water, you don't want an air-tight enclosure around the shower. Enough airflow prevents humidity and condensation from causing issues over time. Leave ventilation gaps between some wood boards rather than butting pieces tightly edge-to-edge.
Vents cut into gable walls or the attic space also allow continual fresh air circulation. This relieves moisture buildup and lets wooden pieces expand and contract without distortion or decay.