how do you build a modern outhouse

How deep do you have to dig an outhouse?

For the pit outhouse, dig an excavation that measures 3 1/2 feet x 3 1/2 feet and is five feet deep. This hole may later be cribbed in, but the cribbing is not absolutely essential. A properly managed privy is at least as healthful for people and land as a septic system and is far more than a place to evacuate waste.

How is an outhouse constructed?

Building the Outhouse These setups involve simply digging a hole in the ground, then covering it over with dirt when it starts to get full. The droppings are free to harbor dangerous microbes, attract pestilent insects, and gradually contaminate groundwater.

Why are there 2 holes in an outhouse?

To avoid the odor reaching the home, most outhouses were built between 50 and 150 feet from the main house, often facing away from the house. They had either one or two chamber holes inside — one for the adults and a smaller one for the children.

What works best in a outhouse for decomposing waste?

Sawdust for the outhouse: After using the outhouse sprinkle a thin layer of sawdust. That will reduce the odor and still decompose. Cedar shavings work even better and may provide a more pleasant smell. In a remote area if sawdust or wood shavings are not available, even dry leaves may help reduce odors.

What is a good size for an outhouse?

4 feet (1.2 m) x 5 feet (1.5 m) seems to work well for a two-seater. Make sure the walls of the hole are even, this will be important for creating the foundation. You'll need a bigger hole if you want more than one seat in the outhouse.

How do you ventilate an outhouse?

Proper venting is critical to an odor-free outhouse. Vent the pit through the seat board with a flue at least 7 square inches in area. Extend it at least 12 inches above roof level. The vent must be flush with the underside of the seat board and not extend down into the pit.

What happens to the poop in outhouses?

An outhouse often provides the shelter for a pit latrine, which collects human feces in a hole in the ground. When properly built and maintained they can decrease the spread of disease by reducing the amount of human feces in the environment from open defecation.

What keeps smell down in an outhouse?

lime, which has long been used to neutralize outhouse odors, as well as ward away flies. Do not get lime on the seat, as it will cause skin burns; sawdust. A thin layer of sawdust can be sprinkled after use.

Why did we stop using outhouses?

Public health concerns led to the demise of urban outhouses ahead of their country neighbors. In more rural areas, the outhouse was typically located out of sight of the dwelling it served and away from water sources that might become contaminated.

How do you dispose of human feces?

The disposal of human faeces must be carried out carefully and hygienically by licensed human waste removal companies such as Safe Site Security Solutions, and a site thoroughly cleaned afterwards to ensure the complete removal of any remaining harmful bacteria.

How long does outhouse hole last?

With a traditional pit toilet, you cover the hole and move to a new location. It's simple and effective. A hole that's three feet wide and five feet deep will last five years for a family of six.

What will break down human waste?

chemical that dissolves human feces Caustic soda (sodium hydroxide) is a stable but corrosive chemical with a pH of 13.5. Since this substance is hygroscopic, it captures the humidity from the environment, quickly degrades and eliminates organic matter, including poop, and successfully unblocks sewage pipes.

How did they keep outhouse from smelling?

lime, which has long been used to neutralize outhouse odors, as well as ward away flies. Do not get lime on the seat, as it will cause skin burns; sawdust. A thin layer of sawdust can be sprinkled after use.

What is the difference between an outhouse and a porta potty?

An outhouse is a small building located away from the main building. It cannot be moved. A porta-potty is a portable restroom that can be delivered for special events or projects and removed when it's no longer needed.

Can you put a toilet in an outhouse?

Now that we've cleared that up, then, yes: you can use an outhouse-sized building on the cottage property to house a flush toilet. It's just not a common strategy; most people upgrade to an alternative toilet. (Psst: there are many good options available these days.)

How much does it cost to have an outhouse installed?

The cost to build an outhouse is $1,500 to $5,000. Options with a composting toilet system run the most.

What is an outhouse in the old west?

Image source: Cowboysindians.com. In the minds of many Americans, outhouses are a symbol of the old west, an antique concept that predates electricity and running water, and a commodity that, for most, is long forgotten. Unless, of course, you are one of the lucky few who understands the benefits and has come to love taking a walk outside.

What is rustic outhouse?

Depending on how much time you plan to spend building your outhouse, this unique design adds more personal space than the average outhouse while nearly masking its identity. The rustic design is suitable for its purpose, and the exterior plants and flowers help to mask any unpleasant odors that may surround the structure.

How far away should you dig an outhouse?

Make sure that it is 50 to 150 feet from your home to avoid any unpleasant smells, unless you can regularly discard wood chips and fireplace ash down the hole to mask odors. Next, make sure that it is downhill and away from any underground water system that you may have in place, as this avoids toxic contamination and keeps your water source clean. Due to the dangerous build-up of methane gas that accumulates in outhouses, especially those with no windows or air spaces, always make sure to incorporate a vent from the pit chamber to outside, which will reduce odors and keep you safe. Lastly, common depth when digging a hole for the facility is about eight feet, but if you live in a state where temperatures reach below freezing, it is advisable to dig just below the frost line for proper decomposition.

What are the symbols of an outhouse?

During that era, many people were illiterate, so with the emergence of his and her outhouses, symbols were added. The sun or stars represented men’s rooms, while the half crescent moon was reserved for women. Over the years, either because men use or maintain the facility less frequently, it was women who kept outhouses clean and in working order, leaving the crescent moon as the only remaining and identifying symbol for outhouses to this day. While the structure has seen everything from the introduction of toilet paper to heating and insulation, standard outhouses still have the same basic features that they did hundreds of years ago — except now, they can be design masterpieces and personal works of art.

Do outhouses have the same features?

While the structure has seen everything from the introduction of toilet paper to heating and insulation, standard outhouses still have the same basic features that they did hundreds of years ago — except now, they can be design masterpieces and personal works of art.

Do outhouses have a rain roof?

Various Outhouses. Although this (right) may seem like an average, not everyone incorporates a window and a rain roof. If you live in a wet climate, the benefits of ventilation from a window may help reduce mold, while the roof is a nice touch, both aesthetically as well as for protection in the rainy seasons.

Can you make an outhouse out of a spherical door?

One of the strangest designs we have found, the spherical outhouse may be difficult to build and require a few extra trips to the hardware store, but if you are looking for unique, one-of-a-kind outhouses that guests will be excited about using, try finding some plans online for this project. The door may be a bit tricky, but you can always design your own and make it work for your purposes.

Step 1: Building the Floor

I studded in a 8 by 8 floor with pressure treated 2 by 8s and in between the studs i mounted the black water tank from the camper .

Step 3: Walls and Studs

I studded up 8 foot walls , Installed 1 of the 2 doors which came from the camper.

Step 4: Roof

I cut studs for the 5/12 pitch roof. Instead of plywood i used 1 by 6 ship lap boards which you will see on the inside pictures how nice it looks. I used Cheap black 3 tab shingles.

Step 5: Windows

I used 2 of the windows from the camper. 1 on each side of the outhouse.

Step 7: Shower

I installed the shower in the same orientation as it was in the camper.

Step 8: Closet

I made a 2 by 2 foot closet.The double doors are mirrored from the camper.

Step 9: Ceiling

Here is the inside of the ceiling with the smooth side down of the ship lap boards showing.

How to make an outhouse out of wood?

One way is to wrap a wooden structure (like a box) in tar paper and place it in the hole. This will keep out the moisture. Once the box is in, level the ground around the hole and create a foundation of treated wood around the hole. This will be the structure on which you build your floor and your outhouse structure.

What is an outhouse?

An outhouse can be a great addition to any rustic home. There are many different kinds of outhouses and ways to make them, but these steps are a good place to start learning about how to build one! They can be handy composting devices and aren't too hard to make. Steps.

How to dig out a refuse hole?

You may have to dig the refuse out of the hole. To do this you'll need to dismantle the seat and use a manual post-hole auger or digger to remove the contents below. If you don't have an auger you can use a shovel, but the auger is the best tool and if you're going to have an outhouse is something that you should invest in.

What is a portable skid foundation?

A portable "skid foundation" built from pressure-treated timber allows you to move the outhouse as needed, or even attach it to a trailer.

How big of a hole do you need for an outhouse?

Screw and nail the plywood floor onto this. Build the structure of the outhouse. You'll need to use at least 6 inch (15.2 cm) by 6 inch (15.2 cm) timbers in framing the hole. The amount of timbers, their length and width will be determinate on the size of your chosen outhouse.

How far away from water source should you bury a refuse dump?

Once you've raked it out, you will need to bury it somewhere on the property at least 30 feet (9.1 m) away from a water source or runoff.

Why is it important to clean outhouses?

Clean the outhouse. This is an important job, because it helps keep the area from contamination. If you've been using the wood ashes method outlined above the refuse should resemble something you'd put on your garden and shouldn't be too difficult or disgusting to handle.

What do you need to know before building an outhouse?

Before you build an outhouse, you need to check with your local government. There are a lot of rules regarding any kind of waste system. This outhouse included a washing station.

How to make an outhouse out of a cube?

Keep the sides as straight down as you can. Try to make the hole as much of a cube as you can. If the outhouse is going to get constant use, dig the hole deeper . Using 4 x 4 posts, make a rectangle that is eight feet long and four feet wide.

How close can you put an outhouse to water?

There are a lot of regulations about how close you can put an outhouse to water and to your lot line so check with authorities before choosing your site. Put a stake into the ground and then make a square with three other stakes so that they create a square that is three feet by three feet. Using the stakes as a guideline, dig a hole three feet ...

Why did I make the overhang on one side of the outhouse longer?

This is because I would be putting a wash station on that side of the outhouse and wanted protection from the rain while washing up.

How far away was the outhouse from the backdoor?

When I was little I remember we had an outhouse on the farm. It was about 20 to 30 meters away from the backdoor. It was also the only luxury of that kind in the yard. We called it a Long-Drop. At night it took me few minutes to get there in the dark but only few second to get back in the house. haha

How to make a seat for a scuba diver?

To make the seat, cut a piece of 3/4 inch plywood or other stock 18 x 48 inches. This will be the upright part of the seat. Nail it onto the stud. You will have to notch out the bottom plate. Make sure that the inside of this upright piece sits exactly even with the inside of the 2 x 4 underneath it.

How to cover up unfinished edges of a wall?

For the corners, run a piece of 1 x 3 board from the bottom to the top to cover up the unfinished edge. Cut out a rectangle of about 14 inches by 10 inches on both side walls.

How do I install rafters on an outhouse?

I fitted the 2×2 rafters to the top of the outhouse frame. Align the rafters so you get a more generous overhang to the front. Drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock the rafters into place tightly.

How deep do you need to dig for an outhouse?

As you can see in the image, you also need to dig the 2-3′ deep hole for the outhouse. Considering this will be a temporarily outhouse, I decided not to pour concrete or to fit a plastic barrel. However, if you plan on using the outhouse for a larger period of time, I really suggest you document on the subject and to choose the right solution for your needs.

How do I secure a door to the front wall?

I fitted the door to the opening and use hinges to secure it to the front wall frame. Everything went smoothly, as I let gaps on all side of the door. I also installed the latch and the corner brackets to enhance the rigidity of the door.

How to make curved cuts?

Use a jigsaw to make the curved cuts and then smooth the edges with a sander.

How to check if a frame is horizontal?

Use a spirit level to check if the base frame is horizontal on all directions. Align the base over the hole and then attach the boards into place. Drill pilot holes and insert the screws to lock the slats into place.

What is a Lincoln Logs outhouse?

The Lincoln Logs Outhouse. This outhouse is a gorgeous idea for an outdoor restroom. Unfortunately, there aren’t any plans to accompany it. However, I personally like it a great deal because it reminds me of the childhood toys Lincoln Logs.

Why is Instructables so popular?

Instructables is a great site because it allows regular people to share the ideas they’ve come up with and give details on how you can duplicate the process.

Is an outhouse cheap?

However, it’s fully functional and appears to be inexpensive to build as well. The tutorial can help you get an outhouse up and going in no time flat.

Can you use an outhouse as an outhouse?

But they also walk you through a few alternatives for a more modern outhouse. This can include adding shingles or not using the outhouse as an outhouse at all.

Is an outhouse a good addition to a house?

If you’re looking for a simple but practical outhouse, check out these plans. It still appears it would be a nice addition to most properties.

Can you use wood for an outdoor bathroom?

However, this should inspire you to use any wood you have around you to build a small structure for an outdoor bathroom. It could turn out quite beautiful.

Do outhouses have to be flashy?

Therefore, keep in mind, not all outhouses have to be flashy. They only must function.

How to build a simple outhouse?

How to Build the Simplest Outhouse / Latrine. Select the outhouse location: at least 50 feet, preferably 100 feet from drinking water sources such as wells, lakes, or streams. The outhouse location should also be on a higher spot of ground so that during rainy weather the pit will not be filled with surface runoff.

Why should an outhouse be on a higher spot?

The outhouse location should also be on a higher spot of ground so that during rainy weather the pit will not be filled with surface runoff. If you don't have a high ground location you should at least construct a berm of soil to keep surface runoff from entering the outhouse pit.

How deep should a latrine be?

The latrine or outhouse pit should be located at least 100 yards (90 meters) downwind (prevailing wind) and down gradient from the unit food service facility and at least 100 feet (30 meters) from any unit ground water source. Dig a hole six feet deep.

What is a privy outhouse?

A privy or outhouse is a toilet located outside of a house or other occupied building. Historically a privy was a small wood structure ...

Why hang flypaper in an outhouse?

Some folks hang flypaper inside the outhouse pit to reduce the fly problem further. Lime may also absorb some portion of liquids (urine) and may pick up moisture from the air, aiding in waste decomposition. More about the types of lime used in outhouses is below at Details About the Types of Lime Used in Outhouses.

How deep should an outhouse pit be?

Otherwise in winter the waste may simply freeze and decomposition won't occur. Digging the pit to an eight-foot depth is common practice.

What to use to reduce odor in outhouse?

Sawdust for the outhouse: After using the outhouse sprinkle a thin layer of sawdust. That will reduce the odor and still decompose. Cedar shavings work even better and may provide a more pleasant smell. In a remote area if sawdust or wood shavings are not available, even dry leaves may help reduce odors.