Research local code for the minimum distance between septic sources and water sources, plus any other restrictions on size or depth.
Know the weather in your area. A screen fronted outhouse is fine for most summers, but won’t do you much good in an Alaska winter. {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/thumb/e/e2/Make-an-Outhouse-Step-2Bullet1. jpg/v4-460px-Make-an-Outhouse-Step-2Bullet1. jpg”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/e/e2/Make-an-Outhouse-Step-2Bullet1. jpg/aid1129259-v4-728px-Make-an-Outhouse-Step-2Bullet1. jpg",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:345,“bigWidth”:728,“bigHeight”:546,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">
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<br />\n</p></div>"} Consider who will be using the privy. For instance, if a parent has to accompany a child, make sure that there is room to accommodate them. {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/thumb/0/01/Make-an-Outhouse-Step-2Bullet2. jpg/v4-460px-Make-an-Outhouse-Step-2Bullet2. jpg”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/0/01/Make-an-Outhouse-Step-2Bullet2. jpg/aid1129259-v4-728px-Make-an-Outhouse-Step-2Bullet2. jpg",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:306,“bigWidth”:728,“bigHeight”:485,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">
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<br />\n</p></div>"} While most outhouses are rectangular in shape, they can vary in comfort and size. They can either simply have a hole in the floor of the outhouse over which one squats, or they can have an actual seat to sit upon. All outhouses should have some form of ventilation and preferably something with which to wipe. Building a shelf in the outhouse can provide a place for toilet paper and a few magazines and hand sanitizers. It’s a good opportunity to get creative! {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/thumb/d/de/Make-an-Outhouse-Step-2Bullet3. jpg/v4-460px-Make-an-Outhouse-Step-2Bullet3. jpg”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/d/de/Make-an-Outhouse-Step-2Bullet3. jpg/aid1129259-v4-728px-Make-an-Outhouse-Step-2Bullet3. jpg",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:306,“bigWidth”:728,“bigHeight”:485,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">
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Make sure the walls of the hole are even, this will be important for creating the foundation. {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/thumb/d/df/Make-an-Outhouse-Step-3Bullet1. jpg/v4-460px-Make-an-Outhouse-Step-3Bullet1. jpg”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/d/df/Make-an-Outhouse-Step-3Bullet1. jpg/aid1129259-v4-728px-Make-an-Outhouse-Step-3Bullet1. jpg",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:345,“bigWidth”:728,“bigHeight”:546,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">
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<br />\n</p></div>"} You’ll need a bigger hole if you want more than one seat in the outhouse. {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/thumb/d/db/Make-an-Outhouse-Step-3Bullet2. jpg/v4-460px-Make-an-Outhouse-Step-3Bullet2. jpg”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/d/db/Make-an-Outhouse-Step-3Bullet2. jpg/aid1129259-v4-728px-Make-an-Outhouse-Step-3Bullet2. jpg",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:345,“bigWidth”:728,“bigHeight”:546,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">
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<br />\n</p></div>"} Make sure you consider where your water source is and what your area’s laws are on outhouses. {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/thumb/e/ef/Make-an-Outhouse-Step-3Bullet3. jpg/v4-460px-Make-an-Outhouse-Step-3Bullet3. jpg”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/e/ef/Make-an-Outhouse-Step-3Bullet3. jpg/aid1129259-v4-728px-Make-an-Outhouse-Step-3Bullet3. jpg",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:345,“bigWidth”:728,“bigHeight”:546,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">
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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. {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/thumb/6/65/Make-an-Outhouse-Step-4Bullet1. jpg/v4-460px-Make-an-Outhouse-Step-4Bullet1. jpg”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/6/65/Make-an-Outhouse-Step-4Bullet1. jpg/aid1129259-v4-728px-Make-an-Outhouse-Step-4Bullet1. jpg",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:345,“bigWidth”:728,“bigHeight”:546,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">
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<br />\n</p></div>"} You can purchase a precast concrete vault, or, if you have some building experience, pour a 4 inches (10. 2 cm) thick concrete ring between wooden forms. Reinforce the concrete with a steel rod with eye and anchor bolts. A complete concrete pit with form boards removed can be pumped out by a septic service. {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/thumb/1/1f/Make-an-Outhouse-Step-4Bullet2. jpg/v4-460px-Make-an-Outhouse-Step-4Bullet2. jpg”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/1/1f/Make-an-Outhouse-Step-4Bullet2. jpg/aid1129259-v4-728px-Make-an-Outhouse-Step-4Bullet2. jpg",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:345,“bigWidth”:728,“bigHeight”:546,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">
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<br />\n</p></div>"} A portable “skid foundation” built from pressure-treated timber allows you to move the outhouse as needed, or even attach it to a trailer. [1] X Research source
Use pressure-treated timbers or untreated hemlock, which has a natural resistance to decay. If you reuse old railroad ties, be aware that they may contain creosote, which requires special handling and disposal. [2] X Trustworthy Source United States Environmental Protection Agency Independent U. S. government agency responsible for promoting safe environmental practices Go to source {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/thumb/7/77/Make-an-Outhouse-Step-5Bullet1. jpg/v4-460px-Make-an-Outhouse-Step-5Bullet1. jpg”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/7/77/Make-an-Outhouse-Step-5Bullet1. jpg/aid1129259-v4-728px-Make-an-Outhouse-Step-5Bullet1. jpg",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:345,“bigWidth”:728,“bigHeight”:546,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">
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<br />\n</p></div>"} If you do use pressure-treated timbers remember to treat the cut ends with a preservative. {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/thumb/6/69/Make-an-Outhouse-Step-5Bullet2. jpg/v4-460px-Make-an-Outhouse-Step-5Bullet2. jpg”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/6/69/Make-an-Outhouse-Step-5Bullet2. jpg/aid1129259-v4-728px-Make-an-Outhouse-Step-5Bullet2. jpg",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:345,“bigWidth”:728,“bigHeight”:546,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">
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<br />\n</p></div>"} Build the floor out of two or three plywood sheets, nailed together and nailed to the frame. Use plywood thick enough to hold people’s weight (meeting subfloor specifications). Make sure you cut out a rectangular section for the privy seat! {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/thumb/1/1e/Make-an-Outhouse-Step-5Bullet3. jpg/v4-460px-Make-an-Outhouse-Step-5Bullet3. jpg”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/1/1e/Make-an-Outhouse-Step-5Bullet3. jpg/aid1129259-v4-728px-Make-an-Outhouse-Step-5Bullet3. jpg",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:345,“bigWidth”:728,“bigHeight”:546,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">
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<br />\n</p></div>"} Install sub-framing to support the plywood floor, spanning across the frame. Screw and nail the plywood floor onto this.
For a strong corner remember to nail not only the outside corners together, but to also nail through the outer frame corner into the inner frame. You can also use long lag bolts. These require pre-drilled holes using an appropriately sized drill bit. {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/thumb/2/22/Make-an-Outhouse-Step-6Bullet1. jpg/v4-460px-Make-an-Outhouse-Step-6Bullet1. jpg”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/2/22/Make-an-Outhouse-Step-6Bullet1. jpg/aid1129259-v4-728px-Make-an-Outhouse-Step-6Bullet1. jpg",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:345,“bigWidth”:728,“bigHeight”:546,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">
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<br />\n</p></div>"} The cheapest and easiest way of building the walls is to use 2 x 4 lumber and cover it with plywood panels to make a fast, easy structure. {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/thumb/8/8c/Make-an-Outhouse-Step-6Bullet2. jpg/v4-460px-Make-an-Outhouse-Step-6Bullet2. jpg”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/8/8c/Make-an-Outhouse-Step-6Bullet2. jpg/aid1129259-v4-728px-Make-an-Outhouse-Step-6Bullet2. jpg",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:345,“bigWidth”:728,“bigHeight”:546,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">
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<br />\n</p></div>"} For a more expensive but more solid outhouse, you can build thicker walls and add a diagonal brace. If you live in a cold place and intend on using the outhouse year round, you may want to consider insulation and/or electrical installation for heat and light. {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/thumb/6/67/Make-an-Outhouse-Step-6Bullet3. jpg/v4-460px-Make-an-Outhouse-Step-6Bullet3. jpg”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/6/67/Make-an-Outhouse-Step-6Bullet3. jpg/aid1129259-v4-728px-Make-an-Outhouse-Step-6Bullet3. jpg",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:345,“bigWidth”:728,“bigHeight”:546,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">
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<br />\n</p></div>"} Secure the walls to the floor. Apply construction glue to the underside of the bottom plate to seal the walls to the foundation before nailing or screwing them down. {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/thumb/0/01/Make-an-Outhouse-Step-6Bullet4. jpg/v4-460px-Make-an-Outhouse-Step-6Bullet4. jpg”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/0/01/Make-an-Outhouse-Step-6Bullet4. jpg/aid1129259-v4-728px-Make-an-Outhouse-Step-6Bullet4. jpg",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:345,“bigWidth”:728,“bigHeight”:546,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">
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A lip over the front of the outhouse offers a little protection against rain when leaving the outhouse. {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/thumb/e/ec/Make-an-Outhouse-Step-7Bullet1. jpg/v4-460px-Make-an-Outhouse-Step-7Bullet1. jpg”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/e/ec/Make-an-Outhouse-Step-7Bullet1. jpg/aid1129259-v4-728px-Make-an-Outhouse-Step-7Bullet1. jpg",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:345,“bigWidth”:728,“bigHeight”:546,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">
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<br />\n</p></div>"} If you expect muddy conditions, place a sturdy, removable step or landing in front of the outhouse.
The height of the seat will depend on your needs. If you have a child, constructing a child seat can be useful in helping them use the outhouse. {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/thumb/a/a0/Make-an-Outhouse-Step-8Bullet1. jpg/v4-460px-Make-an-Outhouse-Step-8Bullet1. jpg”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/a/a0/Make-an-Outhouse-Step-8Bullet1. jpg/aid1129259-v4-728px-Make-an-Outhouse-Step-8Bullet1. jpg",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:345,“bigWidth”:728,“bigHeight”:546,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">
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Keep a small trash can with a lid in the outhouse to dispose of menstrual pads, tampons, and other objects that do not decompose easily. To help keep the pit clear, use biodegradable toilet paper or dispose of toilet paper in a covered trash can for later burning. {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/thumb/4/42/Make-an-Outhouse-Step-10Bullet1. jpg/v4-460px-Make-an-Outhouse-Step-10Bullet1. jpg”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/4/42/Make-an-Outhouse-Step-10Bullet1. jpg/aid1129259-v4-728px-Make-an-Outhouse-Step-10Bullet1. jpg",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:345,“bigWidth”:728,“bigHeight”:546,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">
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Some people have a space created at the back of the privy with a sort of gate which they can open and rake out the refuse. This often requires that an outhouse is built into a hillside, or on a high foundation. 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. {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/thumb/8/87/Make-an-Outhouse-Step-11Bullet1. jpg/v4-460px-Make-an-Outhouse-Step-11Bullet1. jpg”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/8/87/Make-an-Outhouse-Step-11Bullet1. jpg/aid1129259-v4-728px-Make-an-Outhouse-Step-11Bullet1. jpg",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:345,“bigWidth”:728,“bigHeight”:546,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">
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<br />\n</p></div>"} By this point the contents of the outhouse will be more like fertilizer than anything else and you can use them, but only if you’ve been following the composting toilet guidelines. {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/thumb/3/3e/Make-an-Outhouse-Step-11Bullet2. jpg/v4-460px-Make-an-Outhouse-Step-11Bullet2. jpg”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/3/3e/Make-an-Outhouse-Step-11Bullet2. jpg/aid1129259-v4-728px-Make-an-Outhouse-Step-11Bullet2. jpg",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:345,“bigWidth”:728,“bigHeight”:546,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">
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<br />\n</p></div>"} 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. {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/thumb/4/4a/Make-an-Outhouse-Step-11Bullet3. jpg/v4-460px-Make-an-Outhouse-Step-11Bullet3. jpg”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/4/4a/Make-an-Outhouse-Step-11Bullet3. jpg/aid1129259-v4-728px-Make-an-Outhouse-Step-11Bullet3. jpg",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:345,“bigWidth”:728,“bigHeight”:546,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">
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<br />\n</p></div>"} The third option is to dig a new hole for the outhouse. You’ll need to follow the directions above, but you already have the outhouse itself! {“smallUrl”:“https://www. wikihow. com/images/thumb/4/40/Make-an-Outhouse-Step-11Bullet4. jpg/v4-460px-Make-an-Outhouse-Step-11Bullet4. jpg”,“bigUrl”:"/images/thumb/4/40/Make-an-Outhouse-Step-11Bullet4. jpg/aid1129259-v4-728px-Make-an-Outhouse-Step-11Bullet4. jpg",“smallWidth”:460,“smallHeight”:345,“bigWidth”:728,“bigHeight”:546,“licensing”:"<div class="mw-parser-output">
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