An outhouse is basically an open-air toilet. It consists of an excavated moat on which an enclosure is built. Latrines have evolved from the terrible hole in the ground around which an enclosure was built. However, many people will find a need for a latrine. For example: Going to an area that doesn’t have the luxury of an indoor plumbing system or even having an isolated hut set up somewhere or at campsites can mean it’s inexpensive and realistic to build your personal latrine. This guide will give someone with basic structural knowledge how to follow step-by-step instructions to build an outhouse.
Planning for the construction of the latrine:
You will need the following:
shovel
measuring tape
choose the right point
A latrine is required to be constructed 300 feet or more from water or running water supplies (rivers, lakes, springs, etc.). It should also be a low-traffic place for people.
dig the hole
The average pit size is a square about 2 feet wide and about 5 feet deep. Shovel the hole to these specifications and check the depth with the tape measure as you dig.
Building the latrine:
Tools and materials needed
2×4″ stock
4×4″ corner post
1 × 4″ stock
Nails (nail gun cartridges)
screws
Roofing paper and tiles
PVC pipe and flange
Hammer (nail gun)
circular saw/table saw
Level
measuring tape
paper/pencil
Instructions to build the latrine
Step One – Build the Footers and Frames
The shed will have three horizontal ribs: one at the base, the second at the seating system, and the third at the roof. Build the frames and nail them together.
Use the 2×4 as the feet that the outhouse will stand on.
Step Two: Posts
Use the 4 4×4 corner posts to finish the outside frame of the box. Drill and screw the frames to the corner brackets.
Step Three: Seating
The searing rib will sit about 14″ off the ground. The seat hole should be rectangular and 8-10″ wide and 18-20″ long.
Cut out and fit the boards for the seats and then attach them to the frame rib, then fit the seat.
Step Four: Walls
If the toilet is to be used seasonally, an alternative is to use a canvas wall and attach it to the frame with a roof line. In this way it can be easily taken and transported.
For wood walls, use 2×4 boards nailed to three sides of the frame. The side that is left open will be used for the door that will be built next.
Step Five: Roof and Door
The latrines will not require much roof support. Measure and notch the bottom of the roof support beams, then attach more 2x4s to the top.
For the door, make a Z frame and lay light wood on the outside.
Install vertical boards between top frame and base frame. Attach this to the open side of the outhouse using hinges.
Tip and Warning:
1) If you are building an outhouse in your backyard (for a carpentry project), be sure to check your local building codes and licenses. If construction is for actual use, check with local land agencies to make sure there are no water sources nearby.