Outhouses

The old outhouse has almost become a thing of the past, but there are some places where the outdoor privy is still a necessity. In some places, in fact, a few old outhouses have been restored to former glory and are considered heritage sites. Privies in the 19th century were generally unattractive, smelly and often quite unsanitary. Outhouse toilets were usually well back of the house, and if at all possible, concealed. Today, however, with modern sanitation devices and products, the outhouse need not be as odiferous as its predecessors. Some people have actually restored ancient out houses – though not for the use for which they were originally constructed – and made them centerpieces of backyard gardens, often functioning as tool or garden sheds. Many people like to decorate with outhouse pictures. They consider it fun to incorporate outhouse home décor into their houses.

If you are going to build a privy behind a cabin or cottage, first check with the local county administration for bylaws regarding such construction. Select the location of the out house carefully. Properly built and maintained outhouses are not as bad smelling as in the old days, so you don’t necessarily have to put it far from the house. Remember, people might have to go out there on cold, dark nights. You can find all the materials you need to build an outhouse at your local building supply centre. Most outhouses are built of wood, but brick is also popular, especially if you want the outhouse to last for a long time. Synthetic building materials can also be used. The building supply centre should be able to provide you with outhouse blueprints and outhouse plans. If you are buying building materials, the building supply centre might let you have free outhouse plans.

You can build a single seater or a two seater. Or you can put in a chrome or porcelain toilet. Many people will install a side urinal, down low for small boys. Depending on the type of outhouse interior you want, there are a variety of seats and seat covers available.

Outhouse décor has changed since the old days, too. Your outhouse can have a strictly utilitarian look to it if you want, but you can also have fun making it look attractive. You can even have the traditional half moon in the door, and an old catalogue inside on the floor, just like your great grandfather had.