How to build a simple Outhouse 

This week we did what we should have done before anything else. We desperately needed bathroom facilities so we decided to build a light weight moveable outhouse until we can get our septic system in.

[@mltndeal5120]

I live on the Navajo Reservation in Arizona i built an outhouse for a neighbor who came back from Phoenix after being in the Valley for 30 yrs and his aunt bought him a portable building and he lacked an outhouse (no building codes on the Rez). I just used some old usable boards. His relatives don't know how to build an outhouse but im using my outhouse building experience when i was a youngster. Im thinking ill put some vents near the ceiling and curigated metal on top. Maybe I'll cut out a half-moon on his outhouse door. And most definitely a coffee can to protect his toilet tissue from mice. Maybe put up a landing pad by the entrance...and solar powered lighting. Fly sticky tape. Some people on our rez still lack modern conveniences like running water. I've built many for people in our community.

[@hubcaps1990]

Don't forget some type of Landing Pad outside the door so you're not stepping in mud and bringing it in and out.

[@karlsoffthegrid1378]

Great advice thank you so much. Maybe I’ll put some decorative pavers down for a trail.I really appreciate your recommendation I will definitely do that

[@jamesshonk565]

Great build Karl. A vent pipe from the pit to above the roof will help with the smell and my grandpa always kept a bucket of lime in there with ya. The big boys put out there camels in there but it was mainly to throw a scoop in the pit to help with neutralizing the pee smell.

[@karlsoffthegrid1378]

Thank you so much for the great advice James. I was wondering if I should put a vent pipe in, it really would be hard to do.I appreciate your comment we can use all the advice we can get. Have a great week

[@jamesshonk565]

@@karlsoffthegrid1378 Have a great week. And God bless.

[@outhouseamericana3601]

I've built a good many of these since prior to the turn of the century and enjoy the pride that comes when someone builds it themselves. I'm experienced so I would have done it a bit differently but you did a good job and the main concerns were already stated in prior comments. Such as the need to vent the explosive gases. At my age I enjoy giving advice so it gets done right. There are very few of us professional kybo builders around and feel free to ask. It don't cost a thing and we can perpetuate an old craft. Once again, you done well.

[@karlsoffthegrid1378]

Thanks for the advice it’s greatly appreciated. I didn’t have any PVC at the cabin that week but eventually I put a vent. I still get quite a bit of humidity in the outhouse in the winter months, any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for watching

[@christiehuffman3823]

A themed outhouse😊hmmm well you wife already set the theme with the tractor seat outside as you wait on grandkids. So let's get some corncobs, sunflowers, and go with the farm theme with a cute skunk called "Stinky"😊

[@karlsoffthegrid1378]

I love it! I can picture it now, LOL. I’m sure will get a lot of giggles when “stinky“ makes his appearance.Take care Christie

[@jimscardino2603]

Oh Yeah Karl! 1st like on a great video! The hideout is becoming more complete!

[@karlsoffthegrid1378]

😂 Yes it is. You got me on that one I don’t know what to say, LOL. Have a great week Jim

[@coolgrandma4952]

Buy some scrap linoleum pieces and put it on the entire top area where you sit, and also down the front and the floor. That can be cleaned a lot easier than wood. Most kids and all males seem to have a problem hitting a toilet. No seams anywhere are important.

[@karlsoffthegrid1378]

That is awesome advice, thank you so much for sharing. Having those little boys can be a problem LOL. My wife agrees the linoleum trick is the way to go. Thanks for sharing the great info, have a great week

[@Thedaubertfamily]

Great job!! 👍🏼

[@karlsoffthegrid1378]

Thank you so much I really appreciate it!

[@chadh2330]

Great job

[@karlsoffthegrid1378]

Thank you! It’s greatly appreciated

[@Roadkillstew]

great lookin kaibo karl. awesome job. but i didnt see any toilet paper

[@karlsoffthegrid1378]

That could be a real problem! We will definitely have to get toilet paper in there, LOL. Stay safe, have a great week

[@Puddins58]

Nice job! I put a pvc pipe into the pit box then up 8’ and topped it with a turbine vent. Made a big difference in any odors.

[@karlsoffthegrid1378]

Thank you so much for the great advice I will definitely add the PVC pipe in the near future! Thanks for the help, have a great week

[@donr.navarrete5112]

Pretty cool, love the skylight roof

[@karlsoffthegrid1378]

Thanks Don😎

[@DebsWay]

Weeeellll, I'm glad to see that you are modernizing your cabin there but I would need at least an indoor composting toilet AND an indoor shower!! Those are my necessities! LOLOLOL...have a good one!

[@karlsoffthegrid1378]

My wife said the same thing. I am sure an indoor bath house and bathroom is not too far off in the future. Have a great week Deb

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

Jen would have that thing lit up like a christmas tree with solar lights......just so you can see it in the dark, so she would say. she might have solar light problem. LOL

[@joannak4640]

Jens a smart lady 😁❤️👍

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

@@joannak4640 Ha

[@karlsoffthegrid1378]

Jay that is so funny that you say that, my wife is the exact same way! The first thing she did after building the outhouse is she went out and bought solar lights 😂. Have a great week brother we’re in this together LOL

[@OffgridwithJayandJen]

We are two fortunate guys buddy. Joanna knows it too. Best wishes

[@joannak4640]

@@OffgridwithJayandJen ❤️😁❤️

[@Southpaw210]

I did the same ,I put a bathroom inside my cabin , composting, but I am going to install an outhouse hopefully this summer. Great video, looks great!

[@karlsoffthegrid1378]

Hopefully this will hold us over until we decide if we are going to put in septic or else just have a composting toilet in our upcoming bathhouse.I’ll be watching for your installation, have a great week

[@markpro96]

Nice Job Karl! Well built{ of course} and really like the roof! I hunted at a camp years ago that lined the seat with wool socks, worked well. Also, I currently hunt a camp that keeps a buddy heater inside. Whoever gets up first in the morning turns it on low for the camp. When we hit the woods it gets turned off. VERY cozy. Thanks for sharing and enjoy!

[@karlsoffthegrid1378]

Thanks Mark. We are going to hold off on the composting toilet and the bathhouse until construction materials come back down to a reasonable price. Things are just too expensive right now hopefully prices come down soon. Great advice with the heater I appreciate it. Have an awesome week my friend!

[@WanderingWiley]

Awesome job on the crapper Karl. Looks nice but you forgot the half moon cutout in the door, lol.

[@karlsoffthegrid1378]

I’m one step closer to preparing the place for your visit. I don’t know how I overlooked the half moon 🌙

[@davetackett14]

Solar lighting is great in one

[@karlsoffthegrid1378]

We are on our way for more solar lights, great advice! Have an awesome week

[@dano1956]

Looks good

[@karlsoffthegrid1378]

Thank you very much Dano!!

[@TonyGeneseo]

Awesome thunder box ! Great idea with the transparent roof too ! Definitely gotta have a skull with antlers somewhere on the door or above it and a shed or two on the walls for a coat to hang on the inside. And a mouse proof TP / magazine holder. One last idea : 3”/4” pvc pipe with elbow into holding chamber and up above roof like a chimney. Really good luck with that in the past for odor. Just an idea. Take care and have a great week Karl

[@karlsoffthegrid1378]

You are loaded with a bunch of great ideas I definitely appreciate hearing about them. I will definitely use the PVC piping in the near future! Thank you so much for your help it is truly appreciated. Have an awesome week my friend!

[@canyouseewhatisee3671]

Good morning 👍

[@karlsoffthegrid1378]

Good morning! Thanks for stopping by It’s greatly appreciated

[@FordDude66]

Building the outhouse was the way to go Karl. Much cheaper and easier than doing a septic system and better that dealing with a compost toilet. You could have a porta potty for the wife to use at night if needed. Have a great week. Todd from da U.P.

[@karlsoffthegrid1378]

You are absolutely correct. We did our homework and this was the cheapest way to go (excuse the pun) 😂.With building supplies being at an all time high we figured this would be our best option. We are going to be working on a pathway lined with solar lights so it will be easy to access at night time. The wife seems to be fine with it. It’s always great to hear from your Todd I hope you have a fantastic week

[@Green.Country.Agroforestry]

I grew up with one a bit like that - we used a bucket full of ashes from the woodstove to help with the smell. Fancy store-bought paper to clean up with mostly, but I wound up using a mullein leaf or two in a pinch :p Ours was built on skids, so we could relocate it when it became necessary.

[@karlsoffthegrid1378]

It is so awesome to hear those memories it brings back a few of my own. I often think of what it must’ve been like to run around on your grandpa’s Farm. As soon as I finished the outhouse We cleared a special spot for the pecan tree and planted it. I’m going to try to include it on my next video

[@larrysmith6499]

Need a wicker basket full of corn cobs for decorations.

[@karlsoffthegrid1378]

We will have to try that as soon as we get to the glossy pages in our Sears catalog,😂

[@routheauxsyardchannel529]

I going to do this on my land . I am going to do this as a composting toilet. Love the lay out of out house.

[@karlsoffthegrid1378]

Doing a composting toilet is an awesome idea! The permit that they charge you here in Florence for the outhouse is outrageous. In the very near future we would like to put in a bath house with a composting toilet, It is so much more affordable than putting in a septic system. Good luck, keep us posted

[@intheshedwithjohnnyg8894]

Good job . Good call on doing a prefab at home save some time to enjoy the weekend.Also may be a cheep Solar light for some light at night.

[@karlsoffthegrid1378]

Thank you Johnny! It’s always great to hear from you

[@ssteward100]

This guys pretty handy and does some amazing projects. Just need to bust out some duct tape and we could call him Red Green, he even looks like him lol! Always wondered where old Red Green disappeared to. By the way Karl great channel, really like your down to earth videos!

[@karlsoffthegrid1378]

Lol 😂 I love Red Green I will have to start breaking out the flannel shirts. Thank you so much for the comment it really brighten my day. Have a great week

[@user-yi1rx1hb6v]

we converted aporta john with a 4foot hole instesd of a container only temo, but it served its purpose

[@karlsoffthegrid1378]

Thanks for sharing the info

[@mikehavelka2260]

Karl how about a air flow PVC pipe mounted on the side to expel the smell from the hole.

[@karlsoffthegrid1378]

I think that’s a great idea. Thanks for the heads up I’ll have to make that a future project.Thanks Mike I appreciate it

[@mikew9468]

Carl would a vent pipe (like in a porta Jon) help with the smell? Probably wouldn’t want to make a hole in the roof but maybe out the top of the wall? If you ever have problems with porcupines chewing on the wood you can always wrap the bottom with some type of stainless steel tin or something later on. And for those that don’t know you can keep a bucket of lime to sprinkle over to help break it down and help with odors.💩

[@karlsoffthegrid1378]

Great idea I appreciate the advice! I am definitely going to put in a PVC vent pipe! Is it lye or lime that breaks down the waste? I’ve heard both so I’m not sure which one it is, either way I will definitely look into it. You have been an awesome help and I greatly appreciate it.Have a great week my friend

[@outhouseamericana3601]

@@karlsoffthegrid1378 Most of my customers use powdered lime or wood ash.

[@StivNagen]

Very nice job on that outhouse, Karl. I was going to suggest the PVC pipe, but I see others beat me to it. Looks great!

[@karlsoffthegrid1378]

Thanks I appreciate it. I will definitely put in the PVC pipe with a few small modifications as we go.Thanks for watching

[@randydye4842]

What diameter pvc pipe for venting do you guys recommend?

[@Koali2011]

Maybe a little buddy heater in there when it's cold?

[@karlsoffthegrid1378]

That’s exactly what we’re currently using and it really makes it nice. The camp rule is first person up in the morning fires up the heater, lol. Thanks for the comment and watching the video. Have an awesome week!

[@air-run3984]

Idea for you: You should do what they did during the mid evil times: build a castle and have the holes on the second floor of the castle, the hole of the toilet is above a river or lake, so you will need to build your castle around water. Glad I could help!

[@karlsoffthegrid1378]

Thank you so much for your help. I’ll be sure to do that on the next castle that I build

[@SomeplaceOrAnother]

Looks pretty good 😁 Just add spiders and snakes and it's ready for action 🤪😂

[@karlsoffthegrid1378]

😂 I love your sense of humor but I pray that doesn’t happen LOL. Have an awesome week

[@marykrauthamel7559]

See if you could salvage one of those urinals from a port-a-pot. It should be easy to install and far less likely to be over-shot.

[@karlsoffthegrid1378]

Awesome advice, thank you!

[@robertpittman6780]

Want help with smell put pvc pipe in box you sit on and threw roof with screen on top to keep Flies and critters out it make draft and dry out

[@karlsoffthegrid1378]

Great suggestion! Thank you so much for sharing. Consider it done.

[@publ1x]

How did you seal up the gaps in the poly roof since it’s ridged?

[@farmlifeoffgrid]

Looks awesome brother! Love the clear roof!! With lumber prices staying high I'm seriously considering getting a bansaw mill instead of buying more lumber ..... should pay itself off even if I just build a dog house with these prices.

[@karlsoffthegrid1378]

I think you really have something there, I’ve been thinking about buying a Mill too. The price of lumber is making it near impossible to do any of these projects anymore. Heaven knows that we both don’t have a shortage of trees.You might want to consider setting a couple of your trees aside while you’re clearing your land ,I’m sure you already thought of that.In the future I think it would be really cool to see Richard helping you pull some of that lumber to your future mill. Only if I had the extra cash, have a great week

[@farmlifeoffgrid]

@@karlsoffthegrid1378 you better believe Richard will be pulling logs , no free loaders lol. ... Im really considering the logosol f2. So I can transport it easily..ive got about a hundred logs to mill right now and still some to cut down ... I'll be busy for a while lol Hope y'all are doing well and have a great week Karl

[@dodgeman4046]

I just finished up a composting 2 seater outhouse at my cabin with the solar fans it is great

[@karlsoffthegrid1378]

First of all I have to let you know, I love your name lol I am a dodge man too! Composting toilets are the way to go if I wasn’t on a budget I would definitely upgrade. Great choice!

[@dodgeman4046]

@@karlsoffthegrid1378 i built mine with a tote from home depot urine diverted from etsy and solar fan from Amazon very budget friendly after a season using it in the outhouse i may build one inside if all goes well. Nice work on the build

[@karlsoffthegrid1378]

Thanks for the info you are awesome! This gives me some good ideas for a bathhouse that I will be building in the near future. I appreciate your help it’s been great chatting with you.

[@storbokki371]

You asked for ideas, so... ◽Grow some insect repelling plants outside around it, maybe even small pots near the interior ceiling. ◽Wrap the bench and floor in galvanized sheet metal too for easier cleaning, and protecting the wood.The entire inside could be a galvanized skin with the wood bracing on the exterior. ◽Vent from below the bench to out above the roof. Composting will generate heat and cause the fumes to rise. ◽Plastic coffee "cans" with a lid are great for holding a roll of dry toilet paper.

[@karlsoffthegrid1378]

Thank you so much for all the great suggestions! This really gives me some great ideas for some improvements I will be making the spring.

[@annrae1597]

I see there is sunny spots around the outhouse..might be a good idea to put some solar lights on the trees near it ,so on a dark night ,with no stars, there would be a bit of light inside.

[@karlsoffthegrid1378]

That’s what we ended up doing and we love it! I’m going to be thinning out the trees a little bit more this year because late fall it does get a little shady. Thanks for watching

[@micmacpole]

What good is a lock when all someone has to do is pull the pins on the door hinges?

[@karlsoffthegrid1378]

If someone feels the need strong enough to steal my poop, they can definitely pull the hinges. I really don’t see that being a problem though. Thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@Pushyhog]

get post hole digger & couple friends, make handles 25' long. "linemans post hole digger" ,,, welded on steel tube handles.

[@Koali2011]

Some nice nature pictures on the wall. Consider solar lights.

[@karlsoffthegrid1378]

Great ideas! Thank you for sharing. These solar lights inside are a must.

[@friedpickles342]

Can you please explain what the plastic sheet you screwed on the inside of the toilet is for and how you arranged it?

[@karlsoffthegrid1378]

It’s just a splash guard so that the Urine it doesn’t soak into the wood.Without it the outhouse will stink like Urine.

[@joannak4640]

I'm pretty sure I saw someone put contact paper on the wooden toilet box that looked real nice and it's easy to wipe down 👍

[@karlsoffthegrid1378]

That is an awesome idea! We were going to paint it but we found out that paint might flake off of the material that’s on the internal walls. Thank you so much for the great advice! I hope you have a wonderful week

[@joannak4640]

@@karlsoffthegrid1378 there's a channel called Bramante brothers. They own an off grid lodge up in Alaskan. Check out their videos on their outhouse 😁❤️😁

[@karlsoffthegrid1378]

@@joannak4640 Thank you so much I am turning it on now as we speak. I truly appreciate your advice!

[@joannak4640]

@@karlsoffthegrid1378 were you able to find the video? I wish I knew how to share videos between one channel and another

[@karlsoffthegrid1378]

@@joannak4640 thanks for sharing I did find it.Their outhouse turned out nice!

[@jamesbechtel7591]

Looks good. How much did you have into it?

[@karlsoffthegrid1378]

Great to hear from you James. Unfortunately with the high prices of lumber I had just under $300 into the build. When lumber prices come back down you could probably build The same building for a fraction of that price.

[@LukePighetti]

Hey! Just curious is you’re in Maine and if you have any codes in your area that you’re trying to meet. Zero criticism from me, just curious. Trying to build one near Bangor and I’ve been told that it’s state law to get a soil test done and design from a soil scientist before building one. But a soil test and design for pit privy, grey water, and septic is $775.

[@karlsoffthegrid1378]

Sorry, no I’m in Wisconsin. Our state code is says basically the same thing. However, there are exceptions to remote areas. Most states provide exceptions for people in remote areas. Check in your area and see if your campgrounds have out houses, that’s usually a pretty good indication if there exceptions. Best wishes

[@Kevin-me3wy]

How are them 3/4" screws holding up?

[@karlsoffthegrid1378]

So far 😊 so good

[@karlynbusdicker9446]

Hey Karl, what do you know about incinerator toilets, and what’s your opinion? I am looking at putting one in on my property. We have a building that has everything but sewer.

[@karlsoffthegrid1378]

Hey! It is so awesome to hear from you! I don’t know much about incinerator toilets but something you may want to check out are composting toilets. There is a company called “Biolet” that makes excellent composting toilets, I can’t recommend them enough.They are very clean and easy to maintain and They have no disgusting smells. They are a little bit pricey but they are much cheaper than putting in a brand new sewer. Let me know if it works out for you. My email is in my channel description if you need any more advice. Say hi to Mike and the family for me!!

[@jeannerountree952]

How will you keep the smell from becoming overbearing? You talked about caulking but did you get that done? How about an motion activated fan for those hot summer hours.

[@karlsoffthegrid1378]

Hi Jeanne it’s great to hear from you! I am going to be putting in a PVC vent pipe and sprinkling ashes on top of the waste to help control the order. We just purchased a solar motion activated light we will have to look into the fan, that’s a great idea! Thanks for the advice have an awesome week

[@jeannerountree952]

@@karlsoffthegrid1378 I remember those horrible smelly outhouses and you don’t want a hot smelly outhouse either. Thank you for the information. This brings back memories from years gone bye. Something for venting on the sides could be moon on one and sun on the other. Also Will there be a small table inside with some spots for necessities you know us girls need room for the necessities. Now it’s time for me to go and I’ll wait for your next blog.

[@harrietmonroe1946]

how did you frame the wall with door.

[@karlsoffthegrid1378]

I simply used the 1x3” boards and framed around the edges. Because this is not regular plywood I don’t have to worry about it warping. I’m going on my second year with the same outhouse and so far everything is still good. Thank you so much for watching

[@heidiming1511]

What did you use for the walls?

[@karlsoffthegrid1378]

It’s called “LP smart siding“ it is a composite of wood and concrete, mice won’t chew through it. You can buy it at any big box hardware store it is very common. Thanks for watching and commenting

[@mohamedhoudaifa8488]

🔔❤❤❤🔔👏👍

[@karlsoffthegrid1378]

🙂😃thanks

[@FullTimeDreamRV]

Dig it deep and a vent . Should have brought the the young guys with yo to dig that hole . Prefab walls great Idea should have put in 2 seats so the wife and you could have date night lol you need a half moon on the door

[@karlsoffthegrid1378]

😂 date night? Brother you’re the greatest!!!!! Lol I am definitely going to put a PVC vent in it. It’s always great to hear from you Ron , Have an awesome week my friend

[@randyhuybrecht9346]

never lock door, someday you will thank me for that

[@cowgoesbaa]

How tall is this dude? 4ft is only to his belt line?

[@karlsoffthegrid1378]

Hi Turd welcome to the channel. 6’.

[@gman25123]

Are you up by Long Lake?

[@karlsoffthegrid1378]

We aren’t too far away, there’s not much around us. if we don’t feel like running to Florence or Iron River for food , we will go there to eat at “Grandma Sally’s”

[@gman25123]

@@karlsoffthegrid1378The forest looked familiar. I’m not too far from you either. I’m getting ready to do a sand point this spring.

[@karlsoffthegrid1378]

@@gman25123 Make sure you do your homework. Florence County has water depth charts that you can view through the DNR website. My land was real spotty my first try I didn’t hit anything but I hit water the second try. Good luck

[@gman25123]

@@karlsoffthegrid1378 I’m in Forest. Definitely doing the research. It’s spotty over here as well. Neighbor just did it last year and got lucky at 15’ on his first try.

[@mmanut]

WHAT HAPPENED TO LINING THE HOLE⁉️ THAT CLEAR POLY ON THE ROOF WILL EASILY CRACK AND COLLAPSE UNDER A SNOW LOAD‼️

[@karlsoffthegrid1378]

Great questions. Our soil composition where I dug the hole is hard clay with a sand at the base. We have dug several of these over the years and the walls have never collapsed doing it this way. Our last outhouse at our lake property is 50 years old and still going strong. We get a ton of snow up here in the north and with the huge snow loads I can report the roof is still in great condition.. We’ve made sure to add enough pitch and wood backing to support the roof and the snow easily slides off.

[@maryr7023]

@@karlsoffthegrid1378 would you mind telling us how high you made the front and back walls, so we know how much of a pitch you need to make the snow slide off?