Build a wooden toilet: step-by-step instructions

Wooden toilet DIY: a complete guide from A to Z

An outdoor or indoor wooden toilet is not only a way to save water and money but also a step towards a more eco-friendly lifestyle. Such a structure is perfect for a summer house, a country home, or even a small office where there is a need for an autonomous solution without connection to the central sewage system. In this article, you will receive a step-by-step master class, learn about the optimal dimensions of a wooden toilet, construction options, budget examples, and answers to the most common questions.

Advantages of a wooden toilet

1. Water savings
   Using a composting or even a regular “pit” toilet reduces water consumption. On average, a typical flush toilet uses thousands of liters of water per year, while a wooden toilet uses almost no water.

2. Autonomy
   There is no need to connect water supply or sewage to the toilet — just proper ventilation organization and, if necessary, a compost chamber.

3. Ease of maintenance
   With proper setup and regular addition of sawdust or other filler, unpleasant odors are minimized. Emptying the compost waste is usually only needed once every 6–12 months (depending on usage intensity).

4. Eco-friendliness
   Compost from the toilet (with proper aging) can be used as fertilizer for non-edible plants, shrubs, lawns, etc. At the same time, you reduce the load on the central sewage system or septic tank.

5. Mobility
   Often, a wooden toilet is designed as a portable structure. It can be moved around the site or taken to another location if it is assembled using a modular principle.

Types of wooden toilets

1. Composting toilet
   Contains one or two chambers for collecting waste, which gradually composts thanks to organic additives (sawdust, peat). Such toilets often have an additional ventilation pipe that vents excess gases.

2. Pit toilet (classic outdoor option)
   The simplest design: a wooden cabin over a pit. Requires periodic pumping or cleaning of the pit. However, with proper depth and ventilation, odors are minimized.

3. Portable bio-toilet with a wooden casing
   Inside, it may have a ready-made bio-container, while outside — a nice wooden toilet. The advantage is that you can quickly empty the container and easily move the structure itself.

How much does a wooden toilet cost?

The question “how much does a wooden toilet cost” depends on several factors:

• Cost of lumber (pine, cedar, larch, etc.).
• Type of fasteners (screws, anchor bolts) and hardware.
• Additional accessories (seat, ventilation pipes, door locks, etc.).
• Type of finish (paints, varnish, stain).
• Availability of ready-made plastic or metal elements (urinal, compost bucket, etc.).

Approximate price range (if doing everything yourself):

• Budget option (with minimal finishing and no special decor) — from 2000 to 4000 UAH.
• Mid-range (quality wood, normal ventilation, comfortable seat) — 4000–8000 UAH.
• Premium (using cedar or larch, stylish details, double compost chamber, professional hardware) — from 8000 UAH and above.

Of course, if you buy a ready-made wooden toilet, its price may be even higher due to the cost of labor and transportation.

Optimal dimensions of a wooden toilet

A comfortable wooden toilet should meet the following basic parameters:

1. Width
   At least 60–70 cm (24–28 inches). Many choose 80–90 cm for comfort.

2. Depth
   The standard is about 100–120 cm (40–48 inches). When using a compost chamber, it is advisable to increase the space for its placement.

3. Seat height
   Usually 40–45 cm from the floor. If you are making a toilet yourself for elderly people or children, you can adjust the height to their needs.

4. Overall height of the cabin
   Approximately 2–2.2 m. The main thing is that an adult can stand freely inside without bending.

5. Wall thickness
   For outdoor structures, it is recommended to use boards with a thickness of at least 20 mm to ensure strength and thermal insulation (relevant in winter).

Step-by-step guide: wooden toilet DIY

Below is a basic example of building a compost toilet with a wooden structure.
If you plan to make a wooden toilet yourself with a pit, only some nuances of the foundation will change.

1. Design and preparation

   • Determine the installation location (it is important to consider the distance from the house, water bodies, and property boundaries).
   • Prepare drawings or find ready-made schemes.
   • Purchase materials: boards (rot-resistant, preferably treated with antiseptic), beams for the frame, hardware, seat, ventilation pipe, waterproofing (film or roofing felt).

2. Foundation or floor

   • For a stationary option, set up a small foundation: columnar or pile (4 corners). Concrete blocks can be used.
   • If it is a mobile toilet, a sturdy wooden shield made of boards or plywood 15–20 mm thick is sufficient.

3. Cabin frame

   • Cut beams to the required length (usually 50×50 mm or 60×60 mm).
   • Connect them with screws, forming a rectangular or square frame with vertical posts.
   • Check the corners to ensure the structure is even.

4. Walls and doors

   • Cover the frame with boards or moisture-resistant plywood.
   • Cut an opening for the door. Usually, doors are made 60–70 cm wide.
   • Install the door frame and attach the door leaf on hinges.

5. Compost chamber or pit structure

   • For a composting toilet, assemble a box from boards, seal the seams with silicone, and install a ventilation pipe (lead it through the roof for better draft).
   • For a pit toilet — dig a pit (1–2 m deep, depending on the geology of the site), reinforce its walls with rings or bricks, then place the cabin on top.

6. Seat installation

   • Cut an opening in the top panel (if making a wooden lid) or install a ready-made plastic or wooden seat.
   • Attach the lid on hinges so that it can be opened.
   • For comfort, you can add a soft seat or a rubber seal edge.

7. Ventilation and finishing

   • Insert a ventilation pipe at the back of the structure so that gases from the compost chamber exit outside.
   • Cover the roof with roofing material (ondulin, metal profile, roofing felt).
   • Treat the wood with protective agents: antiseptic, oil, paint, or varnish to prevent rot.

8. Final decor

   • Paint the toilet or cover it with stain for a better appearance.
   • Add hardware: a door handle, a hook for clothes inside, a shelf for sawdust.
   • If desired, decorate with a window or ventilation holes with decorative grilles.

Usage and maintenance rules

1. Regular addition of filler
   After each “visit,” add a handful of sawdust, peat, or other organic material. This promotes better composting and reduces odor.

2. Ventilation
   Ensure that the ventilation pipe is not blocked by leaves or debris. This affects the absence of unpleasant odors.

3. Emptying the compost chamber

   • For composting toilets, it usually takes 6–12 months to turn waste into conditionally safe compost (for decorative plants).
   • If it is a pit toilet, order a sewage truck for pumping as it fills up.

4. Hygiene and cleaning

   • Keep the toilet clean: use natural agents (vinegar, soap) to wash the seat and interior surfaces.
   • Check the condition of wooden elements (especially at joints) and timely update the antiseptic coating.

5. Compliance with local regulations
   Before building a toilet yourself, familiarize yourself with local rules regarding distance from neighboring plots, water bodies, wells, etc.

Pros and cons of wooden toilets

Pros

• Water savings (no need to flush).
• Autonomy (does not require sewage).
• Eco-friendliness (compost can be used for non-edible plants).
• Easy maintenance (of course, provided that the rules are followed).
• Mobility (in the case of a lightweight structure).

Cons

• Initial costs for materials and installation may be higher than a simple plastic bio-toilet.
• Need for regular emptying of the compost chamber or pit.
• Possible unpleasant odors with improper care or poor ventilation.
• Not always allowed within urban regulations (permits required).
• Limited throughput (for large families or places with significant foot traffic, another option may be needed).

Conclusion

Building a wooden toilet is a great solution for a summer house, country home, or even a small office if you want to save water and contribute to environmental conservation. A properly designed and assembled wooden toilet DIY will have a long service life, and maintenance will be reduced to minimal regular procedures. The main thing is to choose quality materials, ensure the right dimensions, a reliable foundation (if necessary), and ventilation. And don’t forget to periodically replenish supplies of sawdust or peat: after all, it is thanks to them that your toilet will be practically odorless and become a small ecological “factory” for producing useful compost.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. What materials are best for building a wooden toilet?
   It is recommended to use softwood (pine, spruce) with prior antiseptic treatment. For a more durable structure, cedar or larch, which are naturally moisture-resistant, can be used.

2. Is it necessary to make a foundation for a wooden toilet?
   For lightweight mobile structures, a foundation is not mandatory: a flat and sturdy floor will suffice. However, if you plan a permanent structure or a wooden toilet for a long period, a columnar or pile foundation will enhance reliability and extend the service life.

3. How to eliminate unpleasant odors in a composting toilet?
   Key factors are regular addition of dry organic material (sawdust, peat), proper ventilation (pipe, holes), and a tight lid on the seat. If odors still appear, check the tightness of the seams and the draft in the ventilation pipe.

4. How much space is needed on the site for installing a wooden toilet?
   A standard cabin occupies an area of about 1 m² (1×1 m). However, it is advisable to have additional space for access and maintenance, as well as to comply with sanitary norms (distance to the house, well, property boundary).

5. Can the compost produced be used in a vegetable and fruit garden?
   It is preferable to apply it under trees, decorative shrubs, or lawns, as even with proper composting, experts advise against using human waste directly under food crops.

6. How important is it to comply with local norms and regulations?
   Very important. In some regions, the construction of even a simple toilet DIY is regulated by sanitary norms. Before starting a project, familiarize yourself with the requirements of your region to avoid fines or demolition of the structure.

7. How to choose between a composting toilet and a pit toilet?

   • A composting toilet is suitable for those who want to obtain organic fertilizer and save water.
   • A pit toilet is simpler to set up, but it needs to be pumped regularly, and it may emit a stronger odor if the operating rules and distance are not followed.

8. How quickly does the construction of a wooden toilet pay off?
   It depends on the initial investments and frequency of use. On average, water and sewage costs over a few years can exceed the cost of building a wooden toilet. Moreover, you gain independence from utility networks and contribute to water resource conservation.

We hope this comprehensive guide helps you build a wooden toilet yourself quickly, efficiently, and with pleasure! With proper installation and maintenance, such a structure will become an eco-friendly and convenient solution for your home or summer plot.