Do it yourself: build a latrine

A latrine is basically an open-air toilet. It is understood by an excavated well on which an enclosure is built. Latrines have evolved from the ghastly hole in the ground around which an enclosure was built. However, many people will find a need for a toilet. For example: going to an area that does not have the luxury of an indoor plumbing system or even having a secluded cabin somewhere or on campsites can mean that it is inexpensive and realistic to build your personal latrine. This guide will give someone with introductory structural knowledge to follow step-by-step instructions for building a latrine.

Planning the construction of the latrine:

You will need the following:

Shovel
Measuring tape

Choose the correct point

A latrine is required to be built 300 feet or more from water supplies or running water (rivers, lakes, springs, etc.). It should also be a low traffic place for people.

Dig the hole

The average size of the well is a square approximately 2 feet wide and approximately 5 feet deep. Dig the hole with the shovel to these specifications and check the depth with the tape measure while digging.

Building the latrine:

Tools and materials needed

2 × 4 “of stock
4×4 “corner post
1 × 4 “of stock
Nails (nail gun cartridges)
Thumbscrew
Roofing and tile paper
PVC pipe and flange
Hammer (nail gun)
Circular saw / table saw
Level
Measuring tape
Paper / pencil

Instructions for building the latrine

Step one: build the footers and frames

The latrine will have three horizontal ribs: one at the base, the second at the seating system, and the third at the ceiling. Build the frames and fix them together.

Use the 2×4 as the feet on which the latrine will stand.

Step Two: Publications

Use the 4 4×4 corner posts to finish the outer frame of the box. Drill and screw the frames to the corner brackets.

Step three: seats

The scorching rib will rest approximately 14 “off the ground. The seat hole should be rectangular and should be 8-10” wide and 18-20 “long.

Cut and lay out the boards for the seats, then attach them to the rib of the frame, then lay out the seat.

Step Four: Walls

If the latrine is to be used seasonally, an alternative is to use a canvas wall and secure it to the frame with a roof line. In this way it can be easily collected and transported.

For wood walls, use 2x4s nailed to three sides of the frame. The side left open will be used for the door to be built next.

Step five: roof and door

Latrines will not need a lot of roof support. Measure and notch the bottom of the roof support beams and then attach the more 2×4 boards to the top.

For the door, make a Z-frame and put light wood on the outside.

Install vertical planks between the top frame and the base frame. Attach this to the open side of the latrine using hinges.

Suggestion and Warning:

1) If you are making a latrine in your backyard (for a woodworking project) be sure to check local building codes and licenses. If construction is being done for actual use, check with local land agencies to make sure there are no sources of water nearby.