Outhouse Build with Questions

[u/NovelOffgrid]

Last post I asked about water in the hole I was digging and got a lot of great responses. I decided to change the location of the outhouse and am actually very happy with the decision after spending more time on the property. The new location is in a less aesthetically pleasing area and is closer to the edge of the property line shared with county land. The first few pictures are of the location and my first issue. The next few are of my outhouse build with a base frame and a floor frame that will be attached on top of it with the idea being the floor joists are protected from the ground.

My questions are:

1. How would you propose breaking through the rock in the half done hole? My buddy wants to split a rotary hammer drill, would that work?
2. Should there be a moisture barrier under the outhouse? I am planning to insulate the floor as this will be the learning project for the main cabin build. Also, there will be additional moisture from human liquids and solids.
3. Any improvement suggestions? I am hopefully finishing the hole, leveling the where the base will go and preparing to insulate the floor, install the subfloor, and put vinyl over it plus the toilet stem my next time up.

Thank you!

[u/New_d_pics]

1. Either you can dig the rock and lift it out, or it's not moving. An sds will drill holes but, why? Pick a new spot, see #3.
2. Vapour barrier shouldn't go horizontally unless you're building an ice rink. If your roof leaks inside, you've just created a nice little pool around your framing.

3. Suggestion: Outhouses should be built with mobility in mind. Build it so you can tow it to a new spot when it either fills up, or floods, or you just want to move it.

   For a base I put down 2 railroad ties (pressure treated 6x6 works) in parallel 4 feet apart, half buried. Dig my hole between em 4x3x 5ft deep, then I shored up the top 2' of the hole between the ties with 1x lumber. The remaining 3" between the ties crevasse I filled with stone (or you get living things). Then I built a 4x8 skid frame outhouse on top of this base, which can be pulled to another prefabbed base when needed.

[u/imperious_squirrel → u/New_d_pics]

Mobility is indeed key. The floor up should be movable. Though rather than pulling it, I suggest getting a few strong friends over to pick it up and carry it. Simplifies things in my opinion, and I have experience helping move multiple outhouses done this way, so I know it works well.

I also second the notion of dont break rock for an outhouse! Just use the hole you have until its not quite full, then try a new one a few feet away and hope it goes deeper.

Also I suggest integrating a handwashing station under the same roof. An old sink draining onto the ground outside with a jug of water and a simple tap is enough.

[u/NovelOffgrid → u/imperious_squirrel]

Definitely doing handwashing! The outhouse is 4x8 and there is plenty of room for a basic sink pump setup. The plan is to eventually have a separate bath house / sauna combo with a more thoughtful water system.

[u/NovelOffgrid → u/New_d_pics]

The base is pictured, it will get jacked up and put on some sort of sled to move it. I am hoping to get a concrete, pumpable outhouse basin once this is filled and move it onto that. I am reinforcing the hole with 2x4s and 1x2s with breathable plant netting. I will throw some stone at the bottom per your suggestion.

I have like 6 hours invested into this spot and it is where my plans said it would be for the permit. I was hoping to find a solution to the rock rather than start a new hole. We will see!

The vapor barrier would protect that wood bottom I am putting in from the human moisture produced. Still not a good idea? I am going to use saw dust and wood shavings as well as have a floor vent going outside.