Outdoor showers are no longer a novelty in the UK. What was once thought of as a feature for coastal homes in Australia or luxury villas in the Mediterranean has now made its way into suburban gardens, countryside retreats, and even compact city terraces. The rising popularity of hot tubs, plunge pools, and home spas has created a demand for practical yet stylish showering solutions outside the home.
At the centre of this movement is one timeless material: cedar wood. Known for its natural beauty, aromatic scent, and proven resilience, cedar has been a go-to material for centuries in outdoor construction. In 2025, it remains one of the best choices for creating durable, safe, and visually appealing shower floors in UK gardens.
This long-form guide (around 2200 words) will walk you through why cedar is such a reliable material, what you should consider before investing, the types of cedar shower floors available in the market, and how to care for them in the UK’s damp, unpredictable climate.
Why Outdoor Showers Are Growing in the UK
Before diving into cedar itself, it helps to understand why outdoor showers are becoming so popular in Britain.
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Wellness and Spa Culture: Post-pandemic, there has been a surge in home wellness investments. From saunas and hot tubs to cold plunge pools, people are bringing the spa into their gardens. An outdoor shower provides convenience and completes the wellness experience.
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Practicality: Outdoor showers are no longer reserved for seaside cottages. Families with children, dogs, or gardens love the practicality of rinsing off mud, grass, or chlorine before coming indoors.
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Design Trends: Landscaping and garden design in 2025 often blurs the boundary between indoor and outdoor spaces. Outdoor showers contribute to this seamless living concept, and a cedar floor enhances the natural feel.
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Eco-Living: Many homeowners prefer outdoor showers for summer use because they allow for more mindful water use and can be integrated with greywater systems.
This backdrop makes cedar shower floors not just a design choice but also part of a lifestyle trend rooted in practicality, wellness, and sustainability.
Why Cedar? A Proven Material for Wet Environments
Cedar has a reputation for being one of the most durable softwoods in outdoor applications. The reasons are both scientific and aesthetic.
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Natural Oils: Cedar contains natural oils and compounds (such as thujaplicins) that make it resistant to rot, insects, and fungal growth. This is why it performs well even without chemical treatment.
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Moisture Resistance: Unlike some timbers that warp or swell dramatically when exposed to water, cedar has good dimensional stability. It can handle cycles of wetting and drying without splitting.
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Non-Slip Surface: The natural texture of cedar provides grip, even when wet. Compared to stone or tile, it is gentler underfoot and warmer in cooler weather.
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Aroma and Appearance: Fresh cedar gives off a pleasant, spa-like aroma. Its warm reddish tones enhance the look of garden spaces, blending into rustic or modern settings.
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Longevity: When cared for properly, cedar can last 10–15 years or more in outdoor conditions. It naturally weathers to a silver-grey patina if left untreated, which many people find attractive.
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Sustainability: Cedar grows relatively quickly compared to hardwoods. When purchased with FSC or PEFC certification, it supports responsible forestry and eco-friendly building practices.
Types of Cedar Used in the UK
In the UK market, the most common types are:
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Western Red Cedar: Known for its rich reddish tones and high resistance to decay, often imported from Canada.
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Eastern White Cedar: A lighter-coloured alternative, also durable but less commonly available.
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European Red Cedar (incense cedar varieties): Sometimes used in garden products.
Most outdoor shower floors sold in the UK use Western Red Cedar due to its combination of strength, beauty, and availability.
Key Considerations in 2025
If you’re investing in a cedar outdoor shower floor this year, here are the essential factors you need to weigh:
1. Weather Resistance
The UK is notorious for dampness and long periods of rain. While cedar is naturally rot-resistant, prolonged exposure without maintenance can still lead to greying, surface roughness, and eventual weakening. In 2025, many cedar products are sold pre-treated with UV and water-repellent finishes, but an annual re-oil remains best practice.
2. Drainage
Outdoor showers must deal with significant water run-off. Without proper drainage, you’ll risk slippery conditions, mould growth, and structural problems. Slatted cedar designs or raised platforms that allow water to flow through are the best solutions. When installing, make sure the ground underneath is graded or covered with gravel to encourage drainage.
3. Size and Portability
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Small mats are lightweight and perfect for compact showers or temporary setups.
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Larger platforms provide more stability and comfort, suitable for permanent garden spas.
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Modular tile systems are flexible for unique layouts and can expand if your setup changes.
Think about how permanent your outdoor shower will be before deciding on the type of floor.
4. Sustainability
With increased consumer awareness, sourcing matters. Look for cedar that carries an FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) or PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification) label. This ensures the wood was harvested responsibly.
5. Maintenance Requirements
Cedar requires less upkeep than many woods, but not none at all. You should expect to:
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Clean the surface periodically with mild soap and water.
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Apply a protective oil or sealant annually to maintain colour and water resistance.
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Store portable mats indoors during the winter months.
6. Aesthetic Preferences
Cedar fits many design schemes. If you like a modern, sleek look, go for treated, smooth-finished platforms. If you prefer a natural, rustic appearance, choose untreated cedar that will age into a silver patina.
Types of Cedar Outdoor Shower Floors
Rather than naming brands (since offerings change frequently), here are the main categories available in the UK market in 2025:
Cedar Shower Mats
These are flat, lightweight mats with slats to let water drain through. They’re simple to use and easy to store.
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Best for: Small spaces, temporary showers, budget buyers.
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Pros: Affordable, portable, easy to clean.
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Cons: Less stable, limited coverage.
Raised Cedar Platforms
These are more substantial, lifting the floor a few centimetres above ground. They provide stability and improve ventilation.
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Best for: Permanent setups, spa areas, larger showers.
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Pros: Sturdy, durable, better drainage.
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Cons: Heavier, requires more space.
Modular Cedar Tile Systems
Individual tiles interlock to cover a custom area. Great for irregular layouts.
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Best for: Custom or expandable showers.
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Pros: Flexible, replaceable tiles, adaptable size.
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Cons: Installation takes time, must be secured against shifting.
Foldable or Portable Cedar Bases
Designed to fold or dismantle for storage.
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Best for: Seasonal showers, renters, those with limited storage space.
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Pros: Easy to store, lightweight.
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Cons: Less durable for heavy use, hinges may require maintenance.
Rustic Untreated Cedar Mats
Unfinished cedar that naturally ages over time.
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Best for: Rustic gardens, natural aesthetics.
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Pros: Authentic, affordable, develops patina.
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Cons: Needs more frequent care, rougher texture.
At a Glance: Comparison of Cedar Shower Floors (2025)
| Type | Best For | Pros | Cons | Maintenance Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar Shower Mats | Small spaces, temporary showers, budget-conscious buyers | Affordable, lightweight, easy to move and clean | Limited coverage, less stable | Low |
| Raised Cedar Platforms | Permanent setups, spa areas, larger showers | Sturdy, durable, excellent drainage, looks premium | Heavier, requires more space | Medium |
| Modular Cedar Tile Systems | Custom layouts, expandable setups, irregular spaces | Flexible sizing, tiles replaceable, adaptable design | Takes longer to install, can shift if not secured | Medium |
| Foldable/Portable Bases | Seasonal showers, renters, limited storage space | Easy to store, compact, portable | Less robust, hinges/joints need care | Low–Medium |
| Rustic Untreated Mats | Natural/rustic gardens, those who prefer weathered patina | Affordable, authentic look, ages into silver-grey | Requires more frequent care, rougher underfoot | High |
Caring for a Cedar Shower Floor in the UK
To keep your cedar shower floor looking its best and lasting as long as possible:
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Regular Cleaning
Use mild soap and water to wash off dirt, chlorine, or salt (if used near a pool). Avoid harsh chemicals that can strip natural oils. -
Annual Oiling or Sealing
Apply a protective wood oil or clear water-repellent finish once a year. This preserves the colour and enhances resistance to moisture and UV rays. -
Storage
If you have a portable mat, store it indoors during prolonged wet or freezing conditions. -
Ventilation
Ensure your shower base allows air circulation underneath. Good airflow reduces moisture buildup and prevents mould. -
Inspection
Check joints, screws, or hinges regularly. Replace or tighten components as needed to prevent instability.
Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness
Cedar is one of the more sustainable choices among outdoor woods. Its relatively fast growth rate makes it less resource-intensive compared to tropical hardwoods like teak. Still, deforestation remains an issue, so certification matters.
When shopping in 2025, look for:
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FSC Certification: Guarantees responsible forestry.
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Local or Regional Supply Chains: Reduces transport emissions.
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Thermally Modified Cedar: Treated with heat rather than chemicals, improving durability while remaining eco-friendly.
Conclusion: Is Cedar Right for You?
Cedar outdoor shower floors are an excellent investment in 2025 for UK homeowners seeking both practicality and beauty. They are naturally resistant to rot, provide a safe non-slip surface, and fit seamlessly into garden aesthetics. With choices ranging from simple mats to large platforms and modular grids, there is an option for every budget and space.
If you value:
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Durability in damp weather
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Natural, eco-friendly materials
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Timeless beauty with minimal maintenance
…then cedar is one of the best options available. With proper care, your cedar shower floor will last more than a decade, turning your outdoor shower into a retreat you’ll enjoy year after year.
Frequently Asked Question
1. Why is cedar a good choice for an outdoor shower floor?
Cedar is naturally resistant to rot, insects, and moisture thanks to the oils in the wood. This makes it ideal for wet environments like outdoor showers. It is also non-slip, pleasant underfoot, and visually appealing with its warm tones.
2. How long does a cedar outdoor shower floor last in the UK?
With proper care, a cedar shower floor can last 10–15 years or more. Regular cleaning and applying wood oil or a water-repellent finish once a year helps extend its life in the UK’s damp climate.
3. Does cedar need maintenance?
Yes, but it is minimal compared to many other woods. You should:
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Wash it occasionally with mild soap and water.
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Reapply protective oil or sealer annually.
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Store portable mats indoors during the wettest or coldest months.
4. Will cedar change colour over time?
Yes. If left untreated, cedar gradually weathers to a silvery-grey patina. Some homeowners prefer this rustic look, while others maintain the original warm tones by applying oil or a UV-protective finish.
5. Is cedar eco-friendly?
Cedar is considered eco-friendly when sourced responsibly. Look for FSC or PEFC certification to ensure the wood comes from sustainably managed forests. Cedar also has a lower environmental impact compared to many tropical hardwoods.
6. Can I use a cedar shower floor indoors?
Yes. Cedar works well in indoor wet areas such as bathrooms or wet rooms. Its resistance to moisture makes it a good choice indoors as long as it is properly ventilated and maintained.
7. Which type of cedar shower floor is best for small spaces?
For compact areas, a slatted cedar mat is usually the best choice. It’s lightweight, easy to clean, and doesn’t take up much space.
8. Are modular cedar tiles a good idea?
Yes, especially if your shower space is irregularly shaped or you want the flexibility to expand later. They are durable and adaptable, but they must be installed on a stable base and secured to prevent shifting.
