You’re a Maker.
Let’s build your Throne
A DIY Throne toilet is simple: you build the base, and the Throne handles the hard part — separation. With the right diverter in place, a homemade toilet can perform just as well as a pre-built system.
DIY plans included with both options
The DIY Throne Toilet
Most people complete the build over a weekend.
If you’re comfortable using basic tools and following plans, this is very much a confident-beginner to advanced-beginner project.
Why the Diverter Matters Most
The key takeaway: the diverter is the most important part. Get that right, and avoid the frustration of overflows and difficult clean up that our team dealt with before creating the Throne diverter.
Deep Liquids Bowl
A deeper liquids bowl helps prevent splashing and overflow during enthusiastic, well-hydrated use. Shallow bowls on many diverters overflow easily into the solids bin. The Throne’s deep bowl and steep walls give you more margin when real life happens.
Large Solids Opening
A wide solids opening means you don’t have to aim your #2. Smaller openings on many compost toilets are simply hard to hit, which leads to messes on the diverter itself. This is a detail you appreciate every single day.
Simple, Clean Design
A smooth, non-porous surface rinses clean in seconds with water alone. No seams, no moving parts, and no crevices for mess to build up. It’s easy to keep clean and ready for a visit from your mother.
Built for DIY Flexibility
The liquid outlet is designed to work with standard ¾-inch pipe, making it easy to route liquids to a jug or a remote tank. Many diverters aren’t easily plumbed due to the size or shape of their outlet.
Designed and Made in the USA
Built and supported by people who actually use compost toilets. We designed the Throne to fix the problems we experienced with other diverters, using durable materials that hold up beyond the showroom.
What to Expect When Building Your Own Base
DIY bases can be a solid long-term solution, with a few differences compared to molded plastic that are good to understand ahead of time.
Cleaning and spill prevention go hand in hand
A DIY base isn’t as wipe-clean as molded plastic, so preventing spills up front matters more. A good diverter and liquid level indicator help keep cleanup simple and stress-free.
Waterproofing matters more
Wood and other DIY materials don’t behave like molded plastic. Thoughtful sealing and smart layout go a long way toward keeping things clean and odor-free long term.
DIY can still be a long-term solution
A well-built DIY toilet can work extremely well for years, especially when paired with a reliable diverter that handles separation properly from day one.
Want Upgrade Options Later?
DIY Throne builds are modular. You can upgrade components or move to a molded plastic base down the road if you choose.
DIY Thrones in the Real World
Real builds, achievable and fully functional.
Ashley, Vancouver Island, off-grid property
They used an off-the-shelf composting toilet for their off-grid home, but realized quickly that when it comes to urine diverters “They are not all the same”. They upgraded to a DIY Throne composting toilet
Mitch, Van, traveling
Mitch has transformed his 2014 Ford Econoline by installing a DIY THRONE composting toilet.
He chose the Throne Composting Toilet for the affordability and the flexibility to tailor it to the unique contours of his van’s interior, including a full stand-up shower.
Paul, Skoolie, traveling
Living in a converted school bus full-time, Paul Barger has integrated the DIY THRONE composting toilet into their daily lives for nearly two years.
Ready to Build Your Throne?
Buy the DIY Bundle
Everything you need in one kit, minus the base you’ll build yourself.
Buy the Throne Diverter
Start with the most important part and source the rest on your own.
Not ready to buy yet?
Download the free DIY compost toilet plans to see exactly how it all comes together.
Build it once, build it right, and enjoy fewer unpleasant surprises later.
Our team is here if you ever need help. Happy building!