A Playhouse is more than a toy; it is an invaluable way for children to explore and understand their world. While premade playhouses may cost hundreds of dollars, building your own is actually much simpler and less costly.
Use heat-treated pallets that have been recycled from earlier uses; look out for those bearing the IPPC logo when cutting treated lumber and wear a face mask when cutting it to protect yourself from wood dust.
The Basics
Playhouses are a dream come true for kids who want to act out their favorite stories or create entirely new ones, while also encouraging outdoor play - a healthy habit which promotes physical activity while developing social skills. Building one is easy if you follow these tips!
Be it a straightforward structure with shade trees or an elaborate one with windows and architectural features, the first step to building any playhouse is measuring and marking each lumber piece to size. Laying them out on the ground also helps you understand exactly how big your playhouse will be once complete.
At this point, it's also worthwhile to consult local authorities and ensure your playhouse meets any safety or stability regulations. Once dimensions have been decided upon, framing out your floor platform may commence; if not pre-treated wood has not already been treated or painted prior to adding the joists; this will protect its finish from exposure to the elements as well as enhance its aesthetic appearance for use by children.
Once your frame is in place, it's time to add the roof. Sand or flat paving stones make ideal bases for supporting rafters and struts to ensure your DIY playhouse stands up straight; for additional strength place blocks under corners of the frame where shingles will support roof supports.
Add windows and a door made from wood or fabric for a more realistic playhouse. To add color and protect fabric structures against weather conditions, add weather-proof wood paint.
If you don't have the time or desire to build your own DIY playhouse, a ready-made kids playhouse made from sturdy materials such as wood or metal is another viable option. These can be found online or at local home improvement centers and typically cost more than their DIY counterparts but require far less sanding or painting to assemble and use.
The Materials
Playhouses can add extra excitement and creativity to any backyard, and while premade versions can cost hundreds of dollars more, building one from recycled materials can save money and help the environment!
Gather all the materials necessary for starting. These will include basic tools like a circular saw and jigsaw as well as safety gear such as protective eyewear. Also make sure you have a level, rafter square and power drill equipped with a Phillips-head bit for driving screws as well as sand and flat paver stones to create a base for the frame.
As for the rest of the structure, use reclaimed pallets that have been heat-treated (look for labels with the IPPC logo) so they're safe for children to play in. Be wary of blue or stamped "MB (methyl bromide)", as these may contain dangerous chemicals you don't want your kids near.
Once you have your pallets, place two side-by-side on the ground and cover them with an OSD or plywood sheet, making sure that no gaps remain where children could get trapped by fingers or other objects. Nail this sheet down securely; be wary not to leave gaps where children could get their fingers trapped! If the playhouse will be used by multiple children at once, consider laying down another sheet as well - which would then serve double duty as both floor and roof!
Once your walls and roof are in place, it's time to install windows or doors. A door could be created using a slatted trellis attached to plywood; for added strength attach a 1x4 piece at its front edge for extra support.
Let the exterior paint of your playhouse dry completely before moving on to its interior design. You could add fabric decorations for doors and windows for a more authentic appearance, or draw on them using sharpies or embroidery floss to add gingerbread trim and flower boxes under windows.
The Design
If you're searching for a playhouse, making one yourself will give you more value for your dollar and can be customized specifically to meet the needs of your children. No prior experience necessary; following some simple steps will enable you to create a backyard addition that gives your children their own special space.
First, decide where you would like your wooden playhouse located. Make sure it is away from any overhanging trees which could damage or drop branches on it in autumn, as these could pose potential dangers. Also if it will sit on soil or pavers you should create a small foundation so it has secure footing.
Before beginning any project, gather all necessary materials and tools. A level, utility knife, tape measure, set square, hammer as well as circular saw, jigsaw reciprocating saw drill and straight edge will all be necessary. Furthermore, twox8 boards 2x4 boards plywood 3" galvanized screws 1"x6 decking planks wood siding quarter round molding roofing nails may also be necessary depending on what kind of project you undertake.
Once you've assembled all your materials, begin cutting plywood to size. For safety reasons, when working with treated lumber it is wise to wear a mask; you can cut on a work table but sawhorses make this much simpler - this technique is known by carpenters as "gang cutting."
Assemble the walls of your playhouse first. If you plan on including windows and doors, mark their locations on boards before cutting out and cutting out pieces to fit. Finally, secure all pieces together by screwing or nailing; consider adding plexiglass windows for added durability.
Once your walls are finished, add a roof and some finishing touches before getting into the fun part: decorating! Hang curtains from windowsills, place colorful plant pots on windowsills or add a coat of paint for instant fairytale castle charm!
The Build
Once your blueprints and supplies have been acquired, it's time to start building your DIY playhouse. Make sure all children remain safe from the construction site until it is finished; any pets should also remain away. Wear a dust mask while cutting treated lumber so you don't inhale its dust particles directly into your lungs.
As soon as your wooden playhouse floor frame is squared off, use a level and straight edge to ensure its squareness before using deck blocks to screw in. Now it's time for walls. Pre-cut interlocking tongue and groove wood panels make this step much simpler so that both of you can quickly construct one in no time!
Once the walls are complete, it's time to add the roof. There are two options for this step - either make a pitched roof with shingles or build a flat roof using plywood sheets (this option being cheaper yet still allowing your child to enjoy his or her playhouse even during heavy rainfall outside).
Make your playhouse even more engaging by adding decorative accessories. From horseshoes for a saloon theme to outdoor fairy lights and pastel wood paint that transforms it into a princess castle, decorative touches add character and make an ordinary playhouse truly remarkable.
Playhouses that include windows can add an exciting element of play for children while they explore their backyards. This project is simple and can even use leftover pieces from previous projects!
Once your windows are installed, it's time to add finishing touches. Decorate the exterior with some sanded and stained siding or even paint it a color that matches with your child's room; also consider adding a window box planter as part of its overall finish; finally add toys or books inside for children to enjoy their favorite pastimes!