This article explains how to build play forts, how to select a kit, and what to consider before you buy a fort kit. Safety and ease of use are also important factors to consider when choosing a fort kit. If you're planning to build a fort for your child, consider these factors.
Full DIY Plans are available here!!
Building a fort kit
There are many advantages to building a wooden play fort for kids. First, they're a great way to get your kids outside and active! Unlike the typical toy fort that gets ruined after a few hours of use, this set is made to last. It's also made of durable, non-toxic materials and includes three blankets and three anchor weights. Plus, if you're planning to build the fort outdoors, the parasol is an added bonus!
For older children, you can build one that comes with more pieces. For instance, you can purchase a kit with eight-inch-square boards. Some kits include other components, like velcro connectors and wooden poles. A couple of them even come with a carrying case.
If you want to save money, you can also buy a pre-determined fort kit for kids. These kits are more affordable, but often have only a couple of different assembly options. This can limit your child's creativity. Still, they can be a lot of fun.
A washable fort kit is also available. It comes with a waterproof fabric cover and magnets that will keep the pieces together. These fort kits are best suited for kids 3 years and older. They can be used indoors or out and are easy to store when not in use.
If you want a fort kit that will last a long time, go for a set that has a lot of pieces. This way, you can build more structures. Plus, it's better than using cardboard boxes. If your child wants to build a larger fort, you'll need a larger kit.
You can even add a cannonball launcher! Forts are great for learning. They'll be able to practice their critical thinking skills and work together as a team. They'll learn a lot about architecture as they build the fort. Fort kits are also great for building creative ideas and allowing your kid's imagination run wild!
Another great advantage of fort building kits is that they provide hours of entertainment while building an amazing structure. Kids love to use their imagination and develop their problem-solving skills by using fort building kits. They'll have a blast creating forts, castles, and playhouses. And parents will appreciate the efficiency of a fort kit for kids, as well as the hours of fun they'll get out of it.
Steps to building a fort
Building a fort is a great way to get your kids outside and spend time together. You can buy plans that include detailed instructions and metric and imperial measurements. Some plans even include a slide or climbing wall. A fort is a great activity for the whole family to enjoy over the summer. However, it does require some time and effort on your part.
The first step is to measure and mark your fort. Make sure that your measurements are accurate and that you mark the locations of each piece accurately. You can enlist the help of your kids for measuring, drilling and holding pieces in place. You can use a jigsaw to cut the brace pieces on the fencing, but a handsaw will work just fine. Next, cut the miters on each piece of fencing and position the hatch between the brace pieces. Then, drill 3/8-inch holes in the corners of the door and hinge.
Once you've cut the rafters, assemble them using 1 5/8'' screws. Make sure that the rafters are evenly spaced. Once the trusses are in place, use rafter ties to hold them together. You can also use pressure-treated plywood to cut seats.
Once your fort is finished, you can add a ladder and a slide. You can also add twinkle lights and food if you like. A teepee is also a great place for reading books or playing games. The best part about this method is that it requires no sewing. To finish, use a stain or paint to protect the wood and give it a nice finish.
If you don't want to invest in a wooden play fort, you can create one with a clothesline. These are easy to create and can be set up in a matter of minutes. The clothesline is a great way to provide shade and comfort for your child while they play.
Consider safety
When building wooden Play Forts for kids, safety is an important factor. It's easy to make a mistake and make a playset unsuitable for your child, but there are a few simple tips you can use to prevent accidents. First of all, kids are constantly trying to extend their play space, and they may not realize what's safe or not. For example, they might try to attach extra ropes to a playset, but this can result in nasty falls and strangulation.
Another important safety factor is the material of the hardware used for the playset. When choosing hardware, look for recessed and resilient metals to avoid rust. Avoid using plastic for the hardware, as it wears easily and can cause cuts and snagging. In addition, make sure the bolts are recessed and have powder-coated grips to prevent slipping.
Another important safety precaution is to ensure that there are no protruding nails or splintered wood. Be sure to inspect the wooden Play Forts for kids frequently to make sure that they are safe and free from sharp edges. If you want your kids to have fun for hours, consider getting a playhouse with an extra layer of safety equipment.
Consider ease-of-use
Ease-of-use is an important factor to consider when building wooden Play Forts for kids. Whether you are building the fort yourself or hiring a builder, you should consider how easy it is to use. This is because the fort should appeal to both the child and the parent. Moreover, the materials used should be safe for kids.
If you are building a fort from scratch, you can try using old newspapers as a frame. This is a great alternative to PVC because they are recyclable and can be stacked together to form a sturdy fort. You can also use old sand toys and packs to build bricks for your fort. To make it even more durable, you can use water to set the snow.