Which kid hasn’t dreamed of having their own shelter in the yard? A special place where they can set free their imagination and share unforgettable moments with friends. The good news is that building a playhouse is not as hard as it may seem.
Draw a plan
The first step is to make a detailed plan of your playhouse. Start with deciding its location in the yard. Choose a place allowing both space for the shack and a safe environment for the kids. If you plan on building a playhouse up in a tree, make sure to select a tree that is solid and deeply rooted like an oak, a maple, or a walnut tree. You can draw a plan on your own or find templates online to get inspired. Make sure that your plan meets your kids’ needs and wishes, while considering the safety requirements and technical feasibility. You can even have your kids participate into the making of plans, as this project is for them, after all!
Once your plan is ready, you can determine the required material for the different components.
Base
The playhouse’s structure is essential to ensure its stability and durability. To do so, you will need 2 x 4 wood planks to build a sturdy frame, generally square or rectangle. Once the outside frame is assembled, use 2 x 4 wood beams as support in the middle of the structure. For the floor, use 1 x 6 wood planks directed perpendicular to the main beams. Use treated wood screws to firmly attach the foundation and make sure everything stays solid over time. Once the platform is completed, make sure the floor is proportly leveled to provide a solid and secure base for the playhouse. Use treated wood for its resistance to weather. You must stain or paint it with an outdoor product.
If you intend to build a high house or a tree house, it is crucial to make a sturdy foundation from the start. Use concrete patio bases and 4 x 4 pillars to make a solid structure on which you will install the playhouse. To strengthen the solidity of the structure, add braces by cutting 4 x 4 posts in angles at the edges. Screw it tight to the corners of the floor joists to increase the stability of the whole structure.
Walls
To build your playhouse’s walls, start with taking the exact measures of the desired length and height. Use treated wood to ensure durability and resistance to weather conditions. Then, assemble a solid wood frame on which you will place 2 x 4 vertical posts, spaced 16 inches apart. Once the frame is solidly assembled, fasten it to the base with 3-inch wood nails to ensure optimal stability. Repeat this process for the four walls, taking into account the necessary cut-outs for doors and windows.
There is a wide variety of wall panels among which you can choose, giving you options to customize the look according to your preferences. You can go for spruce lumbers or cedar siding bulks that you can arrange vertically or horizontally, depending on the style you wish to bring to the playhouse. D-grade spruce plywood is also a suitable and affordable option to cover the walls since it is both solid and easy to install. Pick the material that best matches your needs in terms of styling, durability, and budget.
Roof
Choosing a monopitch roof is the simplest solution. Make sure there is an incline towards the rear to allow the natural flow of water. To build this type of roof, use D-grade spruce plywood that you can cover with roofing shingles or cedar shingles for a good-looking and weather-resistant finish. If you wish to explore more roofing options, you can plan on installing a clear corrugated PVC panel to bring natural light inside the playhouse or choose a strong and durable solution like galvanized steel cladding.
Access
If your playhouse is built at a height (in a tree or on stilts), it's essential to provide a safe way to access it. Several options are available, depending on the age and agility of the children. You can install a staircase using treated wood stair treads and stringers, a stable and easy-to-use solution. For more adventurous kids, consider adding a wooden rope ladder, a climbing rope with a disc swing, or even climbing holds.
Finish
To make the playhouse even more pretty and resistant, you can complete a few steps, such as adding borders around the doors and windows with 1 x 2 planks. You can then apply an exterior paint of the colour of your choice.
Safety
As the playhouse will be used by kids (your own and maybe the neighbours’), needless to say that the installations must be safe. Here are a few precautions that need to be taken:
Height
When building a playhouse in height, keep in mind that safety is essential. Limit the height at about 2.5 meters from the ground to avoid severe injuries in case of a fall.
Trees and branches
If your playhouse is perched in a tree, make sure to cut any branch that could be dangerous for the kids. Ensure that the tree is strong and healthy to support the structure safely.
Materials
Avoid using glass for windows and doors, as it can break easily. Instead, choose clear plastic panes, as it is safer and less likely to cause injuries in case of impact.
Surface covering
To absorb the impact in the event of a fall, it is recommended to use cedar mulch for play areass to cover the ground around the playhouse. A thickness of about 15 centimeters is best to provide good cushioning in case of a fall from a height of 2 meters, thus ensuring a secure surface for the kids. Play sand is also an option, a more affordable choice that still provides good shock absorption in case of falls.
Once the playhouse is built, take the time to verify that no screw or nail is sticking out to prevent all hazards. Also inspect it on a regular basis to check that the structure remains strong and safe.
Accessories to embellish a playhouse
When your construction is completed, you can add a few accessories and games to improve it.
For a welcoming and cozy playhouse, go ahead and add some comfort and decorations like an outdoor mat on the floor, some nice patio cushions or a light string. Some kid chair and a small folding tablecan also encourage the kids to spend hours playing in their own playhouse!