It’s scheduled to occur this summer. I’m planning on constructing an actual playhouse in the backyard. My children appear content with the cardboard box fortresses they have built, but I’d like to give them a more permanent structure that will survive all summer and, with any luck, into next year. In addition, if Santa brought an actual playhouse this year, the kids would go wild.
I’ve looked into the prefab playhouses sold by the major toy manufacturers, and boy, do I despise them. They’re not worth the money, and they look cheap. I don’t want a vast plastic structure amid my lawn. The larger wood swing set kits look more like what I had in mind, but they’re too pricey to buy now.
Now I’ll have to figure out how to do something by myself. I decided to start exploring playhouse blueprints online. What I’ve discovered doesn’t exactly make me pleased. Of course, I first looked at all the free playhouse plans to see if I could get a feel for what this kind of work entails. This is starting to appear like a scary situation. I get the impression that carpenters write most plans because they use construction jargon as casually as if I were standing next to them on a building site. To that end, I will learn more about the construction of playhouses. Please remember that I am not planning on constructing one of those enormous playhouses, which could double as a rental unit.
How to Secure a Playground
Let’s start with some talk about security. I’d rather not have anything that topples over at the slightest breeze. It’s not that I let my kids play outside in the rain, but if I create something for them to use independently, it better be rock solid. From what I can tell in the plans, the playhouse will be sufficiently hefty from its materials to stand alone without me having to attach it to anything. I’m glad to hear that.
The First Step: Clear a Flat Area of the Yard
The first step in building a playhouse is usually picking an excellent site in the yard. That is logical. The time spent being thorough and doing this element of the job correctly the first time around will pay dividends in the long run. I’ll need to locate a relatively level yard area to construct the playhouse so it doesn’t end up skewed. This can be more difficult than it first appears. There is a reasonable probability that a surface is not level, even though it seems to be. Much of my effort went into preparing the ground for the playhouse.
Putting in a New Playground Surface
Most playhouse plans have me start building the floor immediately after clearing and leveling a place in the backyard. It appears that 2×6 treated lumber laid out in a grid pattern (joists) is the material of choice for this building section, as it is in the construction of actual houses. I can lay the floorboards directly on the yard clearing I made, but I’ll probably cover the area with a tarp first. A carpenter’s square or other measuring device may be helpful when constructing a floor with perfectly square corners. After that, using galvanized nails, the 2x6s can be assembled. I plan to use plywood to cover the 2×6 floor joists in the playhouse so that the floor is safe for my children to walk on. Two or three outside plywood sheets of 4′ x 8′ should do the work.
Construction of the Playground Fence
It’s not too unlike how real houses are built to construct the walls of a playhouse. I plan to make each division independently using standard 2×4 studs by laying them on the floor. After that, I’ll enlist a friend’s assistance in raising the finished walls vertically and nailing the corners together, much like the olden days of barn construction.
Putting a Roof on the Playhouse
The playhouse’s floor and walls look like they’ll be easy to build, but I anticipate the roof framing will be more challenging. Depending on where you live, a playhouse roof will be subjected to the elements (rain, snow, and sun) and the occasional defiant child who decides to climb up there nonetheless. So I’ve decided to attempt basic carpentry by building a gabled roof. I’ll take up the challenge because that’s what most playhouse plans require.
The excellent news about constructing a gabled roof is that low-priced gear may be used to align the roof rafters in the desired locations precisely. When suspending the roof rafters, I know that galvanized joist hangers will answer most of my difficulties. Many resources are available to teach you how to construct a roof, not just for playhouses. I think I can figure out how to install the joist hangers without too much issue because they come prefabricated.
Roofing and Wall Cladding
Putting in the decking and sheathing for the roof and walls is the next and most satisfying step. Typically, I use half-inch plywood panels, called for in most playhouse layouts, and screw them directly onto the rafters. However, it may be difficult to gain access to the meetings to secure them. Many advise attacking the playhouse from within, using a stepladder to gain access to the upper levels. Following the removal of each panel, I will return to the ground, reposition my ladder, and ascend to the next level.
Many playhouse blueprints call for 4′ x 8′ sheets of T-111 tongue-and-groove plywood for the walls, which should work well in terms of stability and protection from the elements. To complete the style of the walls, I may also shop for outdoor paneling with a decorative face.
Roof Completion
Not sure what I’ll lay out on the roof decking just yet. Roofing felt and asphalt shingles, like the ones on my house, are typically specified in playhouse blueprints. I’d instead not make so much effort right now, so I may look into more straightforward options. Perhaps a plastic or metal roof. I guess I’ll have to watch what happens there.
Finishing Up the Playhouse
There’s no limit to what I can add for finishing touches; I can dress up the project however I like, from window shutters to picket fences. Most playhouse plans I’ve seen have enough features that even the most basic structure looks impressive. Once I finish the foundation, I may not have time this year to add the finishing details.
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