How to Build a Wooden Dollhouse

The kind of dollhouse you choose to build will be determined by factors such as the size, amount of money you want to invest and the amount of time you plan to spend on the house. The expense is determined by the size and complexity of the house as well as the quality of products you choose.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Paint brushes
• Dollhouse kit and supplies
• Paint
• Sanding equipment
• Electrical wiring
• Dollhouse furniture

Gather and Organize Your Doll house Supplies

1. Determine the method of building your wooden dollhouse. Choices are to build from scratch or to use kits with everything included. Kits make it easier for those with limited experience to produce a beautiful house.

2. Choose the style of wooden dollhouse. Many builders choose to build a duplicate of their own homes such as Colonial, Victorian, log cabins and more.

3. Read the instructions carefully before beginning the project to become familiar with what's in store for you. Be sure to follow the instructions to the letter.

4. Decide if lighting will be installed in the wooden dollhouse. It's usually better to install any electrical wiring before the dollhouse assembly is finished.

5. Provide a well-lit work area that is large enough to leave your work-in-progress in place.

6. Prepare all the wood pieces that require sanding and painting before beginning the assembly. Don't paint the areas where glue will be applied during assembly.

7. Decide what kind of interior decorating you want before assembling the dollhouse. If you choose wallpaper, wet wallpaper is difficult to add in tiny spaces after assembly.

8. Lay out all pieces as they are prepared for assembly in the order according to the instructions.

Assemble and Decorate Your Dollhouse

9. Assemble the shell.

10. Install the wiring if you have decided to have lighting in the house.

11. Install the siding followed by the windows and doors.

12. Install the trim, shingle the roof and then detail the ceilings, walls, and flooring.

13. Put in the electrical outlets if you've chosen to do so. Paint or stain any remaining unfinished moldings, baseboards and chair rails.

14. Install the ceiling fixtures and finishing touches according to the line-by-line instructions with your kit.

15. Furnish the dollhouse.

Tips & Warnings

• Sanding and painting the exterior trim pieces before putting them on the house gives a clean, professional finish.
• Some kits do not include items such as shingles or siding. Make sure your kit is complete, or purchase the necessary supplies before beginning the project.