How to Build a Bus Stop

The bus stop

Are you worried about your children standing by the roadside early in the morning waiting for the school bus? It might be a little scary for some children to wait for the bus during those winter months when it is still dark outside. Any stranger who drives by can see your children are there alone at the same time each day. Wouldn’t it be safer to build a bus stop for your children? Then they would also be protected from the rain, snow, and the chilling wind while they wait. It doesn’t need to be fancy, unless you want it to be. Your bus stop just needs to be big enough for your children to wait inside and watch for the bus.

Things You'll Need

• Plywood four treated sheets of 4x8 feet
• Screws 3” long approximately 30
• Screws 1 5/8” long approximately 50
• Circular saw
• Three treated 2x4s 12 feet long
• Four treated 4x4s two 10-foot and two 12-foot
• 160 lbs of dry concrete
• Shovel
• Post-hole digger
• Electric screwdriver or drill

Instructions

1. 

   Think about the climate where you live. What do you need to protect your children from, rain, traffic, windstorms, freezing rain, snow, or roaming animals? Determine if you need a simple 3-sided structure like the one in the photo, or an enclosed shelter. Draw a simple blueprint for your bus stop once you have determined your needs.

2. Choose the location for your bus stop. Be careful not to violate building codes by placing it too close to the road. If you make your structure moveable, you probably do not need a building permit. If you are cementing the 4x4s into the ground, then obtain a building permit before you start.

3. 

   Dig four holes approximately three feet deep into the ground to set the 4x4s. Measure before and after you dig to make sure your holes are 4-feet apart from each other. You are making a perfect square. You will be placing the 12-foot 4x4s in the front, towards the road. Put the 10-foot 4x4s in the back. Make sure the distance between the outside of the 4x4s is four feet so that one sheet of plywood will cover each side.

4. Pour 40 lbs of dry concrete into the holes around each 4x4 but only add a few inches at a time. Use the handle of your shovel to tap the dry concrete firmly into place. After tapping every few inches, use a level to make sure the 4x4 is standing straight. Fill the hole the remainder of the way with dirt tapping in in firmly. Repeat this process with each 4x4. Make sure there is four feet between the outside of each 4x4.

5. 

   Cut the 12 foot 2x4s into three 4-foot pieces. Screw one piece on each side and the back, flush with the ground, using the 3-inch screws. Do not screw a piece on the front of the bus stop at the ground. Now screw one piece flush with the top of the back, and one flush with the top at the front. On the sides of the bus stop, attach the boards at an angle from the lower back to the higher front.

6. Use the 1 5/8-inch screws to attach the sheets of plywood, one to each side, and one to the back. Place several screws along the bottom, top and sides. Screw the final piece of plywood on top of the bus stop for the roof leaving some extra in the front.

7. 

   Be creative and paint your bus stop if you want to, but if you use treated lumber it is not necessary. You can also shingle the roof if you would like, but with treated lumber, it is not necessary either.

Tips & Warnings

• If you live in a cold weather area then place a door on the front.

• Use another sheet of plywood and three hinges to attach it along with a 3-inch hook to keep the door shut.

• Don't forget peep holes or windows on each side if you attach a door so children can watch for the bus.

• Some people purchase shed or playhouse kits and use them as bus stops.

• Add a bench inside along the back wall if you would like.

• Caulk around the seams if you want to prevent leaks.

• Wear safety glasses

Resources

• Cedar playhouse kits
• Playhouse kits