How to Build an Inhabitable Fort

Building a fort you can live in is much like building a home with doors, windows and a plywood floor. Pre-cut kits are available from most lumberyards or shed manufacturers but doing it yourself is more satisfying. Adding power and simple luxuries can make a fort a home.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• 2-by-4 inch studs
• Plywood

1. Purchase plans or design the fort from scratch. Utilize old doors and windows to minimize the costs.
2. Use easy dimensions to maximize lumber and minimize cutting. Eight foot walls and ceilings require the least amount of effort. Frame the floor supports by building an 8 foot square with cross members set every 24 inches. Nail the frame together with framing nails and ensure it's sitting on level ground.
3. Secure two full sheets of plywood to the top of the frame with wood screws. The plywood must fit without any cutting.
4. Frame the walls, including door openings and windows with the 8 foot studs. Secure the walls with framing nails being careful to line each wall flush with the outer edge of the plywood. Run studs across the top of the walls, placing every 24 inches.
5. Place two more full sheets of plywood across the roof and secure them with wood screws across all of the studs. Cut additional plywood to attach to the outside of the fort. Walls without a window or door require two plywood sheets and no cutting.
6. Install windows and doors into the openings and attach and hardware required. Add carpet or flooring if desired and paint the inside and outside as desired.
7. Run power to the fort for a radio, TV, refrigerator, lights or any other appliances. If permanent power is required, install a power panel and hard wire outlets and fixtures before painting.