How to Build a Play Barn

Nothing is more fun for children than to play in child-size houses and buildings. Most children dream of owning their very own playhouse or tree house. For the animal lover or outdoor enthusiast in your home, these plans for a toy barn will make their year. All it takes is a few pieces of plywood and a weekend. This is a superfun project that will bring hours of fun to children and adults.

Things You'll Need

• Large wood screws Power drill Power screwdriver Electric saw Table saw Sandpaper Door hardware Carpenter's pencil Four 2 by 4s Eight 6-foot-square plywood pieces Ruler 4 small hinges Paint Paint brush 16 large angle brackets

Instructions

1. Draw a design for your toy barn. These instructions are based on a 6-foot-square barn. Decide which plywood pieces will be the front and sides of the barn. Use the ruler and draw windows and a door frame onto the plywood.

2. Cut the plywood to the 6-foot-square dimensions. Use four squares of 6-inch by 6-inch wood to screw into the four corners of the plywood with the bottom stand attached. This will be the bottom stand of the barn. Stand four pieces of plywood on top of it, and screw them together. Screw two angle brackets onto each side of the box to keep it sturdy. Screw the sixth piece of plywood to the top of the barn and use a bracket to hold it into place. It should now look like a box.

3. Use the electric saw to cut the doors and windows out of the box. Sand all surfaces to remove any splinters. Pay careful attention to the edges of the doors and windows.

4. Take the wood that you cut from the center of the doorway and cut in half lengthwise. This will be the barn door. Sand all edges. Screw the hinges into the door and then into the sides of the barn. Attach the door hardware to the barn doors.

5. Take the two pieces of plywood that are left and angle them together at the top of the barn to make a roof. Screw into the roof of the box where the pieces meet. Take a strip of 2-inch by 1-inch wood and place in between the two sides of the roof to keep the rain from coming in the top of the barn. Screw into place. Sand all edges.

6. Paint the barn a bright red. Paint the roof black. Add white trim to make it even more impressive looking. You have finished your toy barn.

Tips & Warnings

• Place the house on a firm surface. Rocky or bumpy ground may cause the house to tip over.

• Do not let any children play around the house during construction. Always wear proper safety equipment when operating saws and power tools.