How to Build a Level Playhouse
If you want to build a level playhouse, you will need a level site. A playhouse is much smaller and lighter than a house, but it is still an investment of your time and money. If you take the time to examine the quality of the soil, improve the stability of your building site and create a lasting foundation for your playhouse project, your playhouse will last long enough for your great-grandchildren to play in it. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Backhoe
- Shovels
- Vibrating plate soil compactor
- Sand
- Sharp-sided gravel
- Concrete forms
- Concrete mixer
- Long board
- Spirit level
- Straw broom
- Table saw with miter fence
- Rip saw
- Planer
- Shims
- Plumb bob
Instructions
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How Firm a Foundation...
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1
Choose a building site with good drainage, on firm soil. Avoid low spots in your yard where rainwater could collect. If the soil in your area is loose, dig down several inches using a backhoe or shovels to reach a firmer soil layer. Lay your forms around the perimeter of your site to define the shape of your intended foundation.
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2
Pour a layer of sharp-sided gravel 4 to 6 inches thick. Tamp it down three times using a vibrating plate soil compactor. Cover the gravel with 4 to 6 inches of sand. Run the soil compactor over it at least two more times. Add a second layer of sand and repeat.
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3
Have your contractor pour the concrete into your waiting foundation form. If you are going to plant any posts in the corners of your form, or run any wiring, irrigation lines, or plumbing, do it now before the concrete is poured. Check all your posts and studs during construction to be sure they are standing straight. Hang a plumb bob from a level, on a board placed across two posts. Adjust the post until it is standing straight. Brace every post until the concrete has time to set.
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4
Use a long board to smooth any excess off the tops of the forms. Roughen the surface of the concrete by drawing a straw broom across it. Place a long board across the concrete forms, with a spirit level on top. Adjust the concrete until the bubbles in the spirit level stay centered no matter which way you lay the board. Roughen the surface of the concrete by drawing a straw broom across it, without making it uneven.
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5
Check all the boards and building supplies you intend to use to make your playhouse. Make sure they are uniform. All board ends should be cut to 90 degree angles, and all corners should be square. If they are not, use a table saw and miter fence to cut the ends of each board to the correct angle. Use a planer or a rip saw to correct any minor warping of any boards. Set aside any boards that are dramatically and visibly warped.
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6
Frame the floor of your playhouse, then check to make sure it is still level. If you started with a level foundation, your playhouse floor will be level. If it is not level, all is not lost. Remove the decking boards of your floor to expose the subfloor and frame. Place wood shims in places that are lower than they should be. Some areas may simply need the screws tightened down a little more. Other spots may need a replacement board. Keep adjusting things until your spirit level bubbles remain between the lines.
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7
Check that all your studs and inside posts are also plumb and level, using the plumb bob, board and spirit level method. Check the level from diagonal to diagonal as well as across the tops of every wall, door and window. Once all is level, finish hanging your walls, cover your roof, and put your choice of cladding on the outside of the playhouse.
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