How to Build A Summerhouse or Playhouse

You can build a playhouse in a few days with the proper tools.

Building a summerhouse or a playhouse for the kids is a good way to keep them occupied when they are out at play. When the kids outgrow it, you can easily convert it to an outdoor storage building since the basic design is very much like a shed. There are many design ideas and plans available from building supply companies, but there is no requirement that you use them. The important thing is to be sure that the final product is safe and secure for the children. It is also important that you check with local building codes before you start. Check with the local zoning board for rules, because a building that exceeds certain dimensions requires a permit, even if it is a kids' playhouse.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Marking pegs
• Pencil
• Circular saw
• Sawhorses
• Builder's square
• Concrete blocks
• Hammer
• Nails
• 2-by-4 studs
• 4-by-4 posts
• Drill
• Drill bits
• C-clamp
• 6-inch carriage bolts
• Flat washers
• Carriage bolt nuts
• Socket set
• 1/2-inch plywood
• Galvanized screws
• 2-by-6 boards
• Roofing felt
• Shingles
• Roofing nails
• Caulk
• Caulking gun
• Hinges
• 1-by-1 porch rails
• Finishing nails

1. Determine the location for your playhouse. To do this, you must consider the size of the final product. Measure off the area using a tape measure and drive wooden marking pegs into the ground using a hammer to mark the area. Level the ground where you will build the playhouse. You can use concrete blocks for the foundation, to avoid placing the floor directly on the ground where it will deteriorate more quickly.

2. Frame the floor of the playhouse by measuring 2-by-4 studs with the tape measure. Place the studs on sawhorses and mark your measurements on the lumber using the tape measure and a pencil. Cut the studs to the proper length using a circular saw. Lay the studs out flat on the ground and nail them together using a hammer and nails. Use a builder's square to make sure the board are straight as you nail them together.

3. Place the floor frame on the foundation blocks. Check that the floor frame is level. Make adjustments as necessary by removing the dirt under the blocks. Place a 4-by-4 post on the sawhorse. Measure the length of each post you need to cut for the porch using the tape measure. Mark each post using the pencil and then cut them using the circular saw. There will be four posts for this project.

4. Place a post in position at the front of the floor frame. Use a level to check that the post is vertical. Attach a c-clamp to the post to hold it to the floor frame. Drill a hole large enough for carriage bolts using a drill and a drill bit. Install a carriage bolt, washer and nut in the hole and tighten the nut using a socket and ratchet. Repeat the procedure with the remaining posts. Place a strip of roofing felt on the edge of each of the joists. This will prevent the floor from squeaking.

5. Measure 1/2-inch plywood using a tape measure and mark your cuts with a pencil. Cut the plywood to size using the circular saw. Be sure to mark and cut out the notches where the porch posts are on the floor frame. Attach the floorboards to the frame using galvanized screws, the drill and screwdriver bits. Evenly space the screws throughout the floor, placing them every 8 inches.

6. Build the frames for the walls of the playhouse using the same procedure as the floor. Be sure to leave openings as necessary to install any windows you may want to have and the door. As you build each wall, secure it to the floor using galvanized screws, the drill and screwdriver bits. When you add the second wall, screw the wall frames together as well. Place a new sheet of plywood on the sawhorses. Make measurements using the tape measure and mark your cuts on the board. These will be the walls of the playhouse.

7. Cut the walls out of the plywood using the circular saw. Screw the wall pieces to the outside of the frame using the drill, screwdriver bits and galvanized screws. You can nail the walls up if you choose, but using screws is much stronger. Be sure to remember to leave openings in the boards for your windows and the door. Place the 2-by-6 boards on the sawhorses and cut out the lengths you need for the top edges of the walls using the circular saw. These will hold up the roof trusses.

8. Lay 2-by-4 studs on the sawhorses. Measure, mark and cut the pieces you will need to build the roof trusses. The size and the number of them you will need depend on the overall size of the playhouse. Make sure each truss you build has the same pitch or the roof will not be even. Once you build the trusses, sit them on the roof of the playhouse and attach them using galvanized screws, the drill and screwdriver bits. Be sure to space the trusses evenly apart.

9. Measure the plywood for the roof using a tape measure. Make any necessary cuts using the circular saw. Install the plywood on the trusses and screw the sheets into place using a drill, screwdriver bits and galvanized screws. Cover the roof with roofing felt, and then install the shingles. Start from the bottom edge of the roof and work your way to the peak. Use a hammer and roofing nails to secure the shingles to the roof.

10. Install the windows, if any, directly on the front of the playhouse using galvanized screws, a drill and screwdriver bits. Run a bead of caulk around the edges of each window frame for waterproofing. Install the door for the playhouse using galvanized screws, hinges, a drill and screwdriver bits. Install a railing on the porch using a 2-by-4 as the header. Cut it to the proper length and nail it in place using a hammer and nails.

11. Install 1-by-1 porch rails using wood glue. Nail them after you apply the glue using finishing nails and a hammer. Finish the playhouse by painting it the color of your choice. Furnish the playhouse as desired.

Tips & Warnings

• Erecting services are usually available in most shops. Ask in-store for details on the shops service.

• Take breaks of about 5-10 minutes during construction. This will help the smooth running of construction.

• If it rains, take inside all tools and equipment and wait for rain to pass before continuing construction.

• Use galvanized hardware when building the playhouse to prevent the hardware from deteriorating.

References

• Ron Hazleton: How to Build a Playhouse for Children
• Free Plans: 18 Playhouse Plans
• Secrets of Shed Building: Building the Perfect Playhouse: Everything you need to Know