Directions to Build a Basic Dollhouse
Building a basic, open-sided dollhouse is easy if you have experience working with wood. Otherwise, it may be a little challenging. For a first attempt, stick to a simple house design created from a single shape, meaning no wings on the house. Then divide the interior into a few rooms for your daughter to furnish. Use a thin wood that's easy to cut and glue, like thin plywood, to create a sturdy dollhouse.
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Instructions
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Cut the sides of the dollhouse to resemble the classic house shape, that of a rectangle with a triangle (roof) on top. Cut two of these triangles. Choose the dimensions based on how large you want to make the house. Typically, the rectangle (wall) portion will be at least 12 inches deep and 18 to 24 inches tall. Make the triangular roof in proportion. Simply judge this by what looks right, depending on how steep a roof you want.
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Cut 3 rectangles for the floor, back wall and back roof slope in whatever dimensions you have chosen. To continue the example dimensions used before, the floor piece might be 12 inches deep by 24 inches long. The back wall could be 24 inches long by 18 to 24 inches high. To cover the back side of the roof slope, measure the sides, as the dimensions depends on how tall you made the peak, but might still be 24 inches long.
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Glue the pieces together. Start by gluing the house-shaped sides to the ends of the floor. Then glue the back wall to the floor and the two sides. Let this sit until the glue has dried. Then glue on the back of the roof.
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Decide how you want to divide the house to make rooms. For instance, you might want to cut another floor rectangle and divide the house into two floors. If so, make this addition first. Measure and cut the board, shaving the edges so that it will insert tightly into the house and glue it into place.
Decide if you want to separate off the roof section, creating an attic, or if you want the top floor rooms to have a peaked ceiling. If you want an attic, create another floor sized board and glue it into place.
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Measure the height between floors and ceilings to make the interior walls. Cut boards so that they will insert tightly between the floor and ceiling when standing. Their width can either match the full depth of the house or you can cut them shorter, leaving a gap at the front, like a doorway into the chamber. Cut as many additional walls as you want and insert them into place upstairs and downstairs, dividing the area into rooms.
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Paint the inside and outside of the house using appropriate colors for the roof and exterior of the house. Paint on windows and even bushes. Then paint the inside walls, floors and ceilings. Let each color dry thoroughly before painting with another color.
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Tips & Warnings
If you opt to use nails to secure the boards together, make sure none of the nails is sticking out or that they've caused any sharp splintering.
