This article will discuss the basic steps for how to build a wooden playhouse for your kids.
Building a wooden playhouse can be enjoyed by your kids after it's done, but can also be a source of bonding with your kids during the construction process.
The first step when building a wooden playhouse is deciding what size you want to make it.
The two factors which help you determine the size you should build your playhouse are the size of your current yard space, and your budget.
If you live in the city and your yard is on the smaller side, you'd be better off building a smaller playhouse.
You don't want the playhouse taking up a large percentage of your useable space.
You might need room for other structures like a shed, a garden, or a children's play structure.
The cost of building a childs playhouse is another important factor.
The larger the structure, the more it will cost to build.
Once you determine the size you want to build, you need to find plans for your playhouse.
There are many sources available online and in brick and mortar stores.
Some websites offer free playhouse plans, but beware.
These "free" plans are sometimes lacking important details and are not easy to follow.
You might be better off paying a small fee for good playhouse plans.
When building the floor, it's important to keep the framing at least 6" away from the ground.
This is especially true if you live in a damp climate.
Keeping wood 6" from the ground will prevent the wood from rotting.
I recommend using pressure treated lumber for the floor framing.
Treated lumber costs a little more, but will hold up better to wet conditions.
Next is the floor decking.
If your floor joists are spaced at 24", use 3/4" plywood for sheeting.
If your joists are spaced at 16" or less, you can get by with 1/2" CDX plywood.
Screw the plywood down with deck screws.
For walls I recommend using 2"x 3" studs spaced at 16" apart.
Don't build the walls a full 8' high.
There's no need to have them so tall.
Usually 6' high walls will work fine and look more proportionally correct.
Use 5/8" T-111 plywood for wall siding.
The roof should be framed with 2"x 4" rafters 24" apart.
A simple gable roof looks better than a shed roof because it makes the wooden playhouse look more like a miniature house, which is what the kids want.
Make sure you include a ridge board to tie the rafters to.
This makes the roof structure sturdy and less susceptible to damage from wind or snow loads.
Finally, apply composition roofing over the roof sheeting to keep water from penetrating the structure.
And give the siding a good coat of quality exterior paint.
This will ensure your kids playhouse lasts for years.