A Note From The Home Depot
The warm weather is here and it’s finally time for everyone to get outdoors! With a little help from The Home Depot, DIY blogger Ashleigh Lauren has the details on how you can build a playhouse that’s sure to bring your little ones lots of joy this spring and summer!
First, let me start by saying how much I enjoyed building this playhouse for my daughter! I'm just going to go ahead and confess that I love getting in there with her sometimes too, and wished I had something like this when I was little! It's a pretty easy build that kids will love, and if you want to know how I made this one, I got you covered.
Steps
To start this playhouse out I began using standard playhouse measurements that I found online, and tweaked them a little to fit my space. I used all 2x3s to complete this project. After I measured out my wood, I began to cut each piece out using my Ryobi 10” sliding miter saw.
Next, I started to work on the sides. I did a 22.5-degree angle for the side pieces, and the top two were 45 degrees opposing.
After that, I cut my pieces, and I repeated these steps with the (1) 2x3, and I cut those down to 28 7/16”.
After I got all my pieces cut, I put them together to make sure my framing was coming together correctly. For the sides, I cut them down to 51⅛” with a 22.5-degree angle at one end, and for my bottom, I cut it down to 66 ⅜”. The top two pieces measured 37 7/8 ” with opposing 45-degree angles at the top and non-opposing angles at the base.
Here is a shot of what the top to pieces look like when you put them together.
After that, this is how your framing should look for each side.
I started to add pocket hole screws to each piece of wood using my Kreg jig kit I created them to a depth of 1 ¼, and the collar was the same
I then began to measure out my piece to create the bottom of my triangle. I attached all the wood using my right angle clamp and drill. I used 2 ½” pocket screwsto attach.
Next, I began to work on framing the front. I used 2x3s to do this. I cut the sides down to 36 1/16”. I attached each piece using2 ½” pocket screws. I repeated this process on the sides as well.
After I finished attaching my 2x3s for the side, I added more 2x3s to the front to frame it out so that I could add this nice aluminum sheet I spotted at Home Depot.
I then started to sand the whole playhouse using 80 grit sandpaper to make sure I smoothed it down as best possible and then went over again using 220 grit.
I then added spar urethane to my wood before painting since I didn’t use pressure-treated wood. The spar will protect the wood from UV, mold, and harsh weather.
After the spar urethane dried, I began to add the outdoor paint I picked up by Glidden called Cow’s Milk.
The next thing I did was measure out the bottom front of the house. So I would know how much to cut off from my aluminum sheet.
Once I got the measurement. I cut the sheet down to size using my tin snips.
After I cut each piece, I used my Ryobi 18-gauge stapler to attach them to both sides.
Next, I began to work on the chalkboard portion, which will be the back for my playhouse. I measured the back and then got a white hardboard piece cut down to the size I needed at my local Home Depot, and I added chalkboard paint on top. You can use either a white hardboard sheet or a sheet of plywood. If using it outside, I would recommend a thick sheet of plywood. You can also keep it as a whiteboard if you choose.
Afterward, I started working on the roof. I added polycarbonate roofing to the top. It’s very inexpensive and easy to use. I measured my roof and cut my 8 ft. piece in half, and it fit perfectly on both sides. I did have to trim the excess off of each side.
To attach the piece to the top of the playhouse, I used my Ryobi drill and 1 ½” pocket screws.
After that, I added more 2x3s to the bottom and also 2x2s on the ends to cover any gaps. I sanded it down using the Ryobi palm sander with 80 grit sandpaper.
After I finished sanding I used the same outdoor paint, Glidden’s Cow’s Milk, to paint the floor.
When I finished painting the floors, I began to paint the 2x3s that I cut to attach to the bottom of the windows. The exterior paint color I used was Sweet Angel. I also cut a 1x6down and painted that same color that I add to the left side of the playhouse.
Next, it’s time to have even more fun by adding all your best personal touches to it that you know your kids will enjoy!
After you have decorated this to your liking, you will have an awesome playhouse for your kids to enjoy! I can personally tell you my daughter is obsessed with this playhouse, and she loves having a cool little hangout.