How to Build a Playhouse

Figure A

Steps:

1. You must first begin by building a sub-floor. Begin by first positioning the two shorter 2" x 3" floor bond boards and the three longer 2" x 3" floor joists together. Nail through the floor bond boards into the floor joists with 3" nails.

2. Place the waver board panel flush to the outside edges of the ends and sides of the framework. Nail the corners in place with 2" inch nails. Continue nailing down the floor panel, driving in nails every eight inches.

Figure B

3. Position one floorboard flush to the floor panel and another flush to the end of the frame and secure each. Position the remaining floorboards equal distances to each other and secure all with 2" nails. All should be flush to the outside edges of the frame.

Figure C

4. Position the rear wall by aligning it to the sub-floor edges (opposite the floorboards) and driving nails through the overhang eight inches apart. Repeat this step for the side walls, this time aligning the walls with the rear wall (you'll have to turn the house over on it's side).

Figure D

5. Set the front wall in position and nail through the side walls into the front wall. Be sure to keep the walls square and flush before joining them permanently.

Figure E

6. Assemble the corner pieces with a pneumatic nailer, then secure these pieces to the wall corners to cover the joints. Once the walls are entirely secure, take the time to make sure no nails protrude into the interior.

Figure F

7. Secure the top plates to the assembly and also use a pneumatic nailer for the front porch assemblies. Fit the bottom of the front porch corner assembly over the outside corner of the porch floor and secure. Repeat the process with the other front porch post.

Figure G

8. For the roof, first set the paneled rear truss flush to the inside edge of the rear top, making sure the tips of the trusses are flush to the outside edges of the side top plate. All trusses should be flush with the outside edge of the front wall. The middle truss should be 24 inches from the rear of the rear wall. Use screws coming from under the truss to further tighten the trusses to the frame.

9. The roof is next. The roof panels should be flush front-to-back and flush to the peaks of the trusses. Secure with 2" screws. You may need help holding the roof panels. Secure both roof panels with screws eight inches apart along each truss.

Figure H

10. Once each roof panel is secure, the felt and shingles come next. Lay the roofing felt over the plywood roof and secure with roofing nails. Use a utility knife to cut off excess felt.

Figure I

11. Starting at the eaves, nail starter shingles upside-down with about a one-inch overhang all the way around. Apply the second row of shingles overlapping the first, creating a watertight seal. Work your way up the roof, staggering all of the joints and securing the shingles. Lap shingles across the peak so that one shingle overlaps the next.

12. The essentials of the playhouse are now complete. The trim is all that is left. Attach the fascia boards and window trim. Hand rails on the porch come next, then the flower box. Once these small trim items are on, you can paint.

13. Bare wood requires primer and paint. It's a wonderful idea to paint the trim a different, lighter color than the primary structure. The kids are gonna love it!

The final cost should run between $450 and $500 and will take only one full day to install.