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Playhouses are a wonderful opportunity for children to enjoy role play and act out creative fantasies, practice good housekeeping skills and make their own household rules. Kids can use a playhouse for picnics, sleepovers, clubs or simply as an acceptable place to escape for private time alone and to read a book.
BUILDING MATERIALS
A playhouse can be enjoyed for many generations so you will want to put solid materials into the construction. Pressure treated lumber will generally last 20-30 years so it is a good choice for building a playhouse. The exterior of the playhouse can be finished with wooden or aluminum siding, stucco, brick or logs. Basically, any material used to cover the exterior of residential homes in your area can also be used in building a playhouse. Always use galvanized nails, bolts and screws to keep them from rusting and keep the heads recessed 1/2" into the wood to avoid scratching any children at play.
DOORS & WINDOWS
Kids love to have their own door to open and close. You can make a fancy Dutch door made with 1x4s glued and nailed to a 1/2" plywood backboard. A wooden sliding bolt can be made out of scrap lumber or you can purchase the equipment from the local hardware store. Hanging the door will be easier if you attach the hinges to the door and the door trim first. Next, place the door in position and nail the door trim to the playhouse wall.
Avoid using windows made out of real glass, instead you can use 1/8" Plexiglas using a 2x2 cedar frame and 2x6 sill. You can dress up the playhouse with simple shuttered windows made out of 1x6 tongue and groove boards and strap hinges attached to the outside. Hang the shutters following the steps listed above for hanging the door.
SWINGS
Build a swing onto the playhouse by extending the main roof beam at least 4 feet past the peek of the roof. Install metal rings in the underside of the beam to secure the rope or chain of the swing.
CREATIVE PLAYHOUSE OPTIONS
- Communication Devices
You can install a intercom inside the playhouse so you can keep in touch with the kids at play from your home office or while cooking in the kitchen.
Kids can also have fun with a dinner bell installed on the playhouse wall. They can use it to call there friends over for a picnic or when playing school.
Using a clothesline and pulley, kids can send notes to the main house using a basket as a trolley.
- Camping Out
You can build a fold-up bunk by using a 3/8" plywood base at least 24" wide and long enough for your children to lay down on. Use heavy duty chains attached to the wall of the playhouse and anchored to both outside corners of the bunk. Install a hook and latch to the middle edge of the bunk to securely hold the bunk closed when it is not in use.
Installing a hammock inside or outside of the playhouse is a comfortable way for kids to camp out and take up very little space. Install permanent hooks in the corner of the playhouse so the Hammock can be removed and set up easily.
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