Replies

1. 
   DanH | Jan 09, 2016 01:45pm | #1

   Most big-box building supply places have a collection of relatively inexpensive books containing "beginner" projects.  And sometimes they have free plan folders as well, for a few plans.

   Also check your public library for the books.

2. 
   renosteinke | Jan 09, 2016 03:12pm | #2

   What's a "Playhouse?"

   That term can mean so many things ....

   Time-Life's "Home Improvement Library" has some ideas in their 'outdoor' volume. Check your local library.

   While you're there, prowl the magazine files. I'm sure you'll find plenty of ideas in magazines like "Popular Mechanics."

   Just for giggles, visit some place that puts on plays - schools, etc. You might get some ideas from their sets.

   Likewise, visit some playgrounds and see what they have.

   Now ... for some specific ideas ....

   If I were to build a 'play house,' I'd base it on a box-like frame, using 2x2's and Simpson Strong-Tie connectors. The metal connectors greatly simplify the joinery, and make for very strong joints. Don't try to imitate house framing - plywood panels used for the walls will give plenty of strength.

   I'd make it so that only a very few points of the frame actually touched the ground. Ground = wet = rot.  Use larger hinges, handles, and latches than you think you need. Use washers to support nuts and bolt heads.

   Painting. I hope you have a VERY good place to paint. You'll be painting at several points in the projects.

   I find it a real help to prime the raw lumber. Then, once cut and dry-fitted (to make sure it''s cut right), I seal the exposed grain. If it's end grain, I'll fill it with a diluted Titebond 2 glue; that really seals the end grain. I'll paint the cut panels, then assemble them. Finally, I touch-up, and spray a clear spar varnish over it all (this helps protect the metal). If you need to caulk, use a white polyurethane caulk like Lexel.

3. 
   jimmiem | Jan 09, 2016 04:43pm | #3

   PLayhouse Plans

   I had found a bunch on-line.  I deleted the website(s) from my favorites.  I'll try and find them again.  In the mean time I'm sure somebody will provide you with some sites or you can try googling.  There were some really interesting designs. 

4. 
   jimmiem | Jan 09, 2016 04:43pm | #4

   PLayhouse Plans

   I had found a bunch on-line.  I deleted the website(s) from my favorites.  I'll try and find them again.  In the mean time I'm sure somebody will provide you with some sites or you can try googling.  There were some really interesting designs. 

5. 
   gfretwell | Jan 09, 2016 06:21pm | #5

   I found a cheap used "Ted's

   I found a cheap used "Ted's Shed". I insulated and paneled the inside, rolled out a carpet remainant and We were done.

   A huge advantage is it is an approved design for the Florida wind code so there were no hassles setting it in the yard.

   View Image 

   View Image

1. 
   Mongo | Jan 12, 2016 10:47am | #6

   brilliant!

   I like the locking hasp on the door. A great way to get some adult quiet time.

1. 
   CountryBumkin | Jan 13, 2016 01:26pm | #7

   I like this site. See the selestions at the lower right hand corner (for playhouses)  http://www.coolhouseplans.com/

2. 
   gfretwell | Jan 15, 2016 12:08pm | #9

   The hasp was on the shed when I got it but I do keep it locked when the kids are not here so I won't find homeless people living there. When they are here I put the lock through the hinged part of the hasp, so it can't be latched.

2. 
   TreJackson | Jan 13, 2016 08:49pm | #8

   This would be ideal and save me a lot of work if I could find something like this. Time to scour the classifieds. Thank you all for the suggestions!

6. 
   brown501 | Jan 17, 2016 06:57am | #10

   Saw this while driving through one of the subs by me...looks like a really cool play house to build and even more fun to play in!

   (Goodison Michigan, just north of Rochester)

   
7. 
   brown501 | Jan 17, 2016 07:00am | #11

   playhouse

   Whereabouts in the country is your local garden shop? I'd like to look at it.

1. 
   IdahoDon | Jan 17, 2016 11:36am | #14

   Rail City Nursery in Sparks, NV has one ....the big tree trunk is really a great idea

8. 
   renosteinke | Jan 17, 2016 08:58am | #12

   Got Google?
   Simply searching for "playhouse" led me to a wealth of images of playhouses ... from the simple & plain, to the awesomely inspired, in every style imaginable.

   Family Leisure has a site, where they have quite an offering of 'traditional' such items.

   The pictured playhouse looks like it was made by Kids' Crooked House.

9. 
   calvin | Jan 17, 2016 10:06am | #13

   Greetings

   Here's one I did with the local vocational school.

   http://www.quittintime.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/9062/an/0/page/0#Post9062