This summer it’s going to happen. I’ve got plans to build a real playhouse in the backyard. Although my kids seem happy enough with the houses they make from cardboard boxes, I want something that will last through the summer, and hopefully next summer too. Plus, I know the kids would go nuts to get a real playhouse this year.
I’ve checked out the ready-made playhouses that the big toy companies sell, and boy do I really hate them. Aside from being pricey, they just look trashy. Last thing I want is a big piece of plastic sitting in the middle of the yard. Looking at some of the larger wood swing set kits, this is more along the lines of what I had in mind, but these are just too expensive to buy.
That leaves me to build a something myself. So now I’m looking at playhouse plans on the Web. I can’t say I’m very happy with what I’ve found. Of course I’ve checked out all the free playhouse plans first, hoping to at least get an idea of what’s involved with this kind of project. It’s looking a little scary so far. Most plans seem to be written by carpenters, who toss around construction terminology as if I were right there beside them on a job site. So I’m off to do a little research in how playhouses are built so I can figure it out for myself. Keep in mind that I’m not looking to build one of those giant-sized playhouses – the ones that are so big you could rent them out as an apartment.
Making a Playhouse Safe
www.jackandjilltoyshop.co.uk Let’s talk safety first. Of course I don’t want something that will fall over with the first gust of wind. Not that I let my kids play outside during a storm, but whatever I build has to be pretty darn solid for me to feel comfortable letting them play there without me. From the plans I’ve seen so far, looks like the weight of the materials alone will be heavy enough to keep the playhouse standing upright, without me having to mount it to anything. That’s good news.