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Building a playhouse

Shopping List (based on materials needed assuming you have tools)

Build a Children’s Playhouse

  • Playhouse kit

    range of types and styles from £151.71 to £793.46

    = £399 More info
  • Wood stain

    1L in a can (Roughly 8 cans needed) £11.98 × 8

    = £95.84 More info

Build a Children’s Sand-Pit

  • Deck joists

    8 47mm × 150mm £10.98 × 8

    = £87.84 More info
  • Upholstery nails – 2 on each corner

    is 2 boxes each with 4 corners = 16 nails needed = 2 packs 2 × 2.98

    = £5.96 More info
  • Perforated metal fixing plate – 8

    £0.98 × 8

    = £8.84 More info
  • Deck Board – 28mm × 144mm

    4 needed at £9.98 each 4 × 9.98

    = £39.92 More info
  • Exterior wood adhesive

    1 needed at £3.38 each

    = £3.38 More info
  • Deck screws

    1 pack £10.98, 2 needed

    = £21.96 More info
  • Wood filler

    1 pack

    = £3.98 More info
  • Pond filler or heavy duty plastic

    £14.98 each 2 needed.

    = £29.94 More info
  • Felt nails (see in store for 10mm)

    pack of 4 £3.18

    = £3.18 More info
  • Play sand

    NB Coverage will be dependent on depth laid, ground conditions etc Cost - £3.78

    = £18.90 (approx 5 needed £18.90), cost approximate only More info
Total estimated cost for building a children’s sand pit £223.88
Total estimated cost for playhouse £494.84
Total estimated cost of creating play area £718.72
Print off shopping list

Project costs have been provided as a guide only
and will vary from time to time

How to guide: Building a Playhouse

  • Step One

    It’s just like building a shed: first of all, position the floor and erect the gable ends and sides. Use a builder’s square to check the corners are all at right angles, and then fit the roof ridge bar. Nail in the roof support block and corner trims, using 40mm nails. Then lift the roof panels into position.

  • Step Two

    Make sure you get the playhouse building straight, then hammer in your 40mm nails in even spaces through the side frames to secure the door. This playhouse has a small verandah – so position its floor at the front of the playhouse.

  • Step Three

    Secure the verandah rails onto the front of the playhouse. Screw the bottom of the rails down into the floor and their tops into the eaves, making sure you countersink all the screws.

  • Step Four

    Now you need to felt the roof. Find where the gable end felt meets and overhangs the front eave, and hold a piece of timber beneath it. Using a sharp craft knife, make a straight cut from the corner of the roof to the edge of the felt.

  • Step Five

    Using two nails per section, nail the fascia to the gable ends. If your playhouse is on a deck, make sure you nail it down to stop it slipping on the smooth surface. To do this, drill some 100mm countersink screws through the runners inside the playhouse – and if your playhouse is on a concrete surface, there’s no need to do this last bit.

  • Step Six

    Hurrah – you’re nearly done. All you need to do now is treat the playhouse with wood preservative or wood stain, and you could also paint the inside. Why not get your kids to help you with this bit?




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