This step by step diy woodworking project is about backyard fort plans. If you want to put a big smile of your kids faces, you could try to build a basic wooden fort. As you will see in the detailed instructions, any person with average woodworking skills can get the job done in a weekend, provided quality materials and professional tools are used. Choose a proper location for the backyard fort.
There are many backyard fort plans you can choose from, so make sure you take a look over the alternatives before starting the actual construction project. Invest in high quality and weather resistant lumber, such as cedar, pine or redwood. Always take accurate measurements and use a professional saw when building the components, in order to get the job done properly from the very beginning. See all my Premium Plans HERE.
Projects made from these plans
It’s that simple to build a kids fort!
Cut & Shopping Lists
- A – 4 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 130″ long POSTS
- B – 4 pieces of 2×6″ lumber – 60″ long, 4 pieces – 63″ long FRAME
- C – 11 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 63” long FLOOR
- D – 26 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 54″ long BALUSTERS
- E – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 24″ long, 2 pieces – 66″ long ROOF
- F – 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 58″ long, 5 pieces – 17″ long LADDER
Tools
Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level
Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander
Post hole digger, Concrete mixer
Time
One day
Related
Building a backyard fort
Building-a-backyard-fort
Top Tip: Building a wooden fort for your kids is a basic project, so any person with basic skills can get the job done in a professional manner. Adjust the design of the fort to your tastes.
Backyard fort plans
Setting-the-posts-for-kids-fort
The first step of the backyard project is to build set the wooden posts into place. Therefore, layout the fort in a professional manner, by using batter boards and string. Dig 3′ holes into the ground and set the posts into concrete.
Make sure you plumb the posts and secure them with temporary braces, before pouring the concrete. Let the concrete to dry out for several hours before continuing the construction.
Attaching the frame
The next step of the backyard project is to attach the frame. As you can see in the image, we recommend you to cut the 2×6 beams at the right size and to lock them to the posts with galvanized screws.
Drill pilot holes trough the beams before inserting the screws, in order to prevent the wood from splitting. Place a spirit level on the beams to make sure they are perfectly horizontal.
Attaching the flooring
Afterwards, attach the floor slats over the frame and lock them into place with 2 1/2″ galvanized screws. Place a nail between the slats, in order to enhance the water drainage. Cut notches in the slats to fit around the wooden posts.
Drill pilot holes trough the slats and make sure you countersink the head of the screws. Align the boards before inserting the screws, if you aim for a professional result.
Attaching-the-balusters
Next, you need to build the balusters and to lock them to the fort, using the information from the image. As you can notice in the fort plans, we recommend you to use quality lumber (from 2×2 up to 2×4 lumber).
Top Tip: It is essential to leave at most 4″ between the balusters, especially if you have small kids. Plumb the balusters before attaching them to the frame.
Building-the-fort-stairs
One of the last steps of the project is to build the stairs for the fort. As you can see in the image, we recommend you to build basic stairs, using the information from the diagram.
Cut one end of the supports at 30 degrees, while the opposite end should be adjusted at 60 degrees. Next, install the 2×4 steps between the supports, by using galvanized screws.
Building the roof
Attach the roof supports to the top beams and anchor them with screws. Plumb the supports and check if the top component is perfectly horizontal.
Backyard fort plans
Last by not least, you need to take care of the final touches. Therefore, fill the holes with putty and let it dry out for several days. Smooth the wooden surfaces with medium-grit sandpaper and clean the residues with a dry cloth.
Top Tip: Apply several coats of stain or paint to the components, in order to protect them from decay. Add a slide to the one face of the fort, in order to make it more entertainment.
This woodworking project was about backyard fort plans. If you want to see more outdoor plans, we recommend you to check out the rest of our step by step projects.
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9 comments
How do you attach the tarp so it ‘s tight?
You can make a few rafters from 1x2s so you create more support for the tarp. I would use at least three rafters on each side of the roof. Then you can staple the tarp into place.
good idea! I will give it a shot. Thank You
My boys are older so I think I’ll make the first level higher up. I’d also like to it make wider so they can have other components attached. I’m thinking 10′ wide for all sides. Would I need any additional support if I extended the size that much?
Yes, I would add middle posts to all four sites and one post where the diagonals of the floor meet.
how do I buy this plan or do I need t?
This one doesn’t have a premium option. Read the FAQs to get the free version.
hi, Cost of wood in California is gone mad. What can I use instead of what your recommended in D : 26 pieces of 2×4 lumber , 54″ long? Thank you for the great work
1x4s 2x2s