Backyard Playhouse Plans

This step by step diy project is about free backyard playhouse plans. I have designed this elevated playhouse, so you can create a cool retreat place for your kids to play and have fun. You can make lots of upgrades to my plans, such as adding a slide or even a sandbox. Take a look over the rest of my woodworking plans, if you want to get more building inspiration.

When buying the lumber, you should select the planks with great care, making sure they are straight and without any visible flaws (cracks, knots, twists, decay). Investing in cedar or other weather resistant lumber is a good idea, as it will pay off on the long run. Use a spirit level to plumb and align the components, before inserting the galvanized screws, otherwise the project won’t have a symmetrical look. If you have all the materials and tools required for the project, you could get the job done in about a day. See all my Premium Plans HERE.

Projects made from these plans

Backyard Playhouse Plans

Building-a-backyard-playhouse

Cut & Shopping Lists

• A – 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 96″ long, 7 pieces – 69″long FLOOR
• B – 4 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 36″ long POSTS
• C – 13 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 96″ long FLOOR
• D – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 72″ long, 4 pieces – 57″ long, 2 pieces – 22 1/2″ long 2xSIDE WALL
• E – 1 piece of 2×4 lumber – 65″ long, 2 pieces – 22 3/4″ long, 4 pieces – 57″ long, 2 pieces – 19 3/4″ long FRONT WALL
• F – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 65″ long, 4 pieces – 57″ long BACK WALL
• G – 2 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 48″x60″ long, 2 pieces – 24″x60″ long WALLS
• N – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 37″ long BRACES

• 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 8′
• 7 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 6′
• 2 pieces of 4×4 lumber – 6′
• 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8′
• 26 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 6′
• 13 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 8′
• 3 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 4’x8′
• 6d nails, 2 1/2″ screws, 3 1/2″ screws
• wood filler , wood glue, stain/paint

Tools

 Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level

 Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander

 Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses

Time

 One weekend

Related

• PART 1: Backyard Playhouse Plans
• PART 2: Backyard Playhouse Roof Plans
• PART 3: Backyard playhouse door and trims 

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How to build an elevated playhouse

Floor-frame—playhouse

The first step of the project is to build the floor for the playhouse from 2×6 lumber. Cut the joists at the right dimensions, as shown in the diagram. Align the edges flush and make sure the corners are square. Drill pilot holes through the rim beams and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the perpendicular joists. Place the joists every 16″ on center.

Fitting the posts to the floor frame

Fit the 4×4 legs to the floor frame. Use a spirit level to check if the joists are perfectly horizontal. Drill pilot holes through the floor frame and insert 3 1/2″ lag screws into the posts.

Anchoring the posts of the anchor

There are a few ways to secure the 4×4 posts into place. You can set the posts in concrete or you can use adjustable anchors and pour footings. Dig the holes 2-3′ deep (or under the front line) and about 12-13′ in diameter. Compact a layer of gravel to the bottom of the holes and then fit the tube forms. Fit the posts, align them and plumb them with a spirit level. Fill the forms with concrete, while the posts are locked into place with temporarily braces. If you use anchors, you need to align and set them into concrete. Fit the posts after the concrete dries, using lag screw.

Smart tip: Read the local building codes, so you dig the holes at the appropriate depth.

Fitting the floor slats

Fit the 1×6 slats to the floor frame. Align the edges flush, drill pilot holes and insert 1 5/8″ screws to lock them to the joists tightly.

Building the braces

Build braces for the structure using 2×4 umber. Make 45 degree cuts to both ends of the braces and then smooth the edges flush.

Fitting the frame braces

Fit the braces to the frame of the playhouse and then secure them into place with 2 1/2″ screws. These braces will add strength to the frame and make the structure super stiff.

Side-wall-frame

The next step of the project is to build the wall frames. Start with the side walls. Cut the components from 2×4 lumber. Drill pilot holes through the plates and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the studs. Make sure the corners are square and align the edges flush for a neat result. Moreover, you need to frame a window opening to the sides.

Front-wall-frame

Continue the project by framing the front wall. Drill pilot holes through the plates and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the studs. Leave space for a door opening.

Back-wall-frame

Assemble the back wall for the playhouse using the same techniques described above. Drill pilot holes through the plates and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the studs. Make sure the edges are flush and check if the corners are square.

Assembling the shed frame

Fit the wall frames to the floor of the elevated playhouse and align the edges flush. Drill pilot holes through the bottom plates and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the floor. Moreover, you need to lock the adjacent walls together tightly with 2 1/2″ screws.

Side panels

Fit the T1-11 siding/3/4″ plywood sheets to the sides of the playhouse. Cut the panels at the right dimensions and then secure them into place tightly with 6-8d nails. Leave no gaps between the sheets and align the edges flush.

Backyard playhouse plans

You need to take a look over PART 2 of the playhouse, so you learn how to build the roof. In PART 3 of the project you will learn how to build the door and the railings.

Backyard playhouse plans free

This elevated playhouse has a simple but still unique design. This playhouse will add character to the property and more importantly, it will keep your kids happy and entertained. You could even fit a slide to the other side of the platform, or even to the front, to add more cool features to the backyard playhouse.

If you want to get this plan as a PDF file with 1 full Cut list and 1 full Shopping list, please take a look over the GET PDF PLANS button bellow. Thank you for the support.

This woodworking project was about backyard playhouse plans free. If you want to see more outdoor plans, check out the rest of our step by step projects and follow the instructions to obtain a professional result.

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