It's great being a kid.  Summers off, free time galore, no worries and no responsibilities.  Plus recess.  Ah yes, that long awaited break from the boredom and tedium that was school.  The swings, slides, sand box and jungle gym were the beacon of light in an otherwise boilerplate weekday.  In fact, it's been proven that kids learn better if they're allowed to run around and play in intervals throughout the school day.

Paul's Playhouses gives you the ability to add that recess fun to your own backyard.  Whether it's as simple as the free plan shown below, or one of our more elaborate designs, getting kids out of the house and into the great outdoors is the goal.

The plan below, named Outpost One, is a great way to begin that adventure.  Sure you can go to a department or chain hardware store and buy a pre-made plastic kid house, but it's just not the same as building your own unique creation, whether it's simple or complex.  The steps shown below are reminiscent of all the playhouse plans hosted here, with a lumber list, 3D images and fully detailed angle and dimensions.  Don't forget to also check out the other free plans too!




Thanks for looking at the Outpost One Playhouse Plan!  Before beginning, I have provided a tool and lumber list for you to carefully go over.  Many hardware stores offer a lumber delivery service and a bulk purchase discount, which I encourage you to take full advantage of to save time, money and hassle.   Because the Outpost One playhouse has a footprint of 6 feet by 6 feet, it's recommend that it be built and used in a flat, level area of at least these dimensions.

When it comes to framing, use two, 3 1/8”  R4 screws  to connect 2x4s together, three R4 screws for 2x6s, etc.  When attaching 5/4” x 6” decking material, use two, 2/ ½”  R4 screws, about 3/4” away from the edges to attach them to framing.  Make sure to paint all the exterior lumber to keep it safe from the rain and other elements.  All 2x and decking material should be pressure treated as it'll be out in the elements.  Be advised that if an exact 8', 10' and 12' piece is required, you may still need to cut it as they can vary in length by up to an inch.  Happy play housing!

Tools & Lumber that will be needed:

Pencils
Measuring Tape
Speed Square
Hammer
Drill &/or Impact Driver
Circular Saw
Sander

Decking:
( 3 )   5/4” x 6” x 10'
( 9 )   5/4” x 6” x 12'

Framing:
( 1 )   2” x 4” x 10'
( 9 )   2” x 4” x 12'
( 6 )   2” x 6” x 8'
( 2 )     4” x 4” x 8'
( 1 )     4” x 4” x 10'
(  2 ) 1/2 Plywood Sheets

 

Constructing the Outpost One Playhouse

Step 1: Back Wall
From (1) 2x4x12, cut
a 6' piece and a 5' 5”
piece. From (1)
2x4x12, cut four 2' 9”
pieces. Assemble
these pieces into the
unit shown in the below
illustration.



From (1) 4x4x10, cut and
install the two 4' 10 1⁄2” pieces
to the above unit as depicted in
the below illustration.



From (1) 2x4x12, cut two 6'
pieces and install them to the
top of the 4x4s as depicted in
the below illustration.



Step 2: Front Wall
Repeat the instructions from
step 1 for the front wall, except
use (2) 4x4x8s for two 6' 4 1⁄2”
pieces, instead of the two 4' 10
1⁄2” pieces. See the below
illustration for details.

Step 3: Side Walls
From (1) 2x4x12, cut two 5' 5”
pieces. From (1) 2x4x12, cut
four 2' 9” pieces. Assemble
these pieces into the wall shown
in the below illustration.



From (1) 2x4x10, cut one 5' 5”
piece and two 1' 9 1⁄2” pieces.
From (1) 2x4x12, cut four 2' 9”
pieces. Assemble these pieces
into the wall shown in the below
illustration.



Step 4: Siding
From (9) 12' decking boards, cut eighteen 6' pieces. From (3) 10' decking boards, cut twelve 2' 1”
pieces. Install these pieces to the four walls of the playhouse as depicted in the below illustration.
Space the boards 1⁄2” apart from each other.



Step 5: Rafters
From (6) 2x6x8s, cut six of the rafter depicted in the below illustration. Install them to the top of the playhouse as depicted in the 2 nd below illustration.





Step 6: Roof
From (2) sheets of 1⁄2” plywood, cover the top of the rafters as depicted in the below illustration.

A PDF version is also available for download