Building a Playhouse for our kids

 

We live out in the country and our nearest park is about 20 minutes away. I grew up being within 5 minutes of a park and we could just run down the street to play. I felt like my kids were missing out on this experience. We decided that wanted to give the a combined gift for their birthdays of a play house. 

I found the inspo for this on Pinterest and took off with it. I wanted a play house, a slide and a rock wall. But also I wanted this to be something that wasn't an eyesore. I knew I was going to have to look at this thing for many years so I wanted it to be visually appealing. I also wanted this to be able to break down in 4X8 foot sections incase we decided to move and we wanted to take it with us. 

I showed the inspo picture to my dad and he helped me design it and come up with the pick list. 

Step 1: Get the Materials

We went to the hardware store with our trailer and picked up all the wood and other materials that we would need. 

Step 2:  Cutting, Painting and Staining 

My husband and dad started cutting and then I began the arduous process of painting and staining everything. It was at this point that I realized we had bit off a bit more than we could chew. My parents were going to be in town for a week and I thought that was more than enough time to get this done. Boy was I wrong! I spent so much time staining and painting- so many hours. I would get up before my kids to paint and stay up late after they went to bed. It was a process. I wish my husband and I would've made some cuts ahead of time and began the painting process earlier. 

Step 3: Construction 

We leveled the ground as much as possible and began constructing the playhouse. I specifically didn't want this cemented in because I want to be able to take it with us if we decide to move in a few years. 

Step 4: Raise the Roof and add the rails 

We were able to get the roof on the last day that my dad was here to help us. We purposely picked a metal roof because it was cheaper and would withstand the PNW winters a little better. 

Step 5: Add the slide

We ended up getting the slide for free from a local buy nothing group. This was a huge win because this saved us between $200-400 depending on the type of slide we were going to buy. We gave it a major power wash before installing it. 

Step 6: Build the rock wall

We asked for the rock wall supplies from family members for Christmas so we were also able to save a little money on this as well. I predesigned the rock wall by laying it out on the ground in the pattern that I wanted before we installed it. I was very particular that I didn't want the same color next to each other. The rock wall kit also came with a climbing rope that we attached to the top.  

And... we're done 

I have to admit- it was a LOT of work. I'm not sure I would ever do it again but it was so fun to see how much my 3 year old loves it. We are already getting so much use out if it- basically daily. I think it will be a good return on our investment. 

Some things to think about: I think we are eventually going to add one of those circular swings below it. You could also add a sandbox if you wanted to- but we already have one. You could also add swings to it but we also have those in another location in our backyard.