DIY Playhouse Ideas: Easy & Budget Friendly!

When you were a kid, did you have a special playhouse just for you and your friends to let your imaginations run wild? Or did you dream of having a secret hideaway for all of your exciting activities and games? Do your kids or grandkids dream of having their very own special playhouse too? 

Playhouses are magical places for children to play with their siblings and neighborhood friends. Outdoor play is important for kids’ physical and cognitive development, and a playhouse is a great environment for open-ended, imaginative play. An outdoor playhouse can make backyard play fun and enjoyable in various weather conditions. 

Ready-made playhouses are available to purchase, but building a DIY playhouse is a special opportunity for the whole family to come together and create something truly meaningful. Building a playhouse creates lasting memories and results in an exciting place to play for years to come. There are many different types of playhouses, and an unlimited number of playhouse ideas. A DIY playhouse can be customized with special details for everyone to enjoy. With some easy and budget friendly DIY playhouse ideas, you can make the playhouse dream come true for your children or grandchildren! To get you started in the right direction, let’s explore a few important things to know when building a playhouse, some popular types of playhouses and ideas, commonly required tools and materials, and steps to building the playhouse of your dreams. 

When embarking on the adventure of building a kids’ playhouse, there are a few important things to consider. 

It is important to select a design that is fun and appropriately matched to the skill level of those involved in the project. Do you want to surprise your kids with a magical retreat or do you want to build it together? It is likely more efficient and safe to leave the construction up to an experienced adult, but intentionally collaborating with the whole family can be a worthwhile endeavor. Kids take pride in learning new skills and contributing to projects in meaningful ways. When designing and building a playhouse, there are a myriad of age-appropriate opportunities for involving kids. For example, kids can participate in choosing a theme and selecting the paint colors, learn how to use a hammer and other tools, help in the painting process, and learn to plant flowers for the decorative flower bed. 

Because the playhouse will house so many memories, it needs to last! Choose materials that are durable, easy to handle, and kid-friendly. The roof should be easy to install, quiet, and wind resistant. Additionally, the roofing material should not corrode or have sharp edges. Rusty metal and sharp edges pose a significant safety hazard. For construction, pressure treated hardwood is an excellent choice.  The wood for walls and floors should be strong, thoroughly sanded to avoid splinters, and finished to withstand the elements. 

This is a simple and straightforward design for a charming, modern playhouse. Jen Woodhouse designed this playhouse for her kids, and reports that it only takes 2 days to create. The free plans are available here on her website. As is, this cute structure is ideal for interior spaces or dry outdoor environments. If you want to adapt this design for rainy or snowy climates, add a floor, door, window panes, and an Onduline roof!

This cute and quirky playhouse utilizes recycled materials and is therefore relatively inexpensive to build. However, breaking down the palettes for construction does require an additional set of tasks and added time. To learn how to build this fun, eco friendly playhouse, visit this Instructables page.

This elevated playhouse features a deck, a draping curtain, and a slide for a quick escape. The Handmade Home family built this sanctuary, and the adults in the family love it as much as the kids! This family blog includes some building tips and info.

Although it looks quite impressive, this playhouse plan is a simple, beginner friendly design. The plans can be followed precisely or adapted to suit the vision of any family. Ana White shares the playhouse directions and photographs on her blog at this site.

For ambitious families experienced in DIY building, an adventure playhouse could be fun! This castle-sized fort is complete with two levels, a rope ladder, and swings. To learn how to build this large and elaborate playhouse, visit this Instructables page.

This adorable playhouse is a dream come true for some lucky kids! It is topped with a stately roof made with ONDULINE® ONDURA® corrugated roofing sheets, and features open windows and decorative flowers. The high-quality roof and elevated floor ensures the playhouse will be dry in the rain. The cream and black color palette creates a strong curb appeal, and the flowers add a fun pop of color. This playhouse is sure to be enjoyed for years to come!

Materials

1. Wood posts
2. Wood siding
3. Pressure-treated 2x4s
4. Decorative trim
5. Wood screws
6. ONDULINE® ONDURA® roofing sheet
7. ONDULINE® screws 
8. Cinder blocks
9. Hurricane ties
10. Lubricating oil
11. Paint
12. Door
13. Hinges
14. Windows (optional!)
15. Decorations and features like curtains, fencing, flower pots, flowers, lights, door mat, etc. 

Tools

1. Drill and drill bits
2. Hand or circular saw
3. Utility Knife
4. Pencil
5. Measuring tape
6. Level
7. Sand paper
8. Staple gun
9. Work gloves and protective goggles
10. Paint brush
11. Paint roller
12. Paint tray
13. Painters tape
14. Paint can key and stir sticks
15. Drop clothes

Playhouses are highly customizable and can be created in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles. While your chosen design will follow specific instructions, the steps outlined below describe a general strategy to show you how to build a sturdy, fun, and enjoyable playhouse. 

1. The first step is to select or create your design for a homemade easy DIY playhouse. The design can be inspired by things your kids love and how your family wants to use the playhouse. Is the playhouse for relaxation, adventure, make believe, or everything? Take note of all necessary tools and materials, as well as the quantity of materials needed. 
2. The second step is to acquire all the tools and materials needed for the project. 
3. Once you are ready to begin construction, measure (twice!) and cut the pieces needed. Pre-drill holes in the wood components to prevent cracking or splitting. Carefully sand all of the wooden pieces. If appropriate for your design, apply paint to the components before assembly and installation. 
4. Prepare the foundation and frame the floor of the playhouse. If necessary, assure local building code anchoring requirements are met. If your playhouse is elevated from the ground, make sure the supports are level. Assemble and attach the floor panels. 
5. Frame the side walls. Embed any windows or architectural features included in your design. 
6. Install the side walls using cement coated sinkers. Offset the walls an appropriate distance from the back edge to allow ample space to attach the back. Use a level and plumb to orient the walls at the proper angle. Temporary braces can support the walls until the front and back components are installed. 
7. Frame the front and back walls. Follow your design specifications for inclusion of doors, windows, or other architectural features. 
8. Install the front and back walls. Level and square the four walls before adjoining the studs and fastening the walls to one another. Remove the bracing only once the walls are properly attached to the floor and one another. 
9. Construct truss frames for the gabled roof. If your design includes a covered porch, prepare the beams. 
10. Install the truss frames and any porch beams. Hurricane ties can be used to attach the trusses to the walls and porch beam. 
11. Install the windows to the manufacturer’s specifications. 
12. Prepare and install the siding. Cut openings for the doors and windows. 
13. If your playhouse has a porch, prepare and install the siding or fencing for the porch. 
14. Install roof sheathing by nailing plywood to the ridge of the trusses.
15. Create and install a door frame, door jam, and door stop.  
16. Assemble and install the door with the hardware of your choice. 
17. Install decorative trim and molding to finish all of the rough window openings and wall edges. 
18. Now it is time to add the roof. Follow ONDURA’s installation instructions for best results. 
19. Add finishing details to embellish your playhouse. If additional components need to be painted, do this now. Plant flowers, add decorations, and have some fun personalizing your dream backyard retreat!
20. Finally, your DIY playhouse is complete! Take a moment to celebrate your hard work and enjoy the rewarding feeling of completing a very special DIY project that will create memories that last a lifetime. 

The fun doesn’t stop! Here is another awesome playground topped with an Onduline roof: 

For more DIY inspiration and materials, visit the Onduline site today.