I was so excited to build a playhouse for my kiddos. I made it an open A-frame because I wanted it to be versatile and grow with my kids. Today, it’s a place to watch an outdoor movie or craft. Tomorrow, it could be a relaxing backyard space to read.
Two beginning DIYers who know their way around circular and miter saws could put this together in a couple of weekends, including the painting.
I made this a little larger because my kids are a little older and I wanted them to use it for as long as possible. If 8 by 10 feet is too much, you can make it 8 by 8 feet or 8 by 6 feet. I chose 8 by 10 feet to include a small patio. I also didn’t want to deal with a lot of cuts, so I went with common sizes found at the hardware store.
Safety tips
Always wear eye protection and a dust mask when screwing into or cutting pressure-treated wood, and dispose of sawdust right away. You should also wear hearing protection when using the saw, and work gloves to protect your hands.
Cutting List
| KEY | QTY. | PART | DIMENSIONS |
| A | 2 | Short rim joist | 2×6 x 96″ |
| B | 2 | Long rim joist | 2×6 x 117″ |
| C | 7 | Interior joist | 2×6 x 93″ |
| D | 10 | Wall stud | 2×4 x 96″ |
| E | 24 | Wall brace | 2×4 x 22-1/8″ |
| F | 2 | Wall base plate | 2×4 x 96″ |
| G | 1 | Back wall base plate | 2×4 x 88″* |
| H | 1 | Center mullion | 2×4 x 29″ |
| J | 1 | Under-window support | 2×4 x 52-3/4″* |
| K | 2 | Window upright | 2×4 x 18″ |
| L | 1 | Over-window support | 2×4 x 28″* |
* – Cut to fit
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