Today’s fast-paced world is full of pressures, challenges and responsibilities that often rob parents of time for creating memories. That’s why a kids playhouse is the ideal way to inject some fun and frolic into your child’s life. With its endless possibilities, this small home addition can be as simple or complex as you like. After all, there are no rules when it comes to designing a playhouse, so you can build one that suits your family’s needs. Whatever type you opt for, the benefits of adding a playhouse to your property are numerous. For example, it will give your kid their own special space to retreat to when they need some peace and quiet. It will also encourage them to get outside more often and engage with nature by having somewhere safe where they can pretend they live in the woods as an elf or something similar. Let’s take a look at how you could go about building one…
Why build a kids playhouse?
As we depend on technology more and more, it’s truly wonderful to see children interacting with the world around them. But these days, it’s rare to find them playing outdoors unless the weather is warm enough for them to swim in the pool or build sandcastles on the beach. As a parent, you’ll know how distressing it can be to see your child living life in a virtual world. Whether it’s spending hours watching cartoons or playing video games, you’re likely to see them go from a healthy and vibrant child to a pale and lethargic individual who is detached from reality. This is also a concern for health professionals as youngsters who are glued to screens have been found to have a higher chance of becoming overweight or obese.
Where to build it?
The location of your kids playhouse will largely depend on its size. If you’re building a large structure, you might want to place it near your garden shed or an area of your property that gets plenty of sun. Alternatively, you might want to construct it in a shadier portion of your yard if you want to stay cool. If your playhouse is relatively small, you can construct it in your back garden or at the rear of your property. While it’s true that you’re unlikely to have much privacy if you build it in your back garden, you’ll avoid any nosy neighbours who like to keep an eye on what you’re up to. In the long run, you might want to consider retrofitting your kids playhouse to make it more permanent.
What should it include?
When it comes to designing your kids playhouse, you really are spoilt for choice. There are a number of different materials to choose from, including wood, corrugated iron, and bamboo. You should also decide whether your playhouse will be freestanding or fixed to the ground. And you should consider the type of roof you want to have on your playhouse, as well as its colour. When it comes to the interior, you’ll need to build a structure that’s strong and durable while also being safe. For example, you might want to consider using a wooden frame with a solid and sturdy roof made from corrugated iron.
Things you’ll need​
If you’re going to build a kids playhouse, you’ll need to invest in some basic tools and materials. You’ll also need a suitable location for the playhouse on your property. Ideally, the ground should be level so your child won’t trip on the uneven surface. As far as the tools go, you’ll need a tape measure, a spirit level, a set square, a pencil, two-by-fours, and nails. You’ll also need roofing tiles, roofing felt, roofing nails, roofing shingles, and roofing nails.
Coloured skirting and wall panels
One of the easiest ways to spruce up your kids playhouse is by installing coloured skirting around the bottom. You can also use panels to create a wall between your playhouse and the rest of your property. You can pick any colour that you want, or even use a combination of different hues. You can buy ready-made panels from most home improvement stores. Alternatively, you can build your own using wood. If you choose to go with the latter, make sure the wood is pressure treated and coloured using a stain or paint.
A sturdy deck
Depending on the size of your playhouse, you might want to install a deck at the front. You can either use wood or corrugated iron to build a deck. If you go with iron, make sure you seal it to prevent rusting. Also, you can create a wonderful design by using a combination of iron, wood, and coloured tiles.
Windows and a door
If your kids playhouse has a roof and a floor, you might want to consider adding windows and a door. This will allow your child to play inside even when it’s raining. Windows can be made of any material, although you might want to consider investing in a transparent type that will let the sun shine through. Alternatively, you could install faux windows with colourful images on them. As for a door, you could install a regular one or opt for a simpler swinging type made from fabric.
A colourful roof and wall panels
You might want to consider decorating your kids playhouse with multi-coloured wall panels that match the roof. There are a number of different materials you can use for this, including wood, fabric, and corrugated iron. If you choose corrugated iron, make sure you colour it using paint or stain. Alternatively, you can use colour-tinted stickers or wallpapers to create a beautiful design. When it comes to the roof, you have a choice between gravel, fibre, and tiles. If you go with tiles, make sure they’re made of a material that’s easy to clean and maintain.
Conclusion
Your kids playhouse can be as simple or complex as you like. You can build a simple freestanding structure or a large permanent addition to your property. As long as you make sure that it’s safe, you’ll have created a wonderful space for your child to play in. It will also allow them to socialise with friends and engage in imaginative play that’s bound to be far more enriching than staring at a screen or playing computer games. For your kids, this is their opportunity to be creative, imaginative, and to do something for themselves. Children benefit greatly from having their own space where they can express themselves without being interrupted. A playhouse can provide them with hours of fun and creativity.