FamilyFun: Secret Playhouse (Backyard Activities)

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A Secret Playhouse

by Anthony Schmitz

A fun, backyard play structure from FamilyFun magazine

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My five-year-old daughter, Laney, said she wanted a playhouse, A Secret Playhouse

and I knew what she meant--it must be set in a spot where a kid can make a world that suits her. And it must be shade-soaked and secluded.

Tools
  Hand or circular saw
  Tape measure
  Hammer
  Staple gun
  Square

My parental perspective: secluded, sure, but not too hard to keep an eye on. No running water. Nothing to fall from. And I wasn't going to drive myself nuts trying to build one of those playhouse palaces you see in how-to manuals.

Follow these step-by-step directions on how to build a simple, private and sturdy playhouse for your child.

For your construction preparation, here is a complete materials list for your secret playhouse.

Materials
  2 pounds 3" galvanized nails
  (11) 2' x 4' x 8' boards cut to the following lengths:
   (8) at 48" (crosspieces)
   (4) at 41" (crosspiece reinforcements)
   (4) at 48" (uprights)
   (4) at 33" (roof supports)
   (1) at 51" (roof beam)
  (5) yards of water-resistant nylon fabric, 60" wide

Anthony Schmitz is editor of the Frogtown Times in St. Paul.

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IN THIS ARTICLE:

	Intro
	Secret Playhouse: Step 1
	Secret Playhouse: Step 2
	Secret Playhouse: Step 3