DIY projects plans

DIY Pirate-Themed Double Playhouse with Bridge and Slide in a Garden Setting

Step-by-Step DIY Guide: Create an Amazing Double Playhouse for Your Kids – PDF Plans Available

Discover the Magic of a DIY Double Playhouse

The charm of childhood is rooted in endless creativity and unbounded imagination, where backyard trees become enchanted forests and playgrounds transform into bustling metropolises. One such magical creation that can bring immense joy and adventure to a child’s life is a DIY Double Playhouse. With a sense of ownership that pre-fabricated playsets can’t match, a DIY playhouse is a delightful project that offers as much fun in the making as it does in the playing. This journey will transport you and your children into a world of pirates and buried treasure, all from the comfort of your own backyard.

Why Our DIY Double Playhouse is the Perfect Backyard Addition

The essence of our DIY Double Playhouse lies in its ability to inspire fun, adventure, and creativity in a safe, familiar environment. Perfectly designed for your backyard, this two-tiered playhouse encourages children to engage in active play and imagination-driven games. It provides a tangible space for your kids to dream, explore, and build confidence as they navigate the rigging of their very own pirate ship.

Elevate Your Backyard Fun with Our Two-Level DIY Playhouse

The unique design of our DIY Double Playhouse is centered around two separate forts, one slightly higher than the other, connected by an inclined wooden bridge. This two-tiered design not only doubles the fun but also adds a vertical element that engages children in different forms of physical play. Whether it’s looking out from the higher fort, crossing the bridge to the lower deck, or taking the thrilling route down the attached slide, each aspect of this playhouse adds a new layer of excitement.

The Bridge to Adventure: A Unique Feature of Our Double Playhouse Design

The wooden bridge linking the two forts is more than just a passageway; it serves as a gateway to countless adventures. One moment, it’s a narrow crossing over a shark-infested moat, the next, it’s a daring escape route from a pirate’s siege. This bridge encourages imaginative play, story-telling, and cognitive growth, making it a unique and vital feature of our double playhouse design.

Unleash Your Inner Pirate: Theme Ideas for Our DIY Double Playhouse

Theming your DIY Double Playhouse elevates the fun factor significantly. For our model, we chose a lively pirate theme, transforming the forts into bustling pirate ships. Pirate-themed decorations like hanging triangle flags, an entrance sign proclaiming “Pirates Cove – No Grown Ups Allowed,” and flags fluttering on top of the forts enhance the authenticity and overall allure of the playhouse.

Creating a Pirate's Paradise with Our DIY Double Playhouse

Creating a pirate-themed paradise is all about attention to detail. We’ve included elements like treasure chests (which double as handy storage), a ship wheel for steering through rough seas, and netting for agile climbers. There are barrels to clamber over, and safety handles to ensure secure gripping while in the heat of adventure. Plus, an X marking the spot on the floor for an imagined treasure hunt lends an authentic touch to the pirate theme.

Navigating the High Seas: How Our Playhouse Accessories Engage Young Pirates

In our pirate-themed DIY Double Playhouse, accessories play a crucial role in stimulating imaginative play. The ship wheel turns a simple playhouse into a storm-braving vessel, while the netting becomes a challenge for young pirates trying to board an enemy ship. These elements not only enhance the pirate theme but also contribute to developing physical strength and coordination.

Pirate's Cove to Kid's Kingdom: How to Adapt Our Playhouse to Your Child's Favorite Theme

While our model showcases a pirate theme, our DIY Double Playhouse can be adapted to suit any theme that your child loves. From a fantasy kingdom to an intergalactic spaceship, our design serves as a blank canvas ready to be decorated and modified to suit your child’s imagination.

Easy Pirate-Themed Decorations for Our DIY Playhouse

Adding pirate-themed decorations to your DIY Double Playhouse doesn’t have to be complicated. Triangle flags and pirate flags can be easily made from scrap fabric, while recycled wooden crates can transform into convincing treasure chests. Use stencils and paint to create ‘No Grown Ups Allowed’ signs, and craft an ‘X marks the spot’ on the floor using chalk or washable paint.

Adding Unique Pirate Touches to Our DIY Double Playhouse

Personal touches are what make the DIY Double Playhouse special. You can incorporate elements like a painted pirate map, a faux parrot perched in the corner, or even a hidden compartment for secret pirate loot. Encourage your kids to contribute their own ideas – they’ll be excited to see them come to life in their playhouse.

Transform Everyday Materials into an Extraordinary Playhouse with Our DIY Plan

One of the key strengths of our DIY Double Playhouse is the use of common construction materials, such as 2x4s, 4x4s, and plywood sheets. All these materials can be easily found at your local hardware or lumber store. This ensures the project is affordable, accessible, and perfect for beginners.

Begin Your DIY Adventure Today with Our Beginner-Friendly Double Playhouse Plan

Our DIY Double Playhouse is designed with beginners in mind. There are no fancy cuts or complex joins required. The step-by-step guide ensures a stress-free and enjoyable construction experience, even for those with little to no woodworking background. It’s all about having fun and learning as you go.

No Fancy Equipment? No Problem! How Our Playhouse Plan Works for All Skill Levels

We’ve ensured that our DIY Double Playhouse plan doesn’t require any fancy equipment. A standard set of tools that most households already have will suffice. This means anyone can embark on this rewarding project and experience the satisfaction of building something extraordinary with their own hands.

Safety and Adventure Combined in Our DIY Double Playhouse

While adventure and imagination are at the forefront of our DIY Double Playhouse, safety remains a paramount concern. Features such as safety handles, sturdy barrels for climbing, and soft landing spots ensure your child can enjoy their pirate escapades without any worries. Rest assured, their adventurous spirits will be well protected in our carefully designed playhouse.

Incorporating Pirate Elements into Your Playhouse for a Fun and Safe Adventure

The incorporation of safe and fun pirate elements into our playhouse design brings the pirate theme to life while ensuring your child’s safety. Features like climbing nets, easy-to-grip handles, and stepping barrels provide a fun challenge while ensuring that your little pirates can navigate their ship safely.

Why Our DIY Double Playhouse is More Than Just a Child's Play

Our DIY Double Playhouse is not just a playground for your kids, but a platform for them to learn, grow, and expand their horizons. As they engage in active and imaginative play, they’ll develop essential skills, from physical coordination and strength to social interaction and creative problem-solving. Our playhouse serves as a stepping stone to a world of learning through play.

Creating an Unforgettable Childhood Adventure with Our DIY Double Playhouse

Creating a DIY Double Playhouse is about creating unforgettable childhood experiences. It’s about creating a unique space where your children can let their imagination run wild. It’s about creating memories – both of building the playhouse together and of the countless adventures that will ensue.

When Imagination Meets Construction: Experience the Joy of Building Your Own Double Playhouse

The journey of creating a DIY Double Playhouse is a magical experience, where your imagination comes to life through construction. Each plank, each nail, and each decoration added is a testament to your creativity and hard work. There’s something truly special about watching your backyard transform into a child’s dream adventure playground.

Personalize Your DIY Double Playhouse with These Design Details

The DIY Double Playhouse is yours to personalize. Whether it’s choosing your child’s favorite colors, incorporating their favorite pirate symbols, or designing custom flags, every detail can be customized. It’s a project that encourages you and your children to leave your personal touch, creating a playhouse that truly feels like home.

Transform Your Backyard into a Pirate Ship with Our DIY Double Playhouse Plan

With our DIY Double Playhouse, your backyard becomes a stage for epic pirate adventures. The slide becomes a quick escape route, the barrels become obstacles to clamber over, and the bridge becomes a vital link between two bustling pirate forts. Every game played in this playhouse becomes a treasured childhood memory, making our DIY Double Playhouse Plan the key to unlock a world of backyard adventures.

In conclusion, our DIY Double Playhouse is more than just a project; it’s an investment in creativity, adventure, and countless hours of fun. Get ready to hoist the flags, mark the treasure spot, and set sail on the high seas of imagination. Your pirate adventure awaits! 

DIY Pirate-Themed Double Playhouse with Bridge and Slide in a Garden Setting
DIY Pirate-Themed Double Playhouse with Bridge and Slide in a Garden Setting
DIY Pirate-Themed Double Playhouse with Bridge and Slide in a Garden Setting
DIY Pirate-Themed Double Playhouse with Bridge and Slide in a Garden Setting
DIY Pirate-Themed Double Playhouse with Bridge and Slide in a Garden Setting
DIY Pirate-Themed Double Playhouse with Bridge and Slide in a Garden Setting

Time to build

25-35  hours

Total cost of build

About $700 (slide cost not included) 

Skill level required

Beginner- Intermediate 

Download the PDF plans

DIY plans for Outdoor wooden kids playhouse with slide

Outdoor wood double Kids playhouse PDF plan

What is included in the PDF download? 

 

  1. Easy to read step by step instructions 

  2. Material list 

  3. Tools needed  

  4. 3D illustrations  

Recommend tools for this project

    • Saw (miter saw recommended for precision cuts) 
    • Drill 
    • Impact driver with bit for screws 
    • Sander 
    • wood countersink drill bit

Cut list and material list

Ready to jump into your DIY project? Purchase our PDF plans here now to instantly receive a comprehensive cut list and material list. Let’s start crafting your dream playhouse today!

Step 1

First precut four 45-in 2x4s and place them together with two 96-in pieces as shown in the diagram.

Space them out as shown in the diagram. The spacing is going to very important later on when attaching the wood pillars. Ensure the spacing is correct.

Predrill with a countersink drill bit

wood DIY kids playhouse plans
wood DIY kids playhouse plans

Step 2

Apply glue to all areas that will be joined together and add crews.

This will make the frame of the playhouse.

wood DIY kids playhouse plans
wood DIY kids playhouse plans

Step 3

Next add 2x8x8s to the frame of the playhouse to give it a floor.

Align the 2x8x8s to the frame and space them out evenly. The spaces between them should be roughly 7.25-in.

Kids wooden playhouse base DIY plans
Kids wooden playhouse base DIY plans

Step 4

Next remove each floorboard one by one and apply glue to the areas where the frame of the playhouse will meet the floorboards of the playhouse.

Predrill the holes and add crews to secure the platform together.

Step 5

In this step we will begin making all the railing that will go around the play structure.

Cut the 2x3x8s into the sizes specified in the diagram.

You will need one 53-in piece and (8) 23.5-in pieces that are cut at 60 degrees on one end.

Make sure that when you are cutting at an angel that you cut along the correct side (see diagram).

The following steps will show how to put this railing together with the appropriate spacing.

DIY kids playhouse railing plans

Step 6

Begin by using one of the railing pieces as a spacer. DO NOT attach it to the railing but only use it as a spacer. The idea is to have the first railing piece be attached with an indent.

Predrill 2 holes, add glue, and add screws. It is important to have 2 holes so that the railing does not turn of move.

DIY plans for wood playhouse

Step 7

In the next step you will need to cut a 4-in spacer. This can be cut from just some scraps.

Using the 4-in spacer continue adding railing pieces until you have 8 railing pieces added.

Tip: to make sure the spacing is perfect, you can add 4 pieces from one side, starting with at one end, and then add 4 remaining pieces on the other side starting on the opposite end. This will make any imperfection seem less noticeable. This will make the railing symmetrical.

The final railing unit will have indentations on both sides (see next image).

DIY wood playhouse plans for railing

Step 8

Next, make a similar railing unit. This time the total length is 37-in, with 6 railing pieces.

Use a 4 3/8-in spacer.

predrill, add glue, and screws.

You only need to make one of these. 

DIY wood playhouse plans for railing

Step 9

Next, make two identical 26-in railing units. Each will have (4) 23.5-in pieces.

One side will be indented. Which indented side is very important (see diagram).

Use a 4 11/16-in spacer to achieve the correct space.

Predrill, add glue, and add 2 screws per railing piece as before.

DIY plans for wood playhouse railing
DIY wood kids playhouse railing plans

Step 10

Next, make 2 more units similar to step 9 but with ONE MAJOY DIFFERENCE. Make sure the 26-in pieces are indented on the OPPOSITE side. 

Step 11

After making all the railing units, you should have a total 6 units.  

DIY kids playhouse railing

Step 12

Next, you will need to make the roof frame.

Star by cutting a 62-in piece of 2×4 and also a total of (8) 30 5/8-in pieces at a 30-degree angle on either side from 2x4x8 lumber pieces (see diagram).

Once you have cut the appropriate pieces, arrange two of the 30 5/8-in pieces and one of the 62-in pieces as shown in the diagram below.

add a 3.5-in x 3.5-in spacer to separate the two 30 5/8-in pieces. The height of the spacer is not important.

Draw a guideline that is 2 inches away from the edge of the 62-in piece (shown in diagram with a pencil).

The 2-in line will serve as a guide to know where to place the 30 5/8-in pieces.

As before, predrill, glue, and add screws.

diy kids playhouse plans for roof
diy kids playhouse plans for roof

Step 13

Next, repeat the same steps as before to attach the next two 30 5/8-in pieces. 

diy kids playhouse plans for roof
diy kids playhouse plans for roof

Step 14

Next attach the other four 30 5/8-in pieces using glue and screws.

If the pieces are moving around too much, then you can add two screws per each 30 5/8-in piece. They will be reinforced in the next few steps. 

diy kids playhouse plans

Step 15

Next flip the structure (best done with a friend so as to not take anything out of joint while it’s still fragile and unreinforced) and add screws to reinforce it.   

wood DIY kids playhouse plans

Step 16

In this step, add a 58-in 1×4 (actual size is 3.5-in x 0.75-in) to with end of the roof structure.

A little bit of space will exist between the roof 30 5/8-in pieces and the 58-in 1×4. This is ok.

As before, predrill, add glue, add screws.

wood DIY kids playhouse plans
wood DIY kids playhouse plans

Step 17

In this step you will need to add the plywood sheets to the wood frame.

Cut two 61-in x 33-in pieces.

Place them on top of the structure as shown in the diagram. A little bit of the 62-in 2×4 will be showing. This is ok and is part of the design.

add lines to indicate where to add screws so that you don’t miss and create unnecessary holes.

If a screw is not correctly places REMOVE IT. This can be a hazard as it can injury a child’s head when the stand. After placing all the screws, inspect from underneath to make sure that no screws are sticking out.

DIY plans for wood playhouse

Step 18

Next, add shingles.

This step can be done after the roof is on the playhouse. The pro of this option is that the roof will be lighter and easier to work with. The con is that you will have to add shingles to a structure that is over 8 feet high.  

wood DIY kids playhouse plans

Step 19

In this step, take the 4x4s and cut them down to 84 inches.

The ends of the 4x4s need to be cut at 60 degrees.

Draw a line with a pencil at 20.5-inches as shown in the diagram.

 

In this step, its a good idea to make sure the ends that are cut at a 60 degree angle all match. This will be important in the later steps.

DIY kids playhouse plans pillars
DIY kids playhouse plans pillars

Step 20

Next, cut a 10-in 2×4 piece that has one end cut at a 60-degree angle.

Place it at the 20.5-in mark. Use the mark to note where the top of the 10-in piece should go.

predrill, glue, and add screws.

Make a total of 4 pillars just like this. 

DIY playhouse plans pillars

Step 21

Next, add a 14 9/16-in piece as shown in the diagram. The edges are cut at 45 degrees.

Predrill, glue, and add screws.

Repeat this 2x

On the last 2 pillars at the 14 9/16-in piece but in a mirror fashion (See image below).

In the end you should have 4 pillars. two pairs that are identical.

diy kids playhouse plans
diy kids playhouse plans

Step 22

In this step take one of the pillars and draw a line 9 inches from angled base (as shown in diagram).

add a 21-in piece that is cut at 45 degrees on both sides (as shown in diagram).

Predrill, glue, and add screws. 

DIY kids playhouse plans
DIY kids playhouse plans

Step 23

Next, repeat step 22 on the remaining 3 pillars. IMPORTANT to note that the location of the 21-in piece needs to correspond to what is shown in the diagram.

diy kids playhouse plans

Step 24

In this step you will need the help of at least one other person (best in a group of 3 or 4).

You will now be attaching the pillars to the frame and base of the playhouse.

First, take 2 pillars that are identical to the pillars shown in the diagram and place them on even ground or cement.

Next, apply glue to the areas of the pillars that will make contact with the base.

Next, take the base of the playhouse and fit it into the correct position (shown in diagram). The base should slide in and fit into place.

With the help of a friend, make sure the pillars are being attached at the correct angle.

I find that using a right-angle tool as shown in the image is the best way to make sure the alignment is correct.

Once the alignment is correct, add the screws to lock in the position.

diy kids playhouse plans
diy kids playhouse plans
diy kids playhouse plans
diy kids playhouse plans

Step 25

Next, repeat the process for the other two pillars.

Apply glue before putting on the pillar.

Again, make sure the angle is correct before adding screws.

diy kids playhouse plans
diy kids playhouse plans
diy kids playhouse plans

Step 26

Next, you will need to flip the structure to be in the upright position.

IMPORTANT: YOU MUST FLIP IT IN THE AIR. The structure cannot be put under pressure at this point so that the alignment stays correct.

Once you flip the structure, with the help of a friend, walk it over to the final destination. Once there, place it on the ground. Spray the soil with paint or place a flag or marker where the pillars touch the ground. This will be the place where you will need to dig the soil to make a hole for the pillars.

Next, move the structure out of the way again and dig the holes. The holes need to be between 10-12 inches.

Next, place the structure into the holes.

At this point the structure may not be levered of sturdy.

Next focus on leveling the platform. NOT the pillars (this will be done in the following steps. Although make sure the pillars are not “way off”.)

Add dirt and compact it in areas that need it to make the structure leveled in all directions. Add stones or gravel to do this if needed. Make sure not to overfill the hole because it will need to be filled with cement (or compacted dirt).

Once the base is leveled, add cement or compact dirt into the holes until they are tightly packed.

 

diy kids playhouse plans
diy kids playhouse plans
diy kids playhouse plans

Step 27

Next, place the roof onto the pillars. This needs to be done with at least 2 people.

It is ok and is necessary to step on the platform.

Once the roof is placed, it may not be even. This is ok.

Next focus on making the roof equal distance on both sides in comparison to the pillars that are facing the same side. In the image the “ideal” distance is 4.5-in. This may not be the “ideal” distance for your playhouse because of minor differences. The point is to make the space between pillars equal up an down the pillar height. In this step do not focus on making the pillars perfectly at 90 degrees to the platform. These corrections will be done in future steps.

Once the pillars are equal distances from each other, add ONE screw to each pillar as shown in the diagram.

DIY kids playhouse plans
DIY kids playhouse plans

Step 28

In this step, make sure that the pillars are leveled in all directions. This may require some pushing and pulling.

Once the pillars are in the correct position, add screws to lock them into place.

Screws should be added from the outside as well as from the inside.

 

DIY plans for kids playhouse.
DIY plans for kids playhouse.
DIY plans for kids playhouse.

Step 29

Next, you will add the railing. Take one of the 26-in railing pieces made earlier and add it to the structure as shown in the diagram.

Add glue to all places that will be making contact.

Apply a lever before adding screws.

Predrill and add screws to the areas indicated.

Add diagonal screws to fix the railing to the pillars as shown in the diagram.

Kids playhouse DIY plans for railing
Kids playhouse DIY plans for railing

Step 30

Next, add all the railing pieces in the similar fashion as before. Not forgetting to glue, predrill, and level.

Tip: if the 37-in pieces is slightly off or does not fit, you may need to trim it a little to make it fit.

Once the railing is all attached you should have the house completely enclosed except where the stairs will be and where the bridge will connect. 

DIY kids playhouse railing installation
DIY kids playhouse railing installation
DIY kids playhouse railing installation
DIY kids playhouse railing installation
DIY kids playhouse railing installation
DIY kids playhouse railing installation

Step 31

Next, you will need to build the stairs.

lay out four of the 31-in pieces and two of the 29-in pieces with 45-degree angles on both ends on the ground as shown in the diagram.

Make a spacer from the pillar cut aways. The spacer should be 4.5-in long and cut at 45 degrees. The size is important and is shown in the diagram.

Use the spacer as a guide for the angle of the first step.

Predrill, add glue, and add screws as shown.

DIY plans for wood playhouse
DIY plans for wood playhouse
DIY plans for wood playhouse
DIY plans for wood playhouse

Step 32

continue to add more of the 31-in pieces using the spacer as a guide for the angle and space.

Lastly add the other 29-in angles piece. Again, the spacer can be used to ensure proper alignment.

DIY plans for wood playhouse
DIY plans for wood playhouse
DIY plans for wood playhouse

Step 33

Next, dig a small trench around the area where the stair will be attached.

apply the stairs to the structure, ensure appropriate position, and glue and screw it into place.

Pack the dirt around the stair again.

DIY kids playhouse stairs installation
DIY kids playhouse stairs installation

Step 34

In the next step you will need to build the second, taller, kids playhouse. The steps are identical to building the shorter playhouse with some exceptions. Each of these exceptions will be discussed in greater details in the following steps.

  1. Instead of using 84-in pillars (cut from 4-in x 4-in x 8-ft lumber), you will need to use 108-in pillars (these are cut from 4-in x 4-in x 10-ft lumber pieces).
  2. The base of the second structure will be higher off the ground. Therefore, the reinforcement pieces that hold the platform will be attached higher up.
  3. You will need to make a bridge, along with additional railing, to connect the 2 structures.
  4. On the taller structure, you will not need to make a second staircase. Instead, you will need to attach the bridge. 
DIY kids playhouse second structure plans

Step 35

At this point, you need to repeat step 1-18. Once you have built all the components in step  1-18, you will now need to cut and construct the pillars for the taller second playhouse. The steps are very similar to the shorter playhouse with the exceptions of dimensions. See images below for dimension differences.

  • Part A of step 35
    • cut a 108-in piece from the 4-in x 4-in x 10-ft lumber. 
    • Cut the edges at 60 degrees on all sides, as shown.
  •  
  • Part B of step 35
    • Draw a line with a pencil at 44.5-inches as shown in the diagram.
  • Part C of step 35
    • Next, cut a 10-in 2×4 piece that has one end cut at a 60-degree angle.
    • Place it at the 44.5-in mark. Use the mark to note where the top of the 10-in piece should go.
    • predrill, glue, and add screws.
    • Make a total of 4 pillars just like this. 
  • Part D of step 35
    • Next, add a 14 9/16-in piece as shown in the diagram. The edges are cut at 45 degrees.
    • Predrill, glue, and add screws.
    • Repeat this 2x on only 2 of the pillars.
  • Part E of step 35
    • On the other 2 pillars add the 14 9/16-in piece but in a mirror fashion (See image below).
    • In the end you should have 4 pillars. two pairs, each pair should be identical identical.
  • Part F of step 35
    • In this step take one of the pillars and draw a line 33 inches from the angled base (as shown in diagram).
  • Part G of step 35
    • add a 21-in piece that is cut at 45 degrees on both sides (as shown in diagram).
    • Predrill, glue, and add screws. 
  • Part H of step 35
    • Next, repeat step 22 on the remaining 3 pillars. IMPORTANT to note that the location of the 21-in piece needs to correspond to what is shown in the diagram.
  • Part I of step 35
    • Once all the pillars are completed, they should look like the image in Part I of step 35.

Part A of step 35

DIY kids playhouse pillars

Part B of step 35

DIY kids playhouse pillars

Part C of step 35

DIY kids playhouse pillars

Part D of step 35

DIY kids playhouse pillars

Part E of step 35

DIY kids playhouse pillars

Part F of step 35

DIY kids playhouse pillars

Part G of step 35

DIY kids playhouse pillars

Part H of step 35

DIY kids playhouse pillars

Part I of step 35

DIY kids playhouse pillars

Step 36

In the following steps you will need to construct the bridge and railing that will connect the two structures.

First, cut three identical 56 1/16-in pieces from 2×4 lumber. Cut the ends at 24 degrees as shown in the diagram.

Next, cut 14 identical pieces at 23 9/16-in from 1×4 lumber.

Next, cut two identical pieces at 23 9/16-in from 2×6 lumber.

These pieces will be used in the construction of the bridge in the following steps.

Bridge pieces cut for the DIY kids playhouse bridge
Bridge pieces cut for the DIY kids playhouse bridge
Bridge pieces cut for the DIY kids playhouse bridge

Step 37

Take the three 56 1/16-in pieces and add a 23 9/16-in piece from the 1×4 lumber on top of them as shown in the diagram. Space out the three 56 1/16-in pieces evenly.

add a 23 9/16-in piece from the 2×6 lumber to the side.

Make sure the joint matches the images bellow. The third image shows how the pieces come together.

Once everything is aligned, predrill, add glue, and add screws.

 

Bridge construction for the DIY kids playhouse bridge
Bridge construction for the DIY kids playhouse bridge
Bridge construction for the DIY kids playhouse bridge
Bridge construction for the DIY kids playhouse bridge

Step 38

In this step you first need to flip the bridge and add a 23 9/16-in piece from the 2×6 lumber to the other angled side as shown in the diagram. Use a 23 9/16-in piece from the 1×4 lumber as a spacer to get the proper alignment.

Next, predrill, add glue, and add screws.

Next, flip the bridge and attach the 23 9/16-in piece from the 1×4 lumber with glue and screws.

Lastly, deck the whole bridge with the remailing 12 23 9/16-in pieces from the 1×4 lumber. Adding glue, predrilling, and adding screws.

Bridge construction for the DIY kids playhouse bridge
Bridge construction for the DIY kids playhouse bridge
Bridge construction for the DIY kids playhouse bridge

Step 39

Next, you will need to make additional railing for the kid’s playhouse bridge. 

First, cut two identical 23.5-in pieces from the 2×3 lumber. Cut these pieces at a 60-degree angle as shown in the diagram.

Cut tow identical 6 3/4-in pieces from the 2×3 lumber.

Next, attach the 23.5-in pieces to the 6 3/4-in pieces using glue and screws as shown in the diagram. Do not forget to predrill these delicate pieces before adding screws.

 

Railing assembly for DIY kids playhouse
Railing assembly for DIY kids playhouse

Step 40

In this step you will need to make addition railing for the bridge and the opening where the slide is attached.

First, cut eight identical 23.5-in pieces from the 2×3 lumber. Cut these pieces at a 60-degree angle as shown in the diagram.

Cut four identical 14 3/4-in pieces from the 2×3 lumber.

Cut a spacer from scrap lumber that is 5 1/4-in long.

Use the pacer to space out the 23.5-in pieces as shown in the diagram.

Next, attach the 23.5-in pieces to the 14 3/4-in pieces using glue and screws as shown in the diagram. . Do not forget to predrill these delicate pieces before adding screws.

In the end, you should have a total of four railing pieces. Two pairs that are a mirror of each other as shown in the last picture of this step.

Railing assembly for DIY kids playhouse
Railing assembly for DIY kids playhouse

Step 41

In this step you will need to build the bridge angled railing.

First, cut two identical pieces at 54 1/4-in from the 2×3 lumber.

Cut the ends at 24 degrees as shown in the diagram.

Next, cut eighteen 23.5-in pieces. Cut the ends at 60 degrees as shown in the diagram.

Next, take nine of the 23.5-in pieces and cut the untangled ends at a 24-degree angle as shown in the diagram.

Next, take nine of the 23.5-in pieces and cut the untangled ends at a 24-degree angle in the opposite direction from the previous nine as shown in the diagram.

Next, cut a spacer that is 2 15/16-in long to help space out the railing.

Start attaching the 23.5-in pieces to the 54 1/4-in piece by starting on opposite ends and working your way inwards. This will make the spaces look more symmetrical if the spacer is slightly off in size.

As before, attach by predrilling, gluing, and adding screws.

Finally, Repeat the previous step in attaching the other nine 23.5-in pieces to the 54 1/4-in piece in the opposite direction as shown below.

Railing assembly for DIY kids playhouse
Railing assembly for DIY kids playhouse
Railing assembly for DIY kids playhouse
Railing assembly for DIY kids playhouse
Railing assembly for DIY kids playhouse

Step 42

In this step you will need to attach the railing made in step 39 to the shorter playhouse.

As before don’t forget to predrill, add glue, and screws.

Use a level to ensure that the railing is leveled and matches the rest of the railing pieces.

attaching railing to the DIY kids playhouse
attaching railing to the DIY kids playhouse
attaching railing to the DIY kids playhouse

Step 43

Next you will need to attach the bridge to the smaller playhouse.

Start by getting someone to help hold the bridge while you work on attaching it.

I recommend attaching two scrap pieces of 2×4 to hold up one end.

Make a marking with a pencil or pen in the middle of the top of the bridge to know how to properly align it with the second structure.

add glue, predrill, and add screws to the base of the bridge to secure it to the smaller playhouse.

Leave the temporary scrap pieces in place so that you can work on attaching the second playhouse.

attaching a bridge to the DIY kids playhouse
attaching a bridge to the DIY kids playhouse
attaching a bridge to the DIY kids playhouse
attaching a bridge to the DIY kids playhouse
attaching a bridge to the DIY kids playhouse

Step 44

in this step you will need to attach the 108-in legs to the platform. The steps are identical to steps 24-25 (see steps 24-25 for reference).

Attaching the base of the DIY kids playhouse to the pillars
Attaching the base of the DIY kids playhouse to the pillars
Attaching the base of the DIY kids playhouse to the pillars
Attaching the base of the DIY kids playhouse to the pillars
Attaching the base of the DIY kids playhouse to the pillars
Attaching the base of the DIY kids playhouse to the pillars
Attaching the base of the DIY kids playhouse to the pillars
Attaching the base of the DIY kids playhouse to the pillars

Step 45

In this step you will need to add the second kids’ playhouse and align it correctly with the bridge.

This can be done by following the instructions in step 26-28 with a couple of additional instructions.

Make a marking on the second taller structures base to indicate the middle of the platform on the side that will connect to the bridge.

Follow steps 26-28 to be able to appropriately place and secure the second playhouse in place.

Make sure that the bridge and the second playhouse align correctly. This may require some additional leveling, digging and redigging.

Once the structures are aligned secure the bridge to the taller playhouse with screws and glue.

After the bridge is attached, remove the temporary 2x4s that held the bridge place. 

Adding second kids playhouse
Adding second kids playhouse
Adding second kids playhouse
Adding second kids playhouse
attaching second kids playhouse DIY plans
attaching second kids playhouse DIY plans
attaching second kids playhouse DIY plans
attaching second kids playhouse DIY plans
attaching second kids playhouse DIY plans

Step 46

Next, add the roof by following step 27-28.

Next attach the railing in a similar fashion as before. Se diagram for details.

Attaching the roof and railing to the second DIY kids playhouse
Attaching the roof and railing to the second DIY kids playhouse
Attaching the roof and railing to the second DIY kids playhouse

Step 47

In this step you will need to add the railing to go around the bridge as well as attach additional railing the taller playhouse to completely enclose the platform around the bridge.

As before, predrill, add glue, and add screws.

Next, sand down the whole structures. This can be time consuming. I use an orbital sander to speed up the process.

I use a rough 80 grit paper first and then finish it with a 220-grit paper.

At this point the playhouses are ready to be stained or painted!

Once you have painted or stained the structure, add the slide. This post does not provide installation information for the slide. Attachment will differ manufacturer to manufacturer.

adding railing to the DIY kids playhouse
adding railing to the DIY kids playhouse
adding railing to the DIY kids playhouse
adding railing to the DIY kids playhouse
adding railing to the DIY kids playhouse
adding railing to the DIY kids playhouse
adding railing to the DIY kids playhouse

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