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How to Design a Play House

A playhouse is a great, multifunctional toy. With smart design and construction, you can create a playhouse that is movable, adaptable and can grow with your child. Your assistant in the playhouse design process should be your child or children. Consider their needs and their typical play when designing a playhouse. Some children might enjoy a traditional small house, while a fort might be better for others. The same basic design strategies can create any sort of playhouse, ranging from a sweet country cottage to a mad scientist's laboratory.

Things You'll Need

Graph paper Tape measure Ruler PVC pipe and connectors Weather-resistant fabric Fabric paint and paint brushes Sewing machine Scissors Coordinating thread

Instructions

- 1
  Measure your space. If you intend to set your playhouse up outside, you may want to consider a slightly larger design. Indoor playhouses should fit the space available. When building a playhouse out of PVC piping, avoid sizes more than 6 feet by 6 feet to make sure the overall playhouse design is sturdy. Consider a 4-by-4 foot square or a 4-by-6 foot rectangle for your playhouse.
- 2
  Sketch out your design using graph paper. Start with the structure of the playhouse. Decide whether you want a roof on your playhouse design or simply four walls. Note all measurements, as well as the type of connectors required for each PVC pipe joint as you complete your playhouse design.
- 3
  Draw out the design for the interior and exterior appearance of the walls. You can use fabric to applique details onto the walls or fabric paint to paint on windows, flowers, furnishings and accents.
- 4
  Purchase 3/4-inch PVC pipe and all necessary connectors to make your playhouse design. Cut the PVC pipe as needed using a hacksaw.
- 5
  Cut fabric panels to the necessary size. Hem edges or seam them together as needed. Applique or paint details into place to add style and personality to your playhouse. Design a playhouse to fit your child's personality by changing or modifying these details. You can attach fabric to your PVC frame by sewing casings in place or seaming the entire fabric portion together into a house or building shape and simply putting it over your assembled frame.
- 6
  Assemble your playhouse. Use clips if needed to hold the fabric cover in place. Consider adding pillows and blankets to a bedroom playhouse for a reading nook, or a small table and chairs to an outdoor playhouse. You can even change your playhouse design by easily replacing the fabric panels with new ones. Weight or stake an outdoor playhouse down if appropriate.

Backyard Toys