Home >> Toys >> Backyard Toys

How to Build Roof Trusses for a Playhouse

Building a playhouse for your child can be a project in which your child can participate, giving you both an opportunity for bonding. One important aspect of the playhouse's construction is the roof trusses. This eHow can walk you through the process of building them for the playhouse.

Instructions

- 1
  Choose the material from which make build the roof trusses for a playhouse. 2 inch by 4 inch timbers should provide enough strength for a sturdy roof.
- 2
  Cut the lumber to the length you need for the playhouse. Lay out the trusses according to the angle you need (this will depend on the pitch of the roof you desire).
- 3
  Tack strips of wood to both sides of the trusses to secure them, then angle as you build roof trusses for a playhouse.
- 4
  Create triangles that match the angle of the trusses when you build roof trusses for a playhouse. Screw these in place, replacing the strips of wood. These triangles will be a more permanent form of bracing for your roof trusses, and are called gusset.
- 5
  Set the roof trusses on top of the playhouse you are building, and adjust the roof trusses until they align with the outside of the eaves.
- 6
  Secure the roof trusses to the eaves of the playhouse by screwing the roof trusses you are building through the bottom of the eaves.
- 7
  Position 2 inch by 4 inch lumber so that it will fit in between all of the roof trusses when you build them for a playhouse. This additional lumber will connect all of the trusses together, providing more strength for the roof.

Backyard Toys