You guys. I can’t even tell you how insanely excited I am to share my latest build with you today. I mean, just look:
Is that not the most adorable thing you ever did see?
The tongue-and-groove planks!
The transom window!
The flower box!
Seriously. I can’t even. I am dying over here.
Dyyyyying.
I’m dead.
Okay, okay, I know what you’re thinking. I can feel you judging me with your judgy eyeballs.
You’re thinking:
“But Jen, you said ‘INDOOR’ playhouse and we are CLEARLY OUTDOORS.”
I know, I knowww.
But trust me, if you saw my house right now, you would be thanking me for sparing your precious peepers. They would literally burn out of your head if you saw what a train wreck my house is right now.
We’re about to move (again! Army life) and we are buried in cardboard boxes and crap ev-er-y-where. I have no idea how we move so often and still manage to collect SO.MUCH.STUFF. We had a yard sale right before we moved out of our house in Kentucky and when we got to our new house, we had another yard sale because we were unpacking boxes, asking ourselves, “why the heck did we move this crap across state lines?!”
I blame my husband – I am a devoted de-clutterer. That’s my story and I’m stickin’ to it. #pinkyswear
So that’s why we had to move the INDOOR Kids’ Playhouse outside. Kinda like when it rains on your wedding day and you have to move the ceremony indoors. It’s totally like that, only the opposite. Isn’t it ironic? (see what I did there) #punny #alanis4ever!
Speaking of Alanis, have you heard her recent remake of “Ironic”? It.Is.EPIC.
Okay, enough shenanigans. Are you ready to learn how to build this stinkin’ adorable DIY kids indoor playhouse? I’ve got you covered with the free building plans!
I teamed up with my good friends at Simpson Strong-Tie® for this build. If you’ll recall, I’m a fancy schmancy Brand Ambassador. Oh, you missed the announcement? Catch up here. We’ll wait.
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD THE PRINTABLE PDF PLANS FOR THIS KIDS INDOOR PLAYHOUSE.
Building with Simpson Strong-Tie® mending plates, tie plates, and angles make this build a very easy and straight-forward project. You guys. I built this playhouse in TWO DAYS.
Basically, it goes like this: build the frame out of 2x4s. Nail the tongue-and-groove planks on and you’ve got a DIY kids playhouse. The Strong-Tie connectors make it so easy and super quick and you don’t need any fancy tools to do it – just a drill, a saw, hammer, and brad nailer and you’re good to go.
You’ll see from the building plans that I chose to use Simpson Strong-Tie® MP24 mending plates on the exterior sides of the frames so that the tongue-and-groove boards would sit flush to the frame and I used Simpson Strong-Tie® TP15 tie plates on the interior sides of the frames to add extra stability and strength.
As soon as the frame was built, I used my brad nailer to nail the tongue-and-groove planks on. Start at the bottom, with the tongue facing up, then stack the next board above it, interlocking the tongue into the groove. Shoot a few nails at a 45º angle into the tongue (as shown in the photo below) to secure the board to the frame. By nailing at the tongue, you’re able to hide the nail holes a little easier.
The reasons I chose tongue-and-groove boards over regular lumber is because 1) I love the charming look of it and 2) they’re so much cheaper! At my local Home Depot, one 1x6x8′ tongue-and-groove board costs $5.32 and one 1x6x8′ common board is $11.72. I just saved you half your money. You’re welcome.
If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook, you’ll have seen a sneak peek of this project. My kiddos were too excited, I pretty much had to build around them. It’s a good thing they’re cute little monkeys.
Because the roof is angled, the top boards will have to be cut to fit. Hold the top board in place (don’t attach it just yet), mark the line, and cut off the excess with a jigsaw or circular saw. You’ll only have to do this for the two sides. The front and back panels are all straight cuts. Hallelu!
Once the four separate panels were built, I used Simpson Strong-Tie® A21Z angles to join all four sides to construct the house. I used 3 angles at each corner. This way, the playhouse can be easily assembled and disassembled, which is a must for military families like us.
Ta-da! The playhouse is up! Now is a good time to stain or paint, and finish the house, before adding the trim and other details. I chose to leave the wood natural and simply sprayed a few coats of clear polyurethane on the playhouse to protect the wood. I spray-painted the trim pieces white then simply glued and nailed them onto the playhouse.
Finally, screw the roof on with 1-1/4-inch wood screws driven into the 2×4 frame. I chose plywood for the roof, but wouldn’t this look cute with actual roof shingles or maybe a corrugated roof panel? Totally adorbs. You could even drape a large piece of fabric over the top for the roof, if you wanted to. You know, since this is an INDOOR playhouse.
I’m kind of in love with this tiny flower box too. I made it out of a scrap 1×6 board. My daughter picked out all the flowers for her tiny garden. That creeping jenny just kills me.
By the way, that’s apple juice, not alcohol, in that tiny wine glass. What kind of monster do you take me for? #motheroftheyear
If you’d like to convert this indoor playhouse to one that is suitable outdoors, I would recommend removing all of the plywood components (plywood doesn’t fare well outdoors) and finishing it with several coats of exterior-grade polyurethane. You may even want to use cedar or redwood, since those wood species are naturally resistant to decay. Also, I’d replace the roof with one that is suitable for outdoors.
Aren’t these circle windows cute? You could certainly build a normal window, but who wants normal? I think the circle windows add a sweet touch of whimsy.
Enjoy the little things. Hahaha… get it?
It’s funny because this is a little house for little people and the sign says… okay. You get it.
Speaking of little, get a load of this guy. This is Watson, our giant Rhodesian Ridgeback. I suppose when the kids get tired of this playhouse, we could convert it to Watson’s dog house. It’s a two-fer. #winning
He looks larger than life next to this tiny house. Let’s film our very own reality show and name it: Tiny house. Giant dog.
My kids are absolutely in love with their new playhouse. They love having picnics and story time in here. Maybe we’ll even camp out in here one night.
Yeahhh… probably not. My idea of ‘roughing it’ is staying at a hotel with no wi-fi. #firstworldproblems
My son wanted to wear the most obnoxious thing he owned. They went to the zoo earlier in the day and he said he wanted to wear this outfit so that Daddy would not lose him.
Oh, look. He succeeded.
What do you think? Do you want to build your very own DIY Kids Indoor Playhouse?
Okay, so let’s talk numbers. This project cost me about $250 in building materials and took 2 days to build. Not too shabby, right? You can totally knock this out in a weekend. Be sure to download the FREE BUILDING PLANS so you can build your own DIY Kids Indoor Playhouse!
If you’re interested, here’s a source list:
Preserved Boxwood Wreath / Carved Wood Stool / Basket Side Table / Upholstered Chairs
Enjoy the Little Things Banner / Welcome Mat / Teal Ceramic Planter / Orange Ceramic Planter
Be sure to PIN IT so you don’t forget it!
*This post contains affiliate links. To read my full disclosure policy, please click here. A huge thank you goes to Simpson Strong-Tie® for partnering with me on this project. All efforts, opinions, giant canines, and happy children are my own.
Sweet Jesus does it get any cuter?! You sure know how to make a box look amazing! So, so beautiful (and fun for the kids too).
Thanks Jaime! xo
You are killing me with all the cuteness!!! Great job!
Thanks friend! <3
Very cute, but how can it be an indoor playhouse when it’s too big to go through a door?
Thanks Chris! All 4 panels come apart easily. You would build each panel, then put the 4 sides together indoors, just like you would a store-bought playhouse.
Wow!! This is so cute!! I love everything about it!! And you have styled it so beautifully too! I can imagine how much the kids love it!
Thank you Anika!
Jen – this post and this project are one of my all-time favs! You had me alternating between cracking up and oooing and awwing with every single picture and detail! I am so in love with this house – can I come live next to you?!?! 😉 Can’t imagine why this one can’t fit on the moving truck, lol!
Thanks so much for the kind words, Megan! I’ve already promised it to our next door neighbors, but I’m so tempted to keep it! LOL
Did you also make the little stool. It is almost as adorbs as the little house!
Totally agree on the stool! Sadly, I didn’t build it, but I did link the products in the post! Thanks for stopping by, Nicole!
I am loving this playhouse!!! Would you have to do more than seal it if you wanted to keep outside? I know nothing about wood/building but I’m itching to get into it! Your plans are great!
Thanks Katherine! To make this playhouse suitable for outdoors, I’d remove all the plywood components (plywood doesn’t fare well outdoors) and apply at least 3 coats of an exterior-grade top coat.
This is too cute! You had me cracking me up, too! I love how you styled this little playhouse. Your kids will be so bummed when you can’t take it with you!
Thanks Jenna! This just means I have to build them another, more epic one at the new house!
You are so funny, Jen 🙂 I love all your tangents 🙂 the playhouse is incredible!
Thanks so much Janice! Thanks for stopping by!
So I’m thinking that with a few mods, this could totally work as a chicken coop. Much easier and affordable than the plans I see online! Hmmmm……
I have 3 girls ages 1, 4 and 5 that would love this!!
That playhouse is all kinds of ridiculous cuteness!
This has to be the cutest thing I’ve ever seen!! <3
Thanks Ashley! <3
This is the cutest I believe I will attempting this soon and the read was a great one super funny I enjoy tutorials like yours & thanks for all your ideas you do rock ✌?️
This would make a great birthday gift for my son! Thanks so much for the GREAT idea!!
This is adorable! I would love to make this even a little bit bigger and have it for the kids when they get older as a little escape place for when they fight or need a quiet place. Thanks for sharing! Love it!
Yes, a she-shed! Totally, DO IT! Haha – thanks for stopping by Denise!
Can you tell me the dimensions please?
Hi Mary,
All of the dimensions are in the building plans. http://jenwoodhouse.com/plans/SST-Kids-Indoor-Playhouse.pdf
Hope that helps!
My husband just finished making this for our grandchildren .Super easy instruction to follow! We added shutters on the front and side windows and a Dutch door with using two pallets as the base for a floor.The kids are loving it
Thank you for your comment, Janice! Your playhouse sounds darling – I love your modifications!
Do you have a link to a picture of the modifications you made? I’d love to see! I’m hoping to make a playhouse for my daughter’s birthday.
hi
kudos to you and this amazing thing a beauty. can’t believe you are not keeping it. however, it seems to good to be true that you did it so easily! are you sure??? am wanting to buy a pre-fab house, but haven’t heard the best reviews and read those are a headache to assemble. so why not try this DIY and have a super cute outcome rather than the pre-fab ones? i need mine to be outdoor only. any tips on making it durable and long lasting? thank you!! you’re awesome- i may try it.
Hi Dani,
Thanks for your kind words. I’d recommend building with solid wood – cedar or redwood is a good choice for exterior projects because those particular wood species are naturally resistant to decay. Also, I’d suggest applying several coats of an exterior-grade finish to protect it from the elements. Hope that helps – good luck with your project!
thanks for your response. i actually just saw this info embedded in your step by step details. i must have missed it. if you have any tips for a first timer- i’d appreciate it!! thanks and carry on with all your creativity- i love it!!!
I have a question about the wood screws you used. The materials list says to buy 2″ wood screws and 1 1/4″ wood screws. Where did you use each of these sizes of screws. Also, the standard wood screws I saw at the hardware store seem to be too fat to fit through the holes of the Strong Tie plates. Do I need fairly narrow screws? Wouldn’t a 2″ wood screw go all the way through the 2×4? That seems super long. If you could direct me to the screws you used it would be much appreciated! So excited to work on this project. I bought all the 2×4’s yesterday and am hoping to start building the frame today.
Awesome! Strong-Tie makes great screws so I’d recommend you take a look at their vast selection of hardware. Most of their screws are made so that pre-drilling isn’t necessary too, so it eliminates a step! I think the screws are #9 or #10 screws – they should be skinny enough to fit through Strong-Tie connectors. Best of luck on your build – can’t wait to see your DIY playhouse!
Oh, one more question. When I cut the pieces with 5 degree angles, is the measurement for the long side or the short side? Or, in other words, do I angle away from the perpendicular measurement line into the scrap side or into the measured side?
One more question- is there any issue with making this structure a foot taller/wider/deeper? Thanks so much!
There is a guy near me that is selling some old tin roofing from a barn, think that could work for a roof? I am thinking about putting this outdoors! Welcome to
TX by the way!
Hi Rebecca,
Thank you! I don’t see why the tin roof wouldn’t work for your project – I bet it will look super cute!
I’m looking at this with an eye toward a chicken coop. Thanks for the plan.
We’re just about finished with the playhouse. It looks great and I’m so grateful for the plans! I’ve noticed that it seems a few measurements and instructions may be wrong. For example, on your house, the front window is 5 boards tall. The door is 9 boards tall. But on the plan diagram the door is only 8 boards tall and the window is 4 boards tall.
One question – how did you attach the transom window trim? Is it nailed from the top or bottom or just glued?
We’re painting yesterday and tonight and hoping to present it to our daughter for her birthday tomorrow. I’ll share pics of the painted finished product. Thanks again.
Thanks for your comment, Kathryn. Yes, I believe I did end up deciding last-minute, as I was building the playhouse, to make the door and window bigger.
I attached the transom window trim with nails and glue.
Can’t wait to see yours! Thanks again!