Under Stairs Playhouse With Cedar Shake Shingles
Under Stairs Playhouse With Cedar Shake Shingles
Submitted By Joy 2 Journey
I was working on a project that is near and dear to my heart and I am so excited to show you some of the progress I have made. My goal is Christmas! Sounds easy? Normally it would be but we have a couple of weeks where I won’t be able to work on it, Thanksgiving, family in town, and all things Christmas. I am limited to just a day on the weekends which is why I am up late. I get on a roll and I almost can’t stop. I only did tonight because all 3 of my cordless batteries are charging. 🙂 Ugh!
So let’s get to the photos shall we?!
So, I was only using this space to read and I can read anywhere right? I had been toying with the idea of an under the stair playhouse for awhile and since I have an idea of what I envision but, I didn’t find any plans that I could use, I did what any sane woman would do. I started cutting holes in the wall…
Well, I guess with two holes in the wall I am committed to continuing. I have an amazing Mr. Man! I sent him this picture of what I just did and he didn’t panic at all!!! I think I am desensitizing him with all my DIY projects. *giggle* Since I am making this from scratch, and I am having to think it through as I go, I had to remake a couple of things when it was not what I had pictured in my head.
(I will make a blooper section when I get to the end. Everyone could use a little laughter!)
One of the first things I did was to put up this plywood (no chemicals thank you. Not with my grandbabies!) because I felt creepy having the stairs exposed. Yay, I have a roof 🙂 Well gee, that was easy.
I ran into a slight problem when I cut out the board to make the door way. Um, open brick, GREAT! No worries, I just need to make a threshold. (I looked down in it first, with my flashlight, and it was filled with cement. Just not to the top.) I cut wood, added “Power Grip” and then added my “carpet to wood strip”. It worked out great.
I wanted to feel as it it was going good so I cheated and put up this lower wall board. There will eventually be a molding and something special on the top. I don’t want to get ahead of myself on what is to come so let me get to the final picture.
Ok, so here is what it looks like so far … We have a roof line. One side slightly higher as I am toying with the idea of a loft and then there would be a window. *Stay tuned on that one. I finished the shutters for the window and they are closed for the moment so that you can see how I attached the hinges. I am making a small covered porch over the door way and the Dutch Door is to the left waiting to be painted and hung. I have a lot of painting of the trim before I can add the cedar shingles to the front. Oh, and I still am adding a flower box under the window. Still a work in progress! I hope you are enjoying this as much as I am!
I had a run in with some plywood in Home depot and had to have stitches. You can see the account of that story here. Needless to say, I had to heal a bit and then I had to finish the inside by Christmas Eve, which meant I spent quite a bit of time inside. And that meant limited time on the computer. I know, I know, you missed me! 🙂
I am thinking I will just show you the series of pictures and talk more about specifics later if you want them … Ready?
Up-cycling old hardware (tape and prime first)
Spray painted black along with washers that needed to be black. (Attached to the windows.)
Made a built-in bookshelf to hold toys, books, and puzzles.
Constructing the inside wall.
Nailing it into the cement
Making a window
Running electricity for a light … yup, I did that too 🙂
Finished off the inside.
This photo doesn’t do this little window justice. The picture I used for her outside view is actually the garden area that I got married in. It is just adorable and I will have to take another picture of this now that she has a light in her playhouse.
Are you ready to see the final pictures???? I am so excited …
And one of the things I like best? I can look down from upstairs and see it.
Here are a few more recent pictures of the play house! Interior:
Exterior:
I am the husband of the amazing Cassity of Remodelaholic. I love to problem solve and to design and build things inside and outside the house to make life better. I am a professional Landscape Architect by trade and love the outdoors.
This is the best DIY project I’ve ever seen online. How gorgeous! Wish I was your grandbaby! It really looks like a labor of love.
I agree she did a wonderful job! Her family will remember that for the rest of their lives!
I have been working on a similiar under stair playhouse for my new home. I bought the shingles, some windows, a mailbox, house numbers, etc and was going to draw out what I wanted for the builder. Then today I found your post on pinterest and it inspired me to do it myself…maybe. I did already have the dutch door built and a light put in. I was wondering if you could tell me how you actually attached the shingles to the wall? And the trim? Thanks!
Ann,
I attached the cedar shakes and the trim with “Power Grab” and a nail gun. They went up super easy and will stay attached 🙂
Hugs,
Bj
http://www.joy2journey.com
This is so adorable! What clever parents you are!
Super idea, super execution!
Very cute! Where did you get the Dutch door from?
Sarah,
I made the door myself. I made it to fit the opening (door jam) that I had made.
Hugs,
bj
I am honored that there are so many of you interested in my playhouse. Thank you for your very kind comments!
Hugs,
Bj
This is freaking awesome! I love it!! I build a hideout under the stairs for my kids, but it’s much smaller and I didn’t decorate the front. You did a fantastic job!
WOW!! That is simply incredible!!! I’m so impressed you did that!! What lucky grandchildren you have!!
I am also building a playhouse under our 2-story deck stairs using yours as a model. Even using cedar-shingle siding, window boxes, and shutters. I thought you might like to know someone else out there was inspired enough by your work-of-art to build one too!
Thanks, Jennifer! We’d love to see pictures 🙂
Wouldn’t you know I am attempting the same project for my two little girls with 1 month till Christmas. Wondering if you could email me work some info on how you constructed the door.
Hi Alix, This project is from a fabulous guest, so if you’ll click over to her blog and ask there, I bet she’d be happy to help you with more info. Good luck!
This is adorable, and how fun for your grandchildren! I’m inspired to create a playhouse for my daughter! What are the measurements of the door(s) and window? Can you provide some detail on the materials and process you used to make the door and window? Thanks!
Where did you purchase the cedar pieces?
I am about to make a playhouse under the steps and wanted to know what size the door and window are?