Build a Sturdy Cubby House: A Step-by-Step DIY Guide

Updated at: 24/03/2025

Childhood is filled with magical adventures, and a sturdy, enchanting cubby house can be the epicenter of countless imaginary journeys. For years to come, this special space will hold memories of whispered secrets, creative play, and the comforting feeling of a personal haven. Building your own cubby house, however, might seem like a daunting task. But with careful planning and the right approach, even the most ambitious designs are achievable, offering a rewarding experience for both builder and child. Forget expensive, prefabricated options; let's unleash your inner craftsman and create something truly unique and special.

This comprehensive DIY guide will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to construct a safe and durable cubby house that will stand the test of time – and countless games of pirates and princesses. From selecting the appropriate materials to the final touches, follow our detailed step-by-step instructions to transform your vision into a whimsical reality for your children. Let's get started!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • 70x35 Timber
  • Tape Measure
  • Weed Mat
  • Spirit Level
  • Concrete (optional)
  • Brad Nailer (or hammer and nails/screws)
  • Circular Saw
  • Glue
  • Clamps
  • Roof Sheets
  • Ridge Capping
  • Multi-tool
  • Architraves
  • Paint
Safety Guidelines
  • Adult supervision is crucial at all times during construction and play. Children should never be allowed near the construction site without direct adult oversight.
  • Use pressure-treated lumber for all ground-contacting parts to prevent rot and ensure longevity. All wood should be properly sanded to remove splinters before painting or sealing.
  • Securely anchor the cubby house to the ground using appropriate methods like ground anchors or concrete footings to prevent tipping or movement, especially in windy conditions.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Building the Base

    • Create a square base using 70x35 timber. Measure diagonally to ensure squareness. Nail or screw the base together securely.
    • Attach weed mat to the base to prevent grass growth.
    • Position the base and level it using timber supports and a spirit level. Concrete the legs if desired.
    Position the base and level it using timber supports and a spirit level. Concrete the legs if desired.Position the base and level it using timber supports and a spirit level. Concrete the legs if desired.Position the base and level it using timber supports and a spirit level. Concrete the legs if desired.
    Building the Base

  2. Constructing the First Frame

    • Build the first frame on the leveled base. Cut upright posts to the desired height (1800mm in this case). Attach top and bottom rails, ensuring squareness.
    • Cut the roof pitch (22.5° angle) and center it on the frame. Use additional timber blocks for support and nail securely.
    Cut the roof pitch (22.5° angle) and center it on the frame. Use additional timber blocks for support and nail securely.Cut the roof pitch (22.5° angle) and center it on the frame. Use additional timber blocks for support and nail securely.
    Constructing the First Frame

  3. Creating Additional Frames

    • Create three identical frames using the first frame as a template.
    Create three identical frames using the first frame as a template.
    Creating Additional Frames

  4. Building the Side Walls

    • Build two side walls (1800mm wide) allowing for a veranda.
    Build two side walls (1800mm wide) allowing for a veranda.
    Building the Side Walls

  5. Roof Cladding and Pitch Installation

    • Install cladding on the roof pitches while on the ground to make cutting excess easier. Ensure the first piece is level using a tape measure.
    Install cladding on the roof pitches while on the ground to make cutting excess easier. Ensure the first piece is level using a tape measure.
    Roof Cladding and Pitch Installation

  6. Assembling the Main Structure

    • Assemble the main frames onto the base, using temporary supports to maintain level.
    Assemble the main frames onto the base, using temporary supports to maintain level.
    Assembling the Main Structure

  7. Weatherproofing and Cladding

    • Apply weather stripping to all corners to ensure weatherproofing. Use offcuts of cladding for a flush finish.
    • Install the remaining cladding, using glue and nails, paying attention to the tongue-and-groove system. Cut around windows and doors with a multi-tool.
    Install the remaining cladding, using glue and nails, paying attention to the tongue-and-groove system. Cut around windows and doors with a multi-tool.
    Weatherproofing and Cladding

  8. Finishing Touches (Windows, Doors)

    • Add trim around windows and doors for a clean finish.
    • Install architraves around windows and doors.
    Install architraves around windows and doors.Install architraves around windows and doors.
    Finishing Touches (Windows, Doors)

  9. Veranda Construction

    • Construct the veranda frame, ensuring even picket spacing and level top rails.
    • Attach roof rails to support the roof sheets. Attach the veranda frame, using supports to maintain level.
    • Complete the veranda railings.
    Complete the veranda railings.Complete the veranda railings.Complete the veranda railings.Complete the veranda railings.
    Veranda Construction

  10. Roofing and Final Details

    • Install roof sheets and ridge capping.
    • Add finishing trim to the veranda.
    Add finishing trim to the veranda.Add finishing trim to the veranda.Add finishing trim to the veranda.
    Roofing and Final Details

Read more: Crafting a Biodegradable Woodsman's Whistle: A Step-by-Step Guide

Tips

  • Always double-check squareness at each stage of construction.
  • Use glue in addition to nails to prevent warping of timber due to weather exposure.
  • Use a multi-tool to easily trim cladding around windows and doors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Inadequate Foundation

Reason: Using a weak or unstable base, such as loose soil or insufficiently treated wood, leads to shifting and potential collapse of the cubby house.
Solution: Construct a solid foundation using concrete footings or pressure-treated lumber set firmly in the ground.

2. Neglecting Proper Weather Protection

Reason: Failing to adequately seal and treat the wood leads to rot, warping, and premature deterioration of the cubby house.
Solution: Apply a high-quality wood sealant and weatherproof paint or stain to all exposed surfaces.

FAQs

What kind of wood is best for building a cubby house?
Pressure-treated lumber is a great choice for its durability and resistance to rot and insects. Cedar or redwood are also excellent options, offering natural rot resistance and a beautiful aesthetic, though they're more expensive.
Do I need planning permission to build a cubby house?
Building regulations vary by location. Generally, small cubby houses (under a certain size, often specified in local building codes) don't require permits. However, it's crucial to check your local council's guidelines before starting construction to avoid potential issues.