Cost: $$$$
Time: 18 hrs
Skill: 5 of 5 — Expert

DIY A-Frame Playhouse Plan

How to build a playhouse

A backyard playhouse plan designed for big imaginations.

This DIY A-frame playhouse plan shows you how to build a backyard playhouse that gives kids a dedicated space to play and explore.

If you choose to stain and seal your new playhouse, we recommend YellaWood Protector^® semi transparent stain and water repellent wood sealer for long lasting beauty and protection.

Before you get started, please read our info on safety, fasteners and building tips. Before building, please consult our Terms of Use.

Get the Plan

What you’ll need to build your kids’ playhouse

Materials

5 × 2x4x8′ YellaWood® brand pressure treated lumber
50 × 2x8x10′ YellaWood® brand pressure treated lumber
9 × 4x4x8′ YellaWood® brand pressure treated pine timbers
2 × 7×9′ heavy duty waterproof canvas tarps
6″ YellaWood® fasteners + appropriate bit
3″ YellaWood® fasteners + appropriate bit
YellaWood Protector® stain and sealer

Tools

Work gloves
Dust mask
Safety glasses
Ear protection
Pencil
Measuring tape
Miter saw (or chop saw)
Jigsaw
Drill / driver
Drill bits and combination countersink bit
Level
Clamps
Mallet
Square
Radial sander (or sanding block)
Paint / stain brush
Damp cloth (optional)

Step-by-step instructions for how to build a playhouse

This backyard playhouse plan is designed as a structured weekend build, broken into four clear phases:

Support frame
A-frame truss
Cladding and decking
Finishing

The structure uses common YellaWood® brand product sizes and straightforward cuts, so you can focus on building instead of wrestling with complicated details.

YellaWood® brand products provide protection against rot, fungal decay, and termites when used and maintained correctly. This DIY playhouse plan is designed to be durable and easy to customize based on your space. Always follow local building codes and safety guidance as you work through this DIY playhouse plan.