Bill Lantry
Member
- Messages
- 2,663
- Location
- Inside the Beltway
Well, folks, I'm in a real bind, because I've done it again: started a project without having a complete idea in mind. What I want is a combination playhouse.
James will turn 4 on Sunday, so it needs to be done by then.
OK, so here's what I've got so far: four 4x4s, sunk in the ground in concrete. A frame of 2x4s at ground level. A piece of plywood notched to fit exactly over the 2x4s. The 4x4s stick up 6', and the tops are level to the world (though not the ground.
I had planned to have a frame of 2x4s at the top, then another piece of plywood to make a 2nd story floor. Then some kind of railing most of the way around (except where the ladder goes), and some supports to hold up the "roof" (including a center beam). The roof will actually be a colorful tarp... it's just there for shade and rain protection.
Then of course I got fancy, and instead of 8' 2x4s for the top, I got 2 12 footers, so the west end of the upper floor can actually be a balcony. That's no real trouble, as long as I can support it. The real problem:
I can't figure out how to attach the railing uprights to the floor of the second level, especially since they'll also have to hold the roof up. No matter how I think about doing it, it seems like it would be yucky.
ANY advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Bill
James will turn 4 on Sunday, so it needs to be done by then.
OK, so here's what I've got so far: four 4x4s, sunk in the ground in concrete. A frame of 2x4s at ground level. A piece of plywood notched to fit exactly over the 2x4s. The 4x4s stick up 6', and the tops are level to the world (though not the ground.
I had planned to have a frame of 2x4s at the top, then another piece of plywood to make a 2nd story floor. Then some kind of railing most of the way around (except where the ladder goes), and some supports to hold up the "roof" (including a center beam). The roof will actually be a colorful tarp... it's just there for shade and rain protection.
Then of course I got fancy, and instead of 8' 2x4s for the top, I got 2 12 footers, so the west end of the upper floor can actually be a balcony. That's no real trouble, as long as I can support it. The real problem:
I can't figure out how to attach the railing uprights to the floor of the second level, especially since they'll also have to hold the roof up. No matter how I think about doing it, it seems like it would be yucky.
ANY advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Bill