Build a basement indoor playground with monkey bars. Playhouses can be used as beds or bunk beds. Free plans by Ana-White.com
Preparation
2x4s (we started with 24 and added a few more)
1x4s (we started with 10)
1x6s (we started with 18 - plywood can also be used for decking/floors and may be cheaper)
2x8s (we used 2-16 footers and 4 - 8 footers) - For greater spans you may need a 2x10 or 2x12 or to cross brace
For the little peaked roofs, you'll need 6 1x3s
1/2" thick plywood (we used six total sheets)
We screwed everything together with 2" and 3" self tapping screws with torque heads (saved a ton of work to not have to predrill)
We used 1" pipe (can also use 1" hardwood dowels) for the monkey bars, spaced 12" apart
Recommend cutting to fit
Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!
Instructions
Step 1
Since our walls are nine feet tall, we just took eight foot long 2x4s and screwed an 8 foot long 2x8 to the top and an 8 foot long 2x4 near the center (see diagram) with 3" wood screws - no cutting required. We made four of these. If you have eight foot ceilings, you can make all the legs stud length (92-5/8") and avoid cutting. One precaution is to check the length of your boards - sometimes they can be off, especially if they are not studs.
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4
Step 6
For window and door trim, we Kreg Jigged frames first out of 1x3 boards, and then attached them from the inside to the plywood. You might need 1-1/2" or 1-3/4" screws to prevent the screws from poking through.
I recommend skipping to step 9 - putting the floor in - because once you tie the two playhouse together you won't be able to climb behind it and screw the floor framing down.
Step 7
Step 8
Since we wanted monkey bars, we cut the monkey bar doorway header out and then attached another 2x8 to create a channel for the monkey bars. We then drilled 1" holes for the monkey bars, and spaced them 12" apart. You won't need a monkey bar super close to the playhouse - we could easily have gotten away without the first and last bars. Also to keep the monkey bars in place and not twist, we added a screw through the top of the wood into the top side of the pipe.
Step 9
Step 10
Step 11
For siding, we pulled scraps from our shop - everything from pine boards to plywood to cedar fence pickets. I had originally wanted to put the boards on crooked, like kids made the playhouse, but it just didn't work out that way. Maybe you'll do yours that way.
If you aren't flush against the back wall, you might want to add some boards back there too. Of course, we don't leave our baby unattended, ever, on this.
Step 12
For the bridge, we attached 2x4s between the two playhouses. If you are not putting plywood under the bridge or longer spans, you may need a wider width board to support the bridge (2x6 or 2x8). We also added a ladder rung for climbing up to the upper level and preventing kids from falling through at the end of the bridge.
Step 13
Step 14
It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.
Comments
dananryan
Wed, 03/04/2015 - 11:57
WOW !!!
What a great gift. This playground provides so many options for healthy active playtime. There's no limit to a child's imagination in this kind of environment. Your house will be the coolest hangout for years to come. Bravo!
spiceylg
Wed, 03/04/2015 - 16:16
Wowsa!
How cool is that?! That's awesome and yes, I can imagine yours is the house to be at! My goodness, your children are growing so fast!
Pam the Goatherd
Wed, 03/04/2015 - 20:40
That's awesome! Do you have
That's awesome! Do you have padding under the carpet to cushion falls from the monkey bars?
Juanita_r
Thu, 03/05/2015 - 01:59
My kids want to know if you can adopt them!
Mother of the year award goes to {drum roll} ANA WHITE! Our kids would go nuts for this!
dakotatransplant
Mon, 03/09/2015 - 21:14
This warms my heart! Lucky
This warms my heart! Lucky kids! Awesome parents! We just put a slide in the mudroom. Maybe we should try an indoor jungle gym next...
snowflake2283
Tue, 06/02/2015 - 14:01
Project in progress...
My dad and I are currently building these beds for my daughters. We have made a few modifications to the plan to fit the room and the decor. I can't wait to finish the project and post pictures! Thank you so much for this wonderful project plan!
In reply to Project in progress... by snowflake2283
snowflake2283
Wed, 06/17/2015 - 14:29
Still working on the beds...
So my dad pre-cut and pre-assembled everything first. Then we took it apart, painted it and now we are reassembling in the room. We've had to make a few modifications to the plans as we began assembling the beds in the room. They were simply too big! Eek! So we made them a big narrower (by 3") and we are going to be taking off the end with the ladder. The kids will just have the bridge to use to get up to the top. We also won't be putting in the monkey bars as we have a celing fan in the middle of the room and we only have 8' ceilings. The kids are super excited for these beds though. I will post more as we progress. I am hoping to have most of it in and ready by this evening...stay tuned :)
LadyPhoenix
Wed, 10/14/2015 - 13:50
Wow
Absolutly amazing!!!
handmadewithash
Sun, 12/06/2015 - 11:36
if only I had a basement!
if only I had a basement! Maybe next house :)
suelove143
Wed, 03/02/2016 - 07:08
Monkey bars and stairs
Where did you purchase the metal bars from for the monkey bars? Also, do you have the plans for the stairs you built (or the new ones you mentioned building)? I'm in the process of building this and my kids are waiting patiently (more or LESS) to play on it!
teamscharf
Thu, 03/31/2016 - 20:52
Loved this so much we built our own;)
We have pics of the finished room but not sure how to share on your page;) Thanks for the detailed descriotion with pictures;)
In reply to Loved this so much we built our own;) by teamscharf
Ana White
Tue, 04/05/2016 - 10:30
We'd love to see it! http:/
We'd love to see it! http://www.ana-white.com/user/register
Annixandra
Fri, 12/30/2016 - 09:52
random question
Ok so im making this just shy of 8' (my ceilings are 8' so im making it a tad shorter ) I don't plan to put monkey bars on it so I wondering if I need to put 2x8 At the top or if it would be safe/sturdy enough with either a 2x6 or a2x4 In it's place
sdunlap
Mon, 01/16/2017 - 07:56
padding under structure to protect floor?
Wondering if you have a suggestion for what to put under the plywood to protect the floor from scratches. Im going to build this in a room that has pine wood floors.
Any suggestions would be great
sadhana
Tue, 12/31/2019 - 11:04
Anna - If I had to add a…
Anna -
If I had to add a slide to this configuration , where do you suggest it is best ?
Sadhana
Risenis_0808
Thu, 05/28/2020 - 23:31
Monkey bar holes
Hi Ana,
Thanks so much for these plans! I’m making this for my kids right now, and I have the monkey bar channel in place but not the monkey bars. I still have to drill the 1 inch holes and then put my wooden dowels through. What’s the best way to align the 1 inch holes on the corresponding 2x8s? Maybe there’s a really simple answer, but I just don’t see it. I’m fairly new to all of this so any guidance that you can offer is much appreciated!
celineusia
Sat, 09/05/2020 - 16:38
2x4 framing question :)
Hi Ana, this playhouse is awesome and i want to build something similar, thank you! Just want to ask if I am not using monkey bars can all my lumber just 2x4s? or if I add the monkey bars later can I just add the 2x8s? Thank you and best of luck moving forward!
jjh49c
Fri, 11/06/2020 - 06:20
How long are the individual…
How long are the individual monkey bars? you mentioned they are 1" but what length?
ijustcruz
Tue, 04/20/2021 - 17:27
Twin XL
If I want to fit a twin XL mattress should I make it bigger or do you think it could fit?