Build a three story dream dollhouse perfect for 12" dolls with these free easy step by step do it yourself dollhouse plans! Inspired by the KidKraft So Chic dollhouse, this do it yourself version is made of soy based plywood and finished with non toxic linseed oil.

Preparation
1 - sheet 3/4" PureBond Plywood
7 - 2x2 @ 8 feet long
1/4" plywood scraps for roof
2 - 1x2 @ 8 feet long for stairs
4 - 2" caster wheels and screws for 3/4" stock
use either 3" screws or 2 1/2" pocket hole screws, depending on your joinery technique
7 - 2x2 @ 32"
6 - 2x2 @ 24"
4 - 2x2 @ (Both ends cut at 30 degrees off square, ends are NOT parallel, long point measurement)
4 - 2x2 @ 37 5/8" (One end cut at 30 degrees off square, long point measurement)
Plywood cut to diagram
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
Have your home improvement center rip your plywood into a strip 24" wide and a strip 13 1/2" wide as shown in diagram. Then all you have to do is make the crosscuts.
NOTE: I really considered using 1/4" plywood for the floors, but wanted to create a dollhouse that would last and last - and could even be used as a bookshelf later on. The 1/4" plywood is just too flimsy for that. Then I considered 1/2", but the price difference between 1/2" and 3/4" is only a few bucks, and 3/4" is just so much easier to work with because you have a wider area to work with. Of course you can modify this plan - if you made this dollhouse with 1/4" plywood, it would be CHEAP to make ... like $30 cheap.
Step 2
Build the ends as shown above. You can use a countersink bit and 3" screws or the Kreg Jig and 1 1/2" pocket holes and 2 1/2 pocket hole screws. For the angled joints, just clamp, glue and predrill holes with a countersink bit. I only used one screw (and alot of glue) for each joint to avoid splitting the wood.
Step 3
Step 4
Step 6
Step 7
Step 11
Step 12
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
In reply to furring strips by bhoppy
ltl_lisa
Wed, 11/02/2011 - 08:15
Create your own
I have the same issue with 2x2. The ones kept indoors seem to be the worst. If you have access to a table saw you can create your own by ripping them down the middle and they are STRAIGHT!
mebohn
Wed, 11/02/2011 - 06:15
Boys and girls!
I have a little boy and a little girl that I would love to build this for Christmas! I LOVE that some of you have suggested a Bat Cave for the boys - mine would go nuts over it! Now to do a little research for what the inside of the mansion would look like. Hmmmm.... Can't wait to see some of yours for inspiration!
ltl_lisa
Wed, 11/02/2011 - 10:20
Drawers???
I am building this for my niece for Christmas, right after I finish my Farmhouse Table.
I was wondering how I could build little drawers or 1 larger drawer underneath it?
I don't think adding a couple of inches to the heigh would make a big difference, but it might make mom very happy to have that storage space.
Tsu Dho Nimh
Wed, 11/02/2011 - 12:06
Put a drawer underneath?
A box underneath for storing dolls and furniture would be great.
Make a 3/4 plywood box under the house, for an elevated base, using the bottom floor as the top of the box. Put the wheels on the base. Add drawers to the box.
This would mean cutting one more "floor", and the sides of the storage part, then whatever you need for the drawers. I'm lazy, so I would probably make the box tall enough to stick plastic drawers from the housewares department into and call it good.
http://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Doug-Self-Storing-Furnished-Dollhouse/dp/…
http://www.manhattandollhouse.com/html/barbie_dollhouse_1.html
Tiffanie (not verified)
Wed, 11/02/2011 - 22:53
Homemade dollhouses!
Hi Ana,
The dollhouse is really cute, and has something I find very important in dollhouses....stairs! I dislike having to pretend there are stairs in our Playmobil structures. I mean to include one someday in this dollhouse I built from scrap material for my daughter, but haven't gotten around to it yet!
I also really like the ability for your dollhouse to be played with from more than one side. I did that with my daughter's as well. It is very open. Here's the link to it, and it was also featured in Ohdeedoh this summer!
http://bloggingcornerblog.blogspot.com/2011/08/building-dollhouse-from-…
I am glad to have found your website today via Ohdeedoh and look forward to sitting down and peeking around in it!
Tiffanie
corner blog
http://bloggingcornerblog.blogspot.com/
Guest (not verified)
Thu, 11/03/2011 - 23:28
This is actually the So Chic
This is actually the So Chic dollhouse manufactured by KidKraft. Nice try!
idahoowl (not verified)
Mon, 11/07/2011 - 00:32
'Nice try!' yourself, lol.
'Nice try!' yourself, lol. Maybe go have a look at the So Chic, 'k?
In reply to This is actually the So Chic by Guest (not verified)
loniwolfe
Mon, 11/07/2011 - 05:16
Perhaps if you'd read the
Perhaps if you'd read the post you'd have seen where she mentions that this dollhouse was inspired by KidKraft's So Chic dollhouse.
This blog was, after all, originally titled Knock-off Wood.
Tim Gary (not verified)
Sun, 11/18/2012 - 07:38
True, but I believe she
True, but I believe she admits this. And, that one goes for $200! I built mine for under $100, and had so much fun doing it. My daughter loved watching me build it, and that is worth so much more than money!
SherI (not verified)
Fri, 11/04/2011 - 03:24
Stairs
For stairs I was wondering if you could just take dominos and glue them together rather than all of that cutting. Might give it a try! love the dollhouse...it is like the So Chic but a heck of a lot cheaper to make it yourself! And more fun!