Kids Outdoor Fort Ideas

Kids Outdoor Fort Ideas

This step by step diy woodworking project is aboutoutdoor fort plans. I have designed this super simple fort so you can build one in the weekend, using basic materials and tools. My fort plans feature a ladder and a nice slide, so the kids will be entertained and have multiple choices to play. Make sure you smooth the exposed sharp edges by using a router or a sander.

There are many fort plans you can choose from, so make sure you take a look over the alternatives before starting the actual construction project. Invest in high quality and weather resistant lumber, such as cedar, pine or redwood. Always take accurate measurements and use a professional saw when building the components, in order to get the job done properly from the very beginning.

Projects made from these plans

Building a kids fort

Building-an-outdoor-fort

• Materials
• Tools
• Time
• Related Plans

• A – 9 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 96″ long, 3 pieces – 72″ long POSTS
• B – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 45″ long, 2 pieces – 69″ long, 1 piece – 24″ long, 1 piece – 48″ long, 1 piece – 72″ long BASE FRAME
  
• C – 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 45″ long, 2 pieces – 69″ long, 1 piece – 24″ long, 1 piece – 48″ long, 1 piece – 72″ longFLOOR FRAME
• D – 8 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 72 " long, 4 pieces – 24″ long FLOOR
• E – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 72″ long, 3 pieces – 45″ long TOP FRAME
• F – 6 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 28 1/8″ long RAFTERS
• G – 14 pieces 0f 1×6 lumber – 72″ long ROOF
• H – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 50 1/8″ lumber, 5 pieces – 19 1/2″ long LADDER
• I – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 72″ long,8  2 pieces – 48″ long, 2 pieces – 22 1/2″ long, 4 pieces – 46 1/2″ long, 27 pieces – 23 1/4″ long RAILINGS

---

• 28 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 8′
• 5 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 8′
• 12 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 12′
• 7 pieces of 1×2 lumber – 8′
• 2 1/2″ screws
• 1 5/8″ screws
• wood filler, exterior paint
• slide

 One day

Tree Fort Plans

Base-frame-diy-fort

The first step of the project is to build the base frame for the outdoor fort. Cut the components as shown in the plans, using 2×4 lumber. Lay the components on a level surface and align the edges flush. Make sure the corners are square, drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws.

Floor-frame

The next step of the project is to build the floor frame. Use the same techniques described above, but use 2×6 boards.

Assembling the frame of the backyard fort

Cut the legs for the outdoor fort from 2x4s. Attach the legs to the frames. Plumb the legs with a spirit level and make sure the frames are perfectly horizontal. Drill pilot holes through the legs and insert 2 1/2″ screws. Use 2 screws for each joint.

Fitting the floor sheets

Use 1×6 boards for the floor of the fort. Cut the boards at 24″ and at 72″. Use a piece of 1/2″ plywood to create even gaps. Drill pilot holes and insert 1 5/8″ screws to lock the boards to the frame of the floor.

Top-frame-for-the-backyard-fort

Use 2×4 lumber for the top frame. Drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to assemble the frame.

Fitting the top frame

Fit the top frame to the outdoor fort and align the edges. Drill pilot holes through the legs and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock the frame into place tightly.

Rafter – Kids Fort

Use 2×4 lumber for the rafters. Make the angle cuts at both ends, as shown in the diagram.

Fitting the gussets – Kids Fort

Lay the rafters on a level surface and fit the 1/2″ plywood gussets. Align the edges and insert 1 5/8″ screws to assemble the trusses.

Fitting the trusses

Fit the trusses to the top of the outdoor fort and place them equally spaced. Use rafter ties to lock the trusses into place tightly. Plumb the trusses before attaching the trusses.

Fitting the roof slats

Use 1×6 boards for the roofing. Start attaching the boards from the bottom up to the top, making sure they overlap for at least 1/2″. Use 1 5/8″ screws to secure the boards to the trusses.

Railing supports to the outdoor fort

Use 2×4 lumber for the railings supports. Drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock them to the vertical posts. You can adjust the size of the railings to suit your needs.

Fitting the baluster supports to the kids fort

Fit the rail supports to the other sides of the fort.

Fitting the balusters – Outdoor fort

Use 1x2s for the balusters. You can adjust the space between the balusters. Drill pilot holes and insert 1 5/8″ screws to lock them to the supports.

Outdoor fort balusters

Fit the balusters to the other side of the bort.

Fitting the balusters – Fort for kids

Balusters for kids fort

Building the ladder supports

Now it's time to build the ladder for the fort. Use 2×4 lumber for the supports. Use a miter saw to make the angle cuts, as shown in the plans.

assembling-the-ladder

Assemble the ladder by fitting the horizontal steps. Drill pilot holes through the supports and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the steps.

Fitting the ladder

Fit the ladder to the fort, as shown in the diagram. Drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to secure it into place.

How to build an outdoor fort

Attach the slide to the outdoor fort, as shown in the diagram.

Outdoor Fort Plans – side view

Last but not least, you need to take care of the finishing touches. Fill the holes with wood putty and smooth the surface with 120-220 grit sandpaper.

Outdoor-fort-plans

Top Tip: Apply several coats of stain or paint to the components, in order to protect them from decay. Choose vivid colors in order to create a nice appearance. Lots of project plans for kids HERE.

This woodworking project was about outdoor fort plans. If you want to see more outdoor plans, we recommend you to check out the rest of our step by step projects.

Kids Outdoor Fort Ideas

Source: https://myoutdoorplans.com/playhouse/outdoor-fort-plans/