Kids Playhouse Roof Plans

This step by step woodworking project is about playhouse roof plans plans. This is the PART 2 of the playhouse project, where I show you how to frame the gable roof. This is a beautiful playhouse that is also easy to build, if you follow the instructions and . My plans come with step by step instructions and you can easily adjust all the dimensions to suit your needs. See my other DIY projects HERE.

We recommend you to invest in the best materials you could afford. Therefore, you should buy weather-resistant lumber, such as pine or cedar. Always take accurate measurements before adjusting the size of the components at the proper size. Drill pilot holes trough the components before inserting the wood screws, to prevent the wood from splitting. See all my Premium Plans HERE.

Made from this plan

Building a playhouse

Materials

G – 4 pieces of 1/2″ plywood – 27″x84″ long SIDING
H – 12 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 60″ long, 4 pieces – 10″ long, 2 pieces – 23″ long TRUSSES
I – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 60″ long, 10 pieces – 6 1/2″ long 2xOVERHANG
J – 2 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 48″x92″ long, 2 pieces – 12″x92″ long ROOF
K – 2 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 92″ long, 4 pieces – 61 1/4″ long TRIMS
L – 300 sq ft of tar paper, 300 sq ft of asphalt shingles ROOFING

21 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 6′
2 pieces of 1/2″ plywood – 4’x8′
3 pieces of 3/4″ plywood – 4’x8′
2 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 6′
4 pieces of 1×6 lumber – 8′
100 sq ft of tar paper, 100 sq ft of asphalt shingles
2 1/2″ screws, 1 5/8″ screws
4d nails, 6d nails
rafter ties
wood filler , wood glue, stain/paint

Tools

Time

One week

Building a gable roof for a playhouse

Building the rafters

The first step of the project is to build the rafters for the playhouse. As you can easily notice in the diagram, you need to make a birdsmouth cut to the base of the rafters. Mark the cut lines on the beams and then get the job done with a saw. Smooth the edges with attention, for a professional result. Set the miter at 30 degrees, to make the angle cut.

Fitting the gusset

Use 1/2″ plywood for the gusset that will join the two rafters together tightly. Lay the rafters on a level surface and then secure the gusset into place with 1 5/8″ screws. Align the edges flush for a neat result.

Fitting the trusses

Place the rafters into place tightly, every 16″ on center. Plumb the trusses with a spirit level and then lock them into place tightly with rafter ties.

Gable end supports

Fit 2×4 supports to the gable ends of the playhouse. Drill pocket holes at both ends of the supports and then lock them into place tightly, using 2 1/2″ screws.

Gable end panels

Attach the gable end panels into place. Align the edges flush and insert 6-8d nails, to lock the panels into place tightly.

Assembling the overhangs

Build the overhangs for the front and for the back of the playhouse from 2×4 lumber. Drill pilot holes through the rafters and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the blockings,

Fitting the overhangs

Fit the overhangs to the front and to the back of the playhouse. Align the edges flush, drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock them into place tightly.

Roof sheets

Cut the roof sheets from 3/4″ plywood. You can use 1/2″ plywood as well, if you want to keep the costs down. Align the edges flush and insert 1 5/8″ screws, to lock the sheets along the rafters, every 8″.

Side roof trims

Fit 1×6 trims along the sides of the roof. Use 2″ nails to lock the trims into place tightly.

Front and back roof trims

Cut the trims for the front and back of the roof and then lock them into place tightly with 2″ nails. Set the miter at 30 degrees, to make the angle cut.

Fitting the roofing

You could fit asphalt shingles to protect the playhouse, as it is a straight forward solution. Therefore, install roofing felt over the roofing sheets, making sure the strips overlap at least 2″. Secure the tar paper to the plywood sheets with roofing staples. Fit the side drip edges over the roofing felt, while the bottom drip edges should be fit under. Place a starting course at the bottom of the roof, before installing the asphalt shingles. Always read the manufacturing instructions before starting the installation, as there are several aspects that differ.

Smart Tip: The first course should star with a 3 tab shingle, the second course with a 2 1/2 tab , the third course with a 2 tab, the forth course with a 1 1/2 tab, the fifth course with a 1 tab, the sixth course with a 1/2 tab. Repeat the process from the beginning, starting with the seventh course. Don’t forget that the shingles should overhang from the drip edge about a 1/4″. In addition, secure the asphalt shingles to the roof decking with tacks.

Kids playhouse plans – Front view

If you want to build the frame for this playhouse, make sure you take a look over PART 1. Check out PART 3 of the project, so you learn how to build the porch, as well as how to attach the decorative trims. If you like my project, don’t forget to SHARE it on Facebook and Pinterest.

Thank you for reading our project about free playhouse roof plans and I recommend you to check out the rest of the projects. Don’t forget to LIKE and SHARE our projects with your friends, by using the social media widgets. SUBSCRIBE to be the first that gets our latest projects.

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