During the medieval age, people would spend years trying to build a fort to protect themselves. However, constructing one for the kids is easy enough.
Required Tools and Materials
Curtains
Drill
Several 2 x 4s
Nails and screws
Measuring tape
Saw
Wiring and electrical components
Pick a Site for the Fort
Most kids’ forts are located in the backyard. Decide if the fort will be set at an open field or not. If you make one around an existing structure, supports won’t be needed. An open field fort is more customizable though.
Choose a site that’s clean and with plenty of space for kids to move around. If you’re going to include electricity, choose a site where power can be supplied. The ground needs to be flat.
Create the Floor and Supports
To build a fort, start with the foundation. Saw the 2 x 4s according to the measurements desired. Next, cut some wood for support. The supports’ minimum height should be 12 niches. Nail the supporting columns to the floor you just cut.
Create the Crossbeam
Cut four wood planks and drill holes where the crossbeam will be placed. Take the crossbeam and measure it against the drilled holes. This procedure should be done for the three posts with the exception of the front.
If the measurements are correct, they can be installed. Set the wood board on the crossbeam and nail it. When you build a fort this process should be repeated for the fort’s sides and corners. Put some curtain rings on a piece of wood. Put the curtains on the front.
Warnings
You can install the extension chord and the other components. Test the power supply, sockets, voltage, chords etc before allowing the kids to use it. Handle the electrical components with care. Be certain the chords won’t get wet in case it rains.
Variations on the Design
You can add windows to the fort. Make a hole in the walls where the windows should be placed. You can either put a window there or just leave the hole open. The roof can be any size and shape you wish. After you are finished, you can start painting the structure.
Tips
When you build a fort, get input from children (they’ll be using it after all). Ask them what color they want or if leaves and vines should be added. For a more fortress like appearance, make a flag and put it on the roof.
The quality of the lumber you use is very important. Rambunctious kids will stomp and make a ruckus. If the wood quality is poor, the structure might collapse and cause injury.
Aside from the wood, make sure you use enough nails, screws and bolts. Don’t pick a spot that’s susceptible to heavy rain or heat. If you painted the fort, do not allow the kids to use it until the paint has completely dried.
Before you build a fort, ask the kids what stuff they’d like to put in. This will give you a good idea on how big it should be.
