Building a children’s play structure in your yard is sure to bring your kids endless hours of fun. Building it yourself will not only be economical but it will also allow you to choose among a wide range of models.

Be sure to abide by local building codes and municipal bylaws regarding outdoor installations before purchasing materials and beginning construction.

»» With pickets and strings, mark off the perimeter of the area where you will need to dig a 10 ft. x 8 ft. hole.
»» Excavate the entire surface to a depth of 6 in. At each corner (inside the perimeter) dig an 8 in. x 8 in. square some ten inches deep for the structure’s four posts, which will be driven in at a 63o angle.
»» Cut one end of each of the four 6 x 6 posts at a 270 angle. These posts will then be joined in pairs to form two peaks.
»» We suggest assembling the structure on the ground before placing it in the excavated area. Lay your two 6 x 6 posts flat on the ground to form a ’V’ and screw or nail them together. Mark the two posts where the gap between them is 5 1/2 in. Mark again 5 1/2 in. lower, in line with the peak, at the centre of the two posts.

»» This second line will mark the top of the beam support. As a precaution, leave an extra 1/4 in. clearance for easier insertion of the beam.
»» Cut the beam supports (a total of 4) out of 2 x 8 pieces, cutting the ends at a 630 angle so that they align with the peak, along the posts (at 27°). Bolt the supports to the posts or attach them using lag screws (two at each end).

»» Now place the two rafters sideways on the ground and insert the 6 x 6 by 14 ft.-long beam into the two spaces provided so that it protrudes by 36 1/2 in. at each end. Nail it at a 450 angle into the two support pieces.

»» Use wood scraps to make one or two blocking pieces that you will insert into the remaining (triangular-shaped) space. Nail them in at a 450 angle.

»» Trace and cut out four gussets (pieces of wood to increase resistance) from a 1/2 in. sheet of plywood. They will be used to close the two sides of each peak. Cut out a space at the base of each one to insert the beam. A head to tail layout on your plywood will limit the number of cuts and save plywood. Using an electric drill, screw in the gussets on each side of the posts.
»» Stand the structure upright and place it inside the perimeter, inserting the posts into the corners. Pack top soil around the base of the posts.