A Frame Cabin/Club House

By scooter76 in OutsideBackyard

139.698

321
Open Menu
50
circuits
Featured workshop

Save PDF Favorite

craft
cooking
living
Introduction:
outside A Frame Cabin/Club House
Log InSignup

Search
 By
scooter76 Follow More
MoreFollowing
by the author:

Jack of all trades, master of none. Father, husband, creator. More »

In this Instructable I will show you how to make this super cool and cute A Frame cabin. It
is relatively cheap and easy to make and can be done in a couple weekends

Just over a year ago our family moved to a new house. Our backyard is like a little oasis in
the woods, very private and scenic. The only problem was this old rotten play structure that
was basically a death trap (many an accident occurred with our two boys) So the question
was put to them, do you want a new play structure or a club house. Club house won hands
down.

We searched for kits and design ideas and came up with the A Frame design (mainly
because it will shed snow very well). After some research we decided on Deek Diedricksens
design from Relaxshacks.com We made a couple adjustments and personal touches and we
cant be more happy with the end results.
Please note I am not a contractor by any means and there are some mistakes here and
there. I took full advantage of getting my family to help, as well as countless hours on
Instructables and other sites. It was important that my sons helped as mush as possible, as
this was a great opportunity to teach a new skills and to learn from mistakes.

Enjoy

Step 1: Materials and Tools

The materials and tools for this project are pretty straight forward and easy to find.
Projects
Tools back
All Projects
Saws (hand,Circuits
jig and circular)
back
Tape measure All
Apple
Drill and DriverArduino
Art
Square (straight edge and compound)
Assistive Tech
Painting suppliesAudio
Cameras
Levels Clocks
Computers
Hammer Electronics
Gadgets
Chisel or routerLasers
(for mortising door hinges)
LEDs
Clamps Linux
Microcontrollers
Nail gun (Optional)
Microsoft
Mobile
Materials Raspberry Pi
Remote Control
Pressure treatedReuse
2x6's and deck boards
Robots
kiln dried 2x4s and 2x6's
Sensors
Siding Software
Soldering
Tuftex roofing Speakers
Tools
Wood for trim andUSBdoor
Wearables
Window/door Websites
Workshop
Wireless
back
Screws, Glue and nails
All
Ridge cap 3D Printing
Cars
Ground cover CNC
Electric Vehicles
Deck Block Energy
Furniture
I'm sure I am missing
Home something
Improvement but this is a good start.
Home Theater
Step 2: A Strong Hydroponics and Level Foundations
Knives
Laser Cutting
Lighting
Metalworking
Molds & Casting
Motorcycles
Organizing
Pallets
Repair
Science
Shelves
Solar
Tools
If possible try and find a flat location to build, this will save time and stress, trust me. We
Woodworking
found the best location and started mapping out the foot print of the cabin. We used deck
Workbenches
blocks for our cabin, but you could also use a skid design or even a concrete pad.

We started out by leveling one deck block and building the four corners of of that one.
Making sure to always check for level. We dug each whole just under a foot deep and made
sure to addCraft
about 5 inches of gravel to help with drainage.We used 16 deck blocks in total.
We used pressure back
treated 2x6's for the outer frame and joists. Once all the 2x6's were in
All
place and level we checked for square (measure from corner to corner on each diagonal
and they shouldArtequal the same distance)
Books & Journals
Cardboard
We also added joist hangers for added support, but this is not a must.
Cards
Clay
Step 3: Deck Boards
Costumes and Bug Repellent
& Cosplay
Digital Graphics
Duct Tape
 Embroidery
Fashion
Felt
Fiber Arts
Gift Wrapping
Jewelry
Knitting & Crochet
Leather
Mason Jars
No-Sew
Paper
Parties & Weddings
This was a pointPhotography
to ponder. Should we use plywood to build a sub-floor of use deck boards.
Ply wood wouldPrintmaking
have looked a little nicer and we could have added flooring on top of that,
but we worried Reuse
about water getting in and ruining the plywood so we decided to use deck
boards (5/4 thickness
Sewingto prevent and sponginess) We also put down some ground cover to
help prevent any bugs or weeds coming up. I'm not sure if this will do anything, but it only
Soapmaking
cost $10 to do. Wallets

Also make sure to leave some space between each board to compensate for expansion.
Cooking
back
I will mention, we attached the A Frames before the deck boards so that we could attach
All
them directly to the floor frame for extra strength. This will be explained in the next step.
Bacon
BBQ & Grilling
Step 4: Building Beveragesand Installing the a Frames
Bread
Breakfast
Cake
Candy
Canning & Preserving
Cocktails & Mocktails
Coffee
Cookies
Cupcakes
Dessert
Homebrew
Main Course
Pasta
I found this to be the hardest part. So basically we made 3 A frames out of 6 2X6's (12 feet
Pie in 2x4's every 2 feet. The base we are building on is 10 feet wide and 8
long) and mortised
Pizza
feet deep. Each 2X6 needed a 66 degree cut at the bottom and a 24 degree cut at the top. We
also notched in aSalad
space at the top to run a 2x6 across the ridge. Unfortunately I do not have
Sandwiches
a photo of this cut :(
Snacks & Appetizers
Once the anglesSoups & Stews
were cut, we lined them all up and clamped the 2x6's together to make sure
Vegetarian
all our cuts are equals. & Vegan

Curf cuts are great for this. A couple passes with the circular saw and you can hammer
and/or chisel out the pieces (see pics)We measured twice and cut 30 times....

We used wire mesh and gussets to secure the tops.

Living
When lifting theback
A Frames up, we screwed in a couple temporary metal brackets to stop it
All
from slipping and toe nailed the bottoms of the 2x6's into the floor. Then it was as simple as
adding the 2x4'sBeauty
to the cut outs and adding a couple angled 2x4's to add strength. I was
Christmas
surprised how strong this was, even with no sheeting on yet.
Step 5: Ridge Cap
Cleaning
Decorating
Education
Gardening
Halloween
Health
Hiding Places
Holidays
Homesteading
Kids
Kitchen
LEGO & K'NEX
Life Hacks
Music
We debate for aOffice
coupleSupply
days onHacks
how and what to use for a ridge cap. Since our roofing was
Organizing
going to be corrugated we had to come up with something simple and effective. We found
some 90 degree Pest
4 inchControl
steel sheeting used for siding on your home and thought of a plan to
make this work.PetsBasically we ran some 1x1 wood across the ridge beam and laid the steel
sheeting on top.Pranks, Tricks,
It overlaps the & Humor
1x1 by an inch and a half so when we butt the roofing up
against the 1x1, Relationships
there will be enough overhang to direct water and hopefully keep the cabin
dry. Sorry I don'tToys
have & many
Gamesgreat photos of this, we kind of just played around with ideas
Travel
and all of a sudden it was done...
Video Games
Step 6: Got to Have a Window and a Door....
Outside
back
All
Backyard
Beach
Bikes
Birding
Boats
Camping
Climbing
Fire
Fishing
Hunting
So, this step depends on what to have or can find. Framing for the window will depend on
Kites
the size and type you use. Our Window was 39'' by 39'' but there are so many different sizes
Knots
that could work. Measure and think this through, you do not want to buy a window that is
Launchers
to small or to big. With respect to the door, we could not find a used or new on I liked or
Paracord
that fit so we built one from scratch. I will not explain this process in full as there are tons of
Rockets
Instructables on this process. Basically I used store bought boards and glued and screwed
Siege Engines
them together. We added a cool port hole window for added light and ventilation
Skateboarding
Since we made theSnowdoor from scratch that also meant that we needed to build a door jam as
Sports
well. This was my first attempt and after a couple Youtube videos I gave it a go and was
Survival
please to see it worked.
Water
It is always good to have a couple extra hands to help with this step.

When framing in the window and door make sure you do your research on this. You will
need double 2x4's on each side an you should have two on the top if there is going to be any
weight distributed across the top. Now I know I did not do this exactly as it should be done,
but it does work.
Shims were also used to help level the widow and door.
Teachers
back
The door and window
All were installed 5/8 of an inch to make sure the siding installed flush.
ELA
The door was primed in knot sealer and painted with exterior grade paint
Math
We added a simpleMicro:bit
gate latch style door handle and so far it works great.
Science
Social Studies
Step 7: Siding and Trim
Engineering
MakeyMakey
Coding
Electronics
Robotics
Arduino
CNC
Laser Cutting
3D Printing
3D Design
Art
Music
Theatre
Wood Shop
There are many ways you could side this structure. Plywood, barn board, cedar singles, etc.
Metal Shop
We decided to go with 5/8 inch thick 8 inch wide tongue and grove siding made from knotty
Resources
pine. This not only looks great, but is very affordable and easy to work with.
Grades K-2
Once a color was Grades
picked3-5
out, all the boards were primed. On one side we painted with
Grades 6-8
exterior grade paint . We figured having the interior in white would help with light in the
cabin. Grades 9-12
University+
It was simple to install. Place against the frame, mark the cut, cut and install. We used a nail
gun for this step to help speed up the process but you would use normal nails.

We also installed small vents at each end to help with heat and air flow.

The trim is just simple 1x3 boards painted white and nailed in place. Super simple and looks
great.

Step 8: Installing the Roof

For the roof we decided on Tuftext as it was lightweight, affordable and easy to install. We
went with 6 beige panels and two clear ones (to add some light)
You can easily use plywood and singled here or even a metal roof. Its up to you.

Installing took about 2 hours and many hands make for an easy install. If using Tuftext,
make sure you use the proper screws (with build in rubber washers)

Just before install the 2x4 perlans were cut to length.

One person would hold the sheet in place, one would drill the holes and drive the screws.
Originally we wanted a foor over hang on the front and back, but the Tuftext is very flexible
and we worried it would catch in the wind. If you were to use plywood, I think it would
work better.

Step 9: And That's It.....kinda

The basic structure is now complete. What a journey and a blast to build. The kids love it
and can't wait to camp out in it.

We still need to install a front step, foam in the window, maybe add some solar lights/power,
but for now, it is done and we cant be happier.

I hope you have enjoyed this Instructable and much as I have. Please do not hesitate to
comment and ask questions.

Now get on there and build one for yourself....

Contests
Teachers

First Prize in the

Backyard Contest

View Contest
1 Person Made This Project!
 Cacah made it!

Did you make this project? Share it with us!

I Made It

Recommendations

"Sun-Brella Greenhouse Effect Cooker": Working Solar Cooker for the Vulnerable,
Refugees, Eco-Enthusiasts and Creative Cooks by Do-Or-Diy

A House for Noah by garywojnar

How to Gather Wildflower Seeds by jessyratfink

RAV4 Car Camping Platform With Folding Legs by Fisherck

Making Time Contest

Remake It - Autodesk Design & Make - Student Contest

Books and Bookshelves Contest

 Comment I Made It
We have a be nice policy. Please be positive and constructive.

50 Comments

Jpittman 9 months ago

Can you tell me the dimensions of the floor? What length did you cut the 2x6 joists?

Reply

xiaoliang 2 years ago

Very nice work! What would be the size of the deck?

Reply

jessyratfink 5 years ago

Oh this is adorable! What a lovely little cabin. :)

Reply
2 replies
 preventec47 3 years ago

Using the deck boards, there was no need to leave a space between the boards as they
only swell when they get wet and expand. Since they will likely dry out since the
structure is water-tight, the gaps will only get larger. During the winter this will make it
difficult to keep warm. You could still cover with plywood however. In fact you could
add styrofoam insulation under the roof and a sheet of styrofoam under some plywood
applied to the floor and it would make it a lot more comfortable in the winte with a
carefully placed smallish home-made wood stove

Reply

cockleman1 3 years ago

Why oh why are your photos displayed lying on their side ,cheers

Reply

DaveA128 5 years ago

You know about 50+yrs. ago i tried to do Just what you have built i never got it done
Congrats to all involved. Your children will Never forget. Dave

Reply
1 reply

SarumathiP 5 years ago

Interesting Idea and a great execution, Thanks for sharing! Team Linesgraph.
 Reply
1 reply

lunger_alexander 5 years ago

looks awesome cant wait to make it at my place

GREAT JOB

Reply
1 reply

Pavlo6666 4 years ago

This is so cool!

Reply
1 reply

ArtJ11 4 years ago

Hi....I watched a couple of vids concerning the installation of Tuftex roof panels and it's
recommended to use their foam closure strips which, as claimed, provide support and
weather protection. Have you noticed any adverse effects by not using them in your
build?

Reply
1 reply
 MatthiasW19 5 years ago

Interesting idea, this is why I opened it when I received the mail from instructables.
But I had to stop reading already during your introduction. It annoys totally that you
post things before you read them again. So many mistakes, wrong words... sorry but if
you take so little care, I don‘t want to continue reading. Maybe your instructions are
also full of mistakes?

Reply
4 replies

imandry640 5 years ago

You wouldn't happen to still have the a frame plans, would you?

Reply

papaof2 5 years ago

Download NOT working at 14:23 EDT.

Reply
1 reply
 Joe Byers 5 years ago

This is a very nice build. One thing that I would do, is to have the door open to the
outward instead of inward. One reason is for fire purposes as is in the convention for
commercial buildings. The other is for the shedding of rain. If the door opens inwardly,
that allows water to seep under the door and onto the floor. Opening outwardly greatly
reduces this tendency.

Reply
3 replies

Humidor 5 years ago

I would build this just so I could hide from my wife - The kids can go play in traffic! :)

Reply
3 replies

seamster 5 years ago

Great looking little cabin. I love the A frame design, so much. Nice work!!

Reply
2 replies

KerriN91 5 years ago

Great job! Your hard work and planning shows in the finished clubhouse. The kids are
very fortunate. I’m sure there will be loads of memories made.
 Reply
1 reply

nm332 5 years ago

Really cool! a couple more and you could have a mini-village back there. I'm sure the
kids will appreciate the space when they're teenagers too :-)

Reply
1 reply

Vicki Marshall 5 years ago

This is awesome.

Reply
1 reply

tovia 5 years ago

This is super cool. Many adventures to be had in here for sure!

Reply
1 reply
 alcurb 5 years ago

It's a Tardis! The inside is bigger than the outside! It's an interesting illusion in the
photos.

Reply
1 reply

CarlJ50 5 years ago

This reminded me of a childhood friend's play house and the countless hours spent
playing there. That was also an A-frame but the floor was installed part way up the A,
making it a little more like a tree house with empty space beneath and a short ladder up
to the door. Great build, thank you for sharing.

Reply
1 reply

Viktor_S 5 years ago

Cool! I envy your children.

Reply
1 reply

Post a comment
AboutContact
Sitemap | TOS | Privacy Statement | Privacy settings | Legal
© 2024

I Made It Favorite View Comments Share More Options

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Google Classroom
Flag
Wrong Category
Inappropriate
Incomplete
Spam

Are you sure you want to flag this instructable as ?

Cancel Confirm
Edit