Play Structure Dream Come True For Kids

Here’s an outdoor play structure with something for everyone. For kids, it’s a tree house, clubhouse, fort, hide-out and jungle gym all rolled into one. For parents, it’s a sturdy playhouse with a safety-conscious design and a clean, unobtrusive look.

The beauty of this project lies in its simple and functional post-and-platform layout. The structure overall stands a little more than 10 feet tall and is 6 feet square (not including the ladder or slide). The floor is about 4 feet off the ground.

In addition to the smooth hardboard slide and gently inclining ladder, the play structure features two sandboxes (one underneath and one at the end of the slide for soft landings) and a gable roof with a weatherproof canvas top.

It’s a pretty big job, but it uses standard lumber - mostly 4-by-4s, 1-by-8s and 1-by-6s of fir or redwood - and basic tools. Lumber prices vary, but the materials used in the project shown here cost about $400. Since similar play structures can cost $2,500 to $3,000 in stores, do-it-yourselfers who are willing to put in a few weekends of work can save a bundle.

The Play Structure plan, No. 839, is $6.50 and includes complete step-by-step directions with 15 photos, traceable patterns, exploded diagrams and a shopping list and cutting schedule.

In addition, a collection of four playhouse plans, No. C49, is $7 and includes “Fort Apache,” “The Little Red Schoolhouse,” “Old Woman’s Shoe House” and an A-frame design. A catalog picturing hundreds of other do-it-yourself projects is available for $3.95. Prices include sales tax, postage and handling.

MEMO: To order, clip this article and send it with a check or money order to U-Bild Features, c/o The Spokesman-Review, P.O. Box 2383, Van Nuys, CA 91409-2383. Specify plan number and allow three to four weeks for delivery (for first-class mail, add $1 per item).