A very basic 5×5 playhouse (usually cedar, pre-fab) might cost $1,000 to $1,500 without delivery. Having said that, that’s a lot of money to be spending on a kids playhouse. Not sure about your budget, but the best alternative is a DIY playhouse project that you can complete in no time. So let’s take a closer look at how to make a kids playhouse step by step.

What Kind of Wood Should I Use to Build a Playhouse?

This all depends on your budget. But let’s start with the basics. If you’re on a tight budget, you can go ahead and use normal, non-pressure treated lumber. Better yet, you can use wood pallets if available in your area. You can get a standard 48″x40″ pallet for next to nothing, usually for free. Take a look on your local Marketplace or Craigslist to see if any available. If you’re working with a higher budget, you can go with pine or cedar. Cedar will be best but that comes with at a higher cost.

How Do You Make a Playhouse Step by Step?

Now that we have an understanding of what type of wood we can use for building a playhouse, let’s take a look at a building process.

Location of Your New Playhouse

Most important decision after your budget is the location of your playhouse. Do you have enough room in your backyard to do it? If you don’t have a backyard, where are you intending to put it? Think twice before starting building. Although a playhouse is easy to take apart, it’ll save you time and money doing so.

Gather All Your Building Materials

Equally important as your location, getting your building materials is critical as this will require some time and effort in gathering it all. Make sure you have:

1. Wooden boards 2×8
2. 2×4 boards
3. 1/4 plywood
4. Screws, 3″ galvanized
5. Decking planks
6. Wood siding or mental
7. Shingles
8. Roofing nails

Create The Base

Use your 2×8 boards then cover it with the decking planks. For example, you can form a 6×8 rectangle by cutting the 2×8 boards. Use your 3″ screws and create the rectangle. Add 2 additional 2×8 boards to create your floor joints. To cover the foundation and create the floor measure and cut the 1×6 deck plank to fit the base. Cover the base completely.

Create The Wall Frames

To build the playhouse, you’ll have to make empty wall frames that attach to each side. Make sure that you measure and install the wall inside the floor, usually about 1″. Use your 2×4 boards.

Attach Wall to Base

Start with the back wall, standing it at the edge of the floor, 1″ inside. Use the galvanized screws and screw this in place. Next, get the side walls up with the last wall beige the front.

Build The Playhouse Roof

Measure and create your rafters, made from your 2×4 boards. Attach the struts to the ridge board and then add the rafters. Cut plywood to fit the roof. You can now attach shingles to the top of the plywood. Screw the rafter and struts to the frame.

Finish The Walls & Roof

Once you finish the walls and shingles, you can now add whatever personal touches you like. For example, you can paint the outside, add accessories and perhaps put a table set inside for the kids to use.

Final Cost of Building a Playhouse

So, how much does it cost to build a playhouse in the end? You should be able to build a nice and roomy kids playhouse for $100 to $300 if you do it yourself. That includes all materials. On the other hand, if you plan on buying a prefab, that cost is usually 3 to 4 times higher.

The choice is up to you however, with a little patience and time, you can be saving hundreds. Now that you know how much does it cost to build a playhouse, are you going to do it yourself or buy one? Let us know what you decide. If you built it yourself, do share how it turned out and what step you took in the process.

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How to Add a Pop of Color to a Room – 6 Secrets Revealed

Tip 1 – Flexibility On Picking and Adding Color To a Room

You don’t have to pick one color. If your home is predominantly neutral and then there are just pops of purples for example or splashes of navy throughout, your space is still going to feel generic and bland as well as overly matching. And, to be honest, this will look pretty boring. Instead, choose something to pull from. Is there a painting or a pillow fabric you have on display that your accent colors can reference back? Ideally, you would start with your neutral basic color palette and then identify two or three colors you want to be reappearing throughout the space.

If you want to go even deeper, you can have those two or three colors appear in other areas of the home, in different ways so that you can also get a pleasant, cohesive flow from one room to the next. And, maybe that means eggplant throw pillow in the living room, eggplant vase in the kitchen, eggplant blanket on your sofa or bed. But that can’t be it. Otherwise, suddenly your home is going to feel like a weird beige and purple zebra skin!

We recommend blending in different colors. For example, you can add a glassy green pillow on the sofa, pale glassy green walls in the bedroom and maybe a painting or a fabric print that calls back all those colors. The idea is to achieve a balance. Not too much of any color. Identify a couple of colors you like in combination and then figure out how to apply different quantities of each. Make sure you distribute those colors evenly throughout your space, without feeling overwhelming or overdone in certain areas.

Tip 2 – Make It Easy For Yourself

For your own sanity and ease, put your accent color on things that you can change. This is one of the greatest benefits of keeping your palette neutral and understated. If allows you to swap up your current accent colors if you got tired of them without having to buy a new sofa or repaint the whole room. And, if you start feeling really ambitious, you can swap out your accent colors based on seasons! Again only if you are feeling ambitious!

Tip 3 – Add Collective Colors to a Room

When looking at how to pick accent colors for a room, consider picking colors based on how they look collectively, not just based on your preference for the individual colors. For example, red and green screams Christmas, no matter how well you position your colors. Red and blue shouts Nautical unless you have a really good gift of mixing them out with neutral tones to mellow them down. Think about unexpected colors such as rusty orange, slate blue, various shades of yellow or greens.

Tip 4 – Reconsider an Accent Wall

Sometimes you may think that you absolutely “need” an accent wall. If you think strongly about having an accent wall, think twice. The application of an accent wall is a tricky one. You really need just the right spot for it, or it will just end up feeling like a 2007. So give it some real consideration to your permanent accent colors.

Tip 5 – You’re Not Tied Down To Adding Just One Color

Once you made a decision on your accent color, don’t think that this means you can only use one of these colors. Your accent colors are meant to be recurring colors that keep popping up throughout your home. It doesn’t mean they have strict monopoly on color. We encourage you to add a little diversity to your pallet with unexpected splashes.

Don’t buy a vase you love because it isn’t purple and your primary color accent color is purple. And definitely don’t buy a vase or painting you don’t like just because it’s purple. The key here is to maintain a balance this way your home feels more collected and authentic. The message here is clear, don’t fill your home with various objects just because they are the same color as your accent wall!

Tip 6 – Add a Bold Furniture Color

Consider painting a piece of furniture in a bold color. Breadking away from the wood-on-wood palette of most caseloads can be a terrific way to add a little pizazz to your home. Take one of your more weathered furniture pieces and follow our instructions on How to Paint Pine Furniture for example for easy DIY steps. A bold or bight color can be a perfect way to add a little pop in an unexpected way. The only downside to this is that pillows are much easier to change colors out than dressers colors. So, if you decide to take the plunge on this, make sure it’s the color that you really want and that works otherwise, you’ll be repainting again in a few years.

Here you have it. Now you know how to add color to a room. Follow the above and you should be in good shape when it comes to how to pick the right color for a room in your house for that extra pop of color. If in doubt, take a few days to reconsider colors and the actual accent wall that you’re considering. Expect to repaint again until you get the perfect color match throughout your house. Don’t forget to be open to other colors also and to add a few bold furniture pieces.

Let us know how your new color turned out!

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Patio furniture on clearance is without a doubt the smartest thing that you should consider. Typically, clearance sales offer anywhere from 20% up to 70% off. Talking about a great deal on patio furniture! So, where can you actually go and get these amazing prices? We’ve looked at a few retailers and have recommended our suggestions below.

Walmart Clearance Patio Furniture 

Walmart has a variety of patio furniture. As of end of August, there are 1,000+ items on clearance! Walmart makes it easy and convenient to shop. You can shop in the store, order online and pick up in the store of get the patio furniture delivered. The choice is up to you! Here are some amazing patio furniture on sale that you can’t miss.

Balichun 7 Piece Conversational Patio Furniture Set

Let’s start with the price first! The regular price is $2,599.00. How about a $899 deal? That’s right, you can buy this beautiful set today for a huge discount. Ideal for any garden, backyard, pool or balcony, this stylish patio set will sure impress. Made from all-weather rattan and featuring a steel frame, this patio set is sturdy and will last for years. 

Home Depot Patio Sets

Home Depot is another big box retailer that offers tons of patio furniture. Currently Home Depot offers a 40% off on their patio furniture clearance on over 100 + patio pieces. 

We love the Oakshire 9 piece Patio Set that is made from aluminum. The Sunbrella Henna red cushions are a great accessory too! 

Pricing wise, we’re looking at 42% off the regular price of $1,899. So you can get this great patio furniture on clearance now for $1,099! That’s a steal considering that it is made of aluminum. This patio set is sturdy and high quality. Most importantly is weatherproof and it’s easy to clean.

Wayfair Patio Furniture on Sale 

Get ready for some amazing deals on Wayfair patio furniture. Often called “Closeout” offers, you can now purchase patio pieces for up to 50% off. Ready for an even better offer? Wayfair also offers free shipping on certain items. 

If you’re on a budget and shopping for a real good deal, look no further than the Anje Rectangular Dining Set that seats 6 people. This also includes cushions.

This patio set is priced at $2,644 however, you can get this at 46% off for a total of $1,479. With 4.4 out of 5 review score, you can’t go wrong with this beautiful patio. This also qualifies for free shipping. So take advantage today.

BONUS – Other Retailers to Consider

Amazon: you’ll also be able to score some deals on Amazon as most suppliers are clearing out their patio furniture pieces now. So have a look and see what works for your budget and style.

Ikea: – if you’re working with a tight budget, Ikea maybe your best bet for a patio set. Especially important if you’re working with small spaces such as balconies or have a smaller backyard where space is limited. 

Costco: take a look at Costco too. End of the season sales are decent and you may be able to get a deal on some of the patio furniture. Although not as price competitive as some of the retailers mentioned above, is worth taking a look on your next visit.

Target: as with Ikea, if you’re on a budget, Target may suit your needs. End of season sales are good and you can get up to 50% off or more on their patio sets. Look online first to get some ideas and visit your local store to see what’s available. 

Here you have it. If you’re looking for patio furniture on clearance, now you know when and where to buy! You can save hundreds by buying at the end of the season. And, who doesn’t like savings? Now you have the opportunity to do it so shop around smartly and save big. Let us know where you usually shop and how much you typically save on patio furniture on sale. Also, we’ll love to hear other retailers in your city that offers 

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And that’s why we’ve put together our complete DIY, step by step guide on how to paint your existing wood furniture in a whitewash finish. Whether this furniture is for your bedroom, your kitchen or a living room, such furniture never seems to go out of style.

The great news is that this DIY project is easy and it doesn’t take too much time. After all, whitewashing furniture is a simple process of adding a thin coat of white paint which leaves the wood exposed for its natural beauty.

Now that you have a basic understanding of what whitewashing furniture is, let’s get to it.

1. First Step on How To Whitewash Furniture: Gather all tools needed & prep the furniture

Whether you are working on a large piece of furniture or a small dresser or coffee table, the same process still applies along with the tools needed. So let’s start with what you need first:

1. 100-grit sandpaper
2. paint tray with a roller
3. white paint
4. primer (depending on how you like the finish product to look – read more below)

Here’s a tip: if you like to have the wood grain showing, don’t prime the furniture. On the other hand, if you want to go with a more traditional look, you can apply a primer (low stain blocking). Let that dry completely and start painting.

Once you gathered all the tools and materials needed, you’re ready to start prepping the wood furniture.

2 Add More Water For More of An Effect on Your Whitewash Wood Furniture

To get the whitewash effect, you’ll need to mix water with your white paint. We recommend getting latex-based paint, so mix that accordingly. Here’s what you need: two-parts paint and one-part water. You can play with the quantities but we find that works best.

Important: Test this on an old piece of wood and see if you like the result. You can add more paint or water to your liking as mentioned above.

3. Start Painting Your Furniture

Once you get the paint to your liking, use the roller, preferably a small to medium size dense roller, depending on your furniture size. You’ll need to wipe the paint before it dries so keep that in mind when working with large wood furniture pieces as per the next step below. Don’t forget to paint an an open air area if possible. Also, use a large tarp in case. You wouldn’t want to whitewash your flooring!

4. Gently Remove Paint

After your painting is complete, you need to wipe it down with a sponge to get the whitewash paint effect. If you were thinking about how whitewash wood furniture is painted, well, this steps explains the “secret”. When removing the paint, make sure you go against the grain of the wood. Also, be aware of the pressure you are putting on the sponge. You wouldn’t want to have large areas where more paint is shown so keep constant pressure on the sponge while removing the paint.

You can release the process above a few times. That is, you can remove the white paint and if you don’t like the result, you can repaint again. Remove the paint until the desired whitewash effect is achieved. Don’t worry too much if you haven’t got it perfect the first time. You can release this step as often as you like until you’re happy with the result.

5. Let The Furniture Dry and Evaluate

You’ll need to wait a full day or so to review how the paint has dried up. If you’re happy with the finished product, you’re almost done. If not, you can add another coat of paint and then remove some of it as explained above. Once you get to your liking of the whitewash wood furniture, you’re ready for one last step. Just make sure that the paint is completely dried. Some paints take more time than others to dry up. Last thoughts, if you have thicker layers of paint in some areas, just sand these down and repaint again. It’s not a big deal, remember there are no real mistakes here as every pieces of whitewash furniture is unique.

6. Add a Protective Clear Gloss

Once you achieved the whitewash colour you wanted you’re ready for add a protective clear coat to your newly whitewashed furniture. When the paint if fully dry, we suggest adding a coat of clear protective gloss to your newly painted whitewash wood furniture. Adding this will protect your furniture piece from scratches, chips and stains.

There are a variety of water-based clear gloss products on the market so pick what you like and what you have budgeted for. Applying a clear coast can be tricky and most times you’ll need to do a few coats until you achieved the desired look and finish. Just take your time and you should be able to complete this in a few hours.

7. Enjoy Your New Whitewash Wood Furniture

Congratulations. Now you have a newly painted furniture piece in your house that didn’t cost a lot and that was easy to do by yourself. By following the steps above, you can achieve this over a weekend. Such DIY projects are simple and don’t take too much time but can add a lot of value to your home decor.

Tips: we suggest looking on your FB marketplace for cheap pieces of solid wood that you can turn into a unique furniture. Whitewashing painted furniture is not that difficult as explained above. Besides, who doesn’t like furniture pieces that add character to any home decor at a fraction of the cost compared to the big box retailers? We sure do! So go ahead and get creative. Worst case scenario, you pick up a free dresser or coffee table and start a new learning process.

How about you? Have you tried to paint this before? Please share with us any other tips that you may have so that our readers can benefit also.

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