A fort is an enclosed structure made of wood or concrete that is meant to be used for protection, or simply as a good place to hide. However, the idea behind a fort has now been modified to be used as a child’s favorite hideout or play area. Forts can be made in trees, on decks, or even in your own backyard.
Required Materials
- plywood and wood sheeting for the walls and floor
- screws or nails
Required Tools
- drill machine
- extension cord
Instructions
- Select the Fort’s Location – Select the location for your fort. Decide whether you want the support of an existing building or structure for its walls stability, or if you want to build it in the middle of an open area, such as your backyard. Dig a trench-like pit, making sure that you have an electrical power supply nearby for lights to be installed later.
- Make the Floor Braces – Make braces (using 2’x4’s) to be driven into the base ground of the fort. These will support the fort. Ensure that the fort floor is absolutely flat and not shapeless. Select the position in the ground where you find most suitable to place the floor support, keeping in mind where they would be of best use.
- Make the Floor Supports – Determine the height of the fort’s elevation, measuring it from the spots where the supports are to be positioned. Now cut the supports according to the desired measurement of elevation and brace them with 1×4. At this point a test needs to be done to ensure the supports and the braces are firmly fixed into the ground by jumping on them.
- Building the Walls – Now cut the walls from available wood using 2×4. For the frame, use 2×4 and install it around the wall’s edges. At a distance of 2-3 feet, place 2×4 and repeat it at every equal distance. Erect the walls to their position, one at a time, screwing down each through the floor into the braces as you erect it. You can use a sheet metal or a wooden slat to cover the fort as a roof. Bolt the chosen material onto the top of the walls.
Tips and Warnings
- Using plywood for the floor is a better choice. However, make sure to use quality plywood.
- Ensure the availability of a power supply is nearby, whilst locating the place for your fort, so that you can install lights, TVs, or any other electrical equipment to make it more interesting.
- Make sure you determine how many windows you would like and the positions of the doors before cutting the walls.
- Before putting any weight onto your fort, ensure it’s stability to prevent any injuries for people using it.
- The roof can be made of wood or of metal sheets depending on the purpose of your fort. Wood would give it a nice look and a great finish for your fort.
Further Reading on How to Build a Fort
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