Birdbath Project

 backyard Childrens Area  No Responses »
Mar 132009
 

Setting up a children’s play area in your backyard oasis will give your children a place to call their own and will provide them with hours of entertainment and activity. Swing sets, sandboxes, playhouses and forts are only a few ideas. One other idea for your backyard play area is learning about nature. By setting up a birdbath your child can watch birds and learn to identify them. Below is a birdbath project your child can make. They will take pride in the project they created for their Backyard play area Small birds
Creative Commons License photo credit: Valerie Everett

Children’s Birdbath project

Select a place in the backyard childrens play area that has a mix of sun and shade and preferably a small tree or bush for the birds to have shelter and protection. This will help you to determine the size of the pot you will purchase and any other ideas for your birdbath project.

Next purchase a large terra-cotta plant pot. Make sure it has a saucer and that the saucer is glazed on the inside. The saucer needs to be at least eight inches across and you may decide to select a larger size.

Turn the plant pot upside-down and allow the child to paint designs on the pot. Acrylic paints will work the best for this project. After the pot has dried thoroughly, coat with a clear waterproof sealant to protect the design from the weather.

You may want to suggest designs for the birdbath creation or just let the child create a design on his own. If you have more than one child you can have them decorate parts of the birdbath or have rocks or a bird feeder that also need painted.

The last step is to place the glazed saucer on top of the upside-down plant pot. Check the position then glue in place with Liquid Nails or another construction adhesive. Allow the birdbath to dry completely.

Your final selection for the bird bath will be determined my how the pot looks in its new area, location of bushes and trees and any other projects that were made for the area at the same time. 

When you have selected the final position, make sure the birdbath is sitting evenly on the ground. You may need to add or remove soil to level the birdbath. For the final step layer small pebbles on the bottom of the saucer, then add two inches of fresh water.

Your children will want to check the water daily and the birdbath will need to be cleaned occasionally. You may even want to add a few new flowers that attract birds and a birdhouse to your bird santuary.

Posted by Denise at 12:59 pm  Tagged with: ,

Plans for a Backyard Oasis Playhouse

 backyard Childrens Area  No Responses »
Mar 092009
 

Every backyard needs a playhouse or fort if you have younger children.  Add either  to a backyard childrens  area and your children will play for hours and having lasting memories of a wonderful backyard oasis. DSCN0444.JPG
Creative Commons License photo credit: Fantt

This link, Playhouse, will take you to the complete plans but I have also included the written text below just in case you have problems getting to the site. But the images and diagrams help and are located at the site.

Playhouse

This design and detail is given for a playhouse to be erected on a flat level site. For sloping sites, modify the detail by embedding some of the posts deeper, or using posts of different lengths. However, remember that a playhouse which is close to ground is a safer playhouse.

TIMBER which is to be embedded in the ground should be of very durable quality. All other timber in the playhouse which is not in ground contact should be of durable quality but staining or painting is still recommended.

Consult your timber stockist on what timbers are available and suitable for this exterior exposed location. Construction should be as sketched in the exploded diagram. All fasteners should be galvanised (nuts, bolts, nails).

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TOOLS YOU WILL NEED
Saw 100 x 38mm,
Carpenter’s mitre square
2 pieces 2.4m DAR (joists)
Measuring
tape/rule and pencil
Hammer and nail punch
Electric drill and bits
String line and level
Spirit level
Chisel
Materials you will need
Timber (N.B. All durable timber*)
75 x 75mm, 2 pieces 2.7m DAR (posts)
100 x 38mm, 2 pieces 2.4m DAR (joists)
75 x 25mm, T&G Flooring 34.8 lineal metres (or equivalent in 1.2m lengths)
100 x 25mm, 6 pieces 1.2m DAR (side rails)
100 x 38mm, 2 pieces 2.4m DAR (rafters)
50 x 38mm, 2 pieces 3.9m sawn (battens)
100 x 25mm, 39 pieces 1.2m sawn (roofing and gable)
Hardware
12/125 x 9mm galvanised cuphead nuts and washers
200/50 x 2.8mm galvanised flathead nails (roof, gables)
100/50 x 2.8mm galvanised bullet head nails (flooring nails)
20/65 x 3.15mm galvanised bullet head nails (floor, joists)
Note: Flooring and roof and gable timber – your timber stockist will supply long lengths of timber sufficient to cut these pieces. When ordering advise with order that your need is for lengths from which 1.2m pieces can be cut.

Alternative roof coverings:
2 sheets 1800 x 1200 x 6mm exterior grade plywood OR
1 sheet 3660 x 1220 x 9.5mm exterior grade hardboard
*Durable timber includes most native hardwoods, cypress pine, western red cedar, redwood, CCA treated hoop, slash or radiata pine. Consult timber stockist on suitability and availability.

MARK OUT  position of posts on site using conventional string line and level method. Check that diagonals of the layout are equal – hence the 1200 x 1200mm area is square.

LINE LEVEL – Small tube level hangs from string line to determine level point at each corner and post.

DIG HOLES  for posts about 300 x 300mm in free draining soils. In clayey soils you may need to excavate deeper and infill with porous gravel or ashes or similar. Ram-pack base of hole.

CUT FOUR  posts ‘A’ from the timber pieces 75 x 75 x 2.7m DAR and treat bottom 300mm with creosote or similar water repellent fungicidal material.

INSTALL POSTS  in hole, keeping them vertical and in position with temporary braces. Note that tops of posts should be level. Ram-pack infill soil around post to about 150mm from ground line. Fill holes with concrete (as post collar) and allow two days to set before proceeding. (Note that the outside faces of the posts lie on a 1200 x 1200mm square). If possible retain bracing in position when proceeding with next step. 

CUT FOUR  floor joists ‘B’ 1200mm long from the timber pieces 100 x 38mm x 2.4m DAR. 

FIX FLOOR SUPPORT JOISTS: Nail these temporarily in position approx. 450mm above ground while levelness and squareness are checked – then drill bolt holes and fasten side floor joists permanently with bolts, nuts and washers. Permanently nail on front and back floor supports (refer to diagram) using 65mm nails.

FIX FLOOR SUPPORT JOISTS: Cut floor boards ‘C’ to length (1200mm) and fix to floor joists using two 50mm bullet head nails at each side joist and nails at 300mm centres across front and back floor rails. (Note: Loosely fit flooring before nailing and space out to allow for drainage through floor). Cut front and rear boards to fit around posts.

PREPARE ROOF RAFTERS ‘D’ as shown. First cut four rafters each 1200mm long from the two pieces 100 x 38mm x 2.4m. Then measure, mark, cut as shown below. Saw cut and chisel notches to fit battens tightly and flush with top edge of gable.

ASSEMBLE TWO gables/rafters on flat surface. Nail at peaks to hold while fixing gable ends, or temporarily brace using scrap timber between bottom of rafters.

CUT AND FIX GABLE ENDS: Cut the 100 x 25mm x 1.2m sawn boards (as below) to size and fix gable end boards to rafter using two flat head nails at each side. Fit five board widths per gable end (N.B. See alternative roofing system). Cut the gable end boards from the 1.2m lengths of 100 x 25mm sawn timber or equivalent. Diagram shows how all pieces for both gables are cut from five pieces 1.2m long.

INSTALL GABLES using temporary nails before drilling and bolting in position. Tops of posts should be level and in line for accurate assembly to the line marked on the gable end.

CUT AND FIX BATTENS: Cut six battens 50 x 38 x 1275mm approx. To fit in rafter notches and nail in place using two nails at each rafter.

CUT AND FIX ROOFING BOARDS: Cut roof planks to 1200mm length and install the board roofing as shown in diagram over-lapping at apex as drawn. Observe gaps left between boards. Use nine planks or boards for the first layer. Fix front and rear boards first, using two flat head nails at each batten, allowing say 10mm projection or overhang of front and rear board out over front of gables. Then space remaining seven boards along roof. Repeat sequence on final layer using eight boards to cover the gaps left in the first layer (N.B. See alternative roofing system).

FIT SIDE/END RAILS; Cut six side and end rails ‘E’ each 1200mm long from the two 100 x 25mm x 3.6m DAR pieces. Nail side an back rails to posts as shown using 50 x 2.8mm nails.

Smooth down all rough surfaces with sanding disc on electric drill then stain, paint etc., with exterior quality finishes as described.

Alternative Roofing and Gable Ends
Instead of the 150 x 25 mm boards used as roofing which provide excellent insulation in roof against hot sun, exterior grade sheet material such as exterior grade 6mm thick plywood or exterior grade 9.5.mm hardboard can be used. Sheet sizes available are shown in the materials list and these can be cut as these diagrams show. Fix all sheet materials used flat head nails.

Cutting Diagram for sheet roofing material: pattern on original copy : playhouse

Using these materials you will need to cut the gable ends first from the small pieces 500 mm wide.

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The larger 1300 mm long pieces would be fixed as shown here. Allow some small overhand at front and rear. If desired the lower gutter end of the sheet can be trimmed back to 50 mm from gable end. Using sheet material, a ridge capping of 200mm wide aluminium sheet or similar can be fitted.

Tips Index
Timber Talk with Harry & Sal

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Disclaimer: While the Timber and Building Materials Association (NSW) Limited (TABMA) and its members believe this publication is an invaluable guide to this project, the Association cannot guarantee that every statement is without flaw. Therefore, the Association and its members hereby disclaim all liability for error or omissions of any kind, whether they be negligent of otherwise, or for any loss, damage or other consequence which may arise from any person relying on information stated in this publication.
This document was prepared with the assistance and co-operation of the Timber Development Association NSW Ltd.

For further advice telephone the TDA Timber Industry Advisory Service on (02) 360 3088.

Copyright Owner: Timber and Building Materials Association (NSW) Limited. 

I hope this playhouse plan will be of benefit to you. There are many other wonderful backyard play ideas on the site too. The addition of a playhouse or fort will make the chidrens play area unique. And with proper planning these building could be used later for other purposes.

Posted by Denise at 10:26 pm  Tagged with: ,

Building a Tree house or Fort

 backyard Childrens Area  No Responses »
Mar 052009
 

The backyard can be a paradise of adventure and activity for children who play outside. Unfortunately, many children may experience boredom if the yard isn’t equipped with some sort of backyard children’s play area. For children that are between the ages of six to 12 tree houses or forts may be an excellent choice to keep them occupied. Children will have an unlimited amount of fun and the variety of games and activities will never seem to end. IMG_9356
Creative Commons License photo credit: eMuse Tess Heder

The process of making and designing a tree house or fort is an actively you and your children can plan and create together. But first you have to decide if you have the room in the backyard and the proper tree. If all your trees are small and not as stable as they should be you can still build a house or fort on the ground.

The first step in designing or building a tree house or fort is to look at popular tree house plans or fort designs. This will help you decide the structure that will best suit your backyard area and what supplies you will need. The local library or Internet will have many fort and tree house designs and tips for your backyard project. 

Once you have decided on the tree house or fort that you would like to build, you will need to make a list and purchase the supplies needed for the project.  These supplies may include wood, screws, roofing, and tools. You should be able to purchase the supplies that you need from your local hardware store or online.

By including your child in the building process or its planning, the fort or tree house becomes a family event and will carry many memories. Also by letting your child make some of the final decisions such as color and accessories the anticipation of the new play area and play equipment will help make this area your child’s private oasis. visit_treehouse - 36
Creative Commons License photo credit: CasaLuMa

And when finalizing the play area you may wish to add a bench, picnic table, tree swing or sandbox for the younger children. Your children’s backyard play area will keep them busy and happy for many years to come. And in later years when the children have matured you could add a camping area for entertaining and campouts.

Posted by Denise at 7:56 pm  Tagged with: , ,

Backyard Children’s Area

 backyard Childrens Area  No Responses »
Feb 052009
 

Backyard Children’s Area

Creating different areas in your backyard turns an ordinary backyard into a backyard oasis, which will suit the needs of all family members. And it’s important to remember the children in the family. Creating an area that is your child’s own private paradise where they can play for hours alone or with friends will add to their happiness and yours. And if properly planned it will not take much space.

There are several considerations that you need to plan for in the backyard children’s area: age of children, safety and space.

Space

How much space do you have available for a children’s play area? And can one space double for two purposes? A picnic area might also work for a sandbox, children’s pool or small swing set. For older children a picnic area will be a perfect place for entertaining by adding a fire pit or trellis for privacy from the rest of the yard.

If you have a larger area you may consider a permanent fire pit or outdoor room or a tree house. Larger area also can be used for family games such as baseball and yard games. No matter what plans you create one concern is the child’s safety.

Safety

Play equipment and pools require supervision. Certain play sets have round edges that could hurt a child and wood products can lead to slivers. Plastic is often considered safer, particularly for small toddlers. Cost is often a consideration so your plans may include equipment that serves several purposes or that you build yourself.

Unfortunate accidents can even happen in the smallest of pools so if you have a pond, water fountain or pool, keep an eye on the children. Children enjoy playing in water but make sure they are safe and supervised.

Children’s ages

Young toddler can often have a small space with a few plastic play equipment toys just off a patio or porch. They will be within close view at all times. A sand box will also add hours of entertainment for a young child.

For children that are a little older, more advanced play equipment, a tree house or camping gear will add outdoor activities for child to enjoy. You might even consider a small pool or water games that use a water hose.

Older children are often happier with an area to rest and entertain. A pool, deck, patio and an area for privacy will keep them happy for hours. When I was growing up many of my favorite times were spent by the fire pit. We would sit around the open flames late into the night listening to music with a group of friends.

And if you have space, an area for basketball, baseball, racquetball or other games that the family or friends could all participate in are ideal for the older child.

Whatever plans you make to create a backyard children’s area, the best plans are to start small and create with the child’s age in mind and of course the cost of projects. One day when your child is grown they will look back and remember many happy times.


Posted by Denise at 7:49 pm  Tagged with:
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