Introduction

How to build a Kid's Play Fort - A fort that will provide hours of fun for kids young and old!

This detailed plan-set with step-by-step instructions is in both metric (mm) and imperial (inch) dimensions.
The design includes a trap door entry, a climbing wall, a swing, and there is also a slide installation guide.
The complete frame is fixed together with bolts, so as well as being very strong, the fort can also be dismantled.

The footprint (ground area) is Approx 1800mm x 1800mm (6' x 6'), and the overall height is 3200mm (10' 8").
Floor area is 1500mm x 1600mm (5' x 5' 4"), and the floor height is 1300mm (4' 4").

About the wood sizes
The dimensions of the lumber used for this project are given in both metric and inches. All dimensions are first written in millimeters followed by feet and/or inches encased in brackets.

Frame lumber sizes (widths and thicknesses) referred to in this project are the approximate actual sizes, that is, the size of the lumber once it has been surfaced (dressed, planed). The actual size is smaller than the nominal size.
For example, if you pop along to the local lumber store and ask for a length of 100mm x 50mm (2" x 4") lumber that has been surfaced/dressed on all sides (S4S), the actual finished size will be approximately 90mm x 45mm (1 1/2" x 3 1/2").

The table below shows the approximate differences between the nominal and actual sizes of framing lumber. Alternative sizes are mentioned on the next page.