How to build a cubby house base?

julesco

Hello community, 👋

I’d like to preface my post by saying that I have absolutely no idea what I’m doing so I’d really appreciate any help offered! 😬

 

We’d like to assemble the Bunnings Numbat Cubby house:

https://www.bunnings.com.au/play-equipment-numbat-cubby-house-w2016-_p0279763

 

We require a platform/ base? for it to stand on. It does not come with flooring. The yard is very uneven. We are removing an old sandpit from where the cubby house will go which is surrounded by logs from a previous garden bed. The cubby house might just fit within the logs but I’d prefer to place it on top or remove them if possible so the cubby house can sit flush with the grass on the higher slope of yard on the right side. If easy enough to manage, I’d like to add a step from the left side as it’s high off the ground and possibly another step from the front view, but I don’t know how as it is really uneven from the front.

 

Also, what type of coloured paint would allow it to withstand the elements and be safe for children?

 

I’ve read all previous cubby house posts and got some great ideas! …But I’m still not very confident with my level of experience (zero). In saying that, we are keen to have a go! 

(Front view) 

(Front view again)

 

(Left side, high off the ground) 

 

(Right side, lowest and closest to floor)

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @julesco. It's sensational to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about creating a foundation for a cubby house.

I'm in two minds about removing the pine logs. Currently, they are establishing a flat plane that could be filled and the cubbyhouse placed on top. They're also retaining the surrounding soil. Perhaps you could remove the top course of logs to minimise its height. If you remove the logs altogether, there's not going to be anything to retain the soil, so you'd have to create a concrete pad or something for the cubby house to sit on. Otherwise, the soil will wash away, and you'll work with a sloped section again.

I'd recommend you remove the top layer of logs and reinforce the remaining ones with additional screws. You can then fill the inside with compacted soil or road base. Synthetic grass or rubber play mats can be used over that to provide a floor for the cubby. 

It doesn't matter for the steps that you have sloped ground. Just create a timber frame for them and clad over with decking. The actual step will end up flat.

I've added a couple of renderings below that I created for you. One with fill and the other with pavers across the top. Hopefully, it should help illustrate the merits of retaining some of the logs. With the top logs removed, the cubby house should just about sit flush with the soil on the high side.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell