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How to create a mini model home?

Hi Bunnings Community

I would love some help in selecting the right type of materials for our project. With school holidays on, I was hoping to make mini basic doll houses (ie 20cm in height) with my three girls - one for each of them. They don't need to be permanent, just more of a craft that they'd keep for a week or two (see pic attached). Would really love some advice on the types of Material - the MDF, glue, mini windows/doors? and anything else you can think of so they can make their own version each. Does Bunnings cut the thin MDF/chipboard to size? Thanks!

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MitchellMc

That looks like a really fun project to do with your girls, @Gekman.

If it’s just a short-term craft activity and the houses will mostly sit on a shelf, I’d recommend using balsa wood instead of chipboard or MDF. It’s very user-friendly for craft projects as it can be cut easily with a fine-tooth saw, and it can also be scored and snapped with a retractable knife (though that part should be handled by an adult).

Because balsa is so lightweight, it’s also really easy to glue together. A small hot glue gun works well for quick joins, and you can add some PVA glue if you’d like a stronger bond. Just keep in mind hot glue guns need adult supervision since the tip gets very hot. Balsa also comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, from flat panels for walls and roofs to smaller strips that could be used for windows and doors, so it’s quite flexible for this type of craft.

In terms of store services, Bunnings does offer a cutting service for MDF and chipboard, but it’s generally just to cut large boards down so they fit in your car. We’re not able to do small precision cuts suitable for projects like this, which is another reason balsa wood is such a good option for you.

Here's a little Japanese Yatai noodle stand I created entirely from balsa wood. The roof is cardboard with one outside layer removed. Small sets of micro LED fairy lights were used to light it up.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

Gekman

Thank you so much for that Mitchell, I really appreciate the your time and advice on that! It's definitely more for a craft than a permanent toy, so balsa sounds great! Is there a particular balsa wood set I can get (ie enough to be able to make 16x 20x20cm walls) at Bunnings you would be able to share a link of? Also, the best glue you would recommend we use if we don't use a glue gun? Thank you again kind sir!

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/57658#Comment_57658

My pleasure, @Gekman. There are a few kits like this Boyle 11 Piece Hobby Wood Sheet Pack. They are pre-cut pieces 205 x 100 x 3 mm. Two pieces would do a wall, and you can glue them together to make the full 20 x 20mm wall. You can also use superglue as it's quick to bond. You only need to run a very thin bead, just wet the edge of the board, and then bring them together. Obviously, you'd also want to glue it yourself. If the kids are to be doing the gluing, I'd go with PVA glue. It takes a few hours to dry and hold, but it is more user-friendly. You might need to tape the pieces together with painter's tape until the glue dries.

There are also shape kits that can be used to add decorative elements to the houses.

Mitchell

Gekman

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/91171#Comment_91171

Thank you so much, Mitchell! You're a great man. Thanks for the time and expertise, it's so appreciated!

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