We have had installed a lovely wooden cubby but wanted to remove one of the side walls so it was completely open from the side. I've taken pictures from ever angle including from inside so you can see all the existing joints (marking which wall is the one to be removed). To avoid undermining the structural integrity of the entire construction (eg. Walls leaning, roof unsupported) what do we need to add, and where?
I'm very green to carpentry but my husband has recently been embracing his woodworking side, so hopefully we are equipped to do this!
Hello @Rajay
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your cubby house.
Please note that any change or modification to your cubby house could void its warranty. Be aware that any change you apply to the structure could also affect its safety rating. Please keep in mind that this could also affect its structural integrity. Please keep safety in mind should you decide to make any changes.
As a possible alternative, instead of removing the entire wall, I propose making the window bigger going from end-to-end. This will retain at least 50 percent of the wall cover and prevent anyone from accidentally falling over the edge. This will also allow more air and light to come into the cubby house. My general suggestion is to add more timber battens to re-enforce the wall frame and allow you to make the window bigger. Timber support for the bottom and the top will need to be added to accommodate the removal of the wall panels.
I don't recommend putting in a solid window cover as it might pinch little fingers. I propose using a thick curtain to cover the window opening in case of rain or intense sunlight.
Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1, @Nailbag, @JoeAzza, @Alicia_Woodwork and @Super_D for their recommendations.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
Good Evening @Rajay
I dont think I would be game to remove the wall you have marked. The cubby house is just that, a cubby house. Its held together by the sum total of what you can see. Removing a wall will be remving a lot of the intergrity that is in it atm. (It will be able to sway more so, will be able to want to float in strong winds or even deform with a bit of a shove. The roof is liek a key that locks all teh walls together, remove a wall or the key and it wont be so good.
I do like @EricL's suggested alternative. Its the way I would go as well. A larger cutout window or even a couple of thin vertical ones. As long as you do not touch the studs and leave enough of the horizonall boards to lock the wall in then it should remain stable.
The dropping height from base to the ground of the cubby if you do remove the wall or make a window to the floor is probarlly on the dangerous side, I would make sure a young one couldnt inadvertantly step out off the edge as well.
Dave
Hi @Rajay
Basically you need to provide reinforced end studs (90mm x 45mm treated pine) doubled up to support something like 140mm x 45mm beam to cover the opening which the roof can fasten to.
You will need to remove the weatherboards, then use timber props to support the roof while you remove the existing frame. A platform setup on the outside will make life a lot easier and safer during this project. Nailbag
