🖼️
The project:
When we spotted this cubby on Facebook Marketplace, it was weathered, dismantled and almost destined for landfill. The owners were considering taking it to the tip, but we saw its potential. Purchased for just $200 (a cubby that retails for around $2,500 new), we restored it using products, tools and materials from Bunnings. Fresh paint, new windows, flooring and landscaping transformed it into a magical play space for our daughter. I'm passionate about rescuing second-hand treasures and giving them a new life, so we completed the space with children's furniture, a swing, pedal car and sandpit, all sourced from Facebook Marketplace.
- Materials:
https://www.bunnings.com.au/polyfilla-450g-exterior-timber-filler_p1210571
https://www.bunnings.com.au/flexovit-115mm-x-1m-120-grit-timber-sandpaper-roll_p1210540
https://www.bunnings.com.au/selleys-430g-white-no-more-gaps-exterior-gap-filler_p1230161
https://www.bunnings.com.au/zenith-8g-x-45mm-galvanised-timber-screws-500-box_p0083575
https://www.bunnings.com.au/pinnacle-smooth-black-gate-ring-latch_p4080516
https://www.bunnings.com.au/suntuf-900-x-1200-x-3mm-clear-flat-palsun-pvc-sheet_p1010178
https://www.bunnings.com.au/senso-3m-noma-blond-diy-essential-sheet-vinyl_p6610233
https://www.bunnings.com.au/dulux-4l-1step-prep-primer-sealer-undercoat_p1370234
https://www.bunnings.com.au/dulux-4l-vivid-white-low-sheen-weathershield-exterior-paint-4l_p0144763
https://www.bunnings.com.au/dulux-4l-exterior-paint-weathershield-low-sheen-black-4l_p0144748
https://www.bunnings.com.au/jack-550-x-890mm-black-garden-edging-panel-black_p3321036
https://www.bunnings.com.au/lytworx-filament-festoon-solar-and-usb-led-lights_p0201015
https://www.bunnings.com.au/sandleford-black-dune-post-mount-letterbox_p3200591
https://www.bunnings.com.au/jack-garden-up-charcoal-balcony-planter_p2941002
https://www.bunnings.com.au/saxon-kids-garden-shovel-lh-timber_p0491604
https://www.bunnings.com.au/arlec-24cm-50lm-solar-led-wall-light-with-sensor_p0495353
https://www.bunnings.com.au/timber-protect-4l-merbau-oil-based-decking-stain_p1525243
https://www.bunnings.com.au/keezi-120cm-wooden-sandpit-with-canopy-foldable-seats_p0761002
https://www.bunnings.com.au/richgro-20kg-play-sand_p3022506
https://www.bunnings.com.au/tuscan-path-20-80mm-15kg-natural-stone-mix_p3451809
https://www.bunnings.com.au/respect-70cm-terracotta-green-earth-lightweight-plastic-tapered-low-bowl-planter_p0360558
https://www.bunnings.com.au/dulux-1l-black-design-effects-chalkboard-paint_p1400891
https://www.bunnings.com.au/cyclone-timber-long-handle-kids-soil-rake_p0491572
https://www.bunnings.com.au/holman-1-8l-coated-galvanised-watering-can_p0998085
https://www.bunnings.com.au/paint-partner-2-6-x-3-6m-clear-plastic-drop-sheet_p1661260?store=2443&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21119565770&gbraid=0AAAAADtbEB_4Np2nFK4VM08pygXnPhGLB&gclid=CjwKCAjw1IHTBhAaEiwA4AYNFqta-2wLJsiazR22vauuVvjWL3ZZbTm5UVU_RXWqeAjUssWi9VnHtBoCBU0QAvD_BwE
https://www.bunnings.com.au/gorilla-532ml-wood-glue_p1662681
https://www.bunnings.com.au/paint-partner-3-7-x-3-7m-plastic-drop-sheet_p0328943
https://www.bunnings.com.au/scotchblue-48mm-x-54-8m-original-multi-surface-painter-s-masking-tape_p1214167
https://www.bunnings.com.au/boyle-36-piece-plywood-alphabet-letter-set_p0440444
https://www.bunnings.com.au/terraforce-400-x-350-x-225mm-smooth-grey-block_p3459335
- Tools:
My partner is a carpenter, so we were lucky to have access to quality tools and the knowledge to tackle the restoration ourselves. We used a combination of Ryobi and Metabo tools, many of which are available from Bunnings, including:
- Ryobi One+ Drill Driver
- Ryobi One+ Impact Driver
- Ryobi Circular Saw
- Ryobi Orbital Sander
- Ryobi Leaf Blower
- Metabo HPT Brad Nail Gun
- Metabo Mitre Saw
- Metabo Angle Grinder
- Metabo Jigsaw
- Metabo Multi Tool
We also used a range of hand tools and accessories throughout the project, including:
- Tape Measure
- Spirit Level
- Clamps
- Hammer
- Caulking Gun
- Paint Brushes
- Paint Rollers
- Paint Tray
- Scraper
- Utility Knife
- Sanding Blocks
- Extension Leads
- Saw Horses
- Safety Glasses
- Ear Protection
- Dust Masks
- Work Gloves
- Step 1:
Step 1: Finding the Cubby
While browsing Facebook Marketplace, we came across this cubby house for sale. It had been completely dismantled, was heavily weathered from years outdoors and was showing its age. The owners told us they were considering taking it to the tip, but we could see the quality of the original build beneath the worn timber. With a retail value of around $2,500 when new, we knew it was too good to end up in landfill. We purchased the cubby for just $200, loaded every panel, window and piece onto our trailer, and brought it home ready for restoration. Before making any changes, we laid out all of the pieces, assessed what could be repaired and created a plan to restore it using products, tools and materials from Bunnings. It was the perfect opportunity to give a beautiful cubby a second life while creating a magical play space for our daughter.
- Step 2:
Step 2: Building a Strong Foundation
With the cubby safely home, we chose its new location and began constructing a larger deck to give it a welcoming front verandah and create more outdoor play space. Using treated pine, galvanised stirrups and structural framing timber from Bunnings, we built a strong, level foundation designed to withstand the elements for years to come. Once the frame was complete, we carefully positioned the cubby onto its new base, ready for the next stage of restoration. This was one of the most important parts of the project, ensuring the cubby was safe, secure and had a solid foundation for its new life.
- Step 3:
Step 3: Restoring and Rebuilding
With the cubby securely positioned on its new deck, the restoration could begin. We thoroughly cleaned the exterior timber, filled cracks and imperfections with exterior wood filler, sealed gaps and sanded every surface back to create a smooth finish.
- Step 4:
Step 4: Painting the Exterior
Once the preparation was complete, we applied Dulux exterior primer followed by two coats of Dulux Weathershield in vivid white.
- Step 5:
Step 5: Painting Trims and Roof
Once the white painting was complete, we applied Dulux Weathershield in colourbond black. New clear window sheeting was installed, damaged hardware was replaced, and every piece was carefully repaired rather than replaced wherever possible. We also added a hand rail around the edge of the deck.
- Step 6:
Step 6: Interior Styling
With the restoration complete on the outside, it was time to transform the cubby into a warm and inviting space for imaginative play. Sustainability was just as important during the styling phase, so every piece of furniture and décor inside the cubby was sourced second-hand through Facebook Marketplace. The vintage children's kitchen, farmhouse sink, pantry cupboard (which we turned into chalk boards), wall shelf, wicker chair, cushions and accessories were carefully collected over time and given a new home. The timber-look vinyl flooring from Bunnings created a practical, easy-to-clean surface, while gingham curtains, vintage kitchenware and colourful rugs added warmth and charm. By mixing restored pieces with thoughtfully sourced pre-loved furniture, we created a timeless little cottage where our daughter can cook, read, play and let her imagination run free, while proving that beautiful spaces don't have to be created with brand-new furniture.
- Step 7:
Step 7: Landscaping and Finishing Touches
With the cubby restored, we turned our attention to creating a magical outdoor play space that blended seamlessly into our bush garden. We landscaped the area using decorative stones, plants, solar lighting and edging to define the play zones and soften the space. The concrete garden edging blocks were another sustainable find, sourced second-hand through Facebook Marketplace for just $5 each. Originally purchased from Bunnings, they were given a second life and became the perfect border for the garden beds.
The wooden play boat was another Facebook Marketplace rescue. After restoring it with Dulux Weathershield exterior paint in white, we personalised it with timber lettering from Bunnings to create "Tilly's" boat. Together with the cubby, mud kitchen, café window and surrounding gardens, these thoughtful finishing touches transformed the area into an imaginative little village where our daughter can play, explore and create adventures for years to come.
- Step 8:
Step 8: Building the Mud Kitchen
No children's play space is complete without a mud kitchen, this also came with the original cubby house we found off Facebook Marketplace. We wanted it to encourage imaginative, messy outdoor play while complementing the cottage style of the cubby. One of our favourite features is the sink, which was created by simply painting a large terracotta plant pot black to give it a rustic farmhouse look. Vintage scales, old baking trays, pots, pans and kitchen utensils; most sourced second-hand through Facebook Marketplace and op shops; were added to complete the space. The black backdrop was finished with timber lettering from Bunnings to create the "Mud Kitchen" sign, while the drawers provide storage for toys and treasures. It has quickly become one of our daughter's favourite places to dig, mix, cook and create imaginative recipes using leaves, flowers, mud and water. Adding a water fountain from Bunnings with fresh water for her cooking.
- Step 9:
Step 9: Completing the Play Space
The final stage was bringing the entire play area together with a few special finishing touches. We found a timber sandpit on Facebook Marketplace and gave it a new lease on life by sanding it back, staining the timber and replacing the canopy with classic black-and-white striped fabric to complement the cubby's colour palette. The vintage pedal car and nest swing were also second-hand Marketplace finds, continuing our commitment to restoring and reusing wherever possible. Together with the cubby, mud kitchen, play boat and landscaped gardens, these final additions created an imaginative outdoor village where every piece has a story, proving that with a little creativity and vision, pre-loved treasures can become something truly magical for the next generation. The mosaics were also found on marketplace; I commissioned the local artist to make them in the theme of the cubby.
- Step 10:
Step 10:
Add child and let the magic begin.
