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I recently received this cubby structure second hand and have since removed the roof as it was falling apart. The second image is what I now have left, the slide is detached as I plan to get a new one.
The wood is pine, and I plan to prime and paint it. it's not the most sturdy wood, although it's not rotting or falling apart, I was wondering what I could do to reinforce it and make it stronger. Would adding brackets help? or a product on the wood itself before I prime and paint it? It will be kept outdoors, so having it weatherproof would be helpful too.
Any suggestions on what I could do for the base to maybe make it more solid? add a wooden base inside as it's currently empty? the structure itself will be on concrete.
I also want to add some sort of roof replacement (doesn't have to be wood as originally) and considering PVC (from our patio as we are replacing ours) or a tough textile material (any suggestions welcome!).
Any other suggestions very welcome!
Thanks in advance,
Hello @meli1,
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your cubby.
I propose looking carefully at the strength of the cubby structure, specifically the timber joints. Does the structure lean when pushed around? Are there parts falling off or have rotted severely? Those parts that have become too loose will need replacing.
If the main braces or large timber parts that anchor the other parts together are loose, it will be necessary to install another piece either behind it or below it to secure the structure. If the timber part you are screwing into with the angle bracket is still in good condition, make sure that the screws anchor tightly.
Just keep in mind that you want this to be able to hold your child without any other parts giving way. I suggest sanding the entire structure before you paint it with a new colour.
In regards to the roof, I suggest copying the old roof shape and installing it in the same spot. For the base you can build a timber base and place the entire structure on top of it but just keep in mind that the end of the slide will need to be supported as well if the height of the structure changes.
Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.
If you need further assistance, please let us know.
Eric
Good Morning @meli1
Love cubby houses and forts in particular! Nice win on getting one.
Id suggest a few more diagonal stays are put in (more so then brackets) For instance I can see the two bottom parts of the posts on the right of the picture. If you went from the top part (next to the floor above) down to the bottom of the other post with a new post it would strengthen it immensely. same goes with the rear wall that we cant see. You can use timber or metal strapping but id prefer timber. I would even be explaining to your kids why it works 
(Love levers and angles and how they all work together)
With the roof as @EricL has suggested, same size makes life a lot easier. Id go with the smokey Suntuf 2.4m Grey Corrugated Polycarbonate Roofing as its lighter and will stop the rain. You could also go for shadecloth but then if it rains forgotten stuff inside will get wet easier Cant have that rabbit getting rained on!
Otherwise @Nailbag and @EricL have mentioned all the other steps id be doing as well.
Dave
thanks everyone! 😊 @Dave-1 @Nailbag @EricL I have since sanded and primed and started painting. The green needs a second coat, I am also adding some blue and purple sections for more color.
I have added some "feet" to help stabilise the base and have a new slide I will be attaching.
I also have some brackets I intend to add inside the structure.
sanded, prepped and primed:
feet added and partially painted:
The above photo is where I intend to keep the structure (minus the black mats that are just there to catch paint drips). What would you suggest I use for the base to help with drainage as we dont have any real grass in our garden? rain naturally drains to the left of the structure. I've seen some Jack Matrix grip tiles at Bunnings which I have considered may be solid enough? that with some astro-turf on top? I'm worried foam mats may not be very stable.
thanks again! more updates to come as I make progress (roof yet to be added, along with new slide and handle bars).
Great work so far @meli1.
The Matrix tiles could be a good option if you're after something that lifts the structure slightly and allows for drainage underneath. That said, unless water tends to pool in that area or it’s particularly low-lying, you could likely place the structure directly on synthetic turf without issue. Most synthetic grass drains well on its own, especially if the surface underneath is relatively even and free-draining.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mitchell
Good morning @meli1
It looks great! 
And can hear in your words how happy you are with it Double bonus!
As to something to sit the structure on, I have been suggesting a product from Ikea that looks like small outside timber decking tiles that clip together. Bunnings have their own! Dekart 300 x 300 x 22mm Modular Decking Tiles - Pack of 5 If you start looking through them there are a couple of different styles and you can also get clip on edges and corners. (Ive only noticed them in the past couple of months)
For more of the range from Dekart
Dave
Looking terrific well done @meli1
I've built a few tall cubbies in my time and have always found "Soft Fall" mulch excellent. It's a soft natural timber fibre and doesn't get hot like most synthetic grasses and rubbers do. Plus they can give a carpet style burn if fallen on whilst running etc. Just Google "Soft Fall Mulch" in your area which comes from most good garden suppliers. Some even sell coloured mulch which is fun for the kids.
Nailbag
