How to Transform Your Shed into a Kids’ Clubhouse
Every kid dreams of having an outdoor den that they can decorate as they wish, personalize, and make precious memories in. However, not every home is big enough for a dedicated playroom.
With around 50% of American parents worrying about their children not spending enough time playing outdoors, an outside feature might just be the right incentive to turn this statistic around.
What if you convert your shed into an inviting clubhouse for your kids? It’ll be a space just a stone’s throw away from your home.
You can keep an eye on children while they take ownership of the shed, connect with nature, socialize, and create cherished memories for a lifetime.
If you are on board with the plan, read on to learn how you can transform your shed into a kids’ clubhouse—in five easy steps:
The Type of Clubhouse You Want
The first question is: What will the kids do in the playhouse?
For example, if they use the space for arts and crafts, the shed must have windows or some other ventilation. If they’re teens, they’d want access to the internet with comfy seating and maybe a television to watch movies.
Therefore, start with the following considerations:
Position: Keep the clubhouse in a clear, unobstructed view of the house. This will give you peace of mind, plus make the installation of utilities, like electricity and water, a breeze.
Foundation: The clubhouse must have a strong foundation. A paving slab base is straightforward and cost-effective, but it could be more viable for larger sheds. So, consider timber decking with a concrete anchor point.
Design: Kids love to customize their clubhouse both inside and out. A wooden shed will give you more versatility for alterations—painting, adding windows, installing electricity, or changing the design as they grow.
Utilities: Depending on the needs, you can install heating and lighting to ensure kids can play in the clubhouse all year round.
Assess the Shed and Layout of the Clubhouse
Ideally, a 10×12 shed layout will have enough space for a well-furnished clubhouse. While smaller than traditional playrooms, this shed can provide kids with an intimate outdoor space to play, imagine, and create.
However, you still want to assess your shed’s dimensions to better understand the available space or any limitations you need to work around (Look for signs of water leaks, subsidence, or visible damages). Examine the condition of the shed’s roof, floor, and walls.
Now, get the kids to help you plan the clubhouse. Strategically locate furniture and other requirements. Make sure the shelves and overhead cabinets can hold books, toys, and arts and crafts. Make sure the children can reach the supplies.
Install windows to make the space feel bigger and provide natural lighting. Place the tables and sitting area near windows where they can indulge in their art projects.
Above all, prioritize safety. The clubhouse should not be too crowded; otherwise, they could injure themselves in narrow spaces or bang on furniture.
Accessorizing the Clubhouse
Parents often use fairy lights for theme tents indoors. The same idea can be used for a standalone kids’ clubhouse. It’s essential if the kids will be using the space on overcast days or in the evening.
Install lamps inside the shed. You can even decorate it with battery-operated twinkle or LED lights (if the shed is not connected to electricity).
Integrate educational elements. It can include age-appropriate books, puzzles, educational games, and learning materials.
Additionally, consider adding interactive activities, like whiteboards or chalkboards for drawing and writing, a puppet theater for imaginative storytelling, or a sensory table for hands-on activities.
Also, use the outdoor shed space by incorporating your children’s interests and hobbies into their clubhouse exterior. For example, you can add planters around the entryway or monkey bars and a ladder for climbers.
Damp-Proof and Insulate the Shed
Insulate the walls, ceilings, and floor. Use glass and mineral wool for insulation since they’ll also provide soundproofing—crucial elements if your kids play their musical instruments in the clubhouse.
For the floor, opt for foam insulation boards.
Remove or cut back any creeping shrubs or bushes around the shed. If dampness is still an issue, use dehumidifiers.
If your children need a water supply for painting and crafting (not drinking), you can install a water butt and gutter. The solution will also drain water away from the clubhouse’s roof, thus further protecting the structure from dampness.
Securing the Clubhouse for Kids
While securing the clubhouse is optional if kids only use it as a hideout, it becomes crucial when they store their expensive gaming equipment and other valuable items in the shed.
Here are some security measures you can take:
- Connect the clubhouse with your house’s burglar alarm system.
- Laminate glass windows so they don’t shatter away with stray football
- Add blinds and curtains to conceal your valuables.
- Install motion-sensitive security lights.
- Use secure storage—lockable cabinets, storage chests, and more—to store valuable items when not in use.
- Consider installing security cameras around the clubhouse.
- For added peace of mind, choose ones with motion detection and remote viewing capabilities.
As a precaution, regularly inspect the space for signs of wear and tear. Repair any broken locks, windows, or security features, and ensure the integrity of all the security measures.
Start Building Your Kids’ Dream Clubhouse
A clubhouse doesn’t necessarily have to be luxurious, but it should be practical. Using the above five steps, you can turn your shed into an exciting playhouse for your kids to spend time in and fill it with memories you’ll cherish forever.
