DIY Cubby house with awnings
This project was to transform a Bunnings Cubby house for my daughter with an upholsterers touch!
During lockdown in Sydney, I decided this would be the perfect project to focus on. As I am an upholsterer by trade, I naturally decided to put my skills to the test and make awnings with a scalloped edge.
Firstly I bought a flat pack Bunnings Cubby house (Swing Slide Climb Hut Cubby House). This took no time at all to assemble.
I then built a wooden platform with scrap wood to keep the cubby off the ground and extended it at the front to create a small front balcony.
I then painted the cubby and platform which was the longest process. I used a primer for 2 coats and then 2 coats of natural white for trims and then finally 2 coats of blue.
Awnings
What you need
Plywood for profile triangles - 10mm thick
2 pine wood rails per awning (approx. 20 x 40 x 600mm)
screws, screwdriver, wood glue
outdoor fabric, japara lining fabric (I used sunbrella awning fabric)
Sewing machine
staple gun
Steps
Cut 2 rails per awning and 2 profile triangles to suit the size of your cubby and window. I had to make 1 window larger to make way for swinging window shutters.
Screw and use wood glue to attach triangles on to rails. Drill holes in triangle first.
Measure and cut fabric. 1 panel to wrap around top rail and down to scalloped edge. Include sewing allowance for bottom edge.
Copy all 3 pieces onto a lining fabric. I used japara as it is thin and reasonably durable outdoors. If you are not doing the scalloped edge, lining is not necessary.
Mark on fabric the scalloped design. This was the hardest thing to do. I used a semi circle design that I marked onto a cardboard template. You then have to add sewing allowance onto the shape.
Sew the side triangles on to main panel (face to face)
Sew the side triangle linings onto main panel lining
Sew fabric and lining together all along scalloped bottom
Cut small nicks into bottom edge so when it is turned the right way, it sits flat.
The awning should be inside out now. So turn it the right way out. Iron flat if needed.
Staple onto wood frame along top and sides
Finally, screw onto cubby! I drilled holes into cubby first, and then screwed into top rail from inside of cubby.
And now for the fun part! Adding a few finishing touches to cubby interior!
I was very limited with this cubby being so small. Only about 1 metre cube!
I added a bench top in front of 1 window to act as a table as there was no space to put a table inside. I then made some shelving using plywood and metal brackets to screw into place. I also found an old drawer that I turned into a shelf to sit below other window.
The only materials I bought for this project was the cubby, paint and outdoor fabric. Everything else was scrap material I managed to salvage.
I hope you enjoyed this story and feel free to ask me any questions.
Maddy
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