Build a three story dream dollhouse perfect for 12" dolls with these free easy step by step do it yourself dollhouse plans! Inspired by the KidKraft So Chic dollhouse, this do it yourself version is made of soy based plywood and finished with non toxic linseed oil.
Okay, you know that feeling, right before you go to bed on Christmas Eve, all the gifts wrapped, everything is perfect, and you are exhausted ... but you still can't sleep. Because you are just so excited to wake up and see the happy faces of your family enjoying Christmas morning.
Preparation
1 - sheet 3/4" PureBond Plywood
7 - 2x2 @ 8 feet long
1/4" plywood scraps for roof
2 - 1x2 @ 8 feet long for stairs
4 - 2" caster wheels and screws for 3/4" stock
use either 3" screws or 2 1/2" pocket hole screws, depending on your joinery technique
7 - 2x2 @ 32"
6 - 2x2 @ 24"
4 - 2x2 @ (Both ends cut at 30 degrees off square, ends are NOT parallel, long point measurement)
4 - 2x2 @ 37 5/8" (One end cut at 30 degrees off square, long point measurement)
Plywood cut to diagram
Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards. Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!
Instructions
Step 1
Have your home improvement center rip your plywood into a strip 24" wide and a strip 13 1/2" wide as shown in diagram. Then all you have to do is make the crosscuts.
NOTE: I really considered using 1/4" plywood for the floors, but wanted to create a dollhouse that would last and last - and could even be used as a bookshelf later on. The 1/4" plywood is just too flimsy for that. Then I considered 1/2", but the price difference between 1/2" and 3/4" is only a few bucks, and 3/4" is just so much easier to work with because you have a wider area to work with. Of course you can modify this plan - if you made this dollhouse with 1/4" plywood, it would be CHEAP to make ... like $30 cheap.
Step 2
Build the ends as shown above. You can use a countersink bit and 3" screws or the Kreg Jig and 1 1/2" pocket holes and 2 1/2 pocket hole screws. For the angled joints, just clamp, glue and predrill holes with a countersink bit. I only used one screw (and alot of glue) for each joint to avoid splitting the wood.
Step 3
Now just join the two sides with the longer 2x2s. This is easy stuff. Just make sure that the top 2x2 is exactly 13 1/2" above the top story 2x2 - this does matter.
Step 4
I used pocket holes set for 3/4" stock and 1 1/4" pocket hole screws drilled on all sides of the plywood to secure to the frame. If you do not have a pocket hole jig, you can cut corner braces out of scrap 1x2s and fasten, or countersink (very carefully) long screws into the edges of the plywood.
Step 5
Step 6
Cut stair openings out as shown in diagram and place 2nd story shelf as you did bottom story shelf.
Step 7
Add the bottom story walls. I used pocket holes, but you can also use nails here. TIP: Offset the walls between stories a tad so you have a spot to nail if you are using nails.
Step 8
Add the top story as you did the lower two stories.
Step 9
Followed by the middle story interior wall.
Step 10
Finally, add the top story interior walls system.
Step 11
Stairs are built by stacking 1x2 boards staggered as shown above. Be very careful when nailing and use lots of glue.
Step 12
I then simply decoupaged the interior walls with contrasting scrapbooking paper. The roof is simply strips of 1/4" plywood - you could use 1/4" hobby stock as well - cut with a scalloped shape, lapped and nailed down.
Step 13
Attach 2" caster wheels to the 3/4" plywood base so wheels can swivel easily.
It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.
Comments
blazingcakes
Mon, 05/18/2015 - 09:50
Step 3
Hello everyone! Complete Newbie here!!! And I need some SERIOUS help!! Hahaha. My daughter and myself are ready to be done with it. I am trying to get passed Step 3 and as I am sitting here typing this I can't help but laugh. Step 3 seriously?! But I saw a couple comments with the same issue, just no responses or how they fixed it for the rest of us to know.
Ana White you've once again, understated the price for a project. Way under!!! Tools excluded I'm close to $200 because I had Home Depot cut the wood. Never again. Tim Gray I believe was the name I kept coming across about repetitive trips BACK to the store. Feeling for ya buddy.
How did everyone attach the frames together--prior to installing the plywood flooring? Thankfully I didn't countersink all my pieces first like some were successfully able to do. I countersink'd my two identical frames, however....how in the world do I attach the 32 inch pieces at the bottom, there is a three inch top to a screw there? Hubby has helped a bit however, this IS NOT his forte, he's all done, so I am hoping someone who has built this can help me. I even bought a small nail gun to attach the plywood so I could avoid splitting it with the countersink bit. Hahahaha. Thanks in advance!!
Hasan Hiaz
Sun, 07/17/2016 - 05:37
Thank you so much
This is a super design. Thank you so much for this. My daughter will love this.