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Easy Kids' Tent / Reading Nook

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Only one cut and easy-to-follow instructions make for a kid-sized reading nook that you can build today!

This is a simple project that comes together in an hour or less. You need recycled material for the panels and approximately $20 worth of supplies, assuming you own a drill, staple gun and wrench.

Questions: Please send me a message anna{AT}lawrencegirls{DOT}com

My girls are 6 and 5 years old, and they will not pull this over on themselves. It's not very heavy, but please make sure you do securely attach the nook to the wall if you have more playful children or younger crawlers. :)

If you want to store the nook, the top 1x2x6 will slide out. You can loosen the top two bolts, and fold the tent up to a much smaller size.

If you don't have 84" curtain panels, feel free to substitute 36"+ width fabric for the sides. You will need to hem your exposed edges. The tab top panels allow more light into the top of the nook.

Finished footprint is appox. 6' wide x 6' tall x 3' deep

Preparation

Shopping List

5, 1x2x6 Select Pine Boards
1, 1x3x6 Select Pine Board
2, 8mm hex head bolts - 50mm long
4, 8mm hex head bolts - 60mm long
6, 8mm hex nuts
2, tab top curtain panels 84" long

Common Materials
120 grit sandpaper
Cut List

Ask for the 1x3x6 to be cut in half, so you will have two 1x3x3 pieces.

Tools
Tape Measure
Pencil
Drill
Staple Gun
General Instructions

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. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!

If you need help along the way, feel free to contact me at http://www.lawrencegirls.com

Instructions

Step 1

Line up four of the 1x2x6s, and run a piece of blue painters tape around them to keep the boards flush with one another.

Step 2

Working at the non-taped end of the boards, measure a straight line across all four boards. The line should be approximately 8" from the top.

Step 3

Step 4

Using your straight line as a reference, mark the center of each 1x2x6. This will be your drill point on each board.

Step 5

Step 6

Use one 50mm bolt and nut to attach two boards together. Finger tighten only at this point.

Step 7

Repeat with remaining two drilled 1x2x6 boards.

Step 8

Place the 1x3x3 board about 1/4" off the ground and mark your drill spot 1/2" from the board edge. Mark a second drill spot 1/2" from the edge of your 1x2x6. Drill through both boards separately.

Use one 60mm bolt per corner to attach the 1x3x3 boards to opposite, outside 1x2x6 boards.

Step 9

Use your last 1x2x6 board as the "roof" of your nook. Thread the board through alternating curtain tabs from two separate panels. Make sure the right side of the curtain is facing out.

Step 10

Panels are ready to attach now.

Step 11

Place the tent on the ground to have easier access to the underside of your 1x3x3 boards.

Pull the fabric tight, down and around the 1x3x3 board. Staple all the way across keeping the fabric pulled tight.

Cover the staples with a strip of felt, if desired. The tent does not rest on this board, but little fingers may creep under the tent.

Step 12

Set-up tent where you desire, tighten nuts with a wrench, and secure back legs to the wall if you want a permanent location.

Load in comfy pillows, lights and books for a reading nook that will be fun, cozy and relaxing.

Finishing Instructions
Preparation Instructions
Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper. Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth.

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.
Help Improve This Plan

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Project Type
Toys
Room
Kids and Toys
Style
Children's and Kid's Room Furniture and Toy Plans

Comments

Amanda H. (not verified)

Thu, 06/02/2011 - 10:09

After dismantling the make shift tent area for my kids for the 73rd time I decided I should just build them something that can be taken down if necessary. This fits the bill perfectly. Thanks so much for the plans!

blessednest

Thu, 06/02/2011 - 11:42

My girls would LOVEEE this! What a cute, simple & super fun thing to make!

Audre (not verified)

Thu, 06/02/2011 - 12:43

I Can't wait to make this for my girls!!!

Megan Shannon (not verified)

Thu, 06/02/2011 - 12:48

Just a thought...
if you added a few more inches to the bottom on the fabric you could have it wrap under the board and then add a strip a velcro so you could velcro it into place.

then on the top have straps that you could tie instead of looping through the board

I believe that doing it this way would make the panels removable and washable.