1. Home
  2. Plan Catalog

Easy Kids' Tent / Reading Nook

simple diy tent fort
|save this plan
Difficulty
Starter Projects
| Print this plan

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

Reader submitted photo

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.
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.

KevsWife, RN (not verified)

Thu, 06/02/2011 - 13:40

If I understand your question correctly, I believe it would be the tightening of the top bolts. The tighter they are, the more secure it would be. If you're concerned about safety, I'm sure you could add the side-to-side bracing you mentioned, especially to the back for the best aesthetic look. Also, to keep it functioning as a fold-up, you could make the bracing with the same styling as a ladder, with said bracing being in 2 separate parts overlapped. I'm not sure what you'd secure the pieces together with, to make it hinge like. We don't have kids [yet], but I'd be happy with one of these for myself, to use outside on a nice day, maybe much larger, to use over a hammock!! Happy building!!

jenhastert

Sun, 06/19/2011 - 04:23

I made this last week for my kids. Mine did "flatten out" so I added a piece of webbing (like dog collars are made from) right below the top cross area. I used a coordinating color to the tent fabric and just stapled it on the front and back. This enables it to still be folded up and put away and has prevented the sides from ending up five feet apart!

gabbiegal

Thu, 06/02/2011 - 16:45

I saw this post this after noon and remembered that I have curtains from our old house in the basement. I got them out and make a quick rip to the blue. I had problems finding the hardware because it gives them in mm, but after speaking with several associates, one had a conversion chart. However the size it calls for was 5/16 and in order to get the right lengths we had to go with a 3/8. When We only spent 13 dollars. and I even bought my boards eight feet long because it was cheaper. ( and I have another project in mind for the scraps) Came home, made the few extra cuts to have the pieces she requested. All was good until it was time to put the board in the nook. It says to use a 1x2x6, but i am pretty sure you need to cut that down. I guessed 3 ft like the bottoms, but I should have done more like 3 1/2. Also I didn't staple the bottoms on, I think I am going to make a hem with a pocket so that I can detach the sides and slide it onto the bottom like a curtain rod. One last thing... either the guys sold me the wrong bolts, or I should have bought washers.

Guest (not verified)

Fri, 06/03/2011 - 08:20

Love it. I need a trellis for some vegetables. It would be easy to make the stand and use string instead of cloth. The veggies could grow up the string. Thanks for the post!

Angie Witt (not verified)

Fri, 06/03/2011 - 08:39

Love it. What a fun and easy idea. Thanks! Definitely going to make this for my two girls for their birthdays coming up in the summer.
Just wondering about the blue section at the bottom of the curtains...did you add this just to get a little extra color and make it cuter or did the curtains need a little extra length at the bottom to help them get all the way to the floor?
I might try adding extra fabric at the bottom anyhow and wrap it around the bottom and up several inches to create a pocket of sorts for books...maybe with snaps or buttons or something.
Thanks for the fabulous idea!

Chair

Fri, 06/03/2011 - 12:30

I think I'm going to make a pair of these for my kids to use outside -our house is too small for an inside version.

I agree with the suggestions for making the fabric removable for washing (especially if it's going to go outdoors) and a ladder-like brace for support (bolts with washers and wing nuts would work great, easy to open up when necessary -and I'd try make it so it's bolted/locked folded when not in use). A section of tarp sewn under a heavy cloth for the bottom would also ensure that any dew still in the grass would keep books, cushions, blankets nice and dry.

It's quite a simple plan -which is really great, the customization possibilities are endless!

JanaE (not verified)

Fri, 06/03/2011 - 22:28

Like so many ideas and plans on Ana's site, this is brilliant. My daughters would love it. I think it's a great idea to use the tent outside too. A lot of plastic play tents don't have proper ventilation and get way to hot.
This will be my weekend build. Best part is I have everything for this project! I love having a well stocked wood supply! All I have to do is tell my husband "there's no money involved" and he's all for it. Well done thelawrencegirl.

Tucker (not verified)

Sat, 07/16/2011 - 14:51

Fabulous! I am an elementary teacher and a few friends of mine and I are making these to add to our classrooms this year! What a fun way to get kids reading! (I'm planning to use a see-thru material so that I can have and eye on whoever is in that center no matter where I am in the room!

Shay Twilling (not verified)

Tue, 08/02/2011 - 18:56

Made it this afternoon! My kiddos love it! I added a brace to the bottom to keep the sides from slipping apart over time. I also needed 70 mm bolts for the bottom pieces, rather than 60 mm - because I'm new to building stuff and my drilling abilities aren't that great. The longer bolts gave me a little wiggle room. It's done though - and filled with books and happy kids now!!!

Guest (not verified)

Wed, 09/28/2011 - 04:23

I am looking forward to making this over the weekend! Thanks for the inspiration.

Ronda (not verified)

Sat, 11/12/2011 - 20:09

I LOVE THIS!! I have two boys, 5 and 2 1/2. They are always building "forts" or "hideouts." This is perfect and I am going to try and build it myself tomorrow. Thank you so much!!

Guest (not verified)

Wed, 02/01/2012 - 12:07

My kids love making "blanket tents"...I want to build the frame and leave it blank. Then I can store it when not in use, and have them help build their fort with sheets when the mood strikes.

tj (not verified)

Tue, 02/28/2012 - 12:49

love this cute idea.

my kids do a lot of sports and we are often baking at baseball, football swimming, etc. where there is very little shade and we live in HOT arizona. i was thinking if i could make this, and it was light weight we could take it and use it at sporting events. :-)

can you tell me how much this weighs - approx.?

Guest (not verified)

Tue, 03/06/2012 - 01:33

it couldn't weigh more than a couple of kilos.. .

kristad

Mon, 03/05/2012 - 17:23

This was so easy and my two daughters spend hours in it reading and writing their own books.

Elvie (not verified)

Sat, 08/18/2012 - 07:38

Hi! I'm moving into my first home and I wanted to make this for myself since I remember making tents as a kid and love crawling up into small spaces to read. (Why should the kids have all the fun?!?! Haha) Would you suggest making the bottom boards/top board longer for a more adult size or is this size adult-friendly?

Jennifer Hicks (not verified)

Thu, 12/20/2012 - 20:31

I loved this idea and your plans so much! I wanted a tent that was not a cheap plastic one and couldn't spend the hundreds the cloth ones cost - a friend made me a beautiful one of yours and stained it white for me. I found an awesome cotton duvet cover and we actually put the whole frame inside of it, so it has a bottom too. I made the original opening a bit wider and added slits for the top cross bar. My friend also reinforced it a bit more too. So for less than 50.00, I have an AMAZING Christmas present! Thank you for a wonderful website, you are very inspiring!

Rabear

Sun, 08/25/2013 - 13:18

Read these instructions a few times and went and purchased lumber and bolts with no issues. Looking at putting bolts in those very skinny bottom sections and wondering if I can do that. Why bolts over wood screws or something?

Frequently Asked Questions

Wood Questions

What kind of wood should I use?
Most of our plans use standard construction lumber like pine or fir. It's affordable, easy to work with, and easy to find. It's also rapidly renewing and biodegradable, so a great eco friendly choice!

Can I use hardwoods instead?
Yes—just keep in mind they're heavier, cost more, and can be tougher on tools and harder to join together and finish. I recommend not tackling a hardwood project until after you have built several softwood projects.

What if my boards are warped?
Choose the straightest boards at the store. You can often work around slight warps by cutting them into shorter pieces.

What wood should I use for outdoor furniture?
Use red-toned or pressure-treated 2x lumber for framing, and cedar or cedar fence pickets for the decking. Outdoor furniture should be built like a deck—your local home center can help recommend the right wood for your climate.

Will my wood move or warp after I build?
Potentially, especially in humid climates. Let your wood acclimate indoors before building. Once acclimated and kept in a stable environment, movement should be minimal. Remember, most houses are built using framing lumber - it's all about keeping moisture down indoors.

Cutting Questions

Do I need a miter saw?
A miter saw is great, creating fast, safe, and precise cuts, even for beginners. But most plans can be built with a circular saw and a straight edge. If using a circular saw to cut, take time to practice, and get good at making cuts, before cutting your project boards.

How do I get clean cuts with a circular saw?
Clamp your board, measure twice, cut slow, and use a sharp blade. This takes practice, so spend some time making cuts. I go through becoming proficient at freehand cutting in my course, it is worth taking if you want to master this skill.

Will the store cut my wood?
Yes—most stores will do rough cuts to help you transport your materials home. But from store to store, the quality of cuts could greatly vary.

Joinery Questions

What screws should I use?
We recommend star-head self tapping screws for framing, most common sizes are 2-1/2", 1-3/4". Pre-drill if close to the edge or you find your wood is splitting.

Do I have to use pocket holes?
Pocket holes are the cheapest, easiest and fastest way to do some joints - like edge to edge or a hidden fastener joint. There are other methods, but these can be time consuming and expensive. We recommend using pocket holes as indicated in plans for best results.

How do I keep things square?
Use a speed square and measure diagonals after each step. Always clamp joints before screwing to keep them tight and flush.

Finishing Questions

Stain or paint before or after building?
A quick sand before and a full finish after gives the best results. Pre-finish if you're doing two-tone or detailed finishes.

What type of finish?
Use oil-based or water-based stain. For paint, cabinet-grade latex or enamel works great. High use surfaces on indoor projects should get a coat of polyurethane, I recommend a Helsman or Spar or other flexible poly that won't crack or peel with wood movement. For exterior projects, use a finish suitable for exterior fences.

How to get a smooth finish?
Start with a well sanded project. Sand between coats (220 grit), wipe clean, and apply light coats with a foam brush or roller.

Plan Questions

Can I change the size?
Many people do, and that's the great thing about building your own furniture! But do keep in mind going bigger might mean more supports are required, and often plans are optimized for minimal material waste.

Are these beginner-friendly?
Yes—plans are written with simple tools and clear steps in mind, with every effort to make plans as simple as possible.

Can I sell what I build?
Absolutely! Just don’t resell or repost the plans themselves.

General Questions

What tools do I really need?
A drill, circular saw, tape measure, square, and a few clamps will get you through most projects.

Do I need a workshop?
Nope! A driveway or small patio is plenty to get started, just make sure you have a level place to work. If you find you are building several projects a year, creating a small workbench is a great way to store tools and have a dedicated workspace.

What if I mess up?
Wood filler, sanding, or flipping boards goes a long way. Mistakes are part of the process!

What can I do to make my projects look more professional?
Start with straight boards, make accurate cuts, clamp all joints, and line up everything neatly. Sand thoroughly, use a neutral finish, and apply it in light coats for a clean look.

I've never built anything before. Where should I start?
Start with a few smaller softwood projects to get hands-on experience. Or if you're tackling a big project, buy a little extra lumber and practice your cuts and joints first. If possible, work with someone who has a bit of experience.

Care & Maintenance

How long will my furniture last?
With good joinery and regular care, your DIY furniture can last for decades. I have pieces in my own home that are over 20 years old and still going strong! One of the best parts about DIY furniture is that it’s easy to repaint, refinish, or repair—so your projects can grow and adapt with you.

How should I care for outdoor furniture?
Lightly pressure wash or hose it down once or twice a year. Tighten screws and reapply finish as needed to protect it—just like a deck or fence. A little upkeep goes a long way in extending the life of your furniture.

How about indoor furniture?
Regularly dust or wipe with a damp cloth. If it starts to look worn, a light sanding and touch-up paint or stain can refresh it in no time. DIY pieces are meant to be durable and fixable—so don’t be afraid to give them some love now and then.

Want to Build with Confidence?

Check out my ebook: 12 Skills to Build Your Own Furniture
It walks you through the core skills every builder needs—measuring, cutting, joinery, and finishing—so you can build beautiful furniture that lasts.

Still Have Questions?

Email us anytime at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help!