The New Dollhouse

Difficulty
Intermediate
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Delight your children with this modern dollhouse! Customize to suit your child's needs.

The dollhouse has grown up.

I'm not saying I don't still love traditional dollhouses with their detailed wallpaper and shutters.  But a simple, fully accessible dollhouse like this one might be the toy for your smaller child or children - and I say children, because I can just imagine this dollhouse on a playtable surrounded by little ones.

This dollhouse is not suitable for Barbies and fashion dolls.  More for wood dolls and figures, around 6" in height.

Preparation

Shopping List

1 – 72″ Long 18″ wide Pine Project Panel (Try both Blue and Orange, they carry different sizes)
1 – 1×2
1 – 1×10 scrap 12″ long

Common Materials
2 inch screws
120 grit sandpaper
primer
wood conditioner
paint
paint brush
Cut List

2 – Project Panel Pieces @ 18″ x 18″ (Floors)
4 – 1×2 @ 19″ (Legs, top end cut at 30 degrees off square)
2 – 1×2 @ 14″ (Eaves)
1 – 1×10 @ 11 1/4″ (Second Story Wall)
2 – Project Panel Pieces @ 18″ x 14″ (Roof)

Instructions

Step 1

Floors

Cut the floors with a jigsaw as shown above. Sand the edges well at this stage – will be much easier than when assembled!

Step 2

Legs

Attach the legs to one of the floors as shown above. Use glue for a permanent bond, and two screws per leg. Predrill and countersink your screw holes.

Step 3

Eaves

Attach the tops of the legs to the eaves as shown above with 2″ screws and glue.

Step 4

Second Story

Screw the 1×10 center wall to the remaining floor as shown above. Use 2″ screw and glue. Screw from the underside.

Step 5

Step 6

Roof

Cut the roof boards out as shown above. To get the angle on the top, adjust either your circular saw, jigsaw or tablesaw to a 30 degree angle and cut edge. Use a jigsaw to cut out the scallops and the skylights.

Step 7

Roof

Attach the roof with 1 1/4″ screws and glue.

Comments

Loni (not verified)

Sun, 09/26/2010 - 05:47

To Cute! I think my step-daughter and neice would love this! Thanks so much!

Dolores Wilkes (not verified)

Mon, 09/27/2010 - 12:19

Ana - Thank you for this plan. I'm going to make it for my granddaughter.

I was going over all of it step by step in my head while looking at the measurements - is there a mistake on the dimensions of the second story wall? The cut list says 1 x 19 x 11.25. Should that be 1 x 9.5 x 11.25?

GerlingGirl (not verified)

Tue, 09/28/2010 - 04:58

Ana,
How hard would it be to add some ramps to this and turn it into a two-story car port for a little boy? My daughters will love the dollhouse (I'm thinking Christmas present), but my little boy would rather something he can run his cars along. I thought with just ramps and a trim change this might work.

Dolores Wilkes (not verified)

Tue, 09/28/2010 - 15:17

Ana - what are the dimensions of the second story wall? The cut list says 1 x 19 x 11.25. Should that be 1 x 9.5 x 11.25?

Brian (not verified)

Wed, 12/22/2010 - 05:18

2 comments - yes it is easy to up the height to accomodate Barbie style dolls, you'll just have to buy a longer 1x2, or use more than one. I upped it to 24" height and it's working ok.

Any Advice for cutting the rounds on the 2 floors and the scallops?

I'm finishing one right now as a Santa gift, and I'm close to scrapping those pieces and starting over. My jigsaw skills aren't the greatest, and coarse sandpaper is usually my friend, but I'd like it to be KIND of aesthetically pleasing if I'm giving it to my daugher...

THANKS ANA!

Chantelle (not verified)

Wed, 12/29/2010 - 05:15

Christmas was a hit! Our 8 year old LOVES her doll house!!! We made it a bit taller and wider so her Barbies fit perfectly. Thank you so much for the plans! (We also did the kitchen set... the kids are in heaven!)

Melisa (not verified)

Tue, 02/22/2011 - 08:21

My husband and I made this dollhouse for our daughter and we were very pleased with the results. Is there any chance of a castle dollhouse in the near future?

Keri Beth (not verified)

Fri, 11/25/2011 - 20:35

Can I make this with pocket holes? If so, are there any modifications I should make? Thanks in advance! I plan to make this for my boys for Christmas.

Ginna (not verified)

Sun, 12/25/2011 - 13:46

Hi! I would love to know if you have patterns for wooden furniture for 12" dolls or if you have any idea where i can purchase them so I can make my own? Any sugestions? this barbie doll house is awesome!!

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!