How to fix a cubby structure?

[meli1]

I recently received this cubby structure second hand and have since removed the roof as it was falling apart. The second image is what I now have left, the slide is detached as I plan to get a new one.

The wood is pine, and I plan to prime and paint it. it's not the most sturdy wood, although it's not rotting or falling apart, I was wondering what I could do to reinforce it and make it stronger. Would adding brackets help? or a product on the wood itself before I prime and paint it? It will be kept outdoors, so having it weatherproof would be helpful too.

Any suggestions on what I could do for the base to maybe make it more solid? add a wooden base inside as it's currently empty? the structure itself will be on concrete.

I also want to add some sort of roof replacement (doesn't have to be wood as originally) and considering PVC (from our patio as we are replacing ours) or a tough textile material (any suggestions welcome!).

Any other suggestions very welcome!

Thanks in advance,

[EricL]

Hello @meli1, 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your cubby. 

I propose looking carefully at the strength of the cubby structure, specifically the timber joints. Does the structure lean when pushed around? Are there parts falling off or have rotted severely? Those parts that have become too loose will need replacing.

If the main braces or large timber parts that anchor the other parts together are loose, it will be necessary to install another piece either behind it or below it to secure the structure. If the timber part you are screwing into with the angle bracket is still in good condition, make sure that the screws anchor tightly. 

Just keep in mind that you want this to be able to hold your child without any other parts giving way. I suggest sanding the entire structure before you paint it with a new colour.

In regards to the roof, I suggest copying the old roof shape and installing it in the same spot. For the base you can build a timber base and place the entire structure on top of it but just keep in mind that the end of the slide will need to be supported as well if the height of the structure changes.

Let me call on our experienced members @Dave-1 and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know. 

Eric

[Nailbag]

Hi @meli1 

Looks like it was originally a kit-form cubby and slide set by the layout. Simple but effective. @EricL has already provided some excellent advice and good timing on the topic as I'll be soon "renovating" a friends daughters cubby.

Here's my check & repair job's list for your's.

With all the bolts/screws secure, can you move connecting parts? If yes, then replacing the screws with slightly longer and/or thicker ones as long as they don't poke through to the other side. Use galvanised right angled brackets and screws to provide additional support and strength when even larger ones are not successful.

Check the surface condition of all the timbers. I am confident that though the structure is pine, it will be treated pines, hence why its only blackened not breaking and rotting part being unpainted. With gloves on, feel for potential splinters especially on hand rails and the decking boards. Little bare hands and feet will be constantly grabbing and sliding on these areas, so it important to sand these area's smooth. replace anything thats splintering bad or splitting.

Seal the structure. With the roof off, it will make the job easier for you to get around inside the structure. Use a good quality exterior paint that has a built in primer (if possible) to save an extra coating. Apply 2-3 coats, The first coat will be the most time consuming as the paint will want to soak in. Then give it a touch up each year. have fun with colour too, especially if this is for little girls.

Replace the roof. If you want to make this an easy job, follow @EricL advice and repeat the same design. Re-purposing your better condition sheeting is a great idea. Otherwise consider dark coloured laser-light PVC sheeting. Dark to offer protection from the shade (its an open cubby so light isn't an issue) and PVC because it doesn't get anywhere near as hot as metal sheets and lighter to install.

Drainage. If the cubby is to sit on concrete as it is now, drill a couple of holes at any low points to allow water to escape. Put the hose in the base to check this. 12-16mm holes will work. I would do this even if you fill the base with sand. This won't be required if the cubby is positioned on the lawn.

Protection from falls. Consider using "soft-fall" mulch or rubber mats around the cubby for the inevitable falls.

Hope this helps and look forward to some finished project photos.

Nailbag.

[Dave-1]

Good Morning @meli1 

Love cubby houses and forts in particular! Nice win on getting one.

Id suggest a few more diagonal stays are put in (more so then brackets) For instance I can see the two bottom parts of the posts on the right of the picture. If you went from the top part (next to the floor above) down to the bottom of the other post with a new post it would strengthen it immensely. same goes with the rear wall that we cant see. You can use timber or metal strapping but id prefer timber. I would even be explaining to your kids why it works (Love levers and angles and how they all work together)

With the roof as @EricL has suggested, same size makes life a lot easier. Id go with the smokey Suntuf 2.4m Grey Corrugated Polycarbonate Roofing as its lighter and will stop the rain. You could also go for shadecloth but then if it rains forgotten stuff inside will get wet easier Cant have that rabbit getting rained on!

Otherwise @Nailbag   and @EricL have mentioned all the other steps id be doing as well.

Dave