Nothing makes a child smile bigger than a brand new backyard playhouse. It’s a great investment for parents or grandparents who have little ones running around, but what do you do when they have no more use for it? Just because your kids may have outgrown their playhouse, doesn’t mean you have to.
Instead of letting it go to waste, why not turn your playhouse into a shed that you can use for years to come? In this blog, we’ll provide you with creative ideas you can use when you decide to turn your playhouse into a shed, plus some simple steps that will help you get started.
How to Repurpose Your Playhouse in 5 Steps
Before you begin to turn your playhouse into a shed, you’ll need to take care of a few logistics. Below, we’ve listed some of the recommendations we have for homeowners who want to get the most out of their repurposed playhouse.
1. Repair Any Structural Issues
Most likely, your old playhouse has been through years of wear and tear. Because of this, you’ll want to make sure you take care of any damages that could cause problems in the future.
We recommend you take some time to examine the exterior and interior of your playhouse and make note of any repairs that need to be tackled. If you’re not sure what to look for begin by checking the following things:
- Roof– Make sure the roof doesn’t have any leaks that could result in interior damage or rot.
- Windows– If there are windows, make sure they aren’t broken or cracked.
- Floors– Check the floor for cracks, splinters, loose pieces, or rot damage.
Turning your playhouse into a shed will only be a successful project if it’s durable and dependable. Think of your repairs as investments. Take your time with them so they’ll hold up in the coming years.
2. Install Thermal Insulation
This step may or may not be necessary, depending on what you plan to do with your repurposed playhouse. However, adding thermal insulation allows you to be comfortable all year round, and creates a space to spend time and work rather than a simple dumping area for old equipment.
Thermal insulation will keep your shed cool in the summer and warm in the winter, making it a great place to work on projects no matter what the temperature is outside. It’s also an eco-friendly way to be more energy efficient and save you money in the long run.
If you do choose to install thermal insulation, you’ll want to consider adding weatherstrip adhesive to your door or windows. This will make sure there are no leaks or drafts coming from outside.
3. Install Electricity
Similar to adding insulation, installing electricity isn’t absolutely necessary, but if you plan on getting a lot of use out of your shed, you may want to consider it. Electricity will allow you to install proper lighting, heating, and electrical sockets. This can become very beneficial if you want the space for projects.
Once you have electricity, you can decide what type of lighting is best suited for your space. When you’re choosing your lights, you’ll want to consider a few factors such as
- Energy efficiency– What’s the most efficient and cheapest way to light your space?
- Brightness– How many lumens does your light have?
- Usage life– How long will your light last?
- Color and temperature– Do you want a “warmer” or “cooler” appearance?
- Wattage– What amount of electricity will be used?
- Installation– How will you install your lights?
Keep in mind that if you’re not trained in this area, you will most likely need a professional electrician to help you with this step.
4. Add a New Coat of Paint
It may seem simple, but a fresh coat of paint can make all the difference. When you renovate your old playhouse you should put a piece of your personality into it. This is your chance to get creative.
Look at some popular shed colors and decide what style you want. If you’re not sure where to begin check out some of the color schemes we’ve listed below.
Once you choose your color scheme, make sure you follow the proper guidelines when painting an outdoor structure like a playhouse or shed. Doing this will ensure that the paint continues to look fresh over time.
5. Add Shelves For Storage
The most common way to create more storage space anywhere is to install extra shelving. Adding shelves greatly increases your storage capacity, and with the proper instructions, you can do it by yourself.
As you begin your renovation process, inspect the playhouse interior walls. Doing this will allow you to map out the most practical place to add shelves. Before installing anything, ask yourself a few basic questions:
- How high do you want the top shelf?
- How wide will each shelf be?
- How much space do you need between each shelf?
The way you measure and mark the walls of your playhouse will heavily depend on the type of shelves you want to install. Make sure you have a plan before you begin making any significant changes.
Also, it’s good to know that if you don’t have time to build your own shelves, or you’re not a DIY kind of person, there are great storage shelves available in all sizes and styles.
Playhouse Conversion Ideas
Before you begin to turn your playhouse into a shed, you should have a clear idea of what you want to use the space for. Whether you’re looking to create a space for gardening projects or somewhere to kick back and relax, we have a few unique ideas that are guaranteed to add value to your backyard.
The Man Cave
The concept of a man cave isn’t new, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less appealing. This is a great idea for men who need a place to watch sports, work out, or have a guy’s night. Consider adding a minibar, some classic games, and of course, a comfy seating area where you can put your feet up for a few hours.
The She Shed
This idea is exactly what it sounds like. The she shed is a trend that popped up a few years back, and it’s still going strong. Known as the man cave for women, this is a space where you can focus on yourself. Whether it’s an art studio, yoga studio, or a place to cozy up with a good book, this space is designed to make you feel comfortable and relaxed.
The Gardener’s Workshop
If you want to stick to the classic garden shed, that’s okay too. Create a new and improved area where you can work on outdoor projects. You deserve a natural and stylish place to focus on your plants, flowers, and other backyard chores. If you have a themed backyard, consider styling your new shed to complement whatever design you already have.
