Backyard playtime can be magical—especially when it’s sparked by creativity and resourcefulness.
If you’ve got leftover cardboard, a bit of extra time, and a young child eager for adventure, this DIY cardboard clubhouse is the perfect weekend project. It’s budget-friendly, kid-approved, and surprisingly durable.
Why This Plan Works
- No cost — made entirely from recycled materials
- Encourages imaginative play and physical activity
- Adaptable for kids of different ages
- A great use of leftover construction materials
- Easy to customize with ladders, slides, windows, and more
- Provides hours of fun while staying close to home
What You Will Need
To build this DIY clubhouse, gather sturdy cardboard boxes and a few basic tools and fasteners. Here’s a simple list:
Materials
- Large cardboard boxes (appliance boxes work best)
- Roofing material (recycled plastic cover or additional cardboard)
- Zip ties
- Short and long wood or drywall screws
- 2x4s (for the slide frame)
- Wood glue, school glue, or hot glue
Tools
- Utility or pocket knife
- Drywall saw or small hand saw
- Cordless drill (with 5/16″ and 3/4″ bits)
- Side-cutters for trimming zip ties
- Circular saw (for wood pieces)
- Optional: reciprocating saw for faster cardboard cuts
Step 1. Stack the Boxes
Use two large boxes, one slightly smaller than the other. Fold in the flaps, set the larger box on flat ground, and stack the smaller one on top. Drill holes through the corners and zip-tie the boxes together securely, keeping the rough connector sides on the outside.
Step 2. Cut the Doors and Openings
Cut a front door in the bottom level using a knife or saw. Create a window, a door knob hole, and reuse the cut-out as a swinging door using zip-tie loops as hinges. Add cutouts for air vents, peep holes, and climbing grips. On the second floor, cut openings for the ladder and slide.
Step 3. Add the Roof
If the top box lacks a roof, use a clear plastic window well cover or similar recycled material to create a skylight. Set it directly on top of the upper box for a snug, bright roof that lets sunlight in.
Step 4. Build the Cardboard Tube Ladder
Use thick cardboard tubes (from packaging) as the uprights and cut shorter sections for the rungs.
Drill holes in the uprights and create custom “pegs” from scrap cardboard to insert into the rungs.
Secure with screws and hot glue. Mount the ladder at an angle and screw it into the clubhouse wall.
Step 5. Build the Slide
Construct a simple frame from 2x4s. Attach it securely to the clubhouse with screws. Use two large pieces of cardboard as the sliding surface.
Lay them down using overlapping sections like roofing shingles, securing each with screws only on covered edges. Fold up the sides of the cardboard, notch the ends to create a flare, and zip-tie them to hold the sides in place.
Note: Be sure to check screw lengths so they don’t poke through the cardboard and create hazards.
Other Details Display
- Project Cost: $0 (uses only recycled and leftover materials)
- Play Area: Two levels with real openings for doors, windows, ladder, and slide
- Skylight Roof: Made from a clear plastic window well cover
- Ladder: Built from industrial cardboard tubes and hot-glued rungs
- Slide: Reinforced with a wooden frame and two layers of cardboard
- Customization Ideas: Add hand-holds, more windows, air vents, or even a puppet stage
- Safety Tip: All fasteners placed with child safety in mind—no exposed screws or sharp edges
Summary
This cardboard clubhouse DIY project transforms scrap materials into a fun, functional play structure right in your backyard.
With nothing but recycled cardboard, zip ties, and some household tools, we created a two-story clubhouse complete with ladder and slide—proving that imagination and a little effort can go a long way. It’s fun, flexible, and doesn’t cost a dime.
This plan is a contribution by [bennelson]. Project Via Instructables – Get the PDF Instructions here.
