A fort is an enclosed structure designed for defense in warfare and military bases. Humans have constructed such defenses for a thousand years in varying complex designs. Nowadays, forts have not only been used for military and defense purposes. It has been modified to become a favorite play area or getaway for kids. Here are a few basic guidelines to remember when building a fort in trees, on a deck, or in the backyard.

Required Materials

• Four 2 x 6
• ten 5/4 x 6 x 8 decking
• four 4 x 4 posts
• four 1 x 6 (railing)
• six sheets ‘-inch plywood twenty 2 x 4 wood stock
• joint hangers for 2 x 6′s
• paint
• quick-set concrete
• clamps
• corrugated plastic
• miter box
• nails

Required Tools

• reciprocating saw
• circular saw
• jigsaw
• hammer
• level
• chainsaw
• router with round over bit

Steps to Build a Fort

1. Measure a 4 x 8 platform and mark its four corners. Dig a hole at each corner and drive in the 4 x 4 posts.
2. Hang the 2 x 6′s as a perimeter band off of the high corner. Make sure that the boards are level with each other.
3. Double check if the braces are level before pouring quick-drying concrete into the holes. The perimeter band will act as the bracing for the posts as the concrete sets.
4. While waiting for the concrete to set, build the wall frame using 2 x 4′s. Cut the plywood according to desired dimensions and nail it to the frame. Attach together the front, back and side walls with clamps after each section is finished. Secure them together with nails.
5. Build the roof by making a grid of 2 x 4′s. Drill holes into the wood and drive a screw into each hole to secure the corrugated plastic into place.
6. Cut out the door and windows where you want to place them. Run a router with round bit over all the openings.
7. Put in 2 x 4 floor joists. Nail all the way through the outside of the perimeter band installed earlier. Attach joist hangers to the end of every joist to secure them in place.
8. Cut the back posts level with the floor joists. Then cut the front posts 24 inches above the floor joists. The front posts will be used to support the hand rails.
9. Lay out the decking and nail them on to the floor joists.
10. Put the built house on top of the platform. Secure it by nailing through the bottom of the frame into the decking.
11. Nail 1 x 6′s to create the railing. Then build an angled step ladder up to the fourth 2 x 4 rail. Use 2 x 4′s to cut 3 to 4 horizontal steps. Nail these steps to the rails with a hammer or a nail gun.
12. Nail through the top of the frame to attach the roof.