Hello hello + welcome back to this series where we’re sharing all about the steps to build your very own handmade hideaway 2.0!
If you’re new here, you may want to check out all the posts in order. You can find the reveal here, along with how to build the foundation, starting the framing, adding the railing, framing the roof and adding the siding, painting here, the roof here, and the trap door, screen and trim here. WHEW! It’s been all abut the details. ALL OF THEM.
So without further ado, here’s how we built the ladders and screen door!
As always, let’s start simple with the two ladders. Obviously, you can configure yours however you prefer. But with ours, we built it with one to get into the Hideaway from the ground, and then another to get from the top floor to the bottom floor.
Both ladders will be built the same. We simply used the same 1 x 6 decking board to build them… scraps, y’all. (We also used the leftover deck screws. Just make sure they are long enough to go through the vertical board and offer the horizontal one enough support.
For the ladder between the floors, you’ll need to measure the width of your opening, and then the height from the floor of the second story, to the floor of the first story.
Once you know both of these, you’ll want to cut two boards for the height.
Then we added a board every twelve inches for the steps.
Simply level the boards and use two screws on each side to secure them. Then screw the vertical board into the floor joist.
You’ll build the outside ladder in the same manner, however, we chose not to attach ours. (Mainly so I can take it away if we want to keep people out, like when I’m hiding from Ashley. {HA!}
Building the screen door is a little more of a labor of love, but not terribly difficult. The first step will be to measure the width and height of the door so that you know what size you will be building.
Then take 1/2 off the width and height, as this will allow room for it to swing properly.
To build the door, we chose a simple framed panel look, so our first step was to create the panel. We used a piece of 1/8 inch backer board for this.
To create the window, we needed to figure out the size to cut out of the backer board. We knew we were using 1 x 6 boards on the front, so we took 11 inches off our width to get the width of the window. Then we decided on the height of the window.
From there, we simple measured out and marked with a chalk line, our window, double checked our measurements, and cut it out with a circular saw and a jig saw.
Next, we cut our 1 x 6 boards to size. (We did 2 going vertical and 3 horizontal) and joined them with pocket holes.
You can do it the old fashioned way by hand, or you can get a Kreg jig to help.
You’ll need to make sure to join all 3 horizontal pieces to the 2 vertical pieces on both sides.
Next, roll out the screen and center it on the opening for the window.
Once you’re happy with the placement, simply staple it in place and trim the excess.
You’ll then want to cover the entire back of the wooden frame with wood glue. Place the backer board on top with the window cut out lined up with the window, and clamp it together. (Or simply use heavy objects to press it together.
You can also shoot some staples through the backer board into the wood to help secure it. Just make sure you don’t use staples that are too long.
We added trim around all our openings to give it a clean, finished look. And the installed the door.
We also added some 1 x 1 wood trim around the frame of the door to seal it off when it’s closed, and added a door sweep.
All this was in an attempt to keep the creepy crawlies out. ;} Hello, Fall camping.
Finally, we added a door knob, {some vintage hardware we found at the local flea market} for a little extra funk.
You can read more detail about how we painted the door, and the rest of the hideaway, here.
While we’re here, we may as well touch on the topic of electricity in the Hideaway.
We used a simple solution for our electricity/lights, with this handy little power hub you can buy here. We were able to run one power cord to the hideaway to feed this power hub and then ran cords off of it.
We hope these little tutorials and steps to what we built have been helpful. Please let us know if you have any questions, and as usual, we’d love to see your creations! Be sure to share with the #handmadehideaway hashtag on Instagram!
Up next adding the roof panels.
To see this entire series, be sure to check it out here …and as always, our fabulous reader creations, here!
Have an inspired day!
ROSE LEFEBVRE says
I just love the hideaway!! I want one! It is adorable and would be great to sleepover in it!
ashley @ the handmade home says
Thank you so much Rose! Its at the top of the list in the next few weeks! ;}
Tiffany Bratina says
Looks so good! Wondering why you built the extra ledge for the outside ladder to rest on? Just used scraps? Also, I didn’t see the answer to this: Does the roofing let in a lot of heat in the summer? Would you recommend if hideaway is absent of any shade?
Jamin Mills says
Hey.
The idea for the ledge came up after we had secured the foundation so adding it as we did was the simplest thing to do. The roof lets in light, but not a ton of heat and the three sides of screens allow for a nice breeze. I think you’d be fine in the sun, but like anything outdoors without climate control, it will eventually get hot. Haha. I hope that helps and happy building!
Mike says
Can you tell me what is “backer board”? When I go to Lowe’s all I see is concrete backer board. Is this what you use?
Jamin Mills says
Hey, Mike. It is a 1/9 inch hardboard panel, think of thin pieces that are on the back of some tv cabinets or dressers. I hope that helps some.
Mike says
Thanks! I’ll look for that.