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Structural engineering question. How does one build a den????

12 replies

MaryMotherOfCheeses · 30/03/2009 18:34

An outdoor den, that is. For a 7 year old and his mates. I've got a tarpaulin and various poles but don't really know where to start.

I need to be able to take it down again, obviously, but would like something which will withstand a bit of rain.

OP posts:
MaryMotherOfCheeses · 30/03/2009 20:02

I know it sounds stupid but I really don't have a clue and am looking for inspiration!

OP posts:
biscuitsmustbedunkedintea · 30/03/2009 22:08

Part of the fun surely is in the building of a den. Does DS not have any ideas?

I'd go for a scout tent shape and lots of square lashing

MaryMotherOfCheeses · 30/03/2009 22:10

I think I got a bit carried away.

OP posts:
StripeyKnickersSpottySocks · 30/03/2009 22:12

When I was a kid I used to build dens in the summer with old dust sheets and garden canes. I used to use clothes pegs to attach the sheets to the canes and push the canes into the ground.

KatyMac · 30/03/2009 22:12

A teepee?

You lash the poles at the top - then add in horizontals about half way down

Or do you have 2 trees? You can stretch a line between them & do something clever with the tarpaulin

Google forest schools & look at shelters

StripeyKnickersSpottySocks · 30/03/2009 22:16

Think I put the poles upright in a square. Then had a flat sheet across the top and side wall sheets. Must have been quite big as I can rememebr taking a sun longer in it for a bed.

StripeyKnickersSpottySocks · 30/03/2009 22:16

sun lounger

MaryMotherOfCheeses · 30/03/2009 23:01

Stripeyknickers, did the sheets stay out there all summer?

OP posts:
biscuitsmustbedunkedintea · 30/03/2009 23:45

MMOC - I think most people made new dens everyday, rather than make a permanant one and leave it outside. Ours used to be made with a widebreaker, rotary arm clothes airer and plenty of blankets.

LackaDAISYcal · 30/03/2009 23:55

lol, I got all excited about a possible structural engineering question there

but I have no experience of den building as I am reliably informed by DH and DS1 that den building, like fire making and barbecues is Man's Work.

But.....look here

and here

or depending on how big your own house is...some plans available here

LackaDAISYcal · 30/03/2009 23:58

oh, and the one DH and DS made two summers ago was constructed from some long thin branches that had been thinned out of our magnolia tree, some of those roll up garden screens and beach mats and an old shower curtain for the roof....and string; lots and lots of string.

I made the sign for above the door as it was clear my technical prowess wasn't called for.

StripeyKnickersSpottySocks · 31/03/2009 10:09

Had to bring in the sheets every night, but it was only a 5minute job the next mornign to peg them on again.

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