How to Make a Playpen

Playpens create a safe and separated play area for small children who can't quite walk yet. These playpens prevent small children from crawling around the house and getting hurt. Playpens are built at home using standard lumber and power tools. Cedar is a good choice for playpens because it is lightweight, strong and does not need to be treated with chemicals. Build a playpen that meets U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations, without spending more than two hour's work time in a wood shop.

Tape measure
8 cedar boards, 2-by-4-by-48-inches
Drill
Drill bit, 3/4-inch
96 cedar dowels, 3/4-by-30-inches
Wood glue
Screw gun
16 wood screws, 3-inch
Sand paper, medium-grade, fine-grade

Instructions

- 1
  Drill twenty-four 2-inch deep, 3/4-inch diameter holes into each 1 1/2-inch wide edge of each 48-inch board. Space the holes 2 inches apart and position the center of the holes ¾ inch away form the sides of the board.
- 2
  Glue the ends of each dowel into the boards so you have four pairs of boards, each with twenty-four dowels glued into them. Let the glue dry according to the instructions on the bottle. These are the sides to the playpen.
- 3
  Position a pair of sides upright, parallel and 48 inches apart. Set the other pair of sides between them at right angles and spaced 45 inches apart. Screw through the 48-inch boards on the first pair of sides and into the boards on the second pair. Use two screws for each end of each 48-inch board.
- 4
  Sand the playpen using medium-grade and then fine-grade sand paper. This will prevent any splinters from poking into your child's hands. You can also paint or varnish the playpen. Use only a non-toxic finish and allow the surface to dry completely before allowing the child inside.

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