This summer me and some friends are going to build a fort but I have a few questions?

Question

one: roughly what is the cost of 2x4 lumber boards, or 2x3 lumber boards?

two:I want the fort/ playhouse to be about 78" high, so what exactly do I need

three: what is approximately the total price, I do not want to spend too much

four:what store is the best to get lumber?

Answer 1

One - depends on where you live.... and 2x3 is not a standard size.  You could get a larger board and rip it down on a table saw tho.  In our area, a 2x4 stud runs about $2.25 each

Two - What are you building this on?  Do you intend to make a floor of some kind?  What kind of roof do you want?  Can't be 'exact' without more information.

Three - depends on the answers given in One and Two, hehehe.  Lumber is not cheap, I'll give you that.  How do you intend to surface the walls?  What kind of exterior?, etc.....

Four -- most building supply stores run about the same prices, but I can safely recommend Lowes...I purchase a lot from them.

Here is what I would suggest..... sit down and draw a few sketches of just what it is you want.  With some rough measurements.

Some things to consider -- surface exterior, foundation, floor, roof, windows and door?  There are a LOT of options.  You need to narrow down what you want before starting to ask for prices.

Once you have a good idea, then take your sketches to the supply store, and ask them for a quote.  Quite often, they have a 'help desk' where someone will help you figure out how many studs, plywood, etc your project will need, and will give you a price on the materials.

I would also suggest that you check around with any local builders, to see if they have any scraps left over, that you could scavenge with an adult.  FreeCycle.org is another good place to check, as well as Habitat for Humanity stores, GoodWill, etc.

The bigger this is, and the more features you want, will tend to make it cost more.  You might explore some fundraising options, hehehe.

Typically, plywood costs more than OSB of the same thickness, and in most cases, OSB works just as well as plywood.  Plywood works better as a painted exterior tho, as it holds up to the weather better.  Go with at least 5/8" thick material for any roof decking, and it should be pitched, to help the water/snow run off.  You'll need some sort of roofing material, shingle, metal, fiber, etc.  The store can give you prices on that too.  To help cut costs, you could build without a roof to begin with.. and string a tarp.  Angle the tarp, like you would the roof, to help keep the water running off.

IF any wood is going to be in contact with the ground, or left exposed to the weather, then you may want to use treated lumber, tho it tends to be more expensive.

Have Fun

Answer 2

The actual dimensions of a 2 x 4 are 1 1/2" x 3 1/2".  You can buy an 8 foot long one for about $2 at a Lowes, Home Depot or a lumber yard.  To build a 78" high wall, you will need a horizontal 2 x 4 on the top and bottom that is cut to the length of the wall and a vertical 2 x 4 x 75" at each end and also every 2 feet between the ends (except where you want a door).  You can fasten the wood with 16p nails  or 3" screws.  If you plan to install plywood or boards to the 2 x 4 frame, use 8p nails or 1 1/2" screws.  Since you did not say anything about the length of the walls, I cannot give you an estimate on total price.