Open-Frame Dollhouse for 12" Dolls

Have your lumber yard rip the full plywood sheet into a 24"-wide strip and a 13-1/2"-wide strip, then make all remaining crosscuts yourself according to the diagram.

Build the two end frames from the vertical posts and angled roofline pieces, using a countersink bit and 3" screws, or a pocket-hole jig with 1-1/2" pocket holes and 2-1/2" pocket hole screws. For the angled joints, clamp, glue, and predrill with a countersink bit, using just one screw per joint to avoid splitting the wood. Build two and confirm they match.

Join the two end frames with the horizontal ties. Confirm the top tie sits exactly 13-1/2" above the top story's tie — this measurement keeps all three stories consistent.

Secure the plywood floors to the frame with 3/4"-stock pocket holes and 1-1/4" pocket hole screws on all sides, or with scrap 1x2 corner braces and countersunk screws if you don't have a jig.

Cut the stair openings in the floors per the diagram. Add the bottom-story walls (offset slightly between stories if nailing, to give yourself something solid to nail into), then the middle-story interior wall, then the top-story walls and interior wall system.

Build the stairs by stacking the 1x2 treads staggered, gluing generously and nailing carefully. Attach the scalloped 1/4" plywood roof strips, lapped and nailed down.

Attach the caster wheels to the plywood base so they swivel freely. Sand and finish, or decorate interior walls with decoupaged paper as desired.