This project was built and designed by Kelley from Waterfall Woodworking. It’s a playful and practical build that turns a few simple materials into a lightweight, collapsible Teepee tent for indoor or outdoor use.
Perfect for kids’ play areas, cozy reading nooks, or pet hideaways, this project is approachable for beginners and customizable for any style or space.
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A Simple Structure with Endless Possibilities
Kelley’s Teepee tent is designed to be easy to assemble, easy to disassemble, and light enough to move around. It’s a great build for those who want to add something functional and decorative to a child’s room, classroom, or even a corner of the living room.
The materials are minimal, and the overall shape relies on basic angled joints and fabric wrapping—making it the kind of project that delivers a lot of charm without a steep learning curve.
Materials and Tools Overview
This build requires just a few basic items: wooden pieces (typically 1x2s or similar lightweight boards), dowels, fabric, a drill, and fabric scissors. Optional but helpful tools include a miter saw for clean cuts and a hot glue gun for attaching the fabric.
No specialized joinery or hardware is needed. The structure holds together through angled holes drilled into the wood and dowels inserted to keep everything tight and upright.
Measuring and Cutting the Wood
The build begins by deciding how tall you want the Teepee to stand. Once that’s settled, all the wooden pieces are cut to the same length for a uniform frame.
Using a miter saw speeds up the process and ensures clean, accurate cuts. Kelley recommends cutting multiple pieces at once whenever possible to keep them consistent.
Once cut, each board gets a quick sanding around the edges. This is especially important if kids or pets will be using the tent, as smooth edges prevent splinters and give the final product a more finished appearance.
Drilling for the Dowels
The next step is to drill holes near the top and bottom of each board where the dowels will slide through. Kelley marks these out about four inches from the top for the upper connection and slightly lower down for the base.
She uses a ¾-inch drill bit, clamping each piece to a work surface to hold it steady. Alignment is key here—matching up holes ensures that everything will come together neatly during assembly.
Once all the boards are drilled, a quick dry fit gives a sense of how the structure will stand. The dowels are inserted through the top holes of two boards at a time to start forming the “A” shape on both sides.
Creating the Frame
After building the two side assemblies, Kelley connects them at the base with another set of dowels through the bottom holes. The tent starts to take shape at this point, and it stands freely once the lower dowels are secured.
Even though the frame is lightweight, the angled joints and cross-bracing keep it steady. The open structure also makes it easy to work with when it’s time to add the fabric covering.
Attaching the Fabric
Fabric gives the Teepee its final shape and character. Kelley chooses a soft, neutral fabric that drapes well and blends into different room styles.
She recommends laying the fabric over the assembled frame to get a sense of how much you’ll need. Once measured and trimmed, it’s wrapped around the dowels and secured at key points with hot glue.
This glue method is clean, simple, and reversible—meaning you can switch out the fabric later without damaging the wood. Kelley attaches the fabric on the inside of the frame to keep the outside looking seamless.
Keeping the Structure Secure
To prevent the Teepee from splaying open over time, Kelley adds a string across the bottom opening. Tying this near the base keeps the angle consistent and helps maintain the overall shape.
If the tent is placed on hardwood floors, this added support helps keep it from sliding. The tie also allows the Teepee to fold up for storage when not in use.
A Versatile Build for All Ages
What makes this project stand out is how adaptable it is. You can decorate it with lights, swap the fabric for seasonal themes, or even scale it up for larger spaces.
It’s a great option for anyone looking to build something fun and creative with minimal tools. Kelley’s step-by-step approach shows how to take raw materials and turn them into something unique that people actually want to use.
Great for Beginners, Kids, and DIY Fans
This build isn’t just about the end result—it’s also a great way to introduce kids or beginners to woodworking. The steps are clear, the tools are simple, and the final product is something that immediately brings joy.
Whether you’re creating a reading corner, a kid’s fort, or a cozy pet nook, this Teepee tent brings character and comfort to any environment.
Please support Kelley by visiting her website: https://www.waterfallwoodworking.com/.