How to Assemble a DIY Dollhouse Kit – Some Interesting Tips

Starting a DIY dollhouse kit can feel like opening a big puzzle box with no idea where the picture is (some of them are literally 3D puzzles, like this book nook).

Whether it’s your very first build or you’re picking the hobby back up again, a bit of prep (and a lot of patience) will make the whole process more enjoyable.

This post is a mix of hands-on advice, tips from other miniaturists, and practical steps to help you along the way.

1. Before You Start: Read, Sort, and Think Ahead

These are a few things I wish I knew when I first started out:

• Read the instructions first. Then read them again. Several people regret skipping this step and had to undo glued-in stairs or walls because things were installed too early or in the wrong order. And that can be frustrating, trust me.

In my video below, I have explained a little bit about the manuals from Robotime, the ‘vintage’ ones all work more or less like this:

• Sort your pieces. Lay everything out. Label parts and keep small items in containers or baggies so they don’t get lost (or chewed by the dog).
  

• Dry-fit everything. Test how things fit before reaching for the glue. It saves time and frustration down the line.

• Think about customization now. Planning to add new windows, doors, redecorate the whole kit, or install electrical wires? It’s much easier to cut or plan for these early on rather than halfway through.

2. Surface Prep: Not Glamorous, But Important

Don’t underestimate what preparation does in the miniature world:

• Sand everything. Even smooth-looking wood benefits from a light sanding to remove splinters or factory finish. Several miniaturists said, “Sand, sand, and then sand again.”

• Avoid warping. If you’re painting one side of a wall, do the other side too, even if it won’t be visible. This helps balance moisture and keeps things straight.
  
  When things are already warped, here’s what you can do to try and fix it or prevent it.

3. Decorating and painting Before Assembly (Yes, Before)

I made this mistake before, and again, but most experienced builders agree: it’s easier to decorate when everything is still flat.

• Paint walls, ceilings, and trim before assembling. Use light coats and fine-grit sandpaper in between for a smooth finish.

• Add wallpaper early. Trying to apply wallpaper after the house is assembled can lead to awkward angles and frustration. One person even described it as “painting while standing on your head.”
  
  Also, if you are not happy with the result of the wallpaper and how it makes the diorama or dollhouse look, you can still decide to remove it and wallpaper with another design.

I have changed my mind so many times!

PS. Check out my own personal dollhouse printable store on Etsy as well!

• If you’re wiring lights, plan this now. You may want to hide wires behind wallpaper, through floorboards, or in beams; easier done before the shell is glued. Again: trust me hahaha.

4. Time to Assemble: Gluing the Shell

This is the big moment—assembling the main structure.

• Start with the foundation and floor pieces. Use plenty of tacky or wood glue, and secure with masking tape or clamps.
  
• Check for squareness. Use a floor piece or right-angle tool to make sure your walls are straight.
  
• Let it dry completely. Don’t rush this part. Use heavy paint cans or books to weigh things down if needed.
  
  

Check out this post for details on the materials and tools used to work through your dollhouse kit smoothly.

5. Roof, Windows, and Doors

Now that the walls are up, it’s time to build upward.

• Paint the roof edges and eaves before installing. Use pencil guidelines so you know where the glue should go.
  
  
• Install the roof in steps. Front and back first, then add dormers or trim later.
  
  
• For windows and doors:
  
  • Assemble the frames flat using glue and tape.
  • Wait to install until after the wallpaper is done.
  • Sandwich the acrylic pane between the outer and inner trims for a neat finish.
  • Many builders upgrade to custom windows, so don’t feel limited by what’s in the kit.

6. Shingles, Porches, and Final Touches

And last, but not least, a job that can be challenging is creating and laying down the shingles:

• Shingles can be wood or paper. Start at the bottom and work upward, staggering rows. No need to clamp; just press firmly if using tacky glue.
  You can use different methods to create shingles, even on a small scale.
  
  
• Porch and trims go on last. Sand away any paint where you plan to glue so it sticks better.

7. Other Good Advice from the Community

A few other tips that I found in the community that I wanted to share with you!

• “Don’t use hot glue.” It dries too fast and often doesn’t hold up long-term.
• “Measure twice, glue once.” Especially with trim and baseboards.
• “Give yourself space.” One person joked that, however much room you think you need, triple it.
• “There’s no shame in asking questions.” YouTube, Facebook groups, and forums are full of helpful builders.
• “Mistakes will happen. It’s okay.” You can fix a lot with wood filler or just call it a “feature.”

My Final Conclusion

Building a dollhouse (kit) is slow, detailed work, but that’s also the charm. There’s something satisfying about turning a pile of flat wood into a miniature world.

Take your time, don’t panic if things aren’t perfect, and most importantly, enjoy the process.

Got any extra tips or stories from your own builds? Feel free to leave a comment below—I’d love to hear them!

I wish you happy crafting!

Kind regards,

Lizzy

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