eXplore Seattle

Hello, Seattle neighbors! Are you ready to transform your home into a Halloween spectacle? This year, let’s embrace the spooky season with a do-it-yourself haunted house project that’s sure to impress. Inspired by a local Seattleite’s incredible work, which even graced the pages of Better Homes & Gardens in 2022, this project offers a fantastic way to add some festive flair to your property. It’s a heartwarming tradition rooted in creating special memories, and now, it’s accessible for everyone to enjoy right here in our community.

The inspiration behind this project comes from a place of love and tradition. After experiencing personal loss, the magic of Halloween became even more poignant, a way to reconnect with cherished memories and carry on beloved customs. This desire to create joy and share the spirit of the season is what fuels this wonderfully creative endeavor. It’s a chance to channel that festive energy into something tangible and fun, bringing smiles to both your family and everyone who passes by your home.

Creating the perfect haunted house look is surprisingly achievable, even with Seattle’s unique climate in mind. While some might get away with temporary adhesive solutions in drier areas, our Pacific Northwest dampness calls for a more robust approach. The key is to build lightweight grid panels that can be securely attached. This involves using lattice molding to construct a frame that fits snugly over your windows, providing a sturdy base for your spooky facade and ensuring your decorations hold up even in a light drizzle.

To assemble these window grids, a good-quality staple gun is your best friend for attaching the lattice pieces and then securing the faux boards to the frame. For an even more secure hold, especially if you’re worried about wind or moisture, consider using a few strategically placed screws into your window trim. This method is tried and true, even being used for hanging holiday wreaths, and can be easily touched up with exterior paint to blend in seamlessly.

For the “boarded-up” effect, you’ll want lightweight materials that mimic weathered wood without weighing down your structure. Barnboard wall panels are a popular choice because they’re cost-effective and easy to cut into individual “planks.” Alternatively, you could explore vinyl plank flooring or even painted foam for a similar look. The goal is to achieve that classic haunted house aesthetic without creating something too heavy or difficult to manage, making the whole process more enjoyable.

Once your grids and “boards” are ready, hanging them is straightforward. The most secure method involves screwing a single, exterior-grade screw into the top of your window trim. Painting the screw head the same color as your house siding makes it virtually disappear, maintaining your home’s curb appeal when the decorations come down. For extra peace of mind, especially if you have taller windows, you can even tie a string around the center of the grid and pull it taut from the inside.

This DIY haunted house project is more than just decoration; it’s a community builder. It’s about taking a bit of inspiration, adding your own personal touch, and sharing the joy of the season with your neighbors. If you’re planning to sell your home soon and want to make a memorable impression, or you’re simply looking to bring some extra cheer to your block, this project is a fantastic way to engage with the spirit of Halloween.

So, gather your supplies and get ready to create some spooky magic! This project is adaptable, allowing you to adjust the scariness level to suit your taste. If you go for a subtly eerie look or a full-on fright fest, the result will be a home that stands out for all the right reasons. We can’t wait to see the amazing transformations happening all over Seattle – happy haunting!