HOW TO BUILD A TREE HOUSE

How to Build a Treehouse A treehouse can be a magical hideaway, fort, or play destination for almost any child, as well as a fun project for any adult. Building a treehouse takes careful planning and construction, but your hard work will pay off. If you give your dream treehouse the care and attention that it deserves, then you can build a wooden sanctuary that you can enjoy for years. Part One of Five: Preparing to Build Your Treehouse Edit Image titled Build a Treehouse Step 1 1 Choose the right tree. The health of the tree you select is absolutely crucial for building a foundation for your treehouse. If the tree is too old or too young, you won't have the support you need for your treehouse and you will be putting yourself and anyone else who goes into the treehouse in great danger. Your tree should be sturdy, healthy, mature, and living. Ideal trees for treehouse include oak, maple, fir, and apple. It's a good idea to have an arborist inspect your tree before you start building. An ideal tree has the following qualities: A strong, sturdy trunk and branches Roots that are deep and well-established No evidence of disease or parasites that could weaken the tree Image titled Build a Treehouse Step 2 2 Check with your local planning department. Take the time to learn about local regulations or ordinances that may be relevant to your treehouse project, such as height restrictions. You may even need a permit to build. If you have protected trees on your property, there may be restrictions on building in them. Image titled Build a Treehouse Step 3 3 Talk to your neighbors. As a courtesy, it's a good idea to speak with your neighbors and let them know your plans. If your treehouse will be visible from or overlook a neighbor's property, they will be glad you're taking their opinion into consideration. This simple step can head off future complaints and even potential lawsuits. Though your neighbors will most likely comply, this will help make them more amenable to your project. Image titled Build a Treehouse Step 4 4 Talk to your insurance agent. Make a quick call to your insurance agent to make sure that a treehouse is covered under your homeowner's policy. If it's not, then any potential damage that is caused by the treehouse won't be covered by your insurance. Advertisement Part Two of Five: Making a Detailed Plan Edit Image titled Build a Treehouse Step 5 1 Choose your tree. If you're building a treehouse in your backyard, then you may only have so many trees to choose from. Once you chosen a healthy tree, you can start thinking about the design of the house that can go on it; or you can take the opposite route and think of the design first, and then make sure that you have a fitting tree. Here are some things you keep in mind as you choose the tree for your treehouse: For a standard 8'x8' treehouse, choose a tree with a trunk at least 12" in diameter. To calculate your tree's diameter, measure its circumference by wrapping a string or measuring tape around the trunk at the point where you want the treehouse to sit. Divide that number by pi (3.14) to get the diameter. Image titled Build a Treehouse Step 6 2 Choose your design. It's important to have a firm idea of the design of your dream treehouse before you hammer in the first nail. You can find treehouse designs online, or if you're knowledgeable about building, you can create your own. You need to make accurate measurements to ensure that your design works with the tree you've selected. You may find it helpful to make a small cardboard model of your tree and treehouse to identify any potential issue areas. In creating your design, don't forget to plan for tree growth. Allow ample space around the trunk of the tree for the tree to grow. It's worth doing some research on your specific tree species to determine its growth rate. Image titled Build a Treehouse Step 7 3 Decide on your support method. There are several ways to support your treehouse. Whatever method you choose, it's important to remember that trees move with the wind. Sliding joists or brackets are essential to make sure your tree and treehouse are not damaged by winds. Here are the three main support methods for your tree: The post method. This method involves sinking support posts into the ground close to the tree, rather than attaching anything to the tree itself. It is the least damaging to the tree. The bolt method. Bolting the support beams or floor platform directly into the tree is the most traditional method of supporting a treehouse. However, this method is the most damaging to the tree. You can minimize the damage by using proper materials. The suspension method. In this method, you would suspend the treehouse from strong, high branches using cables, rope or chains. This method will not work for every design, and it is not ideal for treehouses that are meant to carry any significant weight. Image titled Build a Treehouse Step 8 4 Decide on your access method. Before you build your treehouse, you'll need to decide on a method of access, such as a ladder, which easily allows a person to enter the treehouse. Your method should be safe and sturdy, so this rules out the traditional treehouse ladder, which is made up of boards nailed to a tree trunk. Here are some safer methods of access for a treehouse: The standard ladder. You can purchase or build an ordinary ladder for climbing into your treehouse. A ladder made for bunk or loft beds can work as well. The rope ladder. This is a ladder made of rope and short boards, which is hung from the treehouse platform. The staircase. A small staircase is the safest access method, if it's compatible with your vision of a treehouse. If you choose this method, make sure to build a railing for safety. Image titled Build a Treehouse Step 9 5 Figure out what you'll do with branches that interfere with your treehouse. How will you build around pesky branches? Will you cut them off, or incorporate them into the plans of the treehouse? If you decide to incorporate branches into the treehouse, will you build around them or frame them in a window? Ask yourself these questions before you start building. That way, your treehouse will reflect the care and preparation of its builder when finished. Advertisement Part Three of Five: Building and Securing a Platform Edit Image titled Build a Treehouse Step 10 1 Keep safety in mind. Before you begin to build your treehouse, you should remember to keep safety in mind. Falling out is one of the biggest hazards of a treehouse. There are a few precautions you can take to make sure that everyone who is building the treehouse stays safe. Don't build too high. Building your treehouse too high could be dangerous. If your treehouse is going to be used mostly by children, the platform should not be any higher than 6–8 feet (1.8–2.4 m). Construct a safe railing. The point of your railing, of course, is to make sure that the treehouse occupants don't fall out. Make sure the railing around your platform is at least 36" high, with balusters no more than 4" apart. Cushion a fall. Surround the area below the treehouse with a soft natural material like wood mulch. This won't entirely prevent injury, but it will provide some cushioning for a fall. Image titled Build a Treehouse Step 11 2 Find a sturdy tree where two branches separate into a "V" shape. You'll use this tree into order to rig up your treehouse. The "V" shape will add extra strength and support, providing an anchor point at four places instead of only at two. Image titled Build a Treehouse Step 12 3 Pre-drill the tree at four different locations, on each side of the "V". Drill a 3/8" into each prong of the "V," making sure that the holes are all level. If they are not level with one another, the structure could be slanted and the support compromised. Image titled Build a Treehouse Step 13 4 Measure the distance between the holes at each side of the "V". Depending on the tree, the holes may be spaced farther or shorter apart. Image titled Build a Treehouse Step 14 5 Subtract the measurement from 10', halve the rest, and mark the distance from one end of the 2x10. Make a mark at the other end using the original measurement between the two holes in the tree. This will ensure that the 2x10s will be perfectly centered and bear equal weight when you hoist them onto the "V". Image titled Build a Treehouse Step 15 6 Create a 4" slot at each mark on both 2x10s. This is so that the trees can sway in the wind and move without damaging the structural integrity of the treehouse. Do this by drilling two 5/8" holes, each 2" to either side of your mark. Then use a jigsaw to cut between the holes, creating a 4" slot, with your mark completely centered. Now when the tree sways in the wind, the platform actually moves a bit to accommodate the swaying. If the platform were simply bolted onto the tree, it would move along with the tree. This is not good for the platform, as it could gradually or suddenly be pushed in different directions and begin cracking. Image titled Build a Treehouse Step 16 7 Mount two main supports to the tree at the appropriate height. Choose two sturdy pieces of 2x10 (2x12 will do, too) and place them flush against your tree. Drive four 6" or 8" long, 5/8" diameter galvanized lag screws into the four 4" slots of the 2x10 using a wrench. Place washers in between the screw and the wood board. Repeat with the other board on the opposite side of the trunk, making sure both boards are at equal height and flush with one another. Pre-drill both the tree and the 2x10s for an easier time installing the screws, and to minimize cracking in your boards. Undercut both supports at each each for an aesthetic finish. Of course, do this before mounting the supports to the trunk with your screws. Consider doubling up each support with another 2x10 for added strength. In effect use two 2x10s on each side of the trunk, flush against one another. This allows the supports to bear more weight. If you do decide to double up on your supports, use bigger lag screws (at least 8" long and 1" diameter). Image titled Build a Treehouse Step 17 8 Place four 2x6s, evenly spaced, perpendicular across the main supports. Instead of placing them flat across the main supports, place them up on their side so they stick up two feet into the air. Secure them with 3" deck screws. Image titled Build a Treehouse Step 18 9 Attach two 2x6s to the 2x6s nailed into place above. Lay each 2x6 flush across the four ends of the 2x6s and nail them into place. Your platform should now be a square attached to the main supports. Check that your 2x6s are centered and square. Image titled Build a Treehouse Step 19 10 Attach the platform to the main supports with rafter ties. Use 8 galvanized rafter ties to attach all four of the perpendicular 2x6s to the main supports. Image titled Build a Treehouse Step 20 11 Attach the middle of the platform to the sides of the platform with joist hangers. Use 8 galvanized joist hangers to attach the ends of the perpendicular 2x6s to the abutting 2x6s. Image titled Build a Treehouse Step 21 12 Brace the platform with 2x4s. As it stands now, the platform is still a bit wobbly. In order to make the platform more sturdy, you'll need to add at least two braces. These will be attached to a lower portion of the tree and then again on both edges of the platform. Cut a 45 degree angle out of the top ends on each 2x4. This is so that you can attach the 2x4 to the inside of the platform. Form a "V" with your 2x4 so that they overlap at a straight part of tree but also cleanly abut onto the inside of the platform. Attach the top of the bracing to the platform from the bottom and on the inside. Make sure both are completely flush before you drive nails into them. Drive an 8" lag screw through the overlapping 2x4s at a sturdy point on the tree. Use a washer between the 2x4s and the lag screw for best results. Advertisement Part Four of Five: Laying the Deck and Railing Edit Image titled Build a Treehouse Step 22 1 Figure out where you'll need to cut around to fit the trees through your floorboards. Make a measurement of where the the trees come through the flooring and cut around the trunks with a jigsaw, leaving 1" to 2" around. Image titled Build a Treehouse Step 23 2 Screw in two screws at each board end with at least 4" deck screws. Once your deck boards have been cut to accommodate the trunks of your tree, it's time to screw them into place. Use a ladder to hoist yourself up onto the platform and start screwing down with a drill. Leave a slight 1/4" or 1/2" distance between each floorboard. Image titled Build a Treehouse Step 24 3 Make an entrance from the main supports that travel past the platform. Add covering and verticals to the platform to make a rectangle. Now an awkward part that formerly jutted out of the platform has been turned into a handy-dandy entrance. Image titled Build a Treehouse Step 25 4 Use two 2x4s at each corner to start making uprights for the railing. Nail the two 2x4 (they should be at least 4 feet high) together, and them screw them to the platform at each corner. Image titled Build a Treehouse Step 26 5 Attach handrails to the uprights. Use 2x4s as well, and if you want, mitre the edges of the handrails. Then, nail them down to the uprights. Next, screw the handrails into one another through their mitered corners. Image titled Build a Treehouse Step 27 6 Attach the siding to the bottom of the platform and the bottom of the handrails. Nail any available woods — planks or plywood work fine — flush into the bottom of the platform. Then nail them into the railing at the top so that they form an effective fence. Use whatever you want for siding. You can successfully use meshed-together rope if you want, as long as little kiddies cannot slip through. Safety should be a first priority, especially when you're dealing with small children. Advertisement Part Five of Five: Finishing Up Edit Image titled Build a Treehouse Step 28 1 Build yourself a ladder and hoist it up to the platform. There are a number of ways that you can do this. Have fun with this part of the project! Build a rope ladder Build a ladder using 2 12-foot 2x4s and 2 8-foot 2x3s. Place the 2x4s side by side in perfect symmetry, marking off where each rung should go. Cut out 2x3 notches about 1 1⁄8 inches (2.9 cm) deep into both sides of the 2x4s. Cut the 2x3s the appropriate length for rungs and glue them into their notches with wood glue. Secure your rungs with deck screws and wait for the glue to dry. Stain your ladder to give it a nice hue and protect it from the elements. Image titled Build a Treehouse Step 29 2 Add a simple roof to your treehouse. This roof is made from a simple tarp, although you can also get more elaborate in designing and constructing your roof. Drive one hook into both trunks about 8 feet (2.4 m) above the bottom of the platform. String a bungee chord between the two hooks and slip a tarp overhead. Next, build four outriggers several feet high and attach them to the four corners of your railing. Nail the tarp to the four corners of the outriggers, securing with a washer. Now your roof should have a better overhang. Image titled Build a Treehouse Step 30 3 Paint or stain the wood. If you want to weatherproof your treehouse, or just give it a more appealing look, now's the time to stain or paint it. Consider a stain or paint that will work in combination with your house. Advertisement Community Q&A How about lightning protection? Answered by wikiHow Contributor Nothing can truly protect someone from lightning, but the chances of getting hit by it is so unlikely. But if you still want to buy something, a makeshift lightning rod will do. 62 13 How much money will it take to build a treehouse? Answered by wikiHow Contributor It can be expensive depending on how much wood you use or supplies you have. Even with tools already, the materials can cost close to $500. 75 18 How long does it take to build a treehouse? Answered by wikiHow Contributor Depending on the size of the treehouse, it could take from a few hours to more than a week. 24 5 If I use fresh cut lumber how do I prevent rot? Answered by wikiHow Contributor It shouldn't rot if it is treated or you use a rot resistant wood such as oak. 57 31 How can I put a substantial roof on my treehouse? Answered by wikiHow Contributor Try using wood or branches, so it blends in with the tree. 25 12 How can a treehouse be built quickly? Answered by wikiHow Contributor Use a very simple design or invest in a pre-made treehouse. 20 9 Is it possible to make a tree house without any urban materials? Answered by wikiHow Contributor You can look into traditional timber framing (wooden furniture is still built this way) and you could harvest your own wood. 16 7 How to I make a big tree house for a school project? Answered by wikiHow Contributor Try to find a place where you can attach your tree house to three or more trees. Using excellent-quality material is crucial. Safety MUST be your first priority. Combine the pole method with the bolt method, as this reinforces the strength of your construction. You might find it useful to contact a professional carpenter to give you some advice. 26 15 Can I use recycled wood to build a treehouse? Answered by wikiHow Contributor Most treehouses are made from recycled lumber. Just make sure the wood is in decent condition and free from rot and termites. 21 12 Is it possible to build a tree house in one hour? Answered by wikiHow Contributor No. Show more answers What are ways that I can raise money to make a treehouse? Answer How deep should the bolts be placed into the tree so that I do not hurt the tree? Answer How do I build a treehouse with recycled wood? Answer Is it safe to build a treehouse in our backyard in a clump of healthy, old cottonwood trees? Answer Is there an easier way to make a treehouse? Answer Show more unanswered questions Ask a Question Your question here Submit Tips Edit Keep your structure as lightweight as possible. The heavier your treehouse, the more support it will need, and the more potential damage it can cause to the tree. If you put furniture in your treehouse, buy the lightest weight furniture that is reasonable. Helpful? If you are bolting directly into your tree use fewer, bigger fasteners rather than a bunch of small ones. Otherwise, the tree will be more likely to treat the whole area of attachment as one wound and the entire area will decay. Helpful? Most hardware stores will not carry lag bolts large enough for a treehouse project. Source this hardware online from a custom treehouse builder. 0 Helpful? 1 Always test it before you let your kids use it! Helpful? Know a good tip? Add it. Add Warnings Edit Reclaimed wood is eco-friendly but may not be as strong as new wood. Use caution when choosing reclaimed wood, and don't use it for any load-bearing parts of your treehouse. 55 Helpful? 25 Never climb on the roof of a treehouse. 56 Helpful? 27 Never jump out of a treehouse to the ground. Always use the ladder or stairs. 47 Helpful? 37 Things You'll Need Edit Measuring tape Level Drill and drill bits Table saw Hammer or nail gun Ladders Wrenches and sockets Safety glasses Nail gun Compressor Drill Miter saw Circular saw Table saw 4x6s for support beams/posts 2x8s for framing and platform construction Exterior plywood sheets or other material for the floor 4x4s for the railing posts 2x6s for the horizontal rails 2x2s for the railing balusters Sliding joints/brackets, lag bolts, decking screws and any other needed hardware Pressure-treated plywood Pressure-treated nails or bolts Related wikiHows Edit How to Square a Piece of Lumber How to Drive a Woodscrew How to Make a Blanket Fort How to Make a Pillow Fort How to Build an Underground Fort How to Build a Fort in Your Room How to Build an Outdoor Fort How to Make a Secret Hideout in Your Closet How to Make a Den How to Build a Nerf Fort Advertisement Made Recently 2 years ago 2 years ago 2 years ago 2 years ago 2 years ago 2 years ago 2 years ago Add a photo Choose file View more About this wikiHow 5 votes - 100% Co-authors: 82 Updated: 5 days ago Views: 1,208,066 Categories: Forts and Treehouses | Wooden Toys and Puzzle Making Sources and Attribution Did this article help you? Yes No Preparing to Build Your TreehouseMaking a Detailed PlanBuilding and Securing a PlatformLaying the Deck and RailingFinishing UpCommunity Q&ATipsWarningsThings You'll NeedRelated wikiHowsReader Pictures Surprise Me! wikiHow to...