A tree house can be a magical retreat, fort, or play destination for almost any child, as well as a fun project for any adult. Building a tree house requires careful planning and construction, but the result of your hard work will be rewarding. If you give the tree house of your dreams the care and attention it deserves, it will be possible to build a real wooden sanctuary that you can enjoy for years.
Steps
Part 1 of 5: Get Ready to Build Your Tree House
Step 1. Choose the right tree
The health of the tree you select is absolutely crucial in creating the foundation for your cottage. If the tree is too old or too young, you will not have the necessary support for your tree house and you will have put yourself and anyone who enters it in great danger. Your tree should be sturdy, healthy, mature, and alive. Ideal trees for your goal are oak, maple, fir and apple. It is a good idea to have your tree inspected by an arborist before starting construction. An ideal tree has the following qualities:
- A strong, sturdy trunk with branches
- The deep and consolidated roots
- No evidence of disease or parasites that could weaken the tree structure
Step 2. Check with your local building control office
Take the time to learn about local regulations or ordinances that may be relevant to your project, such as height restrictions. A building permit may also be required. If you have protected trees on your property, there may be restrictions on building on them.
Step 3. Talk to your neighbors
As a courtesy, it's a good idea to talk to your neighbors and let them know about your plans. If your tree house will be visible from a neighbor's property or overlooks it, they will be happy that you will also consider their opinion. This simple step can avoid future complaints and legal actions, even potential ones. While your neighbors will most likely comply, this will make them more interested in your project.
Step 4. Talk to your insurance agent
Make a quick call to your insurance agent to make sure a tree house is covered by the policy that also covers your home. If it isn't, the potential damage that was caused by the treehouse may not be covered by your insurance.
Part 2 of 5: Make a Detailed Plan
Step 1. Choose your tree
If you are building a tree house in your yard, then you can have tons of trees to choose from. Once you have chosen a healthy tree, you can start thinking about the house project on it or you can take the opposite path: think about the project first and then make sure you have a tree that suits you. Here are a few things to keep in mind about how to choose the tree for your treehouse:
- For a standard 250 x 250 cm house, choose a tree with a trunk that is at least 360 cm in diameter.
- To calculate the diameter of your tree, measure the circumference by wrapping a string or ribbon around the trunk at the point where you want to put the house to sit. Divide that number by pi, which is 3, 14, to get the diameter.
Step 2. Choose your project
It is important to have a precise idea about the project of your home before driving the first nail. You can find online drawings of tree houses or, if you are a building expert, you can create your own. Careful measurements must be taken to ensure that your design works with the tree you have selected.
- It may be helpful to make a small cardboard model of your tree and house to identify any problem areas.
- When creating your design, don't forget to think about the growth of the plant as well. Allow ample space around the tree trunk for it to grow. It pays to do some research on your specific tree species to determine the growth rate.
Step 3. Decide on your support method
There are several ways to support your tree house. Whichever method you choose, it is important to remember that trees move with the wind. Sliding joists or brackets are essential to make sure your tree and house are not damaged by the wind. Here are the three main methods of supporting your tree:
- The pole method. This method requires that a support post be planted in the ground near the tree, rather than attaching anything to the tree itself. It is the least harmful to the tree.
- The bolt method. Bolting the support beams or floor plan directly into the tree is the most traditional method of propping up a tree house. However, this method is the most harmful to the tree. Damage can be reduced by using suitable materials.
- The suspension method. According to this method, you should hook the house to strong and tall branches, using cables, ropes or chains. This method does not work for every design and is not ideal for tree houses that are meant to carry any significant weight.
Step 4. Decide your login method
Before building the tree house, it is necessary to decide on an access method, for example, a ladder, which will easily allow a person to enter the building. Your method should be safe and sturdy, so this excludes the traditional ladder to climb, which is made up of boards nailed to the tree trunk. Here are some of the safest ways to get into a treehouse:
- The standard scale. You can buy or build a normal ladder to climb up your little house. A ladder for a bunk bed or loft can also work.
- The rope ladder. It is a rope ladder and short boards, which descends from the platform.
- The wooden staircase. A small staircase is the safest method of entry, if it is compatible with the external perception of a tree house. If you choose this method, be sure to build a handrail for your safety.
Step 5. Imagine what you will do with the branches that interfere with your treehouse
How will you build around the pesky branches? Will you get them out of the way or incorporate them into treehouse designs? If you decide to incorporate the branches into the treehouse, will you build around them or frame them in a window? Ask yourself these questions BEFORE you start building. In this way, your tree house, once finished, will reflect the care and preparation of its builder.
Part 3 of 5: Build and Secure a Platform
Step 1. Remember safety
Before you start building your tree house, you should remember about safety and keep it in mind. Falling down is one of the biggest dangers of a tree house. There are some precautions that can be taken to make sure that those who build a tree house stay safe.
- Don't build too high. Building your cabin too high could be dangerous. If your construction is going to be used primarily by children, the platform should be no higher than 2.5 meters, 2.5 meters.
- Build a secure railing. The goal of your railing, of course, is to make sure that the occupants of the tree house do not fall. Make sure the railing around the platform is at least one meter high, with balustrades no more than 10cm apart.
- Cushion a fall. Surround the area below the tree house with a natural, soft material such as wood mulch. This will not completely avoid injury, but will serve to cushion the fall.
Step 2. Find a sturdy tree where two branches part in a V shape
You will use this tree to equip your tree house. The V shape will add extra strength and support, providing anchor points in four places instead of just two.
Step 3. Prepare the shaft holes in four different places, on each side of the V
Drill 1 cm in each prong of the V, making sure that the holes are all level. If they are not level with each other, the structure may be skewed and the support compromised.
Step 4. Measure the distance between the holes on each side of the V
Depending on the shaft, the holes can be spaced more or less.
Step 5. Take 25 cm, subtract the measurement you just found, halve the result and mark the distance from one end of 5 cm x 25 cm
Make a mark at the other end using the original measurement between the two holes in the shaft. This will ensure that the 5cm x 25cm pieces will be perfectly centered and will bear a balanced weight when hoisted onto the V.
Step 6. Make a 10cm gap from each mark on both 5cm x 25cm pieces
This is to ensure that the trees can sway in the wind and move without damaging the structural integrity of the tree house. To do this, drill two 16mm holes, each 5cm in either direction of your mark. Then use a saw to cut between the holes, creating a 10 cm gap, with your mark exactly in the center.
Now when the tree sways in the wind, the platform actually moves a bit to contain the wobble. If the platform was simply bolted to the mast, it would move along with the mast. This is not optimal for the platform, which may gradually or suddenly be pushed in different directions and start cracking
Step 7. Mount two main tree supports at the appropriate height
Choose two sturdy 5 x 25cm pieces (5 x 30cm will do as well) and place them flush against your tree. Drive four galvanized, 15 or 20 cm long, 15 mm diameter square or hex head screws into the four 10 cm slots in the 10 x 25 cm beam, using a wrench. Place the washers between the screw and the wooden board. Repeat with the other board on the opposite side of the trunk, making sure that both are at the same height and slide with each other.
- Drill both the tree and the 10 x 25 cm boards to reduce the installation time of the screws and minimize any cracking of the boards.
- Cut the bottom of both supports for the aesthetic finish of each. Of course, do this BEFORE mounting the trunk supports with your screws.
- Consider doubling each support with another 5 x 25 cm to increase its strength. Basically it uses two pieces of wood of that size on each side of the log, one against the other. This way the supports hold more weight. If you decide to double your mount, use larger square or hex head screws (at least 20cm long and 25mm in diameter).
Step 8. Place four 5 x 15 cm pieces, equidistant and perpendicular, between the main supports
Instead of placing them flat between the main supports, place them on their side so that they protrude 60 cm. Nail them with 75mm wood screws.
Step 9. Attach two 5 x 15 cm pieces to the same size pieces nailed earlier
Lay each one at the four ends of the others and nail them there. The platform should now be a square attached to the main supports. Check that the boards are centered and square.
Step 10. Attach the deck to the main supports with joist fixers
Use eight galvanized fasteners to connect all four boards perpendicular to the main supports.
Step 11. Attach the center of the platform to its sides with joist hooks
Use eight galvanized hooks to connect the ends of the 5 x 15 cm joists perpendicular to the adjacent ones, always of the same size.
Step 12. Support the platform with 5 x 10 cm pieces
As it stands now, the platform is still a bit wobbly. In order to make the platform more robust, it is necessary to add at least two pillars. These will be attached to a lower part of the tree and then again on both edges of the platform.
- Cut for a 45 degree angle to protrude from the top of each 5 x 10 cm beam. This should allow you to connect the 5 x 10 cm wooden bars inside the platform.
- Form a V with the wooden bars of this size, so that they overlap the straight part of the tree, but also sit nicely inside the platform.
- Attach the top of the reinforcement to the platform from the bottom and on the inside. Make sure both reinforcements are completely flush before nailing them.
- Plant an 8-inch vine through two overlapping boards in a place on the tree that holds well. Use a washer between board and screw for best results.
Part 4 of 5: Assemble the footboard and railing
Step 1. Think about where you will need to cut everything around to fit the floor to the trees
Measure where the trees pass through the pavement and cut around the logs with a hacksaw, leaving 25 to 50mm.
Step 2. Place two wood screws, which are at least 10 cm long, at each end of the edge
Once the wood planks have been cut to accommodate your tree trunks, it's time to put them in place. Use a ladder to climb onto the platform and start screwing down with a drill. Leave a slight distance of 6 to 12 millimeters between each batten.
Step 3. Make an entrance from the main supports that go beyond the platform
Add a cover and vertical stakes to the platform to make a rectangle. Now the bulky part that previously protruded outside the platform has been transformed into an entrance: it was child's play!
Step 4. Use two 5 x 10 cm wooden bars at each corner to start making the posts for the railing
Nail the two 5 x 10 pieces (they should be at least 120cm tall) together and screw them to the platform at each corner.
Step 5. Attach the railings to the posts
Also use two 5 x 10 cm wooden bars, and if you want, make 45 degree angles at the edges of the railings. Then, they nail them to the uprights. Next, screw the railings to each other through the squared corners.
Step 6. Attach the fitting to the bottom of the platform and to the bottom of the handrails
Nail any wood available - boards or plywood are fine - to contact the underside of the deck. Then nail everything to the top of the railing to form a working gate.
Use whatever you want for the side trim. If desired, rope and net can be successfully used together, so small children cannot slip in the middle. Safety should be a priority, especially when dealing with young children
Part 5 of 5: Finishing
Step 1. Build a ladder yourself and hoist it up to the platform
There are several ways this can be done. Have fun with this part of the project!
- Building a rope ladder
- Build a ladder using two 5 x 10 x 360cm and two 5 x 7, 5 x 240cm pieces. Place the two longer pieces side by side in perfect symmetry, marking where each step should go. Cut notches 50 x 75 mm deep 27 mm on both sides of the longer pieces. Cut the shorter pieces of appropriate length for the pegs and glue them into their notches with wood glue. Secure your pegs with wood screws and wait for the glue to dry. Paint your ladder to give it a nice shade and protect it from the elements.
Step 2. Add a simple roof to your tree house
This roof consists of a simple sheet, although it is also possible to think of a more elaborate one to design and build. Guide a hook in both logs about 240 centimeters above the bottom of the platform. Pull a bungee cord between the two hooks and slide an overhead tarp over it.
Finally build four stabilizers several inches high and attach them to the four corners of your railing. Nail the tarp to the four corners of the stabilizers, securing it with a washer. Your roof should now have a wider overhang
Step 3. Treat or paint the wood
If you want the house to be weatherproof or if you simply want to give it a more attractive look, now is the time to treat or paint it. Consider a tint or paint that fits your home.
Advice
- Keep the structure as light as possible. The heavier the house, the more it will need support and the more it could damage the tree. If you put furniture in your treehouse, buy it as light as possible.
- If you put the bolts directly into your shaft, use fewer larger fasteners rather than a bunch of small ones. Otherwise, the tree will most likely be treated over the entire large area where you stick, as if it were a wound, and the whole area will get sick.
- Most hardware stores will not have reinforced bolts large enough for a treehouse project. Search for this hardware online from a specific treehouse builder.
Warnings
- Never climb on the roof of a tree house.
- Reclaimed wood is environmentally friendly, but it may not be as strong as new wood. Be careful when choosing reclaimed wood and don't use it for any of the load-bearing parts of your treehouse.
- Never jump on the ground from a tree house. Always use the ladder or ladders.
