How to Build a Tree House
Building a tree house is an ideal project that lets your creativity roam. Just as there are many different trees, there are also many different designs for a tree house. Nonetheless, safety and stability should always be observed in building any kind of tree house.
Any mature tree can be selected for a tree house. It does not cost much to build one. All you need is the right materials and an inspiration to make it happen. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to build a free standing tree house.
Required Materials
- framing wood
- plywood
- bolts
- metal corner brackets
Required Tools
- hammer
- saw
- measuring tape
- ladder
Steps to Build a Tree House
- Determine whether the tree house would be used as an adult’s retreat area or children’s play area. This will help determine how high it would be off the ground and the estimated weight that the tree should be able to hold up.
- Select an appropriate tree that would be able to support the load of a heavy wooden structure. Look for trees with thicker branches closer to the base of the trunk. Most appropriate trees would be oak, hemlock, beech, fir and maple.
- Select and plan the design for the tree house. Check your local municipal bylaws and building codes for provisions on building a tree house. Once you have everything cleared, select a design that will fit the tree that you have selected. You can search online for tree house designs or in your local home supply store for a tree house kit.
- Purchase all the materials needed at one time if possible. Having all the materials at hand helps maintain the work flow and prevents the hassle of going back and forth to the store to buy extra supplies.
- Build the platform and the supports required to support it up. Use bolts at least ¾ inches in diameter to mount the beams onto the tree. Set the bolts no less than 12 inches apart. Build the platform near the trunk of the tree. Use diagonal bracing, such as galvanized or stainless steel fasteners, to secure it in place. Make sure that it is centrally balanced around the tree for it to support uneven loads and prevent it from swaying.
- Add the floor using exterior plywood sheets or frame tongue-and-groove floorboards. Make sure that there are no visible gaps between boards and that the floor can support sufficient weight.
- Build the tree house’s framework and walls using techniques used for a ground-based house. Prefabricate as many parts of the frame and walls as much as possible on the ground to give you ready access to power tools. These prefabricated parts can then be hoisted up into position.
- Access to the tree house can be provided in several ways. A simple rope ladder is sufficient for houses built not far from the ground. On the other hand, steps with hand rails are much suited for higher tree houses. Build the steps and hand rails as you would build it in a ground-based house.
- Add accessories to the house according to your preference. Consider adding indoor/outdoor carpeting, a coat of paint or lighting fixtures powered by solar panels, batteries or a hand crank generator. If attaching play equipment to the house, such as a slide, make sure that all equipment are securely bolted in place.
