Building A Backyard Treehouse For Kids (or Adults!)

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Building a backyard treehouse for kids (or adults!) is a fantastic way to create a magical space that brings joy, freedom, and a touch of nature to your home. But is making a treehouse difficult? Well, it can be challenging, but it doesn't have to be if you have some basic building experience. The difficulty level depends on the design itself. If you have some maker experience, a piece of land, a few old, sturdy trees on it, and some power tools, you can start building your treehouse immediately.

What Is a Treehouse?

A treehouse is defined by Dictionary.com as “a small house, especially one for children to play in, built or placed up in the branches of a tree.” However, these days, treehouses are coveted by adults and children alike. The popular TV show "Treehouse Masters" has contributed significantly to this trend, showcasing elaborate and beautiful treehouses that are not just for kids.

Is Making a Treehouse Difficult?

Building a treehouse can be challenging, but it doesn't have to be if you have some basic building experience. The difficulty level depends on the design itself. If you have some maker experience, a piece of land, a few old, sturdy trees on it, and some power tools, you can start building your treehouse immediately.

Basic Principles of Treehouse Building

Before starting to build your treehouse, it's crucial to study the basic principles of treehouse building. This includes understanding the risks associated with faulty treehouses and ensuring that your structure is safe and secure. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Safety First: The main users of treehouses are kids, so safety should be your top priority. Ensure that your treehouse is well-built and secure to avoid any accidents.

2. Tree Selection: Choose trees that are sturdy and healthy. The tree should be able to support the weight of the treehouse without causing damage to itself or the surrounding area.

3. Design Considerations: Consider the design of your treehouse. It should be detailed enough to guide you through the building process but flexible enough to accommodate any changes you might need.

4. Materials and Tools: Gather all the necessary materials and tools before starting the project. This includes power tools, lumber, nails, screws, and any other hardware required for the project.

Easy (Basic) Treehouse Ideas

If you're new to treehouse building or want a simpler project, here are some basic ideas:

1. General Treehouse Instructions And Tips

This article should be your first stop when building a treehouse. It lays out the basic principles of treehouse building in an easy-to-understand way, making it a good starter before looking for a design.

2. Redwood Stump Tree Deck

A tree deck or platform is simpler than a treehouse since it has no roof or walls. This design features spider web-shaped support, assessed by an expert to be able to support a two-story house. The end result includes wonderful details like a captain’s wheel in the middle of the platform and matching sailboat-like roping instead of ladders.

3. Semi-Open Treehouse

This open treehouse design falls between a treehouse and a platform. It can be set up a bit higher than more elaborate designs and is perfect for summer use. The dominant material is new, pressure-treated wood, with the addition of an old fence recycled for the sides.

4. Complete Treehouse

The project by Bloomie972 on Instructables is a complete little house with fewer windows. This has its advantages and disadvantages; it's cozier and presumably warmer but has less light inside. The tutorial is not very long but is filled with meaningful advice, making it well worth reading even if you opt for another plan.

Detailed Treehouse Building Ideas

If you're looking for more elaborate designs, here are some detailed treehouse building ideas:

1. Elaborate Tree House with Slide

This beautiful, elaborate treehouse started with two simple wooden crates that needed repurposing. The designer turned the pile of wood destined for landfills into an amazing playhouse. The slide, which is upcycled from an abandoned old slide, adds a fun way to get down from the treehouse.

2. Treehouse on Two Trees

This treehouse features detailed plans, drawings, and photos. It has 22 steps, making it the most detailed tutorial on our list. The end result is a proper, incredibly cute treehouse. However, the last several steps are still missing, so you might need to look for solutions within other projects.

Step-by-Step Guide to Building a Treehouse

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you build your dream treehouse:

1. Check Local Building Codes

Before starting your project, check local building codes to ensure that your treehouse complies with all regulations. This includes obtaining any necessary permits and following safety guidelines.

2. Pick the Right Tree or Trees

Choose trees that are sturdy and healthy enough to support the weight of your treehouse. Consider factors like the size of the tree, its location, and whether it will grow in a way that could affect your structure.

3. Create or Buy a Blueprint or Building Plan

Create or buy a detailed blueprint or building plan that suits your needs. This should include measurements, materials required, and step-by-step instructions.

4. Gather Materials and Tools

Gather all necessary materials and tools before starting the project. This includes power tools like saws and drills, lumber for framing and decking, nails or screws for assembly, and any other hardware required.

5. Build the Treehouse Platform

Start by building the treehouse platform using sturdy beams and supports. Ensure that it is level and secure to provide a solid base for your structure.

6. Add Posts or Braces as Needed

Add posts or braces as needed to support the platform and ensure stability. These can be lag screws or specialized hardware designed for treehouses.

7. Put Down Your Treehouse Floor

Install the floor of your treehouse using decking boards or plywood. Ensure that it is securely attached to the platform using screws or nails.

8. Add Walls, Entrances, Railings, and Windows

Add walls to your treehouse using framing techniques and materials like plywood or oriented strand board (OSB). Install entrances, railings, and windows according to your design plan.

9. Raise a Roof

Raise a roof for your treehouse using roofing materials like shingles or corrugated metal. Ensure that it is securely attached to the walls using rafters and roofing nails.

10. Build Your Ladder

Build a ladder that safely connects the ground to your treehouse platform. This can be a simple or elaborate design depending on your needs.

11. Apply Any Finishing Touches

Apply any finishing touches like painting or staining your treehouse. Add decorative elements like railings, benches, or even a slide to make it more enjoyable.

Tips for Building a Modern Treehouse

If you're looking to build a modern treehouse, here are some tips:

1. Use Modern Materials: Use modern materials like cedar siding, metal roofs, and pressure-treated wood to give your treehouse a sleek look.

2. Incorporate Recycled Materials: Incorporate recycled materials like upcycled wood or old furniture to make your treehouse more eco-friendly.

3. Add Functional Elements: Add functional elements like a telescope or hammock chair to make your treehouse more enjoyable.

4. Consider Lighting: Consider adding lighting to your treehouse for both safety and ambiance.

5. Make It Accessible: Make sure that your treehouse is accessible for all users by installing a sturdy ladder or ramp.

Examples of Modern Treehouses

Here are some examples of modern treehouses:

1. The Eucalyptus Chop Top: This treehouse model features a modern design with a flat roof and large windows. It is built on-site for $135,000.

2. The Monkey Playground: This treehouse model is designed for kids and features a playful design with a slide and rope ladder. It is built on-site for $37,500.

3. The Serendipi-TREE: This treehouse model features a unique design with a curved roof and large windows. It is built on-site for $85,000.

4. The Human Nests: This treehouse model features a cozy design with a sloping roof and small windows. It is built on-site for $45,000.

5. The Kids TREE-Rific w/natural playground: This treehouse model features an elaborate design with a natural playground area. It is built on-site for $57,000 with an additional platform costing $6,500.

6. The Welcome to the Jungle treehouse: This treehouse model features a jungle-themed design with large windows and a flat roof. It is built on-site for $85,000.

7. The Little Mack Shack: This treehouse model features a small playhouse design with a sloping roof and small windows. It is built on-site for $12,500.

Conclusion

Building a backyard treehouse for kids (or adults!) can be a fun and rewarding DIY project. By following these steps and tips, you can create a safe and enjoyable space that brings your family closer together. Whether you're looking for a simple platform or an elaborate two-story building, there's a treehouse design out there for everyone. So why wait? Start planning your dream treehouse today!

References

1. Trees.com – "13 Simple Treehouse Ideas You Can Build For Your Kids This Weekend (Easy to Expert Levels)"
2. YouTube – "How to Build a Treehouse | This Old House"
3. YouTube – "Build a Modern Kids Treehouse #anawhite"
4. Backyard Treehouse Builders – "Tree house models and ideas for adults & kids"
5. LawnStarter – "How to Build a Treehouse (in 11 Steps)"