Introduction
Treehouses bring out the child in everyone! For generations, building a treehouse has been a rite of passage for many children. Whether it’s for a special club house, a magical hideaway or just fun to be had, building a treehouse can be a great experience! With some planning and patience, anyone can learn how to build a treehouse.
Find The Perfect Spot
The first step in building a treehouse is to locate the spot on your property where you plan to build. Make sure that the chosen tree is suitable, it should have enough lush branches to support the house and it should be healthy with no signs of rot. It’s best to check with a local arborist to make sure that the tree is up to the task of supporting your dream treehouse. Once you are sure that the tree is suitable, focus on the spot where you want the platform of the house to sit. The height of the platform should be considered before selecting the spot, the treehouse will need to be easily accessible by ladder or stairs, so the ideal spot should be within reach.
Design and Plans
Having settled on a spot, the next step in your build is to create a design and plan. This is an invaluable part of the process, as it allows you to think through the entire build and plan for any kinks in the process. A good plan should take into account any missteps or surprises that could occur, as well as give an idea of what is required in terms of materials and tools. Sketching out a design and a plan is a great way to analyze the process and see what will be needed in terms of time, effort and resources.
Gathering Materials
Having settled on a design and a plan for your treehouse, it’s time to gather all the necessary materials. Essentially, you will need lumber, screws, nails, paint, tarps and tools. Once you have all the required pieces, you should also budget for any additional materials that may be needed in the event of unexpected surprises.
Building the Platform
The platform is the foundation of your treehouse, and it is important to get this part of the build right. Start the construction by placing the frame around the tree and cutting the lumber to the desired shape. You should use treated lumber and strong bracket connections to ensure the stability of the base. Once assembled, think about additional support that may be needed if the treehouse is expected to be used by many people at once. Make sure the platform is wide enough and even to provide a safe and level space.
Enclosing the Treehouse
Once the platform has been built, it’s time to turn your attention to enclosing the treehouse. Depending on your design, you may opt to add walls on all sides or choose to just leave some of the sides open. Building walls will require lumber cut to size and finished with paint or stain, as well as tarps to provide additional protection from the elements. When measuring your walls, make sure to allow for space for windows and enough room for people to move around comfortably.
Adding Finishing Touches
With the walls of your treehouse complete, you can start to add the finishing touches to the interior. This includes adding furniture, toys and decorations. Again, make sure that the furniture and decorations you choose are appropriate for the space and that they are secure. Lastly, you can add lighting and safety features, such as a guard rail around the edge of the platform.
Conclusion
Building a treehouse can be a great opportunity to use your creativity and skills, and have a lot of fun in the process. With some thoughtful planning, the right materials and a strong structure, your treehouse can be a great addition to your backyard. With patience, you will learn how to build a treehouse in no time!