Step 1: Choose your tree carefully. Make sure it’s strong enough to support the weight of your treehouse and everyone who will be using it, and it must have healthy, low-hanging branches so you can build off of them (this means looking for trees that aren’t dying or diseased). Once you’ve found the perfect tree, make sure that it’s on your property (unless you have permission from the property owner) and preferably in the backyard so that it doesn’t ruin your view but still remains convenient.
1) Check if there’s an existing Treehouse
If you are lucky enough to have a house with big trees in your backyard, chances are your cute children have requested for one. Rather than telling them no every time they ask about it, make it happen for them by providing them with what they asked for – build that treehouse! And we are not just talking about any ordinary treehouses; we mean large and modern ones that can even be big enough for adults!
2) Don’t forget to ask permission
If you don’t have kids, or your kids aren’t into treehouses yet, or you don’t have any trees in your backyard—well, these 8 steps will still apply. But do yourself and your neighbors a favor and double-check that it is ok to build a treehouse before doing so.
3) Define your budget and do cost comparisons
As with any home project, you’ll want to do some preliminary research and planning to figure out what treehouses cost, how much they’ll take up in your yard, and if you can even afford one. If it turns out you have enough space and money, it’s time to start thinking about design.
4) Design and plan together
Of course, not all treehouses are created equal—if you’re looking for a simple platform high off of the ground, you don’t need as much planning. But if you want something more like an elaborate clubhouse that your kids can play in for years (and so will their children and grandchildren), then there are some additional design elements that are necessary. For example, depending on how high off of the ground you intend to build your treehouse, it may need extra support beams or cross beams below.
5) Build it yourself
It’s fun and exciting, but creating your own home is no easy task. If you are serious about having one built in your backyard, we highly recommend hiring a professional—this way you’ll be able to enjoy it for years to come. Here are 8 steps to successfully building a treehouse!
6) Choose your materials wisely
If you’re looking for quality, you can’t go wrong with pine. But if you want something sturdier, choose cedar or redwood lumber. Before you start building, take time to survey your yard and make sure there are no hazards lurking in your trees like power lines or squirrels who will attack when they smell food. These critters can lead to delays that put your treehouse dream on hold for longer than you’d like.
7) Use high-quality screws, nails and glue
Don’t try to cut corners here—if you want your treehouse standing for years, you need high-quality, rust-resistant screws and nails. Treehouses are typically built in wooded areas where exposure to moisture and humidity is possible, so don’t skimp on glue or nails. Also make sure that whatever screws you use have an appropriate screw length; two-inch screws are ideal for joining two by fours and pressure treated lumber.
8) Let kids help build it – they love it!
One of my favorite things about treehouses is that they usually get built with love—and lots of it. When I was growing up, my friends and I would spend entire weekends hammering nails, sawing wood, and tying ropes together as we tried to build our own treehouse. It’s a fun project you can do with your children.
