How to make a tree house. How to build a treehouse for kids. Why you should order a children's treehouse from us
In summer it is pleasant and useful to spend time outdoors, especially in a secluded, beautiful and quiet place. To organize a corner for relaxation and favorite outdoor activities, you can build a real tree house with your own hands. But such an unusual dwelling must be stable and durable, so you need to find out the stages and important nuances of construction.
mirror facade of a treehouse in Sweden
Building a tree house is not an easy task. The building must be reliable, stable and safe, because children will surely spend time in it. Start by choosing the right location. Once you've identified it, develop a plan so you don't miss anything important. Choose suitable materials that are durable and can withstand the negative effects of environmental factors. Only then can you begin the phased construction of the house. All steps are detailed below. 
Choose a place
First you need to choose a suitable place, which will become a kind of foundation,. The tree must be mature, have a thick trunk. Strong branches will serve as supports for the construction: three or four, directed in different directions. But the support elements can be included in the design, so the presence of branches is optional, but desirable. The optimal height of the house is 1.5-2 meters, but the building intended for small children should be lower so that the kids can easily climb inside. 
original UFO shaped treehouse
Not all trees are suitable for. If the root system is weak and poorly developed, the plant will not withstand the load and will fall along with the building. An important requirement is strong dense wood. Choose from oak, fir, ash or maple. Trees with unreliable roots will not work: willow, poplar, chestnut, linden. In addition, these plants bloom profusely, which can cause discomfort to people inside the building. 
Search in areas with dense loamy or clayey soils. Sandy loose soil is an unreliable support: a heavy building will increase the load on the ground, as a result, even a large plant can fall. After selecting the appropriate option, conduct an inspection. The trunk and branches must be strong and healthy. Traces of the presence of pests and decay (damaged bark, spots, falling leaves) should alert. 
Thinking over a plan
A well thought out plan is half the key to success. When developing a project, you can view photos of finished houses to find among them the one you like and suitable, placed on a tree, which is similar in structure and shape to the one you found. Evaluate the structure of the plant to determine the best structure for the building, taking into account the location of the branches and trunk. You can take a picture of a natural object from all sides: this will help you understand where and how best to position the house. Measure the plant to determine the optimal dimensions of the future building. 
The development of the project includes several important points:
- Location height. Most of the buildings of such a plan are located 1.5-2 meters above ground level. But if the house is intended for children, you can place it lower.
- Selection of suitable supports. Without them, the structure will not be stable and will collapse at the first strong gust of wind. The role of supporting elements can be played by branches if they are thick, directed in different directions and are present in an amount of at least three. If there are no branches on the tree, spacers can be provided that go from the trunk to the bottom of the building. A reliable option is piles fixed in the ground at a sufficient depth.
- Lifting method. You need to climb into a tall house, and for this purpose a full-fledged ladder, steps built into the trunk or a rope ladder can be used.
- The layout of the house: the shape, the presence of partitions, a veranda, window openings. A simple option is a single space and one or two windows.
Advice! If you do not have building skills, do not develop a complex project. A simple plan is clearer and easier to implement.
Choosing a material
Materials can be purchased at a hardware store: the range is wide and includes high-quality and inexpensive options. But you can use what is left after the construction of a residential building or other capital construction. 
It is better to build from wood, and it can be old, but strong, not dried out and not rotten boards of sufficient thickness. Make walls from chipboard boards with sufficient strength and resistance to external negative influences. Thin partitions and other elements can be made from plywood sheets. For interior decoration, MDF panels, lining are suitable. Outside, the building can be decorated with siding, which is relevant in 2017-2018. 
Construction will require a lot of tools and accessories: a hammer, a drill, a hacksaw or an electric jigsaw, a solid ladder, a planer, a level, an adjustable wrench, a miter saw (or milling cutter), a tape measure, a grinder or sandpaper, as well as fasteners and fittings ( screws, dowels, nails, screws, corners, hinges). 
Construction stages
The house is being built in several stages:
- Tree preparation. All thin, dry, old and interfering branches must be cut down without hitting healthy and used as supports.
- Creation of supports. If you chose the pile method, then you will need two fairly large logs with a cross section of at least 10x10 centimeters. Measure on both sides of the trunk about a third of the length of the future building. Dig holes at least 0.5 m deep, place wooden piles in them and concrete them to increase reliability. After the cement has hardened, start building. To arrange the spacers, set the boards at an angle of 45 degrees with respect to the platform and fix them to the trunk with fasteners.
- Assemble the platform, fix it on piles or props. The fastening must be as reliable as possible, otherwise the design will not turn out to be stable. Check all joints.
- Lay pre-cut and processed boards for arranging the log on the platform with an edge. Fix them.
- Lay the selected floor covering on the logs: thin wide boards, chipboard or plywood sheets.
- Build walls on the base, which may consist of chipboard. Attach the pieces to the platform.
- Build a roof, fixing it on the walls of the structure.
- Equip the lifting mechanism: steps, frame or rope ladder.
- Seal the gaps with a sealant with the addition of resin to prevent blowing through the house and ingress of water during rain.
- Move on to the interior. Walls can be decorated with clapboard, panels. But choose a finishing material that can withstand temperature extremes and high humidity, because the building is located on the street. In the same way, you can finish the ceiling. The floor may be wooden.
- Complete the construction with exterior design using siding or other materials.
- The house is ready, you can try it. But adults are the first to go inside to assess the reliability and stability of the structure.
1. Installation of base beams
2. Platform assembly
3. We collect the flooring
4. Assembling the frame of sandwich wall panels made of timber, mineral wool and OSB
5. Installation of walls
6. We fix the roof rafters
7. We cover the roof with OSB sheets, and lay soft tiles on top
The tree house is an unusual and functional thing that will appeal to both children of all ages and adults. Such a structure will look very unusual, decorate any suburban area. Inside the miniature house you can play, relax, spend time with guests, gather with the whole family. Making it with your own hands is not as difficult as it might seem initially, although it is important to evaluate your strengths objectively. Usually they use ready-made drawings or make them on their own, taking into account their own needs.
Drawings and diagrams
There is no need to develop a sketch for a future structure on your own. The house is built of wood, rarely other materials are used for its construction. The building must be light so that the tree can withstand it.
There are many ready-made drawings for every taste. Initially, it is recommended to determine the size of the house, its internal layout, width and height of the walls. It is also important to think over the purposes for which this structure is intended.
If the children are quite old, then they should be spacious in the room.
It is very important to consider the structure of the tree on which the house is placed. It must be strong, durable, high. Branches should be cut off in advance. If it is crooked, then you will probably have to modify the finished schemes or redo them, since they involve the construction of a building around a straight trunk.
It is important to remember that trees change shape over the years.
If the plans include the development of a more complex building, which will serve not only for children's games, then you will have to think through everything to the smallest detail, drawing up the scheme yourself. It is not recommended to take on difficult projects if there is no self-confidence. A large house will be expensive, and it will take several weeks to build it.
There are also such structures that are placed on several trees at once. It looks very nice and effective.
Necessary tools and materials
Of the tools useful:
- hacksaw;
- plane;
- roulette;
- chisel;
- metal corner;
- building level;
- drill;
- screwdriver or hammer;
- sandpaper (for sanding wood);
- brushes and paint for painting the house or any finishing material such as lining or siding.
You also need to prepare in advance by purchasing the following materials:
- timber for the manufacture of the frame (recommended section 50 x 50);
- lumber for sheathing;
- nails, screws, nuts, bolts;
- plywood (thickness not less than 8 mm);
- roofing material;
- brick;
- paint or varnish for wood coating;
- glass for windows.
Glasses may not be inserted if the house will be used as a summer veranda. But you have to build lattices for security purposes.
Step by step instructions for making
All work on the construction of a house for children is carried out on the ground. But the supports belong to the category of high-altitude work. Initially, you will have to install a solid frame base and after proceeding to the house itself.
If it is not possible to raise the building, then it is advisable to pre-select those schemes in which the structure of the house is placed very low.
The sequence of actions is as follows:
- It is necessary to take measurements, then construct a frame and fix it around the tree trunk. The specific size of the platform depends on the chosen scheme.
- In the future, the house itself is being built. The sequence also depends on the selected drawing. It is a little more difficult to build houses from beams than from lining. In the classic version, the building has walls and a roof, but you can simplify the work and make a triangular gazebo.
- After the ladder is installed - it is advisable to make it wider so that it is also convenient for adults to climb up. Be sure to have a railing that you can take on - this guarantees additional security.
- The last stage is the external and internal decoration of the room. The roof can be covered with tiles - it looks stylish and will protect the building space from precipitation.
Some make small balconies in the houses, others prefer to cut windows. It is advisable to insert glass so that you can be inside the building in the cold season. If this is not possible, then it is recommended to install gratings made of wood or other materials.
Interior Design Ideas
A do-it-yourself tree house will look very cozy and original. It is extremely important to take care of the internal improvement of the building.
In a children's treehouse, you can put furniture - a coffee table, a chest of drawers for toys, a small sofa. Or lay carpets, soft mattresses, pillows. Despite the fact that the wood is processed with sandpaper, there is a high probability of injury, the floor must be covered with something.
It is better to place some pictures, joint photos, scenery on the walls. Be sure to provide at least one light source - a hanging lamp that runs on batteries or with a rechargeable battery is perfect.
Do not forget that the space in the house is small, and it must be used wisely. Old things that take up a lot of space cannot be lifted into the building.
It is also important to provide for the fact that different types of home-made hinged houses have different technical characteristics. The floorboards may not support a lot of weight, this must be taken into account at the planning stage.
In some cases, it is recommended to purchase individual parts ready-made. Light booths are for sale, which are installed on piles around a tree pole. Such a structure, bought in a store, will facilitate the work of the master. If there is any doubt that it will be possible to repeat the results seen in photographs or other people's schemes, then it is better not to risk it. The work must be evaluated objectively: one person cannot build a treehouse, especially if he has no experience in similar activities. Ladders are also sold separately, their choice is huge and diverse.
Earlier, we have already talked about the various elements of the playground, such as a sandbox, swings and ground houses. But this is not all that can ennoble the garden plot and the playground itself. In order to make the playground truly fabulous, build a treehouse with your own hands and then your child will be the happiest in the world.
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Requirements for a tree for a house
Much depends on the tree on which the house will be built, the main thing is the safety of children on the tree, the height of which can bring great harm to health.
In order to avoid unpleasant consequences, you need to consider the following features of installing a treehouse:
- Do not install the house on old or young trees, because. they are less durable and resistant to loads (and the load is large, because the weight of the structure of the house and children is quite large).
- Choose the following types of trees: oak, maple, fir, ash. You should not use trees such as poplar, linden, chestnut, willow to build a house. The reason is the development of the root system, in the latter it is poorly developed.
- It is forbidden to install a tree house if the territory is on sandy soil.
- The diameter of the branches on which the house will be held should be from 20 cm.
- It is forbidden to install a house on rotten branches or in weak places (having cracks, a sharp narrowing of the diameter, etc.)
- It will be good if the tree on which the house is built has a branched trunk with powerful horizontal branches, in which case there will be many points of support.
- If there are weak branches above the planned site for building the house, be sure to cut them down so that they do not damage the structure of the house in the future if they are broken by a gust of wind.
Treehouse building height
Since a tree house is primarily a place of increased danger, and the main reason for this is a rather big height, it is necessary to responsibly approach the correct choice of the height of the house. It is clear that it all depends on how high the ideal location of the house is - horizontal powerful branches, but still it is not recommended to install the house at a high altitude, because. the higher the building is from the ground, the more it is exposed to gusts of wind (and the construction of the house is not so strong).
The optimal height of a treehouse is 1.5 -2 meters, so try to stick to these limits.
DIY material and tools for building a treehouse
The tools that we will need to build a treehouse are as follows:
- Hammer
- Roulette
- Hacksaw
- adjustable wrench
- Building level
- Sandpaper
- square
- Plane
- Drill
For the construction of the frame, we will need to choose materials of as little weight as possible in order to somehow ease the load on the tree. It is recommended to use plastic and wooden elements, as well as siding, which has been gaining popularity in recent years. If you still decide to choose wood, you must use dried boards, which should first be treated with an antiseptic that will protect the material from the harm of insects and decay.
How to plan a treehouse the right way
Planning a house is as serious an action as building it. In order to properly design a house, the following tips should be followed:
1. Before you draw a house project, take a picture of the tree from all possible angles in order to sketch the house exactly in the photo.
2. Conditionally count the number of children who will be in the house at the same time
3. Consider how many windows will be in the building and whether they are needed at all, perhaps an inlet will be enough
4. Decide on the installation option for the house: using spacers, on branches, fastening to a pole or on supports dug into the ground
5. Decide on the furniture for the house, because. its weight must also be taken into account
6. In no case do not build a big house on a small tree, I think this situation does not need to be explained
7. Choose the safest system for lifting / lowering children, considering the fact that it would not harm the life of the tree. For example, when choosing between a hanging rope and boards nailed to a tree, it is recommended to choose the first.
How to saddle a treehouse with your own hands: instructions with tips
In order to make a tree house with your own hands, you must first of all choose the method of installing the house: on piles or mounting exclusively on a tree.
In order to install a house on piles (easier to say on artificial supports), it is necessary to concrete the support posts under the tree, they will serve as wooden bars with a section of 100 * 100mm, when the mortar hardens, we proceed to the next step.
The supports are fastened together (tied) with wooden frames and logs, after which the floor is laid (for this, plywood sheets are used, 2 cm thick). Between the trunk and the structure of the house, you need to leave a little space for the unhindered growth of the tree.
Be very careful with the tree when installing the house, if you peel off the bark of the tree, it will die over time, and with it the created house.
If you still decide to mount the house on the tree itself, it is recommended to assemble the main part of the platform on the ground, because. on a tree, this will be problematic to do. To make the house more beautiful and functional, you can use the construction of balconies and verandas.
As soon as the structure of the house is built, it is necessary to seal the joints and gaps so that rainwater does not get inside, it is effective to use a resin-based sealant.
That's all I wanted to tell you about building a tree house with your own hands. We advise you to carry out the entire construction process in the company of a child, so that he would explain his desires and from an early age strive for the role of an economic guy :)
Photo ideas of tree houses
Warm days make us spend our leisure time outdoors. It is worth taking care of the children and arranging a great play space in the garden. A treehouse is a great way to make outdoor games attractive. The construction of a children's hut is not very difficult and will bring a lot of pleasure to the builder himself. Benefits are guaranteed provided that the building is safe, reliable. How to build a house for children on a tree with your own hands, we will describe in detail below.
What will be needed?
It is important to know how to make a children's house so that the design guarantees safe children's play. It is necessary to prepare drawings, house design in advance, prepare the necessary materials. Those who like to craft with their own hands will cope with the task, enjoying the work.
You can significantly reduce the cost of purchasing the necessary building elements of the structure, using pallets, improvised materials left over from the construction and repair of the dacha.
You will need:
- drill,
- jigsaw,
- saw,
- accessories - screws, hammer, scoop, ladder, goggles;
- wooden beams, beams, boards, corrugated board, OSB boards.
Boards are chosen durable, impregnated - they will last for several years. The use of natural building material will ensure safety, durability, the design will harmoniously fit into the environment.
An interesting option is the construction of a house from pallets. Pallets are cheap, they are sold in large stores, in warehouses. Used pallets require thorough cleaning, grinding, impregnation.
Choosing the right tree
It is extremely important to make the right choice of wood for the base of the house on which the structure is built. If the tree is large, sprawling, you can place the structure between the branches at any height.
What tree is suitable?
The tree must meet the following requirements:
The most suitable trees for the foundation of houses are as follows:
- oak - durable wood, famous for spreading horizontal branches;
- beech - strong, strong;
- walnut - the owner of durable wood;
- Apple tree;
- poplar with branching branches;
- Linden;
- maple.
You can not choose flexible trees, such as willow.
Choosing the right type of tree is not enough - to build a house of 9 m² (3 × 3 m), a trunk diameter of at least 30 centimeters is required.
Calculation example. To mount a house with an area of 9 sq.m, you will need a tree with a trunk circumference of at least 95 cm:
90/3.14=30 centimeters
If the main branches of the tree are arranged in the shape of the letter "V" - the floor should be placed just above the junction of the main branches of the crown.
The house must have a strong enough base to make the game completely safe. During the construction process, it is important not to damage the tree, although sometimes the construction requires cutting some branches. Professional pruning will not damage the tree, will not stop further development. It is not recommended to place the house too high. It is necessary to ensure free ascent and descent without the risk of falling.
If there is no suitable tree
If the children ask to build a house, and there is no suitable tree in the garden with the proper shape, load capacity, you can build a house on a stump, a log. The structure after construction will take the form of Baba Yaga's hut, which will certainly attract demanding kids.
You need to purchase a solid wooden beam, a healthy tree stump, which is buried in the ground to a depth sufficient for stability. A concrete mixture should be poured into the ground, ensuring the complete safety of the structure.
What to build a house from?
Before starting work, it is necessary to prepare the necessary materials:
- thick boards, possibly pallets;
- wooden supports to support the house, fastening to the ground;
- supports need to be concreted in the ground - you will need cement, sand;
- regardless of whether the house is located completely on a tree trunk or, partially leaning on a trunk, additional brackets will be needed;
- fasteners: screws, bolts, pegs;
- you may need ropes in the construction of stairs, railings;
- the frame is made from any tree, usually pine boards (the cheapest), beech, oak are used;
- impregnation will help make the wood resistant to moisture, frost.
Building a house
Drawing up a plan, scheme
The assembly of the structure requires precision, strength calculations. You should not place the house high, a strong wind will become a serious hindrance when the branches begin to sway, loosening the structure.
A good plan is the key to success. First you need to make a drawing of the house, taking into account the space for a growing tree, the location of the branches. This implies the need to leave free space in some places so that the constructed object does not collapse under the pressure of a growing plant. It is important to familiarize yourself with the characteristics of the wood species. It is necessary to leave holes wider by 5-8 cm for further growth of the tree trunk.
Carrying out the design of the children's house plan its size. It is convenient if the floor has a size of at least 2.5 × 2.5 meters. Such proportions guarantee fun, placement of some furniture, toys, leaving space for children, without burdening the tree too much. At the design stage, the location of the door is chosen, where the branches limiting the entrance do not grow. It is necessary to position the windows on the sunny side, providing natural light to the interior of the house.
Floor designation, choice of installation method
First you need to put the supports, build the floor platform of the house.
There are 3 ways to mount the floor platform:
- The first way is to mount support beams on a tree trunk. The method is often used, although it causes damage to the tree.
- The second way is a floating suspended platform. The house is mounted suspended on chains, ropes, suspended on high, strong branches. Installation of a suspended platform can be done on a tall tree with strong branches, the house should be light.
- The third way - the most environmentally friendly - the supports are buried, concreted into the ground, not attached to the tree trunk. For support, a wooden beam with a cross-sectional size of more than 10 centimeters is used. It is necessary to choose reliable brackets. The beam is buried to a depth of 8-10 centimeters, covered with gravel, the beams are concreted in the ground, strengthening the structure. Usually 4 supports are used, in the case of a large house, 5-6 bars will be required.
Home construction
For the construction of the floor platform, thick boards are used, for the walls - thin boards, OSB boards.
Floor installation
The floor platform must be further reinforced with beams fixed to the side. The number of beams and the distance are adapted to the size of the house, the expected loads. To make the top layer of the floor you can use:
- traditional wooden boards;
- OSB board.
OSB board is more durable, resistant to adverse weather conditions.
We proceed to install two very strong beams supporting the structure between the branches. The floor is mounted on their basis.
We complete the structural frame of the house by attaching the elements with screws or using ready-made metal connectors to fasten the structural elements.
Reinforce the structure with two supports on each side, ensuring safety.
Boards of the future floor are laid out in 2 ways:
- parallel between branches - the tree is severely injured by screwed screws;
- on a wooden frame to which the boards are attached - the branches are almost not injured, they will not dry out.
Boards cannot be laid without support with spans of more than 1.5 meters. For strength from below, you need to put the beams in a perpendicular direction.
When the frame and brackets are fully assembled, it is worth cutting off the ends of the posts protruding above the floor level so that they do not interfere.
Schematic of the house support.
Wall installation
When the floor of the house is ready, they begin to create side structures. For the construction of the side walls of the house, it is better to use wooden beams along the edges, the middle can be filled with any material, often used:
- OSB boards, characterized by exceptional strength, resistance to adverse weather conditions;
- wooden boards;
- plywood boards;
- siding;
- in a light summer version, the walls are made of canvas, camouflage mesh.
When building the side walls of the house, you need to leave openings for windows and doors. The height of the house should correspond to the height of the child plus 20-30 centimeters, because children grow quickly. The children's house should guarantee safety, comfort.
Separate elements are connected with self-tapping screws, experts especially recommend CSA screws, CNA ruff nails. You can not save on fasteners, you need to ensure maximum strength, reliability, stability of the structure.
Roof
The roof structure is attached directly to the side walls. Roofs are made flat and gable. Gables are better suited for winter conditions when it snows. A thick layer of snow can overload the structure.
As a roof use:
- boards,
- corrugated board,
- bituminous slabs.
The roof can be made from sheet metal, boards and covered with resin paper. Interesting accents - thatched roof, wooden chipboard roofing. The creation of such a roof requires professional skill, significantly increases the cost of building a house.
To ensure 100% water tightness, a thick polyethylene waterproof film attached to the frame, to which the roof boards are attached, will help. You can treat the roof boards with resin, protecting them from moisture and destruction.
Entrance, stairs
Since the structure is located at a certain height above the ground, it is necessary to ensure safety, comfort during ascent and descent.
- Ladder. In the simplest version, a simple ladder is used, the solution poses a risk of falling, especially for young children. A moment of inattention and the ladder can tilt, stagger. It is advisable to attach the ladder to a tree.
- Wooden staircase to the house, made by hand. Some people build their own stairs from cross-beams and two identical boards with cross-sectional dimensions of 5 × 10 centimeters. Planks are attached to wooden pegs, additionally fixed with nails. It is important to adapt the load capacity of the ladder to the weight of the people.
- A rope ladder is an interesting solution for older children, it will help the child develop climbing skills. When building a rope ladder, it is worth using special strong ropes designed for mountaineering.
- The construction of a solid self-supporting wooden staircase on the side of the platform is quite a challenge. When choosing this option, you need to remember about the safe angle of inclination of the stairs, too steep stairs are dangerous. Stairs are built from boards 50 × 10 mm and steps 50 × 12 mm. The size of the stairs is selected for specific conditions. Properly cut steps should be attached to the boards with screws and glue at regular intervals. A balustrade or railing is required to increase safety.
A stable ladder with a safety railing is the best solution for the youngest children who have problems with coordination.
Impregnation and painting of wood
A children's house in the country is an investment for many years, so you should think about the proper impregnation of wood. Before treating the boards with a suitable preparation, the surface should be treated with sandpaper, knots and pile removed. Some fragments require light sanding, thorough cleaning from dirt and dust. Before impregnation, the surface must be thoroughly cleaned.
It is necessary to use a special impregnating agent that protects the wood from adverse weather conditions. It is important to apply impregnating bases in accordance with the grain direction of the wood. It is recommended to apply at least 2 coats of impregnation. Impregnation plays an important role:
- protects wood from excessive absorption of moisture;
- prevent mold growth;
- prevents the growth of fungi.
Some impregnations contain dyes that allow you to paint the wood in a selected color, similar to a certain type of wood. The texture pattern will remain visible. If the impregnation does not contain dyes, it is necessary to apply varnish or paint.
Design safety
The greatest risks are associated with the possibility of falling, they should be minimized:
- The house is set low. A height of 1.5-2 meters above the ground is the most suitable. Although falling from such a height is traumatic.
- Install a security fence or railing around the platform. Ideally, the height of the railing is 70-90 cm, the distance between the vertical balusters is 10-15 cm.
- Under the house you should not have a concrete platform, paving stones. It is not bad to pour soft material (sand, sawdust) or make a green lawn. When falling, the child will land on fairly soft ground.
Interior design and play space
The design of the house inside is selected to the interests of children. You can include the following items:
- boys and girls like to play board games;
- good ideas - put a mini table football, dollhouse;
- a basketball hoop should be placed on a tree;
- in the house, under the platform, a table with pencils and paints will come in handy;
- small bench with soft cushions;
- inflatable chair;
- a bed with an easy-to-clean air mattress;
- if the child is small - under the house, you can install a sandbox, a slide, a small swing;
- wooden box for toys;
- paintings on the walls.
Pallet house idea
The process of building a house from pallets is not much different from the one presented above. For the construction of a "building" of standard sizes, an area of 2 sq. meters will require 10-12 pallets. Half of the pallets are fully used, from the rest we take only the top layer.
Hut for adults
A cozy tree house is the dream of many adults. Building a treehouse for children and adults is a more difficult task. In such a situation, it is worth taking the help of professionals who guarantee a durable, stable, most optimal solution.
In our country, tree houses for adults are not common. In the US, Germany, Austria, full-equipment treehouses are becoming popular.
Below are the original huts in different parts of the world.
Scotland
USA, Dakota
Bratislava hotel
Photo gallery of interesting ideas
Conclusion
Everyone in childhood dreamed of a cozy, quiet house on a tall tree. The hut can be hung from a tree, but it is much more reliable to build a house under a tree, mounted on beams fixed in the ground. Then you can easily arrange a small playground under the house, attach a swing, slide, hang a hammock under the platform. It is quite difficult to make a structure with your own hands - you need to properly fix the base, provide supports, build walls, a roof, a staircase. Creating a wooden house for children requires a lot of work, time and effort, the joy on the faces of loved ones will surely reward the inconvenience of design and construction.
By building a tree house in the garden, you will simultaneously instill in your children a love of nature. Of course, the treehouse must have a floor that will serve as a support frame. The treehouse has an open platform that can be reached by a fixed ladder or a rope ladder.
Safety
Ensure the solid construction of your treehouse.
Give it enough time.
The exact construction method depends on your garden environment, but these step-by-step instructions can be used as a guide.
You can choose materials from various types of wood.
Necessary materials
Boards, wooden beams, roof tiles or corrugated sheet.
Tree selection
Check if you need permission
Before you begin, check to see if you need a special permit to build a treehouse. If necessary, check with your city council and check if there are any local directives, laws or other regulations that may affect treehouse construction (eg height restrictions). In some cases, it is necessary to apply for a permit before building a lodge. In addition, there may be restrictions if you have legally protected trees in your garden.
It is also recommended to talk to your neighbors; this will help prevent their complaints and maintain friendly relations. A treehouse can reduce the view from their windows, or it can be used to look into their rooms and break their privacy. You should also contact your insurance company to make sure the treehouse is covered by your property warranty. If this is not the case, then any type of loss or damage caused by the treehouse will not be covered by the insurance.
Choosing the right place
After choosing the most suitable tree, you can decide what type of house you want to build. To build a standard 3 x 3 meter treehouse, choose a trunk with a diameter of at least 30cm. The diameter can be calculated by measuring the circumference of the trunk with a tape measure at the location where you decide to build the treehouse. Then divide the measurement by pi (3.14) to get the diameter. It is also important to first check how the base of the house will be located on the tree. Carefully mark the places where you will need to make cuts in the trunk and branches. Leave enough free space around the tree trunk. The thickness of the support beams depends on the specific situation and platform size.
Treehouse supports
There are several ways in which you can secure a treehouse with supports. Regardless of which method you choose, remember that the tree will sway in the wind. Therefore, make sure that the house will not be damaged as a result of this movement.
You can choose different ways of fixing the house:1) Fastening with screws to a tree
This means that the platform support beams are screwed in place directly to the tree trunk. This is the most common way to secure platform legs. But this method is most likely to damage the tree, although this danger can be minimized if the right materials are used.2) "Floating" way
In this version, the treehouse is suspended from strong high branches using ropes, cables or chains. However, this method is not suitable for all types of trees that you can choose to install a heavy house. For example, it is ideal for just attaching a platform, but without a heavy guardrail.3) Use of support pillars
Support poles are dug into the ground next to the tree and are not attached directly to the tree itself. Leave enough space around the platform for the tree to swing freely in the wind. When using this method, the likelihood of damage to the tree is minimal.Access to the treehouse
Before you start building a treehouse, you need to decide how you will climb into it. Above all, remember the safety of children! The means of access to the treehouse must be strong and secure.
There are several different designs:1) Rope ladder
You can make such a ladder out of rope and a few short rungs attached to the rope one below the other and descending straight down to the ground. It takes some getting used to using a rope ladder, and you may feel unsteady and wobbly when climbing it.2) Fixed ladder
This is a standard ladder that you can buy in different shops. It provides a quick and easy way to get up to the treehouse.3) Fixed flight of stairs
A fixed flight of stairs is the safest way to climb into the house. If you choose to use a fixed flight of stairs, it is a good idea to add railings or handrails to the side of the stairs for added security.Obstacles
Is it necessary to build a house so that the branches pass through it, or is it better to cut them down? Obstacles can affect the design of your treehouse. Often there are difficulties in changing the design, given the asymmetrical shape of the tree. But after completion, you will look at your design with great satisfaction!
Safety first
Before you start building your treehouse, remember that falling is the biggest hazard. You can take the following steps to reduce this risk:
1) Do not install the house too high
Too high location of the house is dangerous for children who will use it. Therefore, do not install the platform higher than 1.5-2.5 meters.2) Install a safety fence or railing around the perimeter of the platform
A protective fence or railing around the perimeter of the platform will prevent children from falling. The protective fence or railing around the perimeter of the platform should be 70 to 90 cm high, the distance between the vertical posts should be 10 to 15 cm.3) Create a soft surface on the ground under the house
You can lay soft natural materials, such as shavings, on the surface of the ground under the house. By itself, this will not prevent a fall, but it will ensure a soft landing!Attachment points
A tree with V-shaped branches gives additional strong support for the house, as this results in four attachment points instead of two. Drill holes at four attachment points on opposite branches. Use a 10 mm drill and make sure the holes are horizontal and at the same height (A). If the mounting holes are not aligned, the platform will not be level.
support beams
Measure the distance between the mounting holes on both sides of the tree branches and mark this distance (A) on the two support beams. Make sure this distance is the same on the left and right sides of the support beams. Starting from this anchor point, draw a line 5 cm long on the left and right (total length 10 cm) and mark the ends of this line. Do the same for the other end of the beam. Drill two holes with a diameter of 12 mm on both sides of the marked ends of the drawn line. After that, use a jigsaw to cut a groove 12 mm wide between the two drilled holes.
This groove is necessary so that the tree can swing freely in the wind without splitting the tree trunk and damaging the platform.
Support beams (continued)
Attach the two support beams to the tree at the marked height using 4 spanner screws (hex head wood screws) 12 mm in diameter and 200 mm long. Install washers between screws and support beams. Repeat these steps on the other support beam on the opposite side of the tree trunk. Make sure the support beams are at the same height and parallel to each other. By pre-drilling the mounting holes, you will prevent splitting of the tree trunk and branches, as well as the support beams. If your house has a relatively large overall mass, thicker and stronger support beams should be used.
Cross beams
Install 4 cross beams measuring 50 x 150 mm, spaced at equal distances and parallel to each other. Attach these crossbeams with 80 mm long screws designed for wood-based panels. Then attach two 50 x 150mm beams to the ends of the four cross beams using 80mm wood board screws.
Note:
The platform must be at right angles to the two support beams, otherwise the floor boards will not be straight when you install them later.Beam support brackets
Attach the platform to the cross beams with 8 beam support brackets. Make sure that the entire structure is perfectly horizontal and that all beams are installed at right angles to each other. Attach 4 beam support brackets to both sides of the platform.
Support beams under the platform
The platform is still a bit unstable, but we will secure it with two 30 x 100mm support beams. These beams are fixed with two brackets attached to the top side of the platform. Attach the undersides of the support beams to the branches of the tree.
Saw the tops of the support beams to size at an angle of approximately 45° depending on the specific configuration. Attach the support beams to the inside of the platform, again using the two beam support brackets. Fasten the two overlapping support beams together at the bottom with a 100mm M8 bolt or threaded rod. Install washers between support beams and bolts.
Fixing the floor boards of the house
Check to see if you need to make cuts in the floor boards so that they neatly follow the outline of the trunk and branches of the tree. Leave a distance of 10 mm between the boards. If necessary, use a jigsaw to cut out round holes where the trunk and branches should pass through the floor. Fasten the ends of the floor boards with at least two screws. Use a stepladder or ladder for this job and finish the floor to be free of burrs.
Perimeter fencing
Place 80cm vertical braces at each corner of the platform to create a perimeter fence. Make the corners of the fence using two pieces of wood 60 x 10 mm. Thicker wood can be used if desired, but remember that overall weight has a big effect on stability. Install these wooden blocks in place with the screws screwed in from the sides. Attach handrails made from 60 x 10mm wood blocks to the top of these uprights. Cut the handrail exactly to size and at a 45° angle (see the circled insert in the figure showing the detailed connection diagram). After that, put the railing in place over the vertical supports, then the vertical posts with an interval of approximately 10 cm between them. Mount these racks in place with countersunk wood board screws. Remember that safety is paramount, especially when there are (small) children!
Fixed flight of stairs
A sturdy fixed flight of stairs is attached to the side of the platform. A safe angle of installation of the stairs for a platform at a height of 2.5 meters will be provided if the bottom of the stairs is located at a distance of 1.35 to 1.80 meters from its top. Make a ladder with 50 x 10 mm vertical supports and 50 x 12 mm rungs. You need to choose the width and length of the stairs depending on the specific configuration. Place the steps on vertical supports at regular intervals and mark where each step needs to be secured. You can screw the bars with screws to the vertical supports, so that you can then screw the steps to them with screws. Or you can make grooves in the vertical supports with a depth of 25 or 30 mm and then force the steps into these grooves. Saw off the vertical supports and steps to the required length and install them in place with glue and screws.
house with three walls
Treehouses come in a variety of designs, such as three walls and a corrugated sheet roof. But it is also possible to make a roof simply from a strong plastic sheet supported by wooden beams, or to set up a small tent on a platform.
A-frame
We will be making a house based on an A-frame with a 60° slope.
You can make this house with the props we used before.
You must select the height and width to match your specific configuration. If one of the branches has to go through the roof, an additional beam with a cross beam must be installed.waterproof roof
To make your treehouse roof completely waterproof, staple the thick plastic sheeting to the A-frame before attaching the shingles or battens to the roof.
Completion of the treehouse
Screw the first roof planks into place on top of the A-frame and then force the other planks under them. Screw the roof planks into place with screws so that they overlap. Cut the front and back walls to size, with windows if needed, and screw them into place on the A-frame. Pre-drill the screw holes and use countersunk screws for a smooth appearance.
CLUE!
If you want a treehouse that can withstand adverse weather conditions, or just want to make it more attractive, you can use not only a simple varnish, but also cover it with a layer of tung oil (Chinese wood oil). It is non-toxic and will protect the wood. This oil is used by professionals and is one of the best natural finishes on the market. Alternatively, consider painting the house the same color as your house!
