r/treehouse

Anyone can do it! I learned how to operate a circular saw through the first cuts on this - took a little over a month of spending every spare moment I could on the build. Came out pretty nice, and most importantly: the three kids love it.

Started work on this last October with some lumber my father reclaimed from a deck rebuild (he is a contractor). Worked on it bit by bit in my free time and finished the whole thing myself. its since been stress tested by about 30 kids at my sons birthday party.

So I grew up in a place without trees (Orkney), so when I had a kid it was my excuse to finally build the treehouse I had literally dreamed about as a kid.

I build this over 2-years as I was building it with reclaimed/free materials only. I just used the shape of the tree as a guide as I built it. There was no plan, I just figured it out as the build progressed.

Now does anyone have any tips on how to get their kid to actually play in it?

We have this rather sizeable honey locust in our backyard. We really want to build a tree house for our kids. Need help with design ideas.

Hey all I want to build a two story tree house with a platform 8x8’ or 10x10’. I wanted to balloon frame the posts. The tree would simply act as one of the 4 posts. For the first level I was going to notch the posts to place a ledger board in the notch. So for example use a 8x8” or 10x10” post. Notch for a 2x10 (or bigger if needed) ledger for the first level. The second level I would put the ledger directly on the posts. I don’t really know if this is reasonable and what size beams etc. I don’t mind over building. I also didn’t know what I need to help with racking or lateral stability. Attached is a pic of the tree. I live if Denver if that matters. Thanks

Think it’s ready for the hot tub?

Hey y’all, first time building a treehouse. I’m a carpenter by trade but haven’t messed with any trees. I have plenty of wood left over from jobs to start with. I’m thinking of setting 6x6s around the base but am curious as to if I should tie into the tree itself I’ve seen it’s harmful and that it’s a good idea, thanks for any help in advance.

I almost can’t believe it’s taken 11 months to get this far.

I plan to partially enclose this treehouse and am kicking around ideas about how to roof it with a dual trunk.
Do I stick with a traditional octagon roof and frame around the two trucks?

Do two peak roofs?
A single slope roof (might be easiest but have never seen it done)?
I plan on doing a "widows walk" kind of platform a little higher up one of the trunks.

Any suggestions?
Also, I'm in California where weather isnt really a concern of how its done.
Thanks!

My home has a few massive Sycamores, all very healthy and stable. I'd like to build a platform in the one nearest the house and would love feedback from those who have done something similar. I've spent a lot of lazy afternoons sitting under the shade of these trees with my kids and would love for them to experience being up in the branches. I think I'm just a little intimidated by the size and height of the branches/trunks. For reference, this tree has a 17' foot circumference right above the base flare.

The enclosed tree house will be 12x12ft. Then there will be a deck that extends to a near tree. All free standing - no posts. (atleast that I the plan)

(teaching my son how to weld)

I’ve never built a treehouse before. I’ve watched quite a few videos and seen some pictures. I’d really like to build one for my kids.

I’m not super handy but I think with help I could work my way around building one. I really am just deciding on a good starting point.

I don’t think I want to go the kit route with the bolts that hold up the joists. I saw another way to do it with timberlock bolts and some supports that hold up the joists.

If anyone can give me some pointers on a good starting point, I’d greatly appreciate it.

I attached a pic of the trees I’m eyeing up. I don’t know if it’s super noticeable but they’re in a pretty good triangular pattern.

Two maple trees approx 18ft apart. Would you build one large treehouse or build two separate houses and join them by a rope bridge? I am open to all ideas on what would be best