Pirate Hideout Treehouse

by johnkry19

62K65750

Intro: Pirate Hideout Treehouse

This is just a rough overview of the treehouse I built. I did not take pictures of all the small steps I took or all the hardware I used. You can find all that info in any "build a treehouse book".

STEP 1: The First Board

The first board is always the hardest, started with an 8ft 2x6 and a lag.

STEP 2: Support and Floor

I used 2x6 to box in floor and 2 10ft 4x4 posts for additional support. I used decking boards for deck.

STEP 3: Frame

I used 2x4 for frame and windows from Lowes. Picture of my son helping with frame...
The house itself is 8ft by 8ft but left it 2 feet long in from for a porch and ladder.

STEP 4: Walls

For the inside I used plywood and cut around tree limbs. On the outside I used treated wood fencing. My brother and Papa hard at work...

STEP 5: Door and Ladder

I built my own door using deck boards and screwed together using Z pattern. Ladder is made of 2 2x6 and side and 2x4's for steps

STEP 6: Roof

I used 2x6 for support with osb board over top, framed in a sunroof and shingled the rest.

STEP 7: Decor

I bought most of the decor from eBay, ship wheel, lantern, flag and skull and crossbones carpet.

STEP 8: Finish

Turned out to be a nice camping spot for me and my boys, I put an inflatable mattress and computer for movies. Grandfather and grandson enjoying the camp out...

STEP 9: Time and Cost

I took about 100 hours to build with the spare time me and my father had. Total project cost about 1800$. We had a great time building it, and my kids absolutely love having a place of their own.

48 Comments

jbfranks 3 years ago

This is great! If the tree goes through the house part, how do you keep it from from leaking when it rains? How do you seal off the roof where the tree goes through it?

johnkrysiak19 3 years ago

I was never able to figure that part out. If I were to do it again I would not try to seel it and let the water flow down and maybe encase the tree so the rain can flow.

jbfranks 3 years ago

Thanks for your reply. I've always wondered how that would be done. Something to ponder :-)

dncegrl 5 years ago

Hi, there!

I am a senior editor at Red Tricycle (www.redtri.com) a digital media company for parents. We are working on a story about amazing treehouses you can actually build, and would love to feature yours. We will mention your instructables page in the blurb, link back to your project, and give full photo credit. All we need is a hi-res image of the finished treehouse, which I believe I can grab from the site, if you don't have one handy. My email is gabby@redtri.com. Thank you for your time.

Cheers,

Gabby Cullen

Senior Editor

Red Tricycle

www.redtri.com

Rashodk 7 years ago

it sgood how much does that cost

Treehouse Masters Casting 7 years ago

In case you're interested johnkry19:

Animal Planet's "Treehouse Masters" is doing a special episode where Pete Nelson will give two existing treehouses a little renovation! Free!

For more information, rules as well as the application and releases needed to have a treehouse considered for this special, "Treehouse Masters: Ambushed", please visit our website here: TreehouseMastersCasting.com

Anyone can feel free to share this post!

buck2217 8 years ago

Great, Top Tip put a bolt on the outside and lock the kids in!! :-)

wpomphrey 9 years ago

Great job! Take a break from the electronics -get some books and tells some stories! Hardy Boys ! Tom Swift ...

stevecg2 9 years ago

Great Dad! Best part is the memories and bond formed building it. Your son will remember this time with his Dad for the rest of his life!

Way to go John.

rgmarti 9 years ago

Good Job Dad. Totally awesome and I love that that your son helped with. Great memories were made...

killbox 9 years ago

Not to dissimilar to my dad's treehouse, (hes also into pirates), The house has just celebrated its 9year birthday.. https://www.flickr.com/search?text=dadstreehouse only big difference is insulation, pergo floors, and no nails in the place (its all wood screws, to make it easy to take apart if it ever needs to come down.)

thebeatonpath 9 years ago

This is epic! My kids have been asking for a pirate treehouse for years. Looks like I need to do this now. Thanks for the inspiration.

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