Introduction: Treehouse
A big old-growth redwood stump had steps carved into it when we bought the place. Visions of a fabulous tree deck danced in our heads...
Step 1: Build the Framework
We used the trees around the stump (the fairy ring) as the main supports for the very sturdy framing. Our research showed that drilling ALL the way through each tree was the best way to not injure them permanently.
Step 2: Spider Web Supports
My uncle's a building designer and he made sure this treehouse was up to code; estimates indicate we could build a 2-story house on top of the platform...
Step 3: Railing of Copper Pipes and Salvaged Bed Posts
We used copper pipes for the railing as well as some old bedposts. All the decking (not the rails) are salvaged boards cut and sanded to fit. A big copper pipe became the fireman's pole, we bought a big cargo net, a local company donated rebar to secure the net in the ground, and we got a captain's wheel when we were in New Zealand.
Step 4: About 6 Months Well Spent
Three years later and we still need to finish the steps (we want to refine the nailed down 2x4s) and one tiny board is missing because my aunt is crafting a woodburned heart with the names of the all the contributors.
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58 Discussions
5 years ago on Introduction
Nice looking structure for good times.
Been studying design, engineering and safety for a planned project. One of the topics that continues to come up is not bolting your truss beams or any wood directly to the tree. Wood to wood holds moisture and can invite insects that will damage the tree. There are several types of attachment bolts or limbs that prevent this.
I can't tell from your photos if you incorporated this method.
A few links to consider.
http://treehouses.com/joomla/index.php/constructio...
http://www.thetreehouseguide.com/
http://store.beinatree.com/pages/information-treeh...
Again great job
6 years ago on Introduction
just watch out for creepy crawlies :(|
13 years ago
I made a treehouse almost exactly like this when I was about 9... in the woods in Connecticut... I saw 3 trees close together and thought, "triangle shape frame and platform! It was so cool all the kids thought I was cool after that. ;)
Reply 13 years ago
Aww :-)
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
:3
9 years ago on Introduction
Well, it's me again... I still love this treehouse; may I move in? ;)
9 years ago on Step 4
right?!?!
9 years ago on Step 4
thats a cool and pretty simple tree house if you would rise the tree house a liitle higher and made more you could connect them.
9 years ago on Step 4
stuck in that treehouse for 6 months.
9 years ago on Step 3
hang like a spider in that spider web support.
9 years ago on Step 4
Very cool.
9 years ago on Introduction
Nice place to chill put a BBQ up there and and lawn chair and it would be cool!
9 years ago on Introduction
Spectacular!
9 years ago on Introduction
That is awesome!!!!:):):):):)
10 years ago on Introduction
Hi Shawn, Do you get any stress on the bolts or hardware when the trees sway in the wind? How did you account for this in your design? We live in an area with Redwoods (Northern California) and have similar groupings of trees. I've been thinking about building a similar structure but have not yet to figure out if the wind will cause problems, snap boards or bolts.
10 years ago on Step 2
what are the dimensions of the wood you used for the frame work.
10 years ago on Introduction
on youtube.com search brian's treehouse
11 years ago on Introduction
my tree house is way better that that its at the very top of a sicmore tree and you can live into
11 years ago on Introduction
hello oh and the id i messed up it is did not id
11 years ago on Introduction
but i live in hawaii can you post a ezer 1 plz. o and make it have a trap door an rope swing.id you know you can snow bord in hawaii,yes you can,on our extinct volcaneo,Manua Kea.