1. Choose a tree of your choice

From the trees available in your house vicinity, choose a tree with a trunk of at least 12” in diameter. Choose a healthy tree and the space around it should be enough for you to work your way up to building the tree house with comfort and safety.

  1. Finalize a design

It is the most critical part of your tree house build. Find designs online or create your own and make sure to have accurate measurements. You can also design a prototype tree house model before jumping in the complete tree house build. Do not forget to plan for the tree growth and leave ample space between the tree house structure and the trunk.

  1. Choose support method

Decide on base support method out of many while keeping in mind that trees move with wind. This will help in a sturdy design of support. These are the three main support methods:

  • Post Method

This method involves support of four posts around the tree dug down to the ground, to support the tree house structure rather than the tree holding the load.

  • Bolt Method

This method requires drilling holes & bolting the support beams into the tree trunk just beneath the tree house floor.

  • Suspension Method

This method is the least used/reliable and involves hanging the whole tree house structure with ropes clamping onto the tree’s high branches.

  1. Choosing Materials
  • Pressure treated lumber
  • Decking material
  • Galvanized screws and washers
  • Galvanized joist hangers
  • Galvanized rafter ties
  • Nails, deck screws, pulley and rope
  • Tarp
  1. Required tools
  • Hammer
  • Saw
  • Leveler
  • Measuring tape
  • Wrench
  • Drill machine (Cordless preferred)
  • Jigsaw
  • Router for rounding edges
  • Table saw
  • Ladder to the tree house

 

  1. Mount the base support & platform

To provide a secure foundation is a key element for the safety of a tree house. It is mainly constructed close to the tree trunk with diagonal braces attached for enhanced strength. To reduce swaying, make sure the platform is level and does not have uneven loads around the edges. Keep the damage to the tree to a minimum for safety and longevity of the tree and the house you are building around it. Use of galvanized nails/latches will prevent them from getting rusted.

 

  1. Floor and Roof

After you are done with affixing platform to the tree trunk, it’s time for putting a roof above and a floor. To add a floor, you might use exterior plywood sheets. The walls can be put in place after building them on ground or while on the tree house floor. The doors and windows can be put in place the same way. However, the roof should be placed on top of the walls and around the tree while you are inside the tree house so to accommodate for the leading out branches if any. Once roof is in place, you can cover it using plywood sheets, shingles or palm leaves etc. Weather-shield paints can also be applied.

 

  1. Windows & Doors

Keep them in proportion to the size and design of your tree house. Using plexi-glass instead of glass is preferable as it is safer and lighter.

 

  1. Deck & Railings

A deck can be part of tree house platform or it can be placed on a different level. It should be surrounded by railings for safety. Spread the deck with rugs/pillows/cushions for added comfort.

 

  1. Tree house access method

Safe and sturdy ladder to provide entrance into the tree house.

  • Standard ladder, you can build an ordinary ladder.
  • Rope ladder, which is hung from the tree house down to the ground
  • Staircase, a safest access method by building a safety railing on the sides of whichever ladder you have designed.

 

  1. Maintenance & Repairs   After all the effort, you need to make sure that the whole built structure is sturdy and steady enough to hold and last for years to come. Make sure to check the floor, deck, walls, roof etc for any rotting or signs of weakness. Repair damages frequently and check for tree growth as well to see if it is harming the tree house structure in anyway and adjust the structure accordingly.