Treehouses are great hideaways for the kids to enjoy, and if you have enough room in your garden then why not build them one? It is a lot of work, but it will bring them years of fun and is a great place for them to create some memories. You never know, your grandchildren might even get some use out of it if you’re still at the same house all those years from now! To create the perfect place to play for your kids, here are some basic steps on how to build a treehouse from scratch.
Find the Right Tree
It’s important to remember that not every tree will be suitable to have a treehouse constructed around it, so first, you will have to determine whether the trees in your backyard are going to work for this project. A sturdier trunk to build the house around is better, but you will also need to consider the height at which you place the treehouse as branches and the way the trunk splits could interfere with the structure. Oak trees are good for treehouses, as are beech and ash trees.
Consider the Design
Once you have determined whether or not you have the right trees in your backyard for this project, you can move on to designing the treehouse. If you’ve never done anything like this before, it’s best to stick to a simple design in order to avoid unnecessary complications during construction. You will need to remember to include a ladder or steps up to the treehouse, and having a platform that’s big enough to support the house and that can provide a small decking surrounding it as well would be ideal. You might want to ask your kids for some ideas of what they want to be included, such as a slide or swing, for example. Getting them involved will turn it into a fun, family project you can all take part in together.
Get the Necessary Tools and Materials
The next step is sourcing the right materials and tools for the job. You should be able to find all the necessary equipment you need to construct the treehouse by contacting hardware stores such as Tradefix Direct, who specialize in both DIY and trade tools for bigger projects like this. Traditionally, treehouses are made from wood, and getting some basic lumber will be the most cost-effective for a project like this. You can incorporate different kinds of wood in other aspects of your design if you want to, but this will depend on your budget. Don’t forget to buy some waterproof materials to line the roof with, and treat the wood if it hasn’t been done before you’ve bought it to avoid warping and other damage. You will also need galvanized joist hangers, lag screws, and washers to make the structure strong and secure.
Building the Treehouse
The first part to put up will be the main support beams to hold the treehouse up and in place. You shouldn’t do this work alone, so ask your partner or a friend to help you. Once all the main supports are in place you can move on to constructing the platform that will be covered by the treehouse floor and surrounding decking. Once the platform and flooring have been put down you can begin to build the main house. You can get your kids to help you with simpler jobs such as painting and decorating it once the main construction is complete.
Building a treehouse from scratch isn’t the simplest DIY project, but it doesn’t have to be overly complicated either. If you want to create a great place for your kids to play in your backyard, consider constructing a cool treehouse for them. Stick to a simple design to avoid steep budgets and easier construction, and follow these basic steps.
