As a basis for a complex technical design Only healthy trees are selected. No moss or mushrooms on the trunk, as well as anthills and other settlements of forest inhabitants nearby. Powerful root system should be spread wide to the sides.
The best tree species Beech, fir, maple, ash and oak are considered suitable for building a house.
A controversial option would be spruce– the largest and most outwardly strong specimens usually have an old root system. It is not at all permissible to build a house on a birch, chestnut, poplar or willow - these trees have too short a life expectancy and have loose wood.
PHYSICS
It is not recommended to build houses too large. After all, even a modest structure with an area of about 10 m2 can weigh up to 300 kg! And this despite the fact that lightweight materials are used for construction. Construction Materials.
A weighty “nest” rests on a tree thanks to a well-thought-out mounting frame. For example, according to the “node-rod” scheme, when there is a frame, it can be considered as a set of rigid triangles assembled through nodes throughout the entire area of the house. Simply put, a frame is a large fishing net made of wood or metal that wraps around a tree trunk.
For reliability, the house can be suspended on cables, fixed to the branches, or place additional pile supports under the base.
SAFETY
The most reliable design for ascent and descent is considered to be a ladder reinforced with steel brackets. A spiral staircase decorated with natural materials also looks impressive.
For more intense sensations, you can install a special lift, driven by an electric winch. The basket can deliver passengers both to the veranda of the building and directly to the house. In the second case, a special hole is provided in the floor, proportionally suitable in size for the free movement of the basket.
Suspension bridges can also be secured, which will allow guests and residents of the “heavenly kingdom” to take leisurely walks between the treetops. A safety net stretched under the swinging bridges will not be superfluous.
Rarely does anyone in childhood miss the dream of having their own cozy tree house. True, it doesn’t come true for all little ones. Meanwhile, even in adulthood, you can realize your childhood dreams by building secluded place in the crown of your favorite oak tree and relaxing on top with the whole family. And if you have already become parents, can you imagine how your little ones will be delighted by a wonderful tree house, allowing you to hide from the whole world and watch nature from above?!
If you decide to build a treehouse with your own hands in adulthood, then such a structure can turn into an architectural masterpiece. In childhood, even a box seems like a home, but adults want to do everything thoroughly, reliably and beautifully - so that the soul can rest and the eyes will be happy.
A tree house for relaxing with the whole family. Do you want one like this?
If you are planning to build a treehouse for children, but will not be using it yourself, then everything is relatively simple. A tiny structure will also do, the main thing is bright colors, entertainment devices and, of course, increased safety. For example, in the photo below all this is present. Your little ones will be crazy about such a gift.
Colorful house with a slide for children. It's like something out of a fairy tale, right?
Meanwhile, modern construction of such recreation areas at altitude has reached high level, so you can pamper yourself with such a “teremka” without having children. The construction of tree houses for a variety of needs is now actively developing. In the treetops you can see restaurants, tea rooms, hotels and even residential apartments - with communications and furniture. The largest such miracle house on the planet is located in Scotland, its area reaches 557 square meters. The restaurant hall can easily accommodate 120 guests. The owner of the establishment had to shell out $7 million for the project, but there is no end to visitors.
The largest tree house is located near Edinburgh
The Swedish authorities distinguished themselves by their generosity by decorating a public park with an unusual house with an area of about 12 square meters. Every visitor to the park can enjoy relaxation in this wonderful house. There are a couple of balconies, a terrace with a hammock, a wonderful library, a kitchen and even toilet room.
Meet the famous house in Vasteras Park
The Swedes apparently liked spending time at altitude, so one of the local entrepreneurs built an entire hotel with 5 rooms. The structure consists of aluminum plates. The hotel has electricity, heated rooms, private bathrooms and kitchenettes where you can make coffee and breakfast.
If you want to stay in such an outlandish hotel, reserve your rooms in advance, as thousands of travelers from all over the world want to visit here
In Japan, on the territory of the museum, in the midst of a garden with sakura, a famous architect built an unusual tea house, where every visitor can go and take part in a tea ceremony at altitude.
In Japan you can enjoy real tea right among the branches cherry blossoms
However, such masterpieces are the lot of entrepreneurs and the rich. However, your treehouse plan may be no less interesting, although not as famous. The main thing is imagination, desire, time and a competent approach. Some families make ships or flying saucers in their gardens, others like huts, and others build castles. Choose “your” project and go ahead – towards your dream in the sky!
The house can take on the mission of an entire play complex. In this case, the parents decided to make several stairs, a terrace and a swing.
What kind of wood is suitable for construction?
Before looking for how to build a tree house, you need to decide on the place and platform for such a structure, because it is important that the house is not only beautiful, but also reliable and durable. If you choose the wrong tree, you risk wasting money and time. How to do everything correctly?
First, inspect all the trees on your property.
Secondly, choose the best breed to implement such an idea. For example, pine is not the best platform for building a recreation area at height, since it has thorny branches and annoying “inhabitants” - ants. In general, most coniferous species are not sufficiently stable; several trees will have to be used to give the house strength. Linden is not suitable due to the viscosity of the wood; attaching anything securely to such a trunk will be problematic. Poplar, willow and chestnut have weak roots, therefore, it is dangerous to build a tower on them, because the structure can collapse along with the tree. Where to stop? Experts recommend choosing oak, maple, fir or thuja, which are stable, stately and durable. However, an apple tree is quite suitable for a tiny children's tower, but adults should not climb there.
Thirdly, finding a suitable species is half the battle; you also need to competently approach the process of choosing the tree itself and the place where it grows. What requirements must be taken into account?
- The area should not be sandy.
- Do not start construction on trees that are too old or, on the contrary, young, which may not support the weight of the structure.
- Give preference to branched trunks with horizontally growing branches, then you will have many points of support.
- The branches intended for fastening the structure must be more than 20 centimeters in diameter.
- Check the trunk and branches to ensure there are no cracks, sharp narrowing or signs of rot.
- Inspect the crown and cut down weak and dried branches, because they will still break later under gusts of wind, which can damage the components of the house.
Your photo tip for choosing a tree
Basic rules for construction at height
So, you have decided that your garden will be decorated with a tree house, how to build such a wonderful house correctly? Are there any secrets? As in every business, this process has its own characteristics. The most important thing is not to harm the tree, because it is the “foundation” of your structure. What rules should you follow to maintain the “health” of the plant?
- the bark can only be cut to half the depth, otherwise you will destroy the tree;
- if the trunk bends, then the structure must follow this bend;
- Try to carry out the main work on the ground, protecting the plant from excessive stress;
- Keep in mind that the tree can still grow and change its shape.
If the tower is intended for babies, make sure that all components of the structure are fenced - with walls or handrails. For safe movement of children, a reliable ladder is needed. Focus on age, sometimes a rope ladder is not the best The best decision. If you want to avoid trouble, add wooden steps. Again, for kids it is better to build play structures at a low height, using natural materials, and instead of nails there are bolts and nuts that need to be sunk into the trunk/branches.
Start with a drawing indicating the dimensions of the building, then you can calculate the required amount of materials
Tools and materials required for work
To build a “paradise” at a height, you need to have desire, time, skillful hands, the necessary set of tools and materials.
Take an “inventory” in your garage or shed and prepare the following tools:
- building level,
- saw,
- plane,
- hammer,
- roulette,
- drill,
- screwdriver,
- router,
- square,
- emery,
- wrench,
- stairs.
You will also need overalls and gloves.
This is important to know! Pre-impregnate all wooden elements with a special compound that protects the wood from rotting.
Not found on the farm necessary tools? Don’t rush to spend money, try borrowing it from neighbors or friends
Let's take, for example, the list of necessary materials for a medium-sized house:
- 2 boards of 4 meters (5 by 25 cm);
- 6 boards 3 meters long (5 by 15 cm);
- 3 beams 4 meters long (5 by 15 cm);
- other boards, plywood for railings, stairs, walls;
- cable with a diameter of 0.6 cm;
- 8 metal perforated plates to secure the bars;
- stainless/galvanized screws;
- nails, bolts, hooks and other fastening parts;
- tarpaulin;
- other details according to your design and drawing.
Video guide to building a tree house
The standard height is 3 meters; of course, if the tower is used by little ones, it can be mounted lower. So, how to make a treehouse using the above ingredients?
An example of a mounted frame for a house
Take a beam and nail it loosely to a branch located at a distance of less than 30 centimeters from the floor of the future house. Using a level, secure the opposite end of the rail to another branch strictly horizontally. Repeat the operation on the other side of the barrel. Make sure the bars are level. Carefully remove the slats, measure the distance between the places where the nails were. Then subtract this figure from 4 m, divide the resulting number by two - this is the size of the segment that you need to measure from the edge of the boards (5 by 25 cm). In these places you should drill holes with a diameter of 1.5 cm. You also need to make one more such hole on each side, departing from the first segment equal to the distance between the holes on the branches. Between the holes, using a jigsaw or saw, you need to make slits into which you must install spacers to fix the boards, and at the required distance from the trunk/branches. It is not recommended to screw materials against a tree, as it may continue to grow.
When the base is ready, you can move on to the floor. To do this you need to cut the boards. 2 boards (5 by 15 cm) should be equal to the length of the flooring, the remaining 4 should be 10 cm shorter. Attach the short boards with self-tapping screws to one of the long ones (perpendicularly). Lift the structure up and tie it to the supports. Then secure the second long board. Next, metal plates will come into play. To make the tower more stable, you can make stops. To do this, you need a board 5 by 10 cm. Attach the stops with an overlap using self-tapping screws. Install boards on the floor frame, making gaps 1 cm in size (about the size of a matchbox), because water needs to flow freely and not linger in the house. Cutouts for the trunk and branches must first be made on the boards. It is recommended to make their diameter 5 cm larger, as the plant will continue to develop.
This is what the base with the floor looks like
Make a staircase and railing from the leftover material. It is better to line the openings between the floor and the railings with plywood or boards. The roof can be made of tarpaulin. To do this, at a height of 2 meters to the right and left of the tower, screw in 2 hooks, you need to pull the cable between them. Throw the tarpaulin over the cable, tighten the fabric around the perimeter and corners, and secure it. Make the stairs at your discretion. Children prefer rope ones, but take into account the age of the “owners” of the house.
If the staircase is planned to be installed in the center, then it is necessary to make such a hatch
Now the tower can be painted, decorated, equipped with furniture and attractions, for example, swings or a slide. Involve all family members in the work, and a boring process will turn into an exciting adventure.
Here the house is ready! Pay attention to how the tarpaulin roof is attached (perhaps the process was not fully clear to you from the text)
A tree house is a wonderful opportunity to return to childhood and make your little ones happy.
Reading time ≈ 4 minutes
The time for summer holidays is approaching and a completely natural question arises - what to do with your children. Knowing the craving of most of them for various games outside, it would be a good idea to learn how to build a tree house. The project is the most suitable option can be found on our website, watch a video, or proceed with the step-by-step construction described below.
In order to build a treehouse with your own hands, you will need two or three small trees (or separate but large branches) - this way the house will be stable. It cannot be said that the structure will reliably protect from any bad weather, but even in the event of rain, the structure will remain dry.
Tree selection
The construction of a tree house for children must be carried out taking into account all safety standards. Perfect option- when the tree has a strong trunk at the bottom and triple branching at the top (as shown in the photo).
You should start by determining the height at which the house will be located. The optimal height is about 2 m from the ground.
Scheme
It’s not that difficult to build a children’s tree house yourself; the main thing is to take everything into account from the beginning so that you don’t have to redo it again.
Preparation of materials and tools
Next, you should begin preparing the necessary materials, depending on the volume of the future structure. These can be old and new boards, galvanized screws and washers, nails, screws, camouflage tarpaulin, etc.
Tools you will need: hammer, saw, level, tape measure, adjustable wrench, drill, jigsaw. You will also need to find a stepladder or a regular ladder.
Installation of main supports
Take one of the boards and attach it to the tree 30 cm lower than the expected floor of the house (it is advisable that it be at least 20-30 cm above head level).
Level the board exactly horizontally using a level and attach the other end to another tree. The same should be done with the second board, which needs to be attached to the back side of the trees.
Installation of cross beams and diagonal supports
Select appropriately sized cross beams and attach them to the main supports.
This should be done evenly, at the same distance from each other, while the tree trunks should be located between the beams.
In order to give the house greater stability and safety, the base can be strengthened with additional diagonal supports.
Make a rope mechanism
This can be useful both for children’s play (using a roller and a rope, you can lift a basket of food into the house and lower it down, etc.), and for delivering the necessary tools upstairs during construction. At the bottom of the rope you can attach a regular mountaineering carabiner.
Install the floor
When working with floor installation, the hardest part is making the holes for the trunks correctly.
Before making a tree house, consider the factor of further tree growth and branch movement.
Installation of railings and walls
Once the floor is ready, move on to installing the railings and filling the walls.
Everything must be made strong enough so that children cannot slip into any openings.
Want to keep your child busy outdoors? Build him a tree house! Not a single child would refuse such a “home.” Our article discusses in detail all stages of construction, from choosing wood to constructing interesting play structures. You just need to follow the instructions.
Choosing the right tree
Tree species that will serve as a reliable support for the house: oak, beech, maple, ash or fir.
The tree must have a developed root system, healthy and straight, the deviation of the trunk from the vertical is within 5°. The optimal trunk thickness where the house will be built is 30-50 mm. The thicker it is, the more reliable it is.
You cannot start construction if the tree grows in sandy soil; trees that are too young or too old are also not suitable.
It is desirable that the lower branches of the tree are spreading and thick, about 20 cm in diameter. This will create more support points for the base of the house.
When choosing a tree, it should be taken into account that the house for children should be located at a height of 1.5-2 m.
It is possible to build on several trees if they are thick enough and located close to each other.
Building design
Let's consider the process of building a house on three trunks or branches.
List of consumables and tools
Consumables
Name of materials | Unit price, cu. e. | Quantity | Cost, y. e. |
Wooden beams 50x200x6000 | 8 | 1 | 8 |
Edged board 30x150x4000 (3000) | 1,8 | 10 | 18 |
Wooden beams 50x150x6000 | 8,6 | 4 | 34,4 |
Wooden beams 50x100x3000 | 3,6 | 3 | 10,8 |
Anchor bolt with nut, galvanized 20x250 | 1,5 | 3 | 4,5 |
Anchor bolt with nut, galvanized 20x200 | 1,5 | 2 | 3 |
Perforated metal fasteners for wooden structures | 1,4 | 16 | 22,4 |
Moisture-resistant OSB board 1250x2500 | 7,8 | 3 | 23,4 |
Tarpaulin 2x3 m | 47,5 | 1 | 47,5 |
Total: | 172 |
Required tools:
- Hammer.
- Drill.
- Jigsaw.
- Saw.
- Level.
- Roulette.
- Self-tapping screws, nails.
- Adjustable wrench.
- Ladder.
Installing a Solid Base
Step 1. Install the main supports
For support, you need to cut 2 pieces of 2.5 meters from a 50x200x6000 timber. Next, attach one support beam to the trees at a height of 30 cm below the floor level of the future house. Level the timber and secure it with nails. On the other side of both trunks, fasten a second similar beam, and you need to make sure not only that the support is strictly horizontal, but also that both beams are located at the same height. Now you need to drill a hole with a diameter of about 15 mm in the tree trunk. You need to drill directly above the nailed supports. On the beams you need to mark the place where the anchor bolts will be screwed.
Now the support bars need to be removed. From each mark of future attachment to the tree you need to retreat 3-5 cm in both directions. In these places, drill holes with a diameter of about 20 mm.
Using a jigsaw, connect these holes so that you get a groove of 6-10 cm. This will allow the tree to move freely without destroying the house.
Now all that remains is to screw the bases to the corresponding trunks. To do this, use anchor bolts with nuts. Long bolts are for trees with one fastening, short ones are for a tree to which the beams are attached on both sides.
Step 2. Building a platform
The platform requires wooden beams 50x150. The size of the platform is 1800x1800, so the beams must first be cut to the required size.
Four beams are placed perpendicular to the base. The step between them is about 45 cm. If you need to go around a tree trunk, then the logs can be laid at an angle. Next, one end part is attached to them with self-tapping screws. Now we need to make sure that the platform is square. To do this, you need to measure both of its diagonals - they must be equal. Only after this the second end beam is attached.
Using metal fasteners, attach the platform to the support bars. In this case, you need to use galvanized nails, not screws and self-tapping screws.
Step 3. Construction of the support
From 50x100 beams you need to build diagonal supports for the platform. At the intersection they need to be attached to the tree with an anchor bolt.
If you build a house on one tree, you will need to make two supports.
Step 4. Flooring
The floor in the house will be made of edged boards, which must first be cut into pieces 180 cm long. Next, each board is attached to the platform with self-tapping screws. Between individual boards you need to leave a gap of 1 cm for drainage. It is necessary to cut holes for the trunks with a margin so that the tree can move and grow freely.
Arrangement of the stairs
As a bowstring (base) of the ladder, two wooden beams 50x100. They need to be cut at an angle at both ends and secured at a distance of 40 cm from each other. Next, boards are attached along the entire height of the beams, possibly from scraps.
A hole for an arm and a leg is made in each board using a drill and jigsaw. The holes should be staggered. To prevent anyone from getting hurt, they need to be sanded and polished with a router or by hand.
Construction of railings and roof
For the safety of children, the height of the railing should be at least 1 m. 50x100 boards are suitable for the railing; they need to be chamfered and sanded well. The corner support will be two such boards connected together. The space under the railings can be sheathed with OSB board, plywood, clapboard or remnants of boards.
To build a roof at a height of about 2 m above the floor level above the opposite sides of the house, you need to drive two hooks into the tree. Stretch a cord between them and throw a tarpaulin over it. Make small outriggers at the four corners of the railing, to which attach a stretched tarpaulin.
Painting, adding game elements
All wooden elements of the house must be treated with an antiseptic, impregnation and coated with paint or varnish.
After the paint has dried, you can begin arranging the inside of the house. There is enough space for two single mattresses, don't forget to add pillows and blankets.
In addition to the main staircase, the building can be equipped with several other methods of entry and exit. You can tie a thick rope to a tree trunk at roof level and hang it down, or drop a rope ladder from a platform.
To set up a swing, you just need to screw a hook into the base of the house and tie a cord with a wheel or some other seat to it.
The tree house is ready, all that remains is to let the children go there and watch their genuine delight.
A tree house is the dream of not only all children, but also many adults! If you have a dacha or a house in a village where a suitable tree grows, this dream can be made a reality. We have already discussed how to prepare for construction: choose wood and building materials. Now let's plan the house and discuss the main points of construction and finishing.
DIY tree house: planning
Before starting work, you need to clearly imagine what you want to get in the end. This determines how much material to purchase and how beautiful and safe the structure will be. It would be ideal to create a 3D model of the future building. If you don't have computer planners, build a model out of cardboard or have one built by a designer. At the very least, draw it. The best way- take a photo of the tree from four sides and print it in a large format. By drawing a house over a photo of a tree, you will immediately understand which areas are problematic for you.
The difficult part can be the supports. Support posts or piles will help remove excess load from the tree and protect it from strong swaying in the wind. The downside is that they take up a large area under the tree. There are two more options for supports: bolted to a tree and suspended on cables. But both of them are not as safe and cause more harm to the tree.
How will you get into the house? The ladder can be a rope ladder (rope + planks), a regular ladder or a classic ladder. The classic one, especially if with railings, is the safest, but with it the house loses some of its romance. Refuse to use pieces of wood nailed to the trunk as steps - this is the most dangerous option.
The strategy regarding branches should also be thought out in advance. You can saw them off, you can build around them, or make windows where the branches go - whatever your taste. Just remember to leave some room around the trunk and branches for the tree to grow.
Take note: you can use a children's slide to descend from a low house - this is both fun and safe.
Building a tree house
When all necessary materials and the tools are at hand, you can start building. First you need to build the base (platform) and supports. If necessary, it is better to concrete the support pillars. Afterwards the walls are erected, then the roof, and the last stage is the exterior finishing. The principle of any construction is followed here: first, large frame elements, and then smaller ones that are attached to them.
It may be more convenient to assemble some structural elements on the ground and then attach them to the frame. When working, try not to damage the wood: the durability of the house depends on its lifespan.
Before you start painting and decorative finishing, seal the cracks in the walls and roof with sealant (preferably resin-based), then you can hide from the rain in the house and store some things.
Arrange the interior space so that it is cozy. To have somewhere to sit, light garden furniture or just plastic chairs and a table are suitable. You can put a rubberized mattress on the floor, and make curtains from tarpaulin on the windows. And if you built a house with all seriousness, you can even organize a recreation area or bedroom there.
It will be interesting to build a house in a certain style. For example, a pirate ship or Robin Hood's hideout. Then interior design should also be relevant to the theme.
Make building a house an event for the whole family! Call your relatives and friends; in this case, extra hands won’t hurt. Let’s also let children participate in planning and construction: this will give them joy and useful skills!
Photos: doctorarchitecture.com, squirreldesign.co.uk, porch.com, homedit.com, galleryhip.com