Whether you want to share your experience of having a one-of-a-kind playhouse in the sky with your kids or are keen to build them the treehouse or raised platform in the trees you always wish you had, you’ll find plenty of inspiration among these do-it-yourself design options. What to add to your treehouse depends on the child or children. Do you make it a pirate hideout with a hidden trapdoor? How about bunk beds for a true treehouse adventure ala Swiss Family Robinson? Great additions to consider:
Cargo net climbing ropesA fireman’s poleSlidesHammocksSwingsZiplineSlacklineRope bridgeRock-climbing wallPulley lift system
You can build a treehouse on a budget by reclaiming wood for railing and banisters or using pre-fabricated picket panels that also cut your build time. The best trees for support are deciduous, strong trees with dense wood, including oak, maple, fir, apple, beech, hemlock, or cedar. Take a look at these plans; some are simple treehouse ideas that took a week for beginner DIYers, while others are more complex and took several months. The interior of the treehouse was built with reclaimed wood from pallets, windows from a thrift store, and a used railing from an old church. The exterior was made to last using HardieBoard, pressure-treated lumber, and a roof made of asphalt shingles. Once the frame was built, the 8-foot floor boards were easy to install with simple nailing; no cutting or measuring was required. One knee brace was secured to the tree, supporting the post-less corner. It’s the only spot where the tree is used for support. To encase the fort, this DIYer used prefabricated stockade fencing as a privacy screen, and premade railings were also used to complete this project faster. This six-month project involves a spiderweb support system for the floor platform, making it up to code and strong enough to support a two-level house if desired. To enclose the deck, reclaimed wood made up the railings. An old copper pipe was upcycled for use as a fireman’s pole, and a cargo net was added as a fun climbing structure and an alternate way to climb into the tree deck. This design didn’t require digging post holes or pouring concrete. This 8-foot square tree-encircled platform was made from pressure-treated lumber and was built in a week for $500. The biggest expense was $400 for the lumber. A hammock, tent, and slackline turned this simple platform into the perfect kids’ playground.
