Ideas and guidelines for building a treehouse

Rarely does anyone dream about having their own cozy treehouse in childhood. True, not all the crumbs come true. Meanwhile, even in adulthood, you can realize your childhood dreams by building a secluded place in the crown of your favorite oak and relaxing on the heights of the whole family. And if you have already become parents, imagine how your little ones will be pleased with a wonderful treehouse that allows you to hide from the whole world and observe nature from above?!

Content

• What idea to take as a basis
• What tree is suitable for construction
• The basic rules of construction at height
• Tools and materials required for work
• Step-by-step construction instructions

What idea to take as a basis

If you decide to build a house on a tree with your own hands in adulthood, then such a structure can turn into an architectural masterpiece. In childhood, even a box seems like a dwelling, but adults want to do everything thoroughly, reliably and beautifully – so that their soul rests and their eyes rejoice.

If you plan to build a treehouse for children, and you yourself will not use it, then everything is relatively simple. A tiny structure is also suitable, the main thing is bright colors, devices for entertainment and, of course, increased security. Here, for example, in the photo below all this is present. Your crumbs will be crazy about such a gift.

Meanwhile, the modern construction of such recreation corners at an altitude has reached a high level, so you can treat yourself to such a “tower” without having children. Now the construction of tree houses for a variety of needs is actively developing. In the crowns of trees you can see restaurants, tea rooms, hotels and even residential apartments – with communications and furniture. The largest miracle house on the planet at the height is located in Scotland, its area reaches 557 square meters. The restaurant can accommodate up to 120 guests. The owner of the establishment had to pay $ 7 million for the implementation of the project, but there was no end to the visitors.

The Swedish authorities were distinguished by generosity, decorating the public park with an unusual house with an area of ​​about 12 square meters. Each visitor to the park can enjoy a vacation in this miraculous tower. There are a couple of balconies, a terrace with a hammock, a wonderful library, a kitchen and even a toilet room.

The Swedes apparently liked to spend time at the height, so one of the local entrepreneurs built a whole hotel with 5 rooms. The design consists of aluminum plates. The hotel is connected to electricity, the rooms are heated, have bathrooms and kitchenettes where you can make coffee and have breakfast.

In Japan, in the museum, in the thick of the garden with sakura, the eminent architect built an unusual tea house, where you can go to each visitor and take part in the tea ceremony at a height.

However, such masterpieces are the lot of entrepreneurs and rich people. However, your plan for a treehouse can be no less interesting, although not as well known. The main thing is imagination, desire, time and a competent approach. Some families in their garden make ships or flying saucers, otherwise they like huts, while others build castles. Choose your project and go forward – towards your dream in the sky!

What tree is suitable for construction

Before you look for how to build a treehouse, you need to determine the place and platform for such a structure, because it is important that the towerhouse is not only beautiful, but also reliable, durable. If you choose a tree incorrectly, then you run the risk of “throwing into the wind” money and time. How to do it right?

First, inspect all the trees in your area..

Secondly, choose the best breed to implement such an idea. For example, pine is not the best platform for building a recreation corner at a height, since it has spiny branches and annoying “inhabitants” – ants. In general, most conifers are not stable enough to use several trees to give the house strength. Linden is not suitable because of the viscosity of the wood, something to firmly fix on such a trunk will be problematic. Poplar, willow and chestnut have weak roots, so it’s dangerous to build a tower on them, because the structure can collapse with the tree. What to stop at? Experts recommend making a choice in favor of oak, maple, fir or thuja, which are stable, stately and durable. However, the apple tree is quite suitable for a tiny children’s tower, but for adults it’s better not to climb there.

Thirdly, finding the right breed is half the battle, you also need to competently approach the process of choosing the tree itself and the place where it grows. What are the requirements to consider??

1. The site should not be sandy.
2. Do not start construction on too old or, on the contrary, young trees that may not support the weight of the structure.
3. Prefer branched trunks with horizontally growing branches, then you will have many points of support.
4. Branches intended for fastening the structure should be more than 20 centimeters in diameter.
5. Check the trunk and branches for cracks, sharp narrowing and signs of rot..
6. Inspect the crown and cut down weak and dried branches, because they later still break under the gusts of wind, which can damage the components of the house.

The basic rules of construction at height

So, you decided that your garden will decorate the treehouse, how to build such a miraculous tower 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 to follow in order 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, the structure must repeat this bend;
• try to carry out the main work on the ground, saving the plant from excessive load;
• keep in mind that the tree can still grow and change its shape.

If the tower is designed for crumbs, make sure that all components of the structure are fenced – walls or handrails. For the safety of the movement of kids, a reliable ladder is needed. Focus on age, sometimes a rope ladder is not the best solution. If you want to avoid trouble, attach wooden steps. Again, for kids it is better to erect play structures at a low height using natural materials, and instead of nails – bolts and nuts that need to be drowned in the trunk / branches.

Tools and materials required for work

For the construction of a “paradise” at a height you need to have the desire, time, skillful hands, the necessary set of tools and materials.

Take an “inventory” in your garage or barn and prepare the following tools:

• building level,
• saw,
• plane,
• a hammer,
• roulette wheel,
• drill,
• screwdriver,
• milling cutter,
• square,
• emery,
• wrench,
• a ladder.

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 decay..

Next, you need to make a list of materials, determine what is already in your household, the missing purchase.

Take, for example, a list of the 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 parts for fastening;
• tarpaulin;
• other details according to your design and drawing.

Step-by-step construction instructions

The standard height is 3 meters, of course, if the little crumbs will use the tower, then it can be mounted lower. So, how to make a treehouse using the above components?

Take the beam, nail it tightly with a nail to a branch located at a distance below 30 centimeters from the floor of the future tower. Using the level, fix the opposite end of the rail on the other branch horizontally. Repeat the operation on the other side of the barrel. Make sure the bars are level. Carefully remove the rails, measure the distance between the places where the nails were. Then subtract this indicator from 4 m, divide the resulting number into two – this is the size of the segment that you need to measure from the edge of the boards (5 by 25 cm). Holes with a diameter of 1.5 cm should be drilled in these places. 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 with a jigsaw or saw, you need to make slots in which you must install spacers in order to fix the boards, and at the necessary distance from the trunk / branches. Materials are not recommended to be screwed against the tree, as it can continue to grow.

When the base is ready, you can move on to the floor. To do this, cut the boards. 2 boards (5 by 15 cm) should be equal to the length of the flooring, the remaining 4 – 10 cm shorter. Fasten short boards with one of the long ones (perpendicularly). Lift the structure up and tie it to the supports. Then lock the second long board. Next, metal plates will go into business. To make the tower more stable, you can make stops. To do this, you need a 5 by 10 cm board. Attach the overlays with screws. Install boards on the floor frame, making 1 cm gaps (from the matchbox), because water needs to drain freely, and not linger in the house. First, cutouts for the trunk and branches should be made on the boards. Their diameter is recommended to be 5 cm larger, as the plant will continue to develop..

From the remnants of the material, make a stairwell and a railing. The openings between the floor and the railing are best sheathed with plywood or boards. The roof can be made of tarpaulin. To do this, at the height of 2 meters to the right and left of the tower screw 2 hooks, between them you need to pull the cable. Throw the tarpaulin through the cable, around the perimeter and corners, pulling, fix the fabric. Make a ladder of your choice. Children prefer rope, but consider the age of the “owners” of the house.

Now the mansion can be painted, decorated, equipped with furniture and attractions, for example, swings or slides. Engage all family members in the work, and the boring process will turn into an exciting adventure.

A treehouse is a wonderful opportunity to return to childhood and make your little ones happy.