Ideas for Building a Tree House
- A Tree House Makes a Great Get Awayclimbing up image by Ernest Prim from Fotolia.com
Tree houses are a big part of many people's childhood memories. Whether you are building a self contained living unit ready for a weekend get away or a simple platform to get above the hustle and bustle, taking the time to plan your tree house will ensure quality, safe construction. - Decks and platforms for tree houses can be built from a variety of materials. If using untreated lumber, other than cedar or redwood, plan on giving it a coat or two of exterior latex paint or stain to prolong the life of your tree house.
Treated 5/4 decking is ideal for platform surfaces. It is rated to last 25 years. Be sure to leave a ¼ inch gap between boards for swelling and to allow drainage. A Belt sander will work well for smoothing out any overly rough areas.
Plywood decking can be used for tree house platforms. Be sure to drill drainage holes every 16 to 20 inches to allow for rain water to run off. Standing water will speed decay.
Composite deck materials made of a combination of wood and plastics work well in play areas. The surface is smooth and splinter free and your platform will never need paint or stain to maintain its good looks. - Being up above it all is one of the beauties of tree houses. Make sure to plan for adequate stairs and ladders to carry your young adventurers up and down safely.
Ladders, such as those built for playground equipment or left over from unused metal bunk beds, can be secured to the tree house for sturdy access. Make sure that all ladders are secured at the top and bottom and are free from splinters and sharp edges.
Precut stair stringers can be purchased for deck building and make excellent tree house stairs. Stairs leading from the ground should have concrete footings. As for ladders, secure both top and bottom and provide adequate safety rails.
Rope ladders and climbing ropes can also be used for access or escape routes. A rope ladder than can be pulled up after the occupants enter can help to prevent invasion from outside forces. - Staying safe in a tree house should be a primary concern during the construction phase. As many times as you tell them to be careful, the best way to keep them safe is to build the safety in.
Solid walls are the safest. Cut plenty of windows for good visibility and make sure to bolt the walls securely to the frame of your platforms and each other.
Wooden or composite railings can be purchased ready made in the deck section of you local home center. Treated material may require a little sanding and a coat or two of clear polyurethane will go a long way toward making handrails smooth.
Posts with heavy rope strung between them can make good safety rail. Use three or four rows of rope stretched tightly to provide security. Adding cargo netting on the inside of rails can provide even more security while maintaining the "open" look .
