Treehouse Building 101

When you were a kid, building a treehouse seemed simple, a few planks of wood, some bent nails, some rope. But a trip to A&E later brings the whole idea crashing back to earth. Realistically the job falls down to any willing adult who is responsible enough to construct something to safely hold a group of children ten feet up in the air.

The first step is to choose your tree, preferably on your own land and out of view from the public to avoid any unwanted lawsuits. It's pretty simple, bigger is better, make sure the tree is not rotten inside and try and chose one with several large branches within reach. If you can find two or more trees close together you can build between them, reducing the amount of struts you will need to use.

You will obviously need the materials but make sure you have some decent tools, either invest in some or borrow some from a willing friend/relative. Judge the lengths of material you need based on the tree and how big you really want to build it. Consider the maximum dimensions and have at least four pieces of wood at this length (depending on your design). This will form a base and other materials can be mounted on top.

To start off, nail a horizontal length of wood at the height you want the treehouse, from that run two lengths of wood to a single point lower down on the tree, this should create a right angle triangle. This will give the structure strength and rigidity; do this several times and more if you are thinking of having a party up there.

Make a floor plan and from that build a platform to the size and shape you desire. It will need to fit around the tree and extend no further than the size of your supports. You might not be Stephen Hawking but use your common sense when it comes to the size of the platform. If it is too large, the supports might not be able to handle the stress. Make sure your supports reach the furthest parts of the platform and that they attach to the tree at no greater than 45 degrees.

Secure the platform to the tree and supports with galvanised nails, feel free to go overboard on this, the more secure the better. You may find that the platform is liable to wobble; this is because it needs diagonal bracing, and this can be attached on the underside of the platform and is pretty straightforward. Once in place and secured, place decking on the platform so it can actually be used, then feel free to add a safety rail, walls, roof, ladder or any other accessories you feel like. But be conscious that the more weight you add to the structure the more supports you will need. Finally test it with a couple of adults, if it can hold adults it can hold children, preferably chose close friends that wont sue you if it all goes wrong.