A tree house is a wonderful backyard addition for family homes, creating a private hideaway where imaginations can run wild and fantastic adventures can take place! For parents however, the idea of installing or building a tree house can be a bit daunting. Here are some things to consider before you make that trip to your local DIY shop.
Research is Essential for Tree House Projects
There’s a lot more to a tree house than nailing a few boards in place – it’s a surprisingly complex and technical process. If you’re not experienced with this kind of DIY, it’s best to call in a professional carpenter or builder who can take on the project and deliver a structure that’s safe and will remain sturdy and structurally sound for many years to come. If you’re looking for a contractor, try to find someone local or who is recommended by friends and neighbors so that you can see examples of their work in person.
Finding the Perfect Tree
Your homework doesn’t stop there either. You’ll need to ensure that you have a tree that is sturdy and healthy enough to hold the tree house safely. Tree house specialists recommend oak, maple and apple as the best trees for these structures. The tree should be living, have sturdy branches, a broad and sheltering crown, and not be too young or old. Two sturdy trees next to each other will also work well for these projects.
If you’re not sure that your trees are up to the task, contact a local arborist to do an onsite evaluation and give you recommendations. This is also important process to ensure that you are following any regulations that may protect certain species of rare or legacy trees and restrict your right to use the tree for the tree house itself.
Check Out Your Local Building Code
Your area may also have building regulations in place that can affect your project. This could include restrictions on how close to neighboring properties the tree house is allowed to be, restrictions due to power lines or other structures, how high it can be off the ground and even if tree houses are allowed at all. Your area might also require you to get a permit for your tree house. It’s best to check out the building codes in your area before you start your project to ensure you don’t end up wasting any time or money.
Tree Houses and Your Insurance
Tree houses can also impact on your homeowners insurance coverage, so don’t forget to give your insurance agent a call during the planning process. This way, you can find out exactly how it could be affected and make any necessary adjustments.
How to Build a Tree House
Firstly, your carpenter or builder will come up with a full building plan for the structure. Each plan is unique because every tree is unique, so there are plenty of factors to consider during this planning stage. This includes the height of the structure off the ground, how the branches will support the structure, stairs and access to the tree house, the roof structure and any fun additions like a fireman’s pole, slide, pirate flag or rope ladder.
Once the plans are finalized and have passed your local building codes, the project will start with the creation of a sturdy platform. This is like the foundation of your home, so it is one of the most complex and important parts of the building, even if it doesn’t look too exciting. Depending on your tree, it may be ground-based for additional stability or fixed into the tree itself using beams.
After the platform is fully secured, your decking is ready to be installed along with safety railings, walls, the roof structure and other finishing touches. To help prevent injuries from falls or jumps, surround the tree house with a soft 9-inch layer of mulch and remove old stumps and other hazardous items from the area. The tree house is then ready to be enjoyed!
Tree House Rules
As fun as tree houses are, safety always needs to come first, so it’s a good idea to set some ground rules before the fun begins. These can include:
- Not using the tree house in bad weather or after sunset.
- That there always has to be an adult supervising play when playing in the tree house. (Some tree house designs allow you to block access easily to help prevent unsupervised play)
- Restricting how many kids can use the tree house at one time.
- Age restrictions for young children.
- No pushing or shoving on the tree house or access/exit points.
- No jumping from the tree house structure.
- No glass or sharp items allowed in the tree house or on the ground below.
Let the Adventures Begin!
With a well-made structure and a few simple rules, a tree house delivers the ultimate backyard experience for kids – so get ready for lots of excitement and outdoor fun in the fresh air!