How to Build a Tree House Ladder
Tree houses provide entertainment and a place for kids and even adults to get away and have time for themselves. Tree houses should have a safe and sturdy ladder for access between it and the ground. This article walks you through instructions on building a simple, yet solid, 10-foot-long tree house ladder out of 2-by-4s using a few simple tools. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- 4 to 5 10-foot-long 2-by-4s
- Measuring tape
- Circular saw
- Sander
- Wood stain or paint
- Waterproof sealant
- 2 1/2-inch screws
- Screwdriver
Instructions
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Cut eight 2-foot-long pieces of 2-by-4 with the circular saw for the steps of the ladder. Leave two pieces at 10-foot for the sides.
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2
Sand all rough edges off the eight cut pieces and the two 10-foot pieces. Apply wood stain or paint and allow to dry. Next, apply water sealant to all ten pieces.
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Lay the two 10-foot 2-by-4s on edge parallel to each other 2 foot apart. Lay a 2-foot piece on the wide edge in between them so it runs perpendicular. Place it 6 inches inwards from one end of the sides. Drive 3 screws through both 10-foot sides into the ends of the 2-foot piece.
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Lay another 2-foot piece on the wide edge in between the sides 6 inches inwards from the other end. Drive 3 screws through both 10-foot sides into the 2-foot piece.
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Equally space the remaining six 2-foot pieces between the top and bottom steps and screw them to the sides. Make sure you use 6 screws for each step, 3 on each side. Stand your ladder up.
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Tips & Warnings
Adjust the 10-foot measurement for the sides of the ladder to make the ladder a different length.
Be cautious when using power tools.
Comments
View all 10 Comments-
That would be really KEWL! It would probably require a lot of adjusting, as trees are never a perfect fit, so I don't know how easily I could adjust and bend the iron. But... yeah... a circular would be awesome! Hmmm... speaking of palaces, I guess I need to also figure out how to build circular castle towers on the corners! ;-)
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What about a 14 ft tall iron circular staircase to ascend to your tree palace :) doesnt need to be attached to the tree at all it can be secured at the base and give it a classy touch. Cover it with vines for a neverland look.
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Yes CG! Even the neighboring woodpeckers have stopped to admire my work! @MH: Yeah, I'd like to do better than a rope ladder. This is for "grown up kids" anyway ;-)
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You speak with such tree House passion!
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If you want light weight, then a rope ladder. But, if little kids (or uncoordinated adults) are going to climb it, not sure if 14 foot rope ladder is a good safety idea.
