How to Build Tree House Furniture

A tree house just isn't complete without furniture. Luckily, you don't have to spend a fortune in a home improvement store to make your own tree house furniture. You can make rustic and natural furniture for practically nothing by taking a walk through the woods and gathering stumps and fallen trees or limbs. In a short afternoon, your tree house will go from empty to home sweet home ready for pretending.

Things You'll Need

• Large rounds from fallen or cut trees, 12 inches in diameter
• Chainsaw or handsaw
• Eight 3-foot long small trees or large limbs, 3 inches in diameter
• Bailing twine or rope
• Hammer and nails (optional)
• Sandpaper (optional)

Instructions

1. Cut the large tree rounds into lengths 18 inches high. Make your cuts as level as possible on each end. These stumps will be the chairs in the tree house. Make as many as you want or are willing to lift into the tree house.

2. Set each chair stump on a flat surface and test to see if it wobbles. If the chairs aren't steady, flip the stumps over and see if the other end is more stable. If both ends seem to make the stump teeter, you may want to re-cut one end just slightly and try again.

3. Follow the same process of making chairs to prepare two more rounds. These rounds will be the base of a tree house table. Test these rounds for stability as well. To make the top of the table, lay out your eight 3-inch diameter trees or limbs side by side.

4. Tie a knot 3 inches from the edge on the underside of one of the limbs. Lace the trees together by weaving the rope over and under, back and forth between the limbs. Keep the rope 3 inches in from the edge for each weave. Pull the rope tight periodically to encourage the limbs to remain flat when lifted. If the rope is too loose, then the limbs will fall or sag when you lift the top.

5. Move the two base rounds and the top into the tree house before putting the table together. When inside, space the rounds 1 foot apart and set the limb top over them. Keep the stumps centered underneath. You can leave the table as is, or nail the top to the stumps to make it a little more permanent.

Tips & Warnings

• Smooth the top of the chair stumps with sandpaper if desired. Although the stumps don't have to be perfectly smooth, it helps to clear off stray splinters and prevent painful sitting.

• Wear the correct protective gloves and goggles when working with bare wood pieces to avoid injury.