How to Build a Simple But Cool Treehouse

Build a simple but cool treehouse for your kids.

Treehouses can be great places for kids to play and use their imagination. Treehouses provide a little escape and a sense of independence from mom and dad. However, if building a treehouse seems like a huge undertaking, don't fret. Here's a way to build a simple but cool treehouse that will have your kids outside playing in no time flat.

Things You'll Need

• 5 full sheets of plywood, 2-inch thick grade A
• 4 pieces of pressure treated lumber, 2 inches by 4 feet
• 1-inch nails
• 3-inch nails
• Hammer
• Plywood saw
• Ladder
• Pencil
• Tape measure
• Tarp
• Paint

Instructions

1. Locate a sturdy tree with large branches that are 7 to 8 feet off the ground. You also want to look for a tree that has V-shaped horizontal branches, because these will be the supports for your floor.

2. Nail the floor to the tree. Using the ladder and a friend to help with the lifting, raise one piece of plywood up to the tree and rest it on top of the horizontal "V" branches. Nail the plywood to the tree so that it is secure.

3. Nail one stud to each side of the floor. Using your hammer and nails, secure one 2-inch by 4-foot piece of lumber to each side by nailing it to the floor. Hold the lumber on the outside of the floor and drive the 1-inch nails through the thick plywood. These studs will be your wall supports.

4. Secure three of the walls. On three sides of the floor, place the plywood so that it is standing upright. This will match the 4-foot sides of the plywood. Secure the walls by nailing the plywood wall to the plywood floor and wall supports with 3-inch nails. Be sure to flatten any nail tips that have gone through the wall brace, so no sharp edges are sticking out.

5. Measure and cut 18 inches off the final wall. Remove 18 inches from the 4-foot side on your remaining piece of thick plywood. This space will serve as the door to your treehouse. Once it has been removed, secure the wall in the same manner that you secured the previous three.

6. Drape the tarp over the top of the treehouse and paint it. The tarp will provide the ceiling of your treehouse while the paint will help you make it cool and all you're own. Your treehouse is now ready for endless hours of play.

Tips & Warnings

• After you're done using the treehouse, remove the ladder so other kids in the neighborhood can't climb in without your permission.

References

• The Treehouse Guide: Constructional Tutorial Examples
• Ron Hazelton: How to Build a Tree House or Tree Fort

Resources

• Fine Treehouse Building
• Thingiverse: 2-inch Plywood Box