Building a treehouse with my kids - week 1 update

Jun 111 min read

Started the treehouse project last weekend. Got the main platform framed out and secured to the oak tree in our backyard. My 8 year old son helped me attach most of the joists and he was so proud. Taking it slow and safe - doing a lot of checking online for weight loads and making sure everything meets code even though technically I don't need permits for a small backyard build. Plan is to add walls and a roof over the next month or so. Kids are already obsessed with climbing up and standing on the platform.

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Comments(4)

CChris M.RegularJun 12

This is the kind of memory-making stuff they'll talk about forever. How much is this costing you so far material-wise? Curious if you're going full build or keeping it simple.

MMark R.New DadJun 11

This is so cool. I've been wanting to do something like this with my two but I'm pretty intimidated by the structural stuff. How are you making sure it's actually safe? Are you following plans or just winging it?

JJakeNew DadJun 12

Week 1 and you already have the platform done? Respect. My IKEA skills definitely don't translate to treehouse building but I'm impressed by anyone tackling structural projects with kids watching.

JJakeNew DadJun 11

Awesome project. Main platform secured to the oak sounds solid. You checking the tree for rot and disease first? My buddy built one and didn't and had some real issues. Also what kind of fasteners are you using?