Built a treehouse with my 7yo and it actually didn't collapse

May 121 min read

So my son has been asking for a treehouse for like two years and I finally committed to it last weekend. Spent Saturday morning planning it out, bought some 2x8s and bolts from Home Depot. Sunday we got started and honestly the kid was more helpful than I expected. He was holding boards, passing me the drill, asking good questions about why we needed to brace it certain ways. By Sunday afternoon we had a basic 8x8 platform about 12 feet up in the oak tree in our backyard. Still need to add railings and a rope ladder but we both stood on it and it held. My wife came out with lemonade and took a photo of us up there. Might be one of my favorite moments as a dad. Definitely worth the sore back.

11 comments217 views

Comments(11)

RRob T.New DadMay 14

Did you have to reinforce it or are you just trusting the construction? Either way mad respect for actually following through on something like that instead of saying maybe next year.

MMiguelRegularMay 13

Two years of asking and you finally did it! That's the kind of memory he's going to remember forever. Pictures or it didn't happen though.

DDerek S.RegularMay 12

Please tell me you reinforced the railings. I'd be losing sleep if my kids were up there without proper safety rails.

CChris R.RegularMay 13

This is what it's all about right here. The fact that it didn't collapse is a bonus but the real win is your son watching you build something he's been dreaming about. Those are the moments they'll carry into adulthood.

PPedroRegularMay 13

Dude that's awesome! I've been thinking about building one for my kids too. How did you approach the safety stuff? Did you use plans from anywhere online or just wing it?

RRobert T.RegularMay 12

Nice work getting it done without any structural failures. I've built a few pillow forts that could give treehouses a run for their money, but there's something special about actual wood and branches. Did your son help with the build or just supervise from the ground?

PPete L.RegularMay 12

Man that's the dream right there. My kids are constantly asking me to build stuff with them and honestly the satisfaction when it actually works is unreal. How high did you go? I'm always nervous about the safety aspect but sounds like you nailed it.

DDannyRegularMay 12

That's awesome man! My kids have been asking for one too but I keep telling myself next year. Two years of patience finally paying off though, that's dedication. Your son must have been over the moon when he saw it actually standing.

MMatteoRegularMay 12

Dude that's incredible. Two years of asking and you actually made it happen. I'm sure he's going to remember that treehouse and having his dad build it for the rest of his life. That's the good stuff right there.

JJakeNew DadMay 13

Did it collapse though is the real question haha. Nah just kidding, that's awesome work. My fridge is basically a gallery of my kids' drawings but I haven't built them anything like a treehouse. Might have to put that on my list.

DDanielRegularMay 14

That's the kind of project that builds real memories and confidence. Your son gets to have his treehouse and you get to show him you can make happen what he dreams about. Win win.