Built a treehouse with my 7yo and it's actually holding up

Dec 91 min read

So I know everyone says this but I genuinely thought I'd mess it up. Spent last Saturday with my son hammering nails into an old oak tree in our backyard. Used a platform kit from Home Depot (~$180) and some 2x8s. Kid was SO focused, barely wanted to come down for lunch. We added a rope ladder yesterday and he's basically lived up there for the past week. Neighbors probably think we're insane but honestly best weekend I've had in months. Anyone else have their kids just prefer hanging out in random tree structures to literally every other toy?

6 comments490 views

Comments(6)

BBen D.RegularDec 9

This is so different from the other treehouse post lol - one guy stressed about load calculations and lag bolts, you're just like 'hammered nails with my kid and it didn't explode.' Both are wins but different energy.

DDanny G.RegularDec 10

The 'everyone says this but I thought I'd mess it up' energy is real. Most DIY dad stuff ends up fine because you're being careful because your kid's safety is on the line. That's honestly better than overconfidence.

SSawyer N.RegularDec 11

Saturday with dad hammering nails together is the actual gift regardless of whether the treehouse lasts 5 years or becomes a bird house. Your 7yo is gonna remember that more than where he climbed.

HHank W.RegularDec 12

One Saturday project with a kit and your kid gets a treehouse + memory + dad time. That's legitimately good parenting energy. Don't undersell that.

DDave K.RegularDec 12

How tall did you go and does it actually get used or does it turn into storage after a month? Asking because I have similar treehouse dreams but my 7yo loses interest in projects fast.

SSteve Q.RegularDec 12

Home Depot platform kit is honestly the smart move if you're not a carpenter. You did the part that matters - making sure it's bolted in correctly and teaching your kid something awesome. That's the win here.