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

Nov 271 min read

So I got one of those Treehouse Masters YouTube rabbit holes last month and decided we'd build something in our oak tree in the backyard. Spent maybe $400 on materials from Lowe's and used mostly 2x8 pressure treated lumber. My son was OBSESSED the whole time, even helped me drill holes (with supervision obviously). It's basically a 6x8 platform about 10 feet up with a rope ladder. We finished last weekend and spent the whole day up there. Not gonna lie, I was nervous as hell about the weight limits but I tested it first with like 300 lbs and it held solid. Best $400 I've spent on a weekend project in years.

13 comments93 views

Comments(13)

MMike T.Regular22h ago

The fact that your 7yo was obsessed the whole time and actually helped is the real win here. That's quality bonding and he's learning skills. The treehouse is just the byproduct.

CCarl S.Regular17h ago

With supervising him drilling holes you're already ahead of 95% of dads. That's good parenting right there.

MMatt J.Regularjust now

Pressure treated lumber is smart. Did you use a professional plan or just wing it based on the YouTube videos?

DDwayne S.Regularjust now

Wait you actually FINISHED a treehouse project? On a dad forum that's basically a legend status move. Most of us start three and finish none.

RRay C.Regularjust now

Like 6 feet up, so far enough to hurt if he falls but not catastrophic. He's been good about safety honestly, maybe because he helped build it so he understands the structure.

SSam F.New Dad8h ago

Didn't get permits for my own property, probably should have thought about that more but also our homeowner's insurance is probably covering most of the liability stuff. Not advocating for that necessarily but that's what we did.

CClint R.Regular6h ago

Did you have to get any permits or did you just build? I'm paranoid about liability if a kid gets hurt in someone else's treehouse.

BBen L.Regularjust now

Your son was OBSESSED the whole time is the real win here. That's worth way more than a treehouse. He learned he can build things with his dad.

JJerome S.Regularjust now

400 bucks and it's actually standing is honestly impressive. Most DIY projects cost double that and fall over. How high did you go?

JJoel F.Regularjust now

Having him help with drilling/building is the whole point. He's gonna remember this forever. The treehouse is just the side benefit.

CChris F.Regularjust now

$400 and it's standing sounds like a win. How sturdy is it actually? Is it like 'kids can play in it' sturdy or 'engineering marvel' sturdy?

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GGary R.Regularjust now

With supervision on drilling. That's the parenting move right there. Not "let him do whatever" but also not "you sit and watch me." Actual involvement with safety.

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RRyan G.Regularjust now

How high is it? I'm imagining my 7yo deciding to jump from the roof or something equally dumb.