Built a treehouse with my kids this weekend and it actually didn't collapse

Apr 71 min read

So I've been planning this for like 6 months and finally pulled the trigger. Got some 2x8s, lag bolts, and a basic platform design from YouTube. My oldest helped me drill holes and my 6 year old mostly just handed me tools and asked why everything takes so long. Took us Saturday and Sunday but we got a solid 8x8 platform up about 12 feet in the oak tree. Still need to add railings and a rope ladder but man, the look on their faces when they climbed up for the first time was worth every blister. Anyone else built one of these? Tips on making the ladder part less sketchy would be appreciated.

7 comments171 views

Comments(7)

CCarlosNew DadApr 8

Six months of planning for a treehouse is serious dad energy. The fact that it didn't collapse is honestly just a bonus at that point. Your kids are going to remember this forever.

MMike R.RegularApr 8

2x8s and lag bolts, that's the real deal. How'd you anchor it? Tree houses done right actually last. Kids are going to be out there constantly now.

PPhil M.RegularApr 8

This is the kind of thing that becomes family legend. Your kids are going to tell their kids about the treehouse dad built. That's not just a structure, that's legacy.

RRyanRegularApr 8

Built a similar structure last year and my kids literally lived in it all summer. Fair warning you've just created their new favorite place and you'll hear about it constantly. Worth it though.

TTerry O.RegularApr 7

That's awesome man, six months of planning paid off. My son is still too little to appreciate a treehouse but now I'm adding this to the list of projects I'm definitely doing in a few years.

GGene K.RegularApr 7

This is so cool. I'm running on about 2 hours of sleep right now but seeing posts like this remind me there's actually fun stuff to look forward to once the newborn phase isn't completely consuming my life.

LLuca P.RegularApr 7

Dude yes. I got my kids out to help with some deck work last month and they lasted exactly 4 minutes before they were bored. But a treehouse? That's the kind of thing they'll actually want to use. Respect for following through.