DIY treehouse attempt - did NOT go as planned

Dec 61 min read

So I watched like 3 YouTube videos and decided I could build a basic treehouse in our oak tree for my boys (9 and 11). Went to Home Depot, got supplies, felt like a boss. Started building with them on Saturday and realized about halfway through that I had NO IDEA what I was doing with tree safety/weight distribution/basically everything. Now I'm out $300 and the thing looks like it might collapse if a squirrel sneezes. Hired an actual contractor. Lesson learned: some things are not DIY projects. Smh.

5 comments234 views

Comments(5)

FFrank K.RegularDec 7

I need to know what went wrong. Did it collapse? Did a branch fail? Did you realize you don't actually know structural engineering? The suspense is killing me but also I'm scared to try this now after reading the beginning of your post

BBen H.RegularDec 9

"watched 3 YouTube videos and felt like a boss" is the most dad sentence ever and immediately after comes the "did NOT go as planned." What happened - structural failure or safety concern?

RRob K.RegularDec 8

Dude this is the energy that gets people hurt. YouTube videos about treehouse building are NOT the same as actual experience. If something went sideways, get a professional. Your boys aren't worth learning on the job

HHarvey L.RegularDec 9

I did this exact same thing lol. Watched YouTube, felt competent, bought wood, immediately realized I had no idea what I was doing load-bearing-wise. Ended up having to get a contractor's opinion before my wife would let me finish. What went sideways with yours?

CCliff B.RegularDec 9

The fact that you took your 9 and 11yo out there during the building process shows you were thinking about them, which is sweet. But structural integrity before YouTube engineering. What failed?