DIY Treehouse Project—Year 1 Update

Dec 161 min read

Remember my post from like 8 months ago about building a treehouse? Finally have an update. Spent most of the summer on it, kids helped with some of the "easier" parts (holding boards, hammering nails under supervision, painting).

It's not fancy but it's solid and they're actually using it. Built a little pulley system for passing stuff up. The 12yo especially loves having a space that's "his." Best weekend project I've done honestly. Photos in my post history if anyone cares.

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Comments(11)

RRaj P.RegularDec 17

The kids helping with the easy parts is key. They feel like they built it, not like they watched you build it. What's the safety situation - did you go full permit or more of a backyard project?

RRuben A.New DadDec 18

This is the kind of project that'll be legendary in your kids' eyes for like the next decade. What's left for year 2 - like a pulley system or just maintenance?

WWill T.RegularDec 18

Did the kids actually use it or is it more of a "dad's cool thing"? Asking because I built mine and they lost interest in like 2 weeks lol

TTerry O.RegularDec 18

"easier" parts in quotes is doing a lot of work here lol. I tried this with my boys and holding boards straight was apparently impossible. Respect for sticking with it.

CChris P.RegularDec 18

How high did you go? I've been thinking about this for our property but I'm paranoid about the liability angle if neighborhood kids get hurt up there

TTyler K.RegularDec 18

8 months of progress on a treehouse is actually insane. The fact that your kids helped with the easy parts is probably teaching them more about projects/patience than if you just hired someone. How high did you go?

NNolan J.RegularDec 19

responding to the cost question - tree houses are NOT cheap if youre doing it right. good lumber, hardware, safety stuff adds up fast. probably looking at $800+ minimum unless youre being real cheap about it

BBen D.RegularDec 18

Okay so real question: how much did this actually cost? Like materials-wise? And are you done or is year 2 going to be a thing

CCliff B.RegularDec 18

Okay but you gotta show the before/after. Summer-long project gets me hyped for home improvement energy.

JJake M.RegularDec 18

This is the kind of project that creates core memories. My cousin built one with his dad when he was 8 and he's 34 now and still talks about it. You're gonna create something huge here.

SSam T.New DadDec 19

8 months of treehouse work is insane. Please tell me you documented this somehow because your kids are gonna want photos of this for college essays or something lol