Q&A for How to Build a Treehouse

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Where can I build a tree house if all the trees are too high?

Community Answer

You can use low support beams and build it like a little clubhouse around the trunk of the tree.

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Question

How much money will it take to build a treehouse?

Community Answer

It can be expensive depending on how much wood you use or supplies you have. Even with tools already, the materials can cost close to $500.

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Question

How long does it take to build a treehouse?

Community Answer

Depending on the size of the treehouse, it could take from a few hours to more than a week.

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Question

How about lightning protection?

Community Answer

Nothing can truly protect someone from lightning, but the chances of getting hit by it is so unlikely. But if you still want to buy something, a makeshift lightning rod will do.

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Question

What if you don't have a tree in your garden/ the only tree is too small or weak?

Community Answer

Another alternative is a fort on the ground.

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Question

How can a treehouse be built quickly?

Community Answer

Use a very simple design or invest in a pre-made treehouse.

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Question

If I use fresh cut lumber how do I prevent rot?

Community Answer

It shouldn't rot if it is treated or you use a rot resistant wood such as oak.

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Question

How can I put a substantial roof on my treehouse?

Community Answer

Try using wood or branches, so it blends in with the tree.

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Question

Is it possible to make a treehouse good enough to live in, with appliances, etc.?

Community Answer

Yes, you can live in your treehouse, but if you make a fireplace, or an oven, or anything else related to fire, be very careful you don't burn your treehouse down.

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Question

How to I make a big tree house for a school project?

Community Answer

Try to find a place where you can attach your tree house to three or more trees. Using excellent-quality material is crucial. Safety MUST be your first priority. Combine the pole method with the bolt method, as this reinforces the strength of your construction. You might find it useful to contact a professional carpenter to give you some advice.

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Question

Can I use recycled wood to build a treehouse?

Community Answer

Most treehouses are made from recycled lumber. Just make sure the wood is in decent condition and free from rot and termites.

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Question

Is it possible to make a tree house without any urban materials?

Community Answer

You can look into traditional timber framing (wooden furniture is still built this way) and you could harvest your own wood.

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Question

Doesn't the tree keep growing, moving the treehouse with it?

Community Answer

No, trees grow from the top, not the bottom. Your treehouse will stay at the same place (unless if falls, in which case it will probably be on the ground).

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Question

Does drilling into the tree harm the tree itself?

Community Answer

Anything that penetrates the bark of the tree, including drills, nails, or screws, can be harmful and damaging to the tree. It can offer an easy opening for any diseases or insects, and it can also damage the way the tree functions internally.

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Question

How do I get up the tree to build?

Community Answer

You can use a couple of ladders and helping hands to get the beams into place.

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Question

How much money will it cost for all the materials and tools?

Community Answer

It depends on what tools you get and how much they cost, but it would probably cost close to $500 USD. If you want to get them cheaper, look for what you have in your house before you buy anything.

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Question

What are ways that I can raise money to make a treehouse?

Community Answer

Car washes, lemonade stands, paper routes and other things are great ways to make lots of money.

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Question

Can I make the ladder out of lumber?

Community Answer

Yes, you can.

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Question

What if I my parents don't want to build one?

Community Answer

A fun and easy alternative to a tree house is a fort on the ground. Find a small clearing surrounded by trees and bushes and further conceal it using large branches. Sweep the leaves and excess debris off the ground and scatter wood chips if you'd like. Add a couple chairs/tables or place a few large logs on the ground as furniture. You can hang Christmas lights around the trees and overhead to make your fort look downright magical at night.

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Question

Can I build a tree house in a live oak tree?

Community Answer

Yes, as long as the tree is big and heavy enough to support the weight of a tree house.

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Question

Is it possible to build a tree house in one hour?

Community Answer

No.

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Question

Can I build it on an ash tree?

Community Answer

As long as the branches are sturdy and big enough to hold the house securely, then yes.

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Question

Can I put candles in the treehouse?

Community Answer

You can if you're very cautious and keep an eye on them the whole time they are burning. You don't want to burn your treehouse down. If you're a child, ask your parent(s) permission before lighting candles in your treehouse, or anywhere else.

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Question

Should I paint a tree house?

Community Answer

You don't have to; if you do, make sure you use outdoor paint.

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Question

Could I make it hang from the trees?

Community Answer

No, not really. Theoretically it would be possible, but it would require a TON of support to ensure that the treehouse wasn't in danger of falling.

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Question

What if the only trees in my yard are dead or non-rot-resistant?

Community Answer

Then make a fort on the ground instead.

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Question

If I don't have a tree, how do I make a treehouse? Also, what if I don't have any tools/helping hands?

Community Answer

Well first, if you don't have a tree, it's not a treehouse, and second of all, you need tools or you can't build a house anyway. Without these things, you cannot build a treehouse.

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Question

If I don't have a tree with a V shape what do I do?

Community Answer

Get a tree with branches that make up kind of a circle, triangle, or a square. That will help support it.

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Question

Can I build a treehouse in a pine tree?

Community Answer

Yes, you can. Softer woods are going to have less weight bearing ability and more movement, so you can't build as high.

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Question

How do I build a treehouse with recycled wood?

Community Answer

The steps here shouldn't be very different. Just be careful and take into account how thick or thin your wood is. You wouldn't want to build a treehouse only to find the wood you used is too flimsy to support your weight.

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