The Treehouse Guide News

Re: Rope and Plank Bridges

Omaha — Sat, 30 May 2009 13:43:16 +0100

Bump.

Anybody find anything? I have a creek that my dad wants me to build a rope and blank bridge over and I can't find any good links, especially ones with rope tie suggestions. Anything would help.

Re: Placement of J brackets

Miles — Fri, 22 May 2009 11:22:28 +0100

Hi

You need 3 flexible joints in total:
1: for the beam from post to tree
2: for the beam from the other post to the other tree, and
3: for the beam between the two trees (only needs a flex joint at one end)

Hope this helps

Re: Question about building a foundation

Miles — Fri, 22 May 2009 11:17:04 +0100

Hi Nocturnal

I understand what you mean but I would still use flex joints. There's no doubt that a solid triangular structure will brace the trees together to some extent, but an engineer would advise flexible joints everytime.

Re: j brackets

Miles — Thu, 21 May 2009 14:40:28 +0100

Hi

I'm having some j-brackets and box brackets made up for me by a local engineering firm. The more I order the cheaper they become, so if you want one, please let me know.

2 tree design/spans

jatanat — Mon, 18 May 2009 23:50:49 +0100

I like the basic two tree design that's on the website. However, I am looking to work with 2 sturdy ponderosas that are 15 or 16 feet apart. i'd like the width to be 10 feet. I'm not sure whether its best to run 2x8 joists in the 10' direction, perpendicular to the line of the two trees, and if so, what size do the other 4 beams need to be? - Or, do i run very wide maybe 2x12 joists the full span of 15-16 feet, directly attaching them to one fixed beam, and running perhaps a few of them on sliding metal plate over the other fixed beam on the other tree - and again, what size lumber is needed? traditional span charts don't seem to work for this... i hope this makes sense. the basic question is: how would you apply the basic 2-tree plan to a wider span?
my other questions are:
1. would you adjust the triangular support for a wider span? what's an appropriate size and material?
2. which pieces should be pressure-treated and which don't need to be?
3. any tips on the roof? would you attach to the tree? or bolt 4x4 posts to the floor frame and build a roof onto that?
any input is appreciated as i try to sort through the technical details.
thanks!

Placement of J brackets

cmwalsh1 — Sat, 18 Apr 2009 00:00:22 +0100

I have 2 trees on the South side and will have 2 posts on the north side.....

should the brackets allow flexibility between the two trees.. OR, should they allow flexibility between each South tree and its opposite North post?

PLEASE any help would be GREATLY appreciated....im dying over here haha

j brackets (where can i get some)

smidsters — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 23:27:50 +0100

Unfortunately i do not know any one whom can make them, is there somewhere on the web i can buy them?

One bolt for two beams?

John Steele — Sat, 28 Mar 2009 18:53:13 +0100

My treehouse design has a triangular foundation of three framing beams resting on three tree limbs, each approximately 9" in diameter. As I will have two framing beams connected at each branch, I was planning on using two lag screws per limb. But now I am concerned that two screws so close together will cause compartmentalization. Would I reduce the chance of damage to the tree if I used one bolt that goes straight through the limb, extending about 6" on either side of it?

If this isn't advisable, the alternative will have to be one lag screw per branch, each screw supporting the two framing beams.

Thanks.

Re: Question about building a foundation

onlinev — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 11:45:15 +0100

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workout plans

Bolt Strength? (How do I select the proper bolts and attachment methods)

mouse2005 — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 17:04:40 +0100

I have been doing some research into building tree houses. I want to build a small(ish) structure between two trees on my property. Each tree is 12 to 18 inches in diameter. Can you recommend a resource I could consult for more information on the design? My basic questions (so far) relate to how strong the bolts that will be used to suspend this between the trees should be. Are there guidlines I could use to calculate some rough weights for a structure? The trees I'll use are about 11 or 12' apart so I'm anticipating a structure no more than 10 or 11' square. I've had two T-brackets fabricated and will use one on each tree. Each bracket has two 3/4" diameter holes, spaced about 12 to 18" apart. Long story short, the main failure mode for these bolts will be shear (with the assumption that bolts of sufficient length won't be pulled out?). What type of bolts do you use in your construction? Should I be looking for a minimum SAE Grade? I'm not sure how to proceed. In addition to the two opposing T-brackets I will use knee braces to support the far ends of the support beams. Also, my research indicates that lag screws are not graded for their shear strength. What is typically used for tree house supports, lag screws or bolts? I'm also very interested in opinions on what the best way to put a structure between two trees is without additional posts to the ground?

San Pedro style treehouse

nocturnal396 — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 18:13:51 +0100

I am interested in building a one tree treehouse but I would like the treehouse to be able to accommodate as many people as possible. The San Pedro style treehouse on this site looks very similar to what I would like to build, however I am wondering as to why it is off centered on the tree? My plan was to build an even square around the tree (i.e; take the san pedro tree house, lengthen the back so it protrudes out as far as the front and support it with the same style support beams as the front). Is there any reason not to do this? Im thinking maybe there would be a problem with having weight loaded on each end of the beam, it would essentially be putting all the stress in the center of the beam, but the supports going from the outside ends of the beam to the tree should relieve that stress, right?

Also, what size wood should I be using for the main floor framework and how wide should the tree be minimum? I would like the tree house to be able to occupy maybe 5-6 adults. I don't know the exact type of trees in this particular woods but I am in the north east (long island) and the trees are coniferous. Most of them are the skinny, small type that aren't suitable for a tree house but there is one I am eying that has a decent size trunk. Sorry, don't have a measurement yet but I will try to get one soon. Thanks!!

3/4" lag bolt

Merk — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 01:16:50 +0100

I'm located in Quebec, Canada and I wonder where I can find 3/4" lag bolts.
I've try many supplier but they are really hard to find. Any suggestion?
I just need 2 of them.

Thanks

My under construction treehouse project (topic: Post a picture of your treehouse)

tmizzone — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 14:33:01 +0100

Re: Flexible Joints

The Treehouse Guide — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:59:08 +0100

Can you supply a sketch of the layout of the trees and posts? What height will the supports be from the ground?

Email address is available from 'Contact' tab above.

Flexible Joints (Two trees, two)

ewimbrow — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 13:45:46 +0100

We plan to build a treehouse using two trees and two posts dug directly into the ground. Should we use flexible joints on the north/south and east west sides of both trees or would we be able to bolt the beams to one of the trees on both north/south and east west sides (along with bolting to the in-ground posts). The posts are about 10-12 feet from the trees. The base of the treehouse will only be on one side of the trees.

Also, along with the above question, should we extend the beams much beyond the bolted/flexible joint area to the other side of the trees?

Thank you.

Lag bolt suppliers

The Treehouse Guide — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 09:46:13 +0100

Most local or national hardware stores do not stock the large lag bolts used in treehouse foundations. However, it is possible to place your order with specialist suppliers online, who can deliver the larger sizes needed, along with steel cables and fittings.

Use galvanised or stainless steel bolts and washers, and pre-drill with a drill bit the diameter of the solid core within the threaded area. To make it easier to tighten, you can use a wider drill bit to pre-drill for the unthreaded part of the bolt.

Lag bolt suppliers
McMaster-Carr - eg 3/4" bolts
Bolt Depot

Specialist tree fastener suppliers
Michael Garnier at the Out 'n' About Treesort
Charley Greenwood at Treehouse Engineering

If you know of any other suppliers, please add them in a comment below.

ABC TV Show Looking for The Ultimate Tree House

dgervais82 — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 17:45:40 +0100

ABC’s WIFE SWAP CASTING FAMILIES LIVING IN ONE OF A KIND HOUSES!

ABC’s primetime series “Wife Swap” is currently casting its fifth season and looking for unique families with plenty of personality to take part in the show. Specifically, we're looking for families who live in one-of-a-kind houses! Whether you’re living in a yurt, a tee pee, or even a tree house…if your home is truly unique, we want to hear from you! Families who participate in this documentary-style program are given a unique opportunity to share their beliefs and lifestyles with another family. It is truly a once in a lifetime experience that can be life changing for everyone.

Each week on Wife Swap, the mothers from two families with different values and belief systems will exchange lives. It’s an amazing family experience and opportunity to learn how others lead their lives. Half of the week, mom lives the life of the family she is staying with. After making her observations, she introduces several "rule changes," where she implements rules and activities that are important to her family. It's a positive experience for people to not only learn but teach about other families and other ways of life. Wife Swap airs on Disney owned ABC television on Fridays at 8 pm- the family hour!

If you are a two-parent family with at least one child over the age of 5 living at home, and you think your family would make terrific TV, contact us to be a part of this groundbreaking show!

To apply or get information about the show
Please contact:

Danielle Gervais (Casting Producer)
Call: 646-747-7956
Email: Wifeswap.Danielle@gmail.com or Danielle.Gervais@castingrdf.com

Re: Treehouse

rtennant — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 21:21:14 +0100

Sweet! What a good job...

Properties for adults (14 September 2008, Telegraph, UK)

The Treehouse Guide — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 08:55:26 +0100

Article on the use of treehouses as retreats for adults - as offices, sleeping areas and rental opportunities.

Properties for adults
14 September 2008, Telegraph, UK

Change of planning laws in England (starting 1 October 2008)

The Treehouse Guide — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 08:41:01 +0100

From 1 October 2008, regulations for outbuildings have changed in England. Treehouses are usually classified as outbuildings for planning purposes. A more detailed article will be written on this topic, but for now the following are the basic limitations. Note that certain places, such as Conservation Areas, will have stricter rules.

Outbuildings no longer requiring planning permission

Single storey only

Maximum 4m from ground to top of a pitched roof

Maximum 3m from ground to top of a flat roof

Maximum 2.5m from ground if structure is within 2m of a boundary

With floor area under 15sqm you can build next to a boundary (2.5m height limit applies)

With floor ares of 15-30sqm you need to be at least 1m from a boundary (2.5m height limit applies)

For practical purposes, you should be aiming to build with a pitched roof to get the full 4m height allowance. Although building near a boundary is allowed, the height restriction effectively rules out treehouses. It is also a good idea to avoid overlooking neighbours' properties as they may complain about an invasion of privacy.

However, the new regulations also include "No verandas, balconies or raised platforms." This could cause any treehouse (a raised platform) to fail the conditions and now require planning permission. Perhaps the idea of this condition is to prevent both the use of the building for sleeping and for entertaining (which might cause a noise disturbance). This particular point would need to be clarified with your local authority before you start to build.

This information should not be considered as legal advice. Please check with your local planning authority in case particular rules apply in your area. Planning laws in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland may vary.

Further reading
Planning Portal

Re: Had a complaint

Frosty — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 07:25:17 +0100

I'm in Poole, Dorset, UK and I did'nt get to speak to the planning officer myself as she spoke with my wife.

Re: Getting started pointers/help please

The Treehouse Guide — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 17:33:18 +0100

For a single tree a good way to arrange the supports is with radiating beams held up by knee braces. This prevents too much of the tree being covered by the beams, as with the parallel beam approach. The tree will gradually grow over the supports so you don't want to have too much in the way or you may cut off food and water supplies under the bark. With radial support beams you need a bracket to fix the beam to the trunk, which you will need to get custom made and galvanised. A simple 'L' or 'U' shape is sufficient. As this deck is quite large, I would suggest using at least eight beams (four for the corners of the deck and four for the middle of each side of the deck). 14' is too far to span in one go with 2x8.

If you decide to go with the parallel beam method, you still need to use knee braces or cables to support the ends of the beams, otherwise there will not be sufficient support at the edges of your deck. One problem you face with this method is forming a level floor base, as beams fitted at right angles will have to be bolted to the trunk above or below the first beams. This height could be filled with an extra spacer 2x8 fitted on top of the lower beam.

Getting started pointers/help please

live4dving — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 04:22:31 +0100

Ok. I have a great tree to start with...strong oak, straight, thick and old--diameter I'm not certain on, but at least 3 feet. The question I have is this:

How do I get started? I think I want a 14' square deck (I'll be adding a structure on one side later, but that's neither here nor there). From everything I've read I have pulled from it all that I cannot place more than one lag bolt per board per side due to the rot that will occur, making the structure unstable. So, how do I keep those first two parallel 2x8's from rotating on me? After those two are secured I think that the deck will lay down easily, but I'm just trying to figure out the logistics of those first two boards! Any help is GREATLY appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Treehouse (Suspended by cables from two large oak trees)

dbarndt — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 02:40:39 +0100

It only took 2 summers of spare time, but it's now complete (for my boys, 11 and 8)...

Further details (topic: World Treehouse Association Conference 2008 moves to Fall City, WA)

The Treehouse Guide — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 10:13:40 +0100

Further details of this year's meeting, now known as the '2008 Global Treehouse Symposium' are available from TreeHouse Workshop, including a PDF with a daily breakdown of events.

The weekend usually consists of a mixture of talks, hands-on building and networking. Topics such as preventing tree damage, material choice and design are covered in a series of lectures. You will also get the chance to look at some of the completed treehouses already at Treehouse Point.

Re: Had a complaint

The Treehouse Guide — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 09:31:02 +0100

This is good news for your treehouse and shows how neighbours can be the downfall of a lot of treehouses in built up areas. If anyone else is planning a treehouse it really is worth having a chat with your immediate neighbours to bring up any problems before you start to build.

It is quite easy to get caught by the boundary limit as most gardens have the largest trees around the edges rather than in the middle.

However they did warn me that from Oct 1st this year there will be new planning laws in force

Frosty - where are you based, and which council told you this?

Cable the tree?

rtennant — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 23:23:48 +0100

I just finished expanding my treehouse, up and also out to one side. Visually the additions seem to be a good balance for the existing platform (it is all just platforms with railings, no walls or roof). However, I've noticed that the main trunk (it is a large black oak) has moved some 4-6 inches due to the weight. I know the tree will compensate over time, but I'm worried about the upcoming winter. I'm working on watersealing the wood to reduce water soaking, but it's likely the platform will gain weight during rainstorms.

I have some opportunities to cable limbs to the main trunk or the two main trunks together, but I'm wondering if this is a good idea over time. I've read that the tree can rely on the cables and put additional wood on beyond the cables, which frankly would be strange and not a good outcome. A picture is attached to try to give you a better sense of the situation. Does anyone have some advice based on their experience?

Re: Had a complaint

Frosty — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 21:56:58 +0100

Refreshing. the enforcement officer rang today. My TH is too close to the boundary (600cm) and a little too high (4.2m), however after some consultation with the neighbour who complained to the local authority and some assurance that there will be no windows on their side overlooking the garden and a roof which will ensure no-one (the kids) look over a wall into their garden, plus the whole thing is painted green then the tree house will be allowed to stay. A really nice resolution found by the council I thought.

However they did warn me that from Oct 1st this year there will be new planning laws in force which mean i would not see quite such leniency if I have built the TH after this date.

Panic over, great site, I've not finished my roof and will post some pics when its done.

Had a complaint

Frosty — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 19:41:23 +0100

I'm nearly finished, my tree house floor is about 2 metres off the ground and has a ridge hight of 4.1m (from the ground). It is however quite close to the boundary (about 2 foot). An enforcement officer has called today to inspect, first off I'm pretty peeved that people complain about what is essentially a childrens playhouse and second do I have a leg to stand on or will I have to take it down ? What happens if I simply refuse ? Any ideas ? I've googled a bit and found some varying/ outdated opinions and just found this forum.

UK: 'The Treehouse Company' closes down (new Amazon Treehouses formed from ashes)

The Treehouse Guide — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 09:35:34 +0100

The Treehouse Company (formerly Peartree Treehouses and not to be confused with Treehouse Company) appears to have gone out of business in mid-2008 and their website is now no longer active.

A new treehouse business, Amazon Treehouses, has just started operations in the same area of Scotland as The Treehouse Company. It seems to be formed from some of the staff of The Treehouse Company, but with different management and with goals of building fewer treehouses with an emphasis on custom designs and fine detail.