How To Build A Treehouse Roof Around A Tree

Lag two sets of beams to the tree using a 3 4 diameter x 10 lag screw.

How to build a treehouse roof around a tree.

The heavy spring flow of sap will have slowed greatly but the tree will still have time to heal before winter. Add spacers between the beams and the tree to. A properly sloped or pitched roof is much superior. If you get particularly harsh winters a steep pitch is critical to avoid a build up of snow which could easily spell disaster for a treehouse of limited support.

Build the diy treehouse in mid summer. Now it s time to build the platform atop the supports. I have seen a treehouse built in four cedars designed this way and it works remarkably well however it is not practical for most applications. On each corner install an angled 2 x 8 down the tree directly below the main supports.

Divide that number by pi 3 14 to get the diameter. To calculate your tree s diameter measure its circumference by wrapping a string or measuring tape around the trunk at the point where you want the treehouse to sit. Get it perfectly horizontal with the help of a level and nail the other end to the other tree. Don t restrict tree growth.

Making a treehouse roof. Don t constrict branches with rope straps or wire. The first is a bit dramatic. The second solution is to build a wall vapor barrier around the trunk on the inside of the treehouse.

For a standard 8 x8 treehouse choose a tree with a trunk at least 12 in diameter. Add the floor joist perpendicular the main supports. The top set of beams will be the floor height of your treehouse. Next install the perimeter beams to the top set o beams and square them up using the 3 4 5 rule.

This can strangle the tree. Try to to drill the pilot holes as straight and level as possible. Get a strip of light wood and nail one end to one of your trees at a height about 1 ft lower than you want the floor of your treehouse to save a future concussion it should also be at least 1 ft higher than your head. Once you finish one corner move on to the corner opposite of it and work on that one.

Minimizing tree damage for diy treehouse. A good roof protects the whole of the treehouse beneath it. Now we are working on the roof and then we will talk through the walls and windows after that. Add joists on 16 inch centers and build the floor with deck boards or 3 4 inch plywood.

Aim for a slope of at least 30 but preferably 45 or more. Leave gaps around the tree. 2x4 inch boards work well for this and you will end up with a square to work with. Find a corner that isn t square and create braces to run at the top corner of the wall.

To accommodate tree movement and growth allow gaps around any branches or trunks that penetrate the tree house. For reference we have finished the base and frame of the treehouse as well as the floor and stairs. Build the perimeter of the frame using 2 x 6 or 2 x 8 cuts of lumber.