DIY Network

Woodworking Projects From "Today Show Tips" episode DTST-119

This whimsical tree house was made from a kit. It sits on the trunk of a recycled eucalyptus tree.

Woodworking can create projects that your children will enjoy for years. Here are some ideas for a tree house, a toybox and a picnic table just for them — and how to choose the best finish for each one.

Build a Tree House

When you think "tree house," you probably remember one made from a couple of 2x4s and a sheet of plywood. There are still plenty of those around, but you can improve enormously on the tree house you might have had as a kid. Here are some tips on upgrading a classic:

• Check with your local municipality. Not every town allows tree houses, and even if yours does, you may need a building permit.

• Pick the right tree. Of course, it has to be big enough — at least 16 inches in diameter. It should be in a location that is easily seen from the house, too.

• Determine the best height from the ground. That depends on the age of the kids and the type of railing you use.

• Figure out how will the kids get up to the tree house. A ladder? Stairs? If you opt for stairs, put handrails on both sides.

• Decide what kind of wood you'll use. Construction-grade pine works, but you'll have to stain it. Consider redwood and cedar; they have natural weather resistance. Or you can go green and salvage wood at demolition jobsites that can be re-used.
  

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• For the railing, space the balusters no more than 4-1/2 inches apart to eliminate any danger of a child getting his head caught between them.

• Use stainless-steel fasteners, which will last a long time. Lag bolts work great for attaching the tree house to the tree.

• Build the tree house to last. Your kids might be small now, but they could use the tree house until they weigh 100 pounds or more. Use the same kind of construction you'd use if you were building a deck, complete with framing.

• Design the tree house so that it can grow with your kids. When they're little, you want to be able to see them easily, but as they get older, they might want to have walls and a roof.

• If you're short on time and inspiration, check out tree house kits. Some of them even come with their own trees! Be prepared to pay for that convenience, though; one of these could run $10,000.

• However, if you live in an area with lots of families, you could consider a tree house an investment. It could be a very attractive feature to potential homebuyers with kids.

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