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In this week's episode of Weekend Handyman, host Paul Ryan builds this unique freestanding Tree Fort from a kit.
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The Tree Fort will include an adventure bridge that will connect to an oak tree in the backyard.
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Time: 12 hours over two days.
Difficulty Rating: This project rates a 2 out of 5 on the Weekend Handyman difficulty scale.Materials: Tree Fort kit
Safety glasses
Gloves
10' step ladder
Hammer
Heavy-duty socket set
1/2" drill with long auger bits
Impact driver
Posthole digger or power auger
Compound miter saw
Router or belt sander
Pea gravel
Fast drying cement
Short pieces of rebar
6' level
Clamps
1-5/8" deck screws
2 x 6 ledger board
4 x 6 ledger board
10" galvanized lag screws
Rope rail
Note: You can build a treehouse from scratch but it takes more time than a weekend and is expensive. For this project we built the tree fort from a kit.Unpacking the Tree-Fort Kit Tip: You'll need help unloading the kit due to its size (figure A) and weight. - The pieces of the kit are carefully. Just be sure to follow in the manufacturer's step-by-step instructions to unpack the box.
A lot of the work on the tree fort has already been done at the manufacturer, such as the windows and panels (figure B). Take measurements to figure out where you want the tree fort. When digging postholes, it's best to move about 10' away from tree. This way you are less likely to hit any of the large roots.
Assembling the Base- Turn the base upside down to put on the legs (figure C). Tap 3/8" galvanized carriage bolts into the pre-drilled holes in the 4 x 4s. Start the nuts but don't tighten them down until all the posts are in place.
- Attach two cross braces to each 4 x 4 (figure D), which will give the structure added strength.
- Once they are all in place you can then tighten the nuts down.
Note: Be careful not to over tighten the nuts because the cedar is a fairly soft. Tip: Run a short piece of rebar through the post (figure E) to help stabilize the footings in the cement. - Turn the structure over.
Expert Tip: When deciding where to place the freestanding tree fort, bear in mind that it would be great and convenient to be able to watch your children from the deck or patio. Also, it's a good idea to blend the fort in with the surrounding branches from the tree or trees.
After three hours on the job, the base is put together and standing. In the next segment Ryan and his assistant will be digging the postholes to set the corner posts, the unit will be leveled and they'll start building the tree fort in the sky!
RESOURCES :
Tree Fort with 4 x 4 Post System and Ladder
Brand name: KinderHomes
Model #: 7777
Color: Cedar
Where available: Visit the KinderHomes website, link below.
KinderHomes
DBA - EZ Systems
PO Box 1835
Oregon City, OR 97045
Toll-free phone: 800-501-2737
Toll-free fax: 800-501-2129
E-mail: info@kinderhomes.com
Website: www.kinderhomes.com
Treehouse Lodging
Cedar Creek Treehouse
PO Box 204
Ashford, WA 98304
Phone: 360-569-2991
E-mail: treehouse@mashell.com
Website: www.cedarcreektreehouse.com
Treehouses of Hawaii
PO Box 389
Hana, Maui, HI 96713
Phone: 808-248-7241
E-mail: hanalani@maui.net
Website: www.treehousesofhawaii.com
The Treehouse
4433 Palisades Way
Antioch, CA 99531
Phone: 925-778-7030
Website: www.shastarental.com
GUESTS :
Al Olson
Certified Arborist
Rainbow Treecare
2239 Edgewood Ave. S
Minneapolis, MN 55426
Phone: 952-922-3810
Mike Richardson
President
KinderHomes
DBA - EZ Systems
PO Box 1835
Oregon City, OR 97045
Toll-free: 800-501-2737
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