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  • Tree Fort: Drilling the Holes
    		•
    From "Weekend Handyman"
    episode WKH-301


    PHOTO

    In this week's episode of Weekend Handyman, host Paul Ryan builds this unique freestanding Tree Fort from a kit.
    PHOTO

    The Tree Fort will include an adventure bridge that will connect to an oak tree in the backyard.
    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
    advertisement


    PHOTO

    Figure A
    PHOTO

    Figure B

    Installing the Footings

    1. Use a power auger or posthole digger to drill holes for footings (figure A).

      Note: The cost to rent a power auger is approximately $150 a day -- and add a $50 delivery fee.

    2. When drilling the holes with an auger, if you feel any resistance you've probably hit a root. If this happens you may want to move over a few inches.

    3. Put about three scoops of gravel in each of the holes (figure B) to provide a base for the post to sit on as well as providing drainage.

    4. Place the posts in the holes.

    5. Level the base using a 6' level.

    6. After assembling the structure, pour fast-drying cement into the holes and then add water. Give it a good stir and the concrete will set overnight.


    Building the Structure

    1. Place the first end panel into notch (figure C).

    2. Secure it along the bottom by drilling 1-5/8" deck screws into the pre-drilled holes.

      Note: Have someone hold on to the first panel while handing up the next wall panel.

    3. Connect the second panel to the first utilizing the pre-attached corner trim (figure D).

    4. Repeat the process with the remainder of the wall panels -- with screws along the bottom and corners.
    Photo

    Figure C
    		Photo

    Figure D


    Attaching Roof Panels and Dormers

      Slip the first roof panel onto the special notches (figure E) built into the top of the end panels.

    1. Screws through the top of the side wall go into the roof fascia to hold the roof panels into place.

    2. Push the second roof panel into place.

    3. Assemble the dormer and set it into place over the frame of the roof (figure F). Secure it from inside with screws.

    4. Finally, to secure the tree fort pour fast-drying concrete in the holes that support the posts. You can do this with an easy technique -- instead of using a wheel barrel simply pour the concrete mix right into the hole, add water and give the compound a good stir. Let it setup overnight and the fort will be on solid footing by morning!

    After six hours on the job the tree fort is taking shape. In the next segment we'll finish the last few details on the fort and get started on the adventure bridge.
    Photo

    Figure E
    		Photo

    Figure F


    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

  • ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
  		• Tree Fort: Determining Location
  		• Tree Fort: Drilling the Holes
  		• Tree Fort: Treehouse Tips and Building the Adventure Bridge