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The kids never asked for a tree house - but I decided to build them one anyway (perhaps that says more about me than them!)
Crafted mostly from an old pergola, sourced from a demolished house, the platform sits on a frame that avoids the need to dig post holes that would have impacted the tree's critical root zone. The fort sits within a Lemon Scented Gum which fills the air with a zesty smell when it rains. The structure includes a weather tight cubby, slide, rope ladder, gas lift trap door and pirate flag (obviously). Yaaaaarh!
Materials
Tools
- Recycled pergola timbers - main frame
- Recycled spotted gum boards - decking and some balustrade
- Treated pine (various sizes) for floor joists and cubby frame
https://www.bunnings.com.au/50-x-25mm-l-m-h3-treated-pine-sawn-cca_p0051357
- Treated pine fence paling for cubby cladding
https://www.bunnings.com.au/150-x-12mm-2-1m-fence-paling-h3-treated-pine-cca_p0120259
- Joist hangers
https://www.bunnings.com.au/pryda-joist-hanger-to-suit-45-x-140mm_p0294197
- M12 and M10 Cup head bolts - stainless steel or galvanised
https://www.bunnings.com.au/zenith-m12-x-75mm-cup-head-bolt-and-nut_p2310426
- Treated pine screws
https://www.bunnings.com.au/zenith-10-8-x-75mm-treated-pine-countersunk-head-screws-50-pack_p2400013
- Site sourced branches for balustrade
- Climbing holds
https://www.bunnings.com.au/swing-slide-climb-blue-climbing-rocks-5-pack_p3320814
- Ships bell
https://www.bunnings.com.au/swing-slide-climb-ship-bell_p3321047
- Telescop (Bunnings)
- Steering wheel (Bunnings)
- Rope ladder
https://www.bunnings.com.au/swing-slide-climb-2080mm-7-rung-rope-ladder_p3320803
- Second hand slide
- Old roof sheeting
- Bondall Inground wood protector
https://www.bunnings.com.au/bondall-4l-inground-timber-protector_p0960509
- Structural nails
- Gas lift struts for trapdoor
https://www.bunnings.com.au/goliath-700mm-650n-black-gas-strut_p4230059
- Ozito reciprocating saw
- Ozito screwdriver
https://www.bunnings.com.au/ozito-pxc-18v-drill-driver-kit_p0299323
- Ozito impact driver
https://www.bunnings.com.au/ozito-pxc-18v-impact-driver-skin-only_p6290472
- Ozito circular saw
https://www.bunnings.com.au/ozito-pxc-18v-165mm-circular-saw-skin-only_p0033141
- Spirit level
https://www.bunnings.com.au/craftright-1200mm-spirit-level_p5660724
Steps
Step 1
1/5- Quick sketch design and check in with Bunnings Workshop community to seek advice!
- Clear and level ground around tree for base
- Lay and compact 20mm gravel for base of frame to sit on (to help provide a sturdy base and improve drainage)
- Paint all wood in contact with ground with Bondall wood protector
- Cut and fix timber with large screws
Step 2
2/5- Cut and attach frame legs using M12 through bolts
- Cut notches in top of posts for frame sides, ensuring all plumb and level
- Install frame sides using M12 through bolts
Step 3
3/5- Install joist hangers for joists using structural nails
- Install joists made from treated pine - size and spacing of joists based on expected deck weight and length of joist span
Step 4
4/5- Install spotted gum decking on top of floor joists
- Install balustrade frame using cut lengths of spotted gum decking before installing branches collected from site as railings
- Treated pine used to create cubby frame with fence palings used for cladding - all fixed with treated pine screws
Step 5
5/5- Final fit out including wooden ladder with climbing holds
- Rope ladder
- Trap door made from wood scraps and gas lift struts
- Install periscope, wheel and bell
- Add pirate swag (flag, spray paint decals)
- Encourage kids to stop watching TV and get outside!
Hello @mjkworldwide
What a fantastic treehouse, it looks very solidly built. It looks very well thought out and the stencils are a neat touch. The use of natural timber branches to cover the balustrade was very clever. I'm sure your kids will appreciate the treehouse. I also suspect that they will be asking for additions once they realize that the pirate ship can get bigger.
Thank you for sharing such an awesome project.
Eric
