How to Build a Backyard Treehouse - Part 1

THE PART 2 VIDEO IS UP!
• How to Build a Backyar...
This Part 1 video shows the support system used for a kids treehouse / playhouse that is fully supported from the trees.
Credit goes to my father-in-law for machining the treehouse bolts and fabricating the brackets.

[@chan-adventure]

Great

[@user-mb9rq4hn6r]

I also DIY a tree house. It was helpful.😊

[@ParentsandProjects]

Awesome!

[@docimma]

I attempted to drill my tabs in and quickly hit a water canal. I felt I should not continue. Your thoughts?

[@Natedawg1]

This is awesome! Any chance you could drop your plans in a google drive or link?

[@joeplouff6374]

Did you get the sliding tree house bolts at the shop as well? I am looking for something due to the high winds in my area I have about >1” sway where I want to build.

[@erikshowto1304]

Yes I did, but you can find similar ones online by searching 'sliding treehouse brackets'.

[@TankBossOG]

Awesome What kind and size bolts? Where did you source them?

[@erikshowto1304]

1" dia. bolts. I had them made by a local machine shop.

[@maigematthews5620]

How much weight do those supports hold? And please, if you have any tips to help, it’ll be greatly appreciated. I have just shy of an acre of land that I would love to turn into an oak tree forest. The white oak tree is the most common and hardest tree strength tree that will grow here in Cheraw, SC. This is to be my little baby, a 8-10 year project for my grandchildren to enjoy. I’ll build a massive treehouse for them to turn into princess castle or a fort.

[@erikshowto1304]

Good question but difficult to answer. I've estimated the bolts in the trees could each hold at least a thousand pounds, but the 2x support frame is likely the weaker point. Oaks are great but any healthy hardwood will work fine; just avoid more than one bolt at the same elevation to avoid stressing the tree. Good luck!

[@llll7017]

Do you sell the custom bolts? Awesome design and way more practical for the size you built.

[@erikshowto1304]

No, I don't sell the bolts

[@Maddminute]

how much for the custom bolts and tool?

[@MrAwesomeStone]

What about the horizontal sway? Did you put rafter ties on both ends?

[@erikshowto1304]

Yes, rafter ties are on both ends. The 3:27 mark shows them on one side.

[@andrewheichel7708]

Are your rafter ties nailed to the beam AND the joists or only to the beam? Or are the joists just sitting in the ties to allow for movement?

[@erikshowto1304]

The rafter ties are screwed to both the joists and the beam. Lateral movement takes place at the tree bolt, as the mount at the bolt can slide over the threads.

[@anandanthraper5367]

And us galvanised bolts good or should i look for anyother..thx?

[@erikshowto1304]

I don't think it matters as far as the tree is concerned, but I'll admit that isn't something I've really looked into.

[@muhammadadhil5010]

Awesome video Hey will that hurt the tree

[@erikshowto1304]

Based on other installations I've seen, no, this should not hurt the tree.

[@WisdomIsPrecious]

Obviously it will hurt it, it’s a living thing and you’re drilling into it. Will it hurt it to an extent where you can see the hurt reflected outwardly by some symptoms? Probably not. Experience: work with plants a lot and used to have one of these tree forts

[@anandanthraper5367]

Will it kill the tree

[@HobbiesInterests]

Where did you get the large bolts ?

[@erikshowto1304]

I had these custom made by a local machine shop, but similar ones can be found online.

[@docimma]

What if I drilled home into the tree for my tab and water stormed out? Not wise to use that hole, correct?

[@Soknik01]

Do not build any structure connected to that tree. If water is pouring out of it then chances are that tree is rotting inside.

[@docimma]

@@Soknik01 I built around both trees

[@sigve7008]

will 26 long normal screws hold up a tree house I have one I don't trust it anymore my dad is a carpenter and he says its safe

[@erikshowto1304]

I can't comment to your specific situation as there are too many variables that factor into this. If you're unsure then it's probably not safe.

[@anandanthraper5367]

Will drilling the TABs into the tree kill it ?

[@erikshowto1304]

No, as long as the tree is healthy and you don't use too many TABs at the same elevation.

[@mailaloomy4219]

Woodglut has a very large project base.

[@rickylafleur9855]

Thanks, too bad there's no other video

[@erikshowto1304]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rF7YnaiMppllsKM

[@rickylafleur9855]

@@erikshowto1304 thanks I meant tutorial on how to build the Fondation.