How To Build A Treehouse | 5 Wranglerstar

[@dannoquin7322]

It's a pleasure watching your videos and your relationship with young Jack will be one of his life's most cherished memories. Dan

[@joshuabrown455]

Cody's interactions with Jack are indeed a wonderful thing.

[@readysteadyeddy1826]

Hi Cody, I have one suggestion you might feel worth considering. The idea of separating the movement of the tree-house from the tree is perfect and your solution is fantastic. I am not sure if anyone has already suggested the following. My only thought is that once the house is built all the weight may cause the water piping to indent into the wooden beam at the bearing point; this may hinder free movement. Furthermore, and over a period of time, the continuous side to side movement of the water piping will indent further and further into the wooden beams. Could it be an idea to attach a metal plate on the underside of the beam to act as the bearing/sliding surface for the water piping?

[@SHcinema]

Hi Cody. Not nitpicking here but some suggestions. The primary ingredient in galvanizing is zinc. I'm not sure what a Maple tree's tolerance to zinc is but it would be something to verify. If not very tolerant, switching to stainless steel lags would be a good idea, they are also stronger than the galvanized mild steel lag bolts. Next, since you have welding skills, I'd advise welding angle iron on top of the brackets you made, with some trussing support for the angle iron plates... 6 inches would do. This would do the capture like you currently are, but let the beam slide on a large plate and not a round (which will eventually eat into the beam). You also don't need to adjust a bracket any more, the beam could be prevented from sliding off with a single 2" bolt lag in the inside area, a short chain or swivel could be mounted to prevent dismounting in even the highest winds. It the plate would also let you more easily adjust for where the bracket and tree configuration are. If you'd like me to whip up some drawings of what I'm talking about, PM me. Thanks for your time.

[@kevinhornbuckle]

It's nice to hear your son's voice. He reminds me of my son when he was little. He's 17 now and gone off to school. Like your son, mine is an only child. This has been to his advantage. I was able to focus on him a lot, including slowing down my home improvement work to show him how to do this and that. Taking care for accuracy is a good lesson for the kids. Sloppy, fast work will make your kids turn out to be impatient and tolerant of low grade things. My son has turned out to be a good musician and has left Oregon to go away to music school (although the Univ. Oregon has a very good music school). Maybe your son will use his tree house to practice a musical instrument. I am enjoying the series. Keep up the good work.

[@rocook946]

That tree house will last a LONGTIME. Love watching all the care you are putting into making it right the first time.

[@Berk-nz6uk]

Cody. Your problem solving and engineering skills are amazing. If those scoffing at your design would ever watch "Tree House Masters" they would see that there is a fellow who makes a living by designing and building treehouse the same way. He's been doing it for decades so I would consider him an expert. What you are doing is not going to hurt the tree in any way. Also being able to come up with the bracket design yourself without just getting on the internet and clicking"buy" I think is the definition of Modern Homesteading.Why buy something you can design and make yourself. Great Job.

[@cedarg9874]

It amazes me how some people just don't get it. Wranglerstar the man and his approach to what ever projects he takes on is done for the love it, this includes his video's. Personally I take something away with me on every vid I've watched that he has done, good or bad and mistakes included. The 2" bolts will hold darn it, if not replace them with 3", it's really that simple. Thanks Cody.

[@wranglerstar]

Tenspeed TheBikeHanger I never knew there were so many treehouse experts out there until I started this series.

[@mdbigman]

I never knew how difficult it was to build a tree house! You need - 3 inch lag bolts, a water level, a kiln, pre-dried timber, a taller van, Tsunami protection, a Steel cage to prevent Limb damage, No GLOCK 26, more education (although our resident engineer gave it his thumbs up). Etc, Etc, Etc.. common folks... Let the man work and just enjoy!. Cody's going to get "whip lash' from shaking his head so much.

[@mdbigman]

Tenspeed TheBikeHanger LOL... So true,! I was lazy and my neck started hurting from shaking side to side.!

[@lutherhgrindstonemtn3456]

Hey Cody,Just to let you know this is the first comment I have put on youtube as until today I didn't know how, I'm a shade tree mechanic, not a computer tech! I have enjoyed your videos for along time now, the only thing is they have about bankrupt me account buying all the neat stuff you use! I also enjoy your Bible studies as they are very informative and we all need to be pointed in the right direction most of the time. Love the tree house you are building, going to be a earthquake proof house for sure! Take care & God bless you & your wonderful family!

[@DavidKirtley]

Looks really nice. Especially the brackets. Two suggestions: Take a clamp up with you. Much easier to drill and mount those keepers on the brackets if you hold them in place with a clamp. You went to all the trouble of putting up the rope and then just manhandled the beam up onto the brackets? Use the rope. You back isn't getting any younger and you don't want to drop it on your helper.

[@veldasanders-snyder8906]

Cody just a quick question. Are you not worried about using green timber? I am a retired gen. contractor. and that stuff twist and turns in the most unpredictable ways also cracks. Love the Z bracket for support you made.

[@buildingourhomestead0]

already with just one beam in, this tree house is way more sophisticated than the random scraps of plywood we had nailed into the tree down the street growing up. I can't wait to see the final result!!

[@jkrug5000]

Wranglerstar - Here's an example of how I reference your channel. I've been contemplating building a tree house for a couple years now. So I need to learn a bit more about the subject. I work through in my mind where can I go to gain knowledge on the subject. I heard about your channel about a year ago when I was looking for a log splitting wedge and as I was in the store ready to make a purchase when my friend said "before you buy that you should check out this guy Wranglerstar on KZbin". I balked at the idea but he's a friend I trust dearly so I checked out your channel and have been a faithful subscriber ever since. But I digress. Back a the tree house. I thought to myself, I bet Wrangerstar doesn't have anything on treehouse building but I'll give it a shot as you're my first resource for every new project I take on and here I am learning how to build a treehouse from you. Thank you for all you do for me and my family. To KZbin - there are a lot of different kind of families out there. It's not all popsicles and ice cream. Most of us are God fearing respectable people and rough and tumble just like Wranglerstar. Don't take him away from us. We rely on him.

[@bradkrit]

I think it was smart to have each mount use two lag screws. Typically when you screw the beams directly to the tree, you get a lot of shear resistance from the compressive friction between the beam and tree, but without that you are relying totally on the shear strength of those lag screws. Doubling up was a smart choice.

[@robertsheffey8894]

Truly inspiring. I'd absolutely love to try a project like this. This is exactly the reason I keep watching. Keep pushing the boundaries.

[@anile8tor9]

This is incredible. I am finding it fascinating. I never thought about all the planning that should go into building a treehouse. I have never tried to build one either. I love the brackets you made and the color you decided to go with. I really look forward to the next episode in the treehouse build.

[@Thefreshp]

This is such a fun series to watch. I can't wait for a tree house warming party.

[@wranglerstar]

FRESH PRINCESS I can't wait to see you and GP

[@Thefreshp]

Nah, you just want a taco right about now. ;)

[@Handygrandad]

spot on Cody, Makes even more sense when you are the starter and the finisher, Quality vlog thanks,

[@jcknives4162]

I think they make a tree paint that you can apply over the notched area that will prevent rot and infection of the tree. Of course, this is spring so the sap is running and likely will do the job for you just fine. Looking good. Love your engineering and craftsmanship!!

[@mdbigman]

Yes, there is debate now about whether it is better for the tree to heal itself or using a tree tar to coat the area. Think they are on the side of let the tree heal itself if the area is not to large.

[@junkman6261]

I am so excited about this build and it just can't go fast enough :). Nice work and your son will definitely have something to be proud of. God bless!

[@outdoorcountryboyforlife6511]

hey Cody, Nice job. I bet the little man is looking forward to the tree house. I had one as a boy and thats the best thing in the world for him. I place to call his own. My cousin and I practically lived in our tree house. again, great job on the tree house engineering and as a Dad.

[@johnw.peterson4311]

Mr W, you are a good papa. God bless.

[@Traderjoe]

That looks great! Ignore the critics, they aren't doing it and it'll be much better than the way they used to be made. I am sure there are tree houses with a tenth of the safety effort built in and Im sure they are 30 years old and still standing.

[@viewfromtheroad2656]

Love your videos, keep them coming. Great design. Looks just like one of the many things my grandad built. Over done and never failed and always with scavenged lumber and bits of this and that to make it work. You would love the house he built near Montague, Ca. Always the scrounger. He salvaged the boiler out of a hotel that was being raised in Yreka, Ca. for his well's pressure tank. He turned a radial arm saw into a monster 36 inch saw to mill his free, old growth, 16"x16" redwood beams (formally stickers from a mill that was being torn down, the mill was planning on bulldozing them into a pile and burning them as it was cheaper than the labor to load and transport to their new location) into true dimension boards to build an entire house with. He wired the entire house 10 ga, too sense the price was right. They shorted him on a previous order of 10 ga and the fellow at the place where he bought the original wire told grandad "I'm busy, there is a spool over there on the dock, help yourself to what ever you need." Well, my grandad had a use for it.

[@whitewolf8758]

I was wondering about when you said the timber is wet meaning its still green and would that have an effect on movement such as twisting cupping and cracking while drying? This is a great series so keep up the good work. Oh and where are you located with the nice green grass and trees?

[@michaelmiller6574]

I know you live in a fairly cold area but man the weather looks nice there! We've got snow and negative temps over nights here on the east coast! Really enjoying this series by the way and looking forward to more of it! Thanks for all the education!

[@karsonbranham3900]

Looking very fine sir!! Oh the days and days spent in a treehouse when I was a lad! What fun times ahead for Jack!

[@bluenorthnw]

We have certainly had some nice weather up here for the last few days. No snow but nice weather!

[@jamesh8658]

So glad you made one of these I'm hoping to build one one day and love your videos so couldn't of choose anyone better to learn from Thanks

[@chrisbunting3876]

Another great video mate, I loved it when you said "it was a tree a week ago", and that it was. cheers keep up the great work.

[@Artaxerses1945]

Good to see you are building a tree house . I am in the middle of the process and am looking forward to any new hints . I like your hangers . Consider a water level on working around trees for consistency .Keep the Faith .

[@pocket83]

"Strive for perfection, end up with mediocre." Hehehe. That's right up there with "Failure is _always_ an option." Not that optimism isn't nice, but it's also nice to be realistic, I guess.

[@ronniemcneese9805]

Cody, Nice job so far I think it will be a great tree house for Jack. I cant wait to see the rest of the construction. Also I like it that you are "winging " it. That is how many of my projects are. lol Jack will love it. Thanks

[@recoblade1465]

if i only saw these videos of you making this treehouse for your son i would know that you were a good man any man who would do all this for his son can not be bad where it counts more fathers should be like you

[@davidiliyn]

Are you worried about the green wood twisting or checking while it drys up there?

[@thomascrouch7915]

Cody, I think everything you do is great! I love your series.

[@j.j.macbocephus6707]

Most impressive. Nice work Cody.

[@leebaigaming]

Good to see jack helping that's how a tree house should be made if the kids don't help its not as special

[@MEB42473]

Lookin great! Jacks going to be very happy.

[@redkap5816]

Fantastic ideas put to work here. Lovin this series!!!!! Getting ideas for my sons playhouse.

[@dom1940]

Hold the phone! Cody, I know you don't like people picking problems in your videos and project but not offering anything else but this is the final straw, at 3:10 when you're milling timber your Fiskars windchime has disappeared. This is unacceptable - it makes the implication that it may be somewhere else pretending to be an axe ;)

[@wranglerstar]

zip_tie The wind chime's aluminum tubing was compromising the steel axe head.

[@warrenmichael918]

wranglerstar HAHAHA Thats great !

[@lewiemcneely9143]

wranglerstar Yeah, the steel (such as it is) was killing the ring of the aluminum.

[@mdbigman]

wranglerstar HA HA! That Might be the funniest comment on KZbin!. Only axe to get a -negative on the Rockwell hardness scale.

[@MySqueakyfoot]

It's nice to see saw dust. all I've been seeing is snowflakes. I like the bracket/beam suspension system. It reminds me of my 61 Dodge Power wagon.

[@philiph7966]

Yes sir, I watched this video last night and I have a question. I saw that you have a similar chainsaw and the same chainsaw mill that I recently purchase and have yet to use. Do you use any special kind of chain when using the mill or just a regular chain? Thanks for all your youtube videos.

[@BornRandy62]

I have Maple trees here. They hide storm damage. They are a stiff tree that dont bend with the wind. That results in limbs up high breaking and with verticle open wood grain exposed to the weather. Water infiltration will allow for the center of the limbs to rot out while leaving the exterior looking pristine. You should consider sealing each penetration to stop water infiltration. my opinion only.

[@BornRandy62]

I have mature maple trees growing here. That is not how they grow. but thanks for your guess.

[@imdrunken]

I'm loving the idea for those support brackets, thinking about building a tree House to live in (spanning a few trees). I might have to steal your design and get on it. I'm just curious how much movement you allowed for between the tree and support beams. I'm assuming that tree will move/sway more then the maples I will be building on. Any thoughts on this?

[@ikutoisahobo]

Hey Cody, I really like what you're doing with this series and you're doing it right. I have a CNC Laser engraver and cutter and I would not mind cutting a small (approx 6 x 6 inch) Wranglerstar logo or something out of a thin board or wood sheet to put as a finishing touch to your tree house, let me know and I can send you one free of charge!

[@wranglerstar]

ikutoisahobo Jack has drawn a simple logo he would like to incorporate into the treehouse.

[@ikutoisahobo]

wranglerstar Would you like to have it cut out? It's just an excuse to watch my machine do its thing!

[@djamison9r]

Cody, this is abosolutley awesome....! I am working towards living the way you are. Keep going and please don't let the morons commenting get you down. I've read some of the comments. I know they get to you once in a while, we are all human. Just have the conviction that you know what you are doing and the nay- sayers are just ignorant and don't know any better...

[@wranglerstar]

David K Thank you David, sound advice indeed,

[@SM038]

Awesome videos! Just wondering what year of Ford van seat brackets to ask for at my local junk yard. Thanks

[@godspeedglen]

I don't understand why you can't just got to the store and buy a tree house like every one else. Keep Em coming Cody, I'm looking at building one this year!

[@mdbigman]

LOL so true! or hire someone to care for his son. So much easier LOL

[@stephenvandyke4084]

Nice work Is there a book out there about using chain saw mills and how to treat wood after cutting

[@kellyjohnson7724]

i'm looking forward to seeing this one through. looks like a fun project.

[@ztechrepairs]

Awesome...just awesome. Might have to make a tree house my self.

[@alexwegner659]

Would it be easier when using the chainsaw mill to take that material off the top? It might be light enough to not pinch the blade. I'm thinking about getting one of those mills and wanted to hear your opinion because you have a lot more experience with it than I do.

[@zalmangreenberg4548]

Hey I’ve been looking into making a treehouse I have some questions 1) is there pros and cons to making a treehouse on 1 tree 2 or 3 trees if so what are they 2) I want to make my treehouse higher up off the ground like 15 -25 feet, the higher off the ground I go the more the tree shakes meaning what? Are my bolts screws nails wood and what not now more likely to shake is there a way to counter that, is doing the treehouse on 1 tree safer if my higher off the ground? Is there a height limit 3) I plan on building this in New Jersey the weather is strong winds snow and stuff dose that make a difference 4) what kind of wood screws and bolts should I use to insure safety and stability and if I plan on spending extra money to increase safety how much do you estimate it will cost 800? 1000? Much less much more??? Thank you!!!

[@steveskouson9620]

Cody, I see the boards resting on the bolt in the tree. I'd much prefer that the top of that bolt rested on a piece of metal. (Metal has a MUCH lower coefficient of friction) but of course I could be wrong. (Thank you. Dennis Miller!) steve

[@WMJerabek]

Nice job! You can definitely be proud of this.

[@lewiemcneely9143]

Good old sawmill lumber. Full measures and all the guesswork goes out the window!

[@paulkuphall6268]

LOVE THE VIDEO. BEAM IS NOT A COUPLE HUNDRED POUNDS. :)

[@UTube354]

with the chainsaw mill, Why cut the bottom inch off the beam instead of the top inch? It seems that the extra weight of the beam above the mill would fall heavier on the mill and require more shims? And - was the timber green or cured for milling?

[@geneanthes]

Great series! Keep 'em coming!

[@MrTravis2772]

Why would you use green or wet wood for the beams? Wouldn't they bend as they dry or develop notches where they are sitting on the brackets? This is not a criticism but an honest question btw

[@beaverrick9789]

Coming along nicely.

[@andregross7420]

The van sure makes a good scaffold!

[@joshuakim919]

Not sure you will see this so many years later, but could you explain why you cut 1" from the bottom vs cutting 1" from the top? Thanks in advance!

[@trollforge]

So, Cody, when the joists are in, will you be installing "Floating Floor"?

[@BLBfive]

Will the weight of the structure compress the beam around the pipe? Perhaps a little plate to prevent?

[@muh1h1]

When i was a kid of maybe 10 Years or so, my bestfriend and i put a big screw we found at a construction site into a tree, and it was almost as big as the screw you are using, except maybe a little thinner. It had a loop in the end, where we stuck in branches and stuff we found in the woods to use as a lever. Man was it hard to get that thing in there, but am pretty sure it is still in there good. actually the tree has probably grown far enough to suck that loop in so it won't ever come out again... i think i will go there and have a look soon, i am curius now! :D

[@bluenorthnw]

Your bracket systems reminds me of the system Pete Nelson uses on his tree houses.

[@thomasmcloughlin1480]

really enjoyed this series on treehouse building... was wondering why you have a handgun on you? was kinda taken aback when I caught sight of it!

[@jackrobertriggs]

Really good videos man I enjoy all of your stuff!

[@Traderjoe]

Also, you ever notice how whenever someone criticizes a video of someone making something, that they themselves never have any videos of them making anything?

[@callumjohnson4922]

True dat

[@MrliPortuguese]

Keyboard warriors

[@THECARKUS]

Ps.. Having moaned about the gun... I love and appreciate the vids! Good job and thanks!

[@anonymousmie2829]

you have provided for movement / growth in one plane. what about when the tree grows or flexes in the opposite plane? are you just counting on the structure to bend? There does not look like there is much room for the beams to pivot. seems like the completed building will be too rigid to flex appreciably as the tree grows or flexes in the wind. as a matter of fact, i am not sure there is enough travel with the current set up for when a good wind comes through getting that tree flexing and swaying in the wind. of course my treehouses were held up with 16D nails and we never had one fall down. actually most of our nails were probably 8D... as that is what my dad never seemed to run out of. Ahhhhhh, the good ole days of living dangerously and lovin' every minute of it. Keep up the good work... Anon

[@wranglerstar]

Do you think I should tear it down?

[@TheTJhedgehog1]

I cant believe how little snow you guys have. This is one weird winter!

[@rickyramos9975]

Not on the East coast we're still expecting snow

[@TheTJhedgehog1]

Ricky Ramos ya i just finished some more shoveling, you can have some of our NE snow!

[@TheTJhedgehog1]

***** :( maybe WS will take some :)

[@zachschevelle]

What kind of wood treatment have you and Jack decided on?

[@finksies23]

Very cool series. Thanks for sharing.

[@mrsillywalk]

Don`t keep screwing into the wood without backing off . Turn 3 in 1 out will reduce the binding.

[@fonzyfpv7044]

Great video I like how u explain everything keep up the the good videos

[@MrTonydivine]

Cody not that you need any help I thought you might like this go to tree house master the show the bracket they use may give you some more information or idea keep up the good work love the channel

[@nightmarejr]

when you do such large slabs, does the water content matter as much?

[@dannieturner9719]

Hey Cody, love your videos, I am in the process of watching every one of them. Funny note or should I say interesting, the optical illusion , the camera is on the van and when you shake the van it looks like the tree is moving. keep up the good work Dannie

[@buddha4242]

I wonder if the beam might start to cup around the bracket where the bare wood meets the pipe, could that cause problems with maintaining level when weight is built up, or cause the sliding motion to be bumpy? Should there be a metal riding surface to protect the wood on the bottom of the beam? A metal plate or shim would be a simple precaution.

[@Graveltrucking]

Once that fir dries its not going to wear, as for level tree grows un-evenly the floor will never be level in 6 months to a year from now. As for sliding motion the only time it will happen is when the wind blows, depending on what time of year it is and how much canopy the tree has will dictate how much movement there will be. You don't want steel on steel way too slippery you want some drag if things slide too easy it will twist the floor system and cause damage.

[@kevinhornbuckle]

Graveltrucking Tongue and groove car decking might be the best choice for flooring. It could float a bit as the tree moves.

[@Graveltrucking]

I'm pretty sure Cody will be using what he has around the ranch. If I'm thinking of the same T&G stuff your thinking about I don't think Cody would be using it for cost reasons.

[@oldpup4810]

Are you going to timber frame in the rest of it?? :) Just giving you a hard time here. I love the idea with the brackets allowing the tree/stricture to float some, great thinking on your part.

[@PsychoStueyHappyKittens]

My Wranglerstar routine: click video, thumbs up, watch video. (Oh...and ignore stupid comments, but it's youtube so they're everywhere).

[@starpuss]

Looks good! Think ill build my next deer stand like that!

[@lewiemcneely9143]

Yeah, but you'll have to have a crane to set it and the deer will run off because of the generator noise running the heater and coffee pot-- but you could use a tried and true Coleman gas job.

[@starpuss]

Deer love the sound of my chainsaw lol! Think that's about all ill need for gas/power tools.

[@Doglover123-b8d]

Love your videos sir. Shreveport, La

[@matthewgarrison644]

Cody: ( Sees near perfectly level support) "I can live with that" Well done Cody!

[@thomasjohns8184]

The new Treehouse Master! We bow a.to your

[@lazyboy9311]

not bad indeed. you are an inspiration to me sir. thx for these great vids.

[@completepete7894]

Mr. W, Were your main lag bots into the tree galvinized? I have heard galvinized hardware inserted into any tree will slowly poison it and kill it...not positive on this but I have heard this from many people over the years. Sincerely, A concerned subscriber P.s. Thank you for what you do!

[@sancoffsr]

Is this a normal winter for you here in New Hampshire all we see is white snow snow snow.

[@jonathanmulzer17]

You mentioned that you would make the brackets 6" if you did it again, I would make them way longer than I thought I would need and then cut them to length with a sawzall when I put them in place so I could fit them to the tree.

[@grintalthecrafter3604]

After watching this, I think that is what I would do also.

[@OldSneelock]

The addition of a spacer to the short leg should be sufficient. While we're discussing the concept perhaps having the bracket 6" long and drilling a pocket for it to be tightly mortised into the wood could increase the shear strenght. With the lag bolt providing the clamping force to hold the pipe in place the force would be directly in shear on the whole diameter of the pipe and bolt assembly. That would be considerably stronger than just the lag bolt. Not knowing the intended size of the tree house but basing my guesstemate on the beam and available space Cody's bracket design is more than strong enough to support the load.

[@TheHackedGamer]

The puppy in the background was so adorable at 2:25 that I had trouble focusing on Cody!

[@OldSneelock]

Adventure Van wins again. Fully functional scaffolding and camera stand.

[@Me-iy1iq]

You sir are a tree house master mind

[@351cleavland]

Does using "wet" wood cause any issues latter due to shrinkage or warpage???

[@victorianladyaz1]

Are you possibly selling these brackets? We don't weld, but want this setup for our treehouse. :D Thank you!

[@thegermanjan]

What a beautiful project, wranglerstar. Maybe you should place some beeswax on the places on which you hurted the bark, so bugs or diseases would not weacken the tree. It is also nice to see you again using power tools - i like both but in the past there was a lot of work with hand tools. And something I have to say to the metric thing you talk all the time. I myself live in Germany so I use the metric system, but I do not have a Problem with the imperial system because a lot of my subscriptions are out of America or Canada. So you should not say all the time that the metric system sucks, it is just a thing of habit. Paul Sellers ( because of you i subscribed to Paul) uses metric and imperial. All in all keep up your good videos, and I think this series could be one of my Favoriten in the future. Sorry for my bad english With greetings from Germany Jan

[@reeepingk]

Cody forgets to put the outside washer on for the lag bolt ~1:00. Hope he remembered before he put the rest of the bolt in!

[@jcknives4162]

Still enjoying your fiskars video!!! LOL ROTF!!! PERFECT!!

[@dinamboyz]

Nice design Cody.