Ultimate Real Tree House / Tree Fort Build - Part 1 - Platform and Support Structure

[@eganpete]

You are a great dad. My tree house, when I was growing up in the 60s, was. Huge hangout for my friends and me. I hope your kids truly enjoy it! 😊👍

[@Sambam-01]

I know nothing about building treehouses at the moment, but the way you do it with your kids is everything ❤ well done sir

[@TheCharlesfastiggi]

Dad goals. Seriously

[@cookinwiftammy4455]

Plus UNCLE! GOT PLENTY NEPHEWS!!!! 305! MIAMI!! ✊🏾🤜🏾 Thi Boss'n Up!!

[@danieljohansen861]

Just finished up the same tree house for my three boys. They are enjoying it and it looks great. Love the style tree house and thank you for giving us a run down on the build. Wish I can post it in the comments but unfortunately it won’t let me. Now to add a slide and a zip line! Thanks again.

[@itsgrantyd]

That's great! They're smaller than the lag bolts I was looking at so you certainly reassured me, thank you very much. It's taken a few days to find some videos without those crazy expensive tree mounting bolts people are using

[@RDMG_Music]

Definitely pick up a cordless impact driver. You'll never use a drill again to drive screws.

[@amphitrichous]

I agree, that part was painful to watch for his sake. I think he did a nice job and love that he didn't buy $600 worth of hardware. I think I'm going to use his design for mine.

[@leoantonio]

They are such a joy.

[@leoantonio]

Especially 8” GRKs.

[@amphitrichous]

@@leoantonio I love grk and SPAX.. I've never tried an 8 inch one though. That would be fun.

[@timekeeper5275]

😂 I was going to comment on that. But god bless you man I know how tough it is as a dad to want to give everything to your son on a modest income (speaking for myself) . You gotta do what you gotta do!

[@asyrafhazwan7043]

What is the danger of the frame reinforcement attached to the tree? When the wind is strong, the tree will sway and cause the cabin to break or collapse. Because the tree moves differently.

[@michellelaclair]

THEY SHOULD HAVE RESEARCHED IT.

[@TY_01_]

You need to seriously consider this when you build a tree structure using two or more different trees.. This could be a HUGE problem.

[@garygerard4290]

I say joining the 2 trees together is wrong. When they sway at different rates and directions the lumber will split. Squaring the base on the ground would have been safer. Screw a few short 2 by 4's at the corners to keep it square.

[@DWBmotorsports]

I didn’t see your tree house build on your page.

[@elementalspark]

@@DWBmotorsports Why is this even relevant? He's not valid because he didn't make a youtube video for you? The comment holds weight, too. He's not wrong and you're just a hater for no reason. Where's YOUR tree house? lol.

[@DikuEsalung]

Beautiful lovely boys.. 👌👌

[@nancyrockatnancyrockat4362]

Hai, I'm from Malaysia.wow beautiful tree house.

[@peterjohnson8469]

Awesome property.

[@gadgetmanhookupify]

I had a weak drill like that once. I bought a ryobi cordless set...never used that drill again. Btw...you should always pre-drill a pilot hole in the boards ⅛ small than your lag bolts...then and impact (cordless also) will do the rest...they sell for under 200 bucks at home depo. Comes with a flashlight, skill saw, reticular saw(sawzall) drill, impact, and that other deal forgot the name. For cutting baseboards. Oh almost forgot this old house has a video on attaching to trees. I would have done it your way as well but saw their video before yours. Ok going to finish watching your video.

[@MEDICALPRODUCTSREVIEW]

What measures you have taken that free new moves during storm should not affect treehouse

[@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 brake 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!!!

[@maigematthews5620]

1. It depends. One tree with a huge 24” inch diameter of a trunk is way better than three trees with a 6” inch trunk diameter that are in a far proximity of each other. The tree sway alone would be an issue. I’d say the sweet spot is about 3 to 4 trees with at least a 12” inch trunk diameter in close proximity of each other would be ideal. 2. Height: The treehouse should be high enough for a nice view, but consider the safety of the builder and the children as well. Home Depot & Lowes recommends staying between 6’ to 10’ feet high. The more the tree shakes from swaying means that it’ll be like an earthquake hit the treehouse. If you would do your homework on how to make your treehouse more sway-proof & earthquake-proof and a apply some of those techniques, then it’ll be that much more safer. Look into: earthquake proofing a new house. Otherwise, there’s no real height limit. Unless zoning laws in your county restrictions “air-rights” or you live near an airport, then you should be fine. I’ve heard of treehouses 55’ feet in America deep woods and over 100’ feet above ground level! 3. All of those make a huge difference… Tell you what, during your next high wind storm, check out how much your trees sway. Regarding snow and other precipitation, look into insulation from the cold and waterproofing a treehouse roof. 4. Here’s a perfect website to answer these questions: www.treehousesupplies.com

[@maigematthews5620]

@Maui Tree Service Hey Maui Tree Service,

[@enchantedmountain5354]

@Wild William just never ever do what this guy is doing. I recommend you do your homework, Watch some videos from Garnier, also Nelson, good luck

[@Jonramz26]

The tree movement is going to tear this thing apart.

[@LuigiZard22]

I was wondering why not use TABs, myself. Made just for treehouse attachment. Seems silly not to use them.

[@charvey4723]

Price

[@davestrongman9519]

He just made an updated video 3 years later and the treehouse is still standing and perfectly fine. Whatcha got to say now biatchhhhh!!!!!

[@skeller0160]

​@@LuigiZard22they are ridiculously expensive. Just use 3/4"X8-10" lag screws with a washer and bore the hole out a couple of inches around the lag screw in the beam to allow for movement.

[@stanjohnson7849]

Maybe he lives in an area of little wind 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@reillystsb]

awesome tree house the only thing I would change is the latter set up

[@elmeric7086]

Awesome video. Thanks

[@nolanritchie9761]

I wish you showed / explained a bit better how exactly and with what kind of screws you permanently secured the floor frame to the 2x8 cross beams

[@userindesign]

You have an amazing land!

[@ritaadekoya]

Nice job 😊

[@maigematthews5620]

What a father would do for his children. 🙏

[@steve2468]

Have there been any issues because of the growth of the tree or wind sway?

[@sallie9456]

Thank you! Are you going to post Part 2?

[@griffithwoodworking6661]

Yes. It should be up sometime this week. Thanks!

[@ChrisGuiley]

Thia week?

[@byronolson1221]

What happens when the trees move with the wind...your bolts will shear

[@griffithwoodworking6661]

I hope not. It is pretty low to the ground and the movement of the trunks at the height was very minimal even in high winds. Its my opinion that it will be fine.

[@BenjaminSandness]

@@griffithwoodworking6661 two trees moving independently, there is a lot of leverage from up high. Just like accounting wood expanding and contracting, need to account for swaying of living trees.

[@MapleRidgeHomestead]

Love finding fellow youtubers that have built a treehouse. We just started on a similar journey in Maine, but not for the kids for us :) Just subscribed, can't wait to watch these videos!

[@リンゲイツ]

It's a lovely treehouse! I also DIY a tree house. Your videos will be helpful!

[@cookinwiftammy4455]

1 MAN ARMY!!!!! ✊🏼👑👑👑👑

[@christianlafaver2691]

this man has calves bigger than my whole body

[@bekimperolli2843]

What height is the platform from the ground? About 8 feet? Great videos!

[@tgaming8745]

I really recommend that you post the corners, put cripples in, anchor the support beams SIGNIFICANTLY better. That thing IS going to fall eventually and I really hope no one gets hurt. Not trying to be pessimistic but I'm just really worried about the lack of support. I pray nothing bad happens. 4 lag bolts into the tree in each end is NOT sufficient Time is against you!!! It's a living tree with moisture, gravity and constant weight plus the tree will sell to heal itself and "scab" itself. There is a metal stake support with a larger lathed section that slips into a drilled hole into the tree with a larger screw at the end with an appendage that sticks out for support that is designed for that application that you could have used that would support thousands of pounds.

[@timhomstad]

What support screw do you recommend? Looking to build a treehouse for the kids this summer. Looking to do it correctly.

[@enchantedmountain5354]

@@timhomstad using tabs “tree Attachment Bolts” is the way to go, they do cost a lot more than screws

[@launchpadamedbali706]

Building a yoke on each side the beams would have been better and heaps more room. More stable too. Nice tho.

[@Data4664]

THNXS!!

[@nitinverma269]

Does it need to be inspected by city? Are there any city codes or regulation for safety? What if the tree expands, will the structure above beams be stable?

[@jayandr2375]

i will start by planting two perfect trees… then building the fort in 2082 LOL 🌲

[@pkaspar78]

How did you attach the floor frame to the main two beams?

[@jeslynmo]

What kind of screw head and bit did you use? I’m experimenting with star bits, whatever you used seemed to work really well.

[@skeller0160]

Hex lag screws are best. You won't have to worry about stripping out the head. Use washers as well

[@chriscorsi53]

What kind of wood did you use to build the frame box and floor joists? 2x6s or 2x4s (apologies for the novice question)? I'm assuming they were all 8 feet in length? Oh, and what size screws did you use for that part of the build?

[@skeller0160]

Anything larger than a 6x6 structure you'll need to use two 2x8's attached to the tree. Otherwise use 2x6's. And the length of the beams are determined how far apart your trees are. And use pressure treated lumber.

[@bneiterman4170]

What thickness was the plywood you used for the bottom and what kind of wood was it?

[@griffithwoodworking6661]

It was just a standard sub-flooring 23/32 inches. Pine plywood.

[@BattleB3rry]

If you were using an impact gun it would have sunk them

[@davidlargen6945]

Bad idea anchoring base boards directly to the tree.. should hook them up with brackets that allow it to move as the trees move in the wind

[@Mototard.]

pls answer, how many 2by8 boards did you buy. thank you

[@ferdinand3652]

if I was there I will definitely help you :(

[@outbackdiecast6730]

It kills me watching you use an electric drill LOL battery impact for the win!

[@larryzdanis5377]

wait, no insulation or hvac?

[@WSW424]

what size boards did you use for the outer square of the floor platform (and the joists?)...looks like 2x6?

[@signmeupruss]

Cordless impact driver!

[@TheLastSpartan04]

What you feedin those calves my man??

[@griffithwoodworking6661]

Lots of walking up and down hills while hunting or golfing in my Appalachian Mountains!

[@col2959]

How did you secure platform to the two support beams? Good video

[@griffithwoodworking6661]

At 15:00 I just used the same 2.5 inch screws that I had used to temporarily attach it. I used a screw on each side of the two boards but then added the cross-brace supports back to the trees.

[@KhariVillela]

Angled deck screws provide next to no structural strength and could shear off under stress. You should attach the joists to the support beams with hurricane straps or some other structural connector.

[@Joel-iw3op]

Nice

[@josephbrowning704]

You should have used 2x10 and 1/2x8 inch hex lags

[@tgaming8745]

Were y'all up there working and walking around without that being anchored? I don't see and metal anchors screwed into the supports. You are braver than I am that's for sure. I wouldn't be up there walking around, especially on the ends. Lmao 🤣

[@rizwanadam-akhtar5602]

is there a part 2?

[@lueiza2010]

Looks like there's no part 2. At least not posted on KZbin :(

[@griffithwoodworking6661]

Yes, I'm planning to upload it this week. Thanks.

[@nahan7712]

how much to build it

[@CampfireTalesYT]

come to TN and build me one :)

[@tenmeters2]

Is there a way to secure to the tree without driving lag screws into the tree? I’m concerned about hurting my trees

[@griffithwoodworking6661]

There are a few products out there to help secure it to the trees, but as far as I know, all of them require some type of direct connection into the tree. You can always just use posts and concrete into the ground instead of trees.

[@leoantonio]

Screws don’t hurt trees.

[@tenaciousjeebs]

There isn't a great way to attach beams without screwing into the tree and still accounting for growth (which this method did NOT do), but there are many ways that are better than six inch lag bolts. Treehouse Attachment Bolts (TABs) are best practice, in my understanding.

[@KhariVillela]

Having the board faces in direct contact with the trees will make a nice space for bugs to nest and moisture to build up to rot out the tree. Also, as the tree grows, it will push the boards right over the lag screws and your platform could fail.

[@hriatpuia5348]

👍👍

[@dvladutu]

This is far from safe. The house is too heavy for that small screws. You did not take into consideration that the trees are growing and will destroy your flimsy base in a few years. The house looks great.

[@jacksongreene9488]

But if you use bigger screws and trees that have already grown a lot will it possibly be safer?

[@marklianreyacquiatn3967]

hpw to make it soo many

[@stephenpatton8690]

You need to get some treehouse mounting hardware. This is not the way to do this, folks. This is dangerous.

[@8ersoul8]

It's been done like this for years STFU

[@anaamelia4423]

Ta linda

[@reowhite4862]

Who still uses a corded power drill like that? Lol! The 1970's called. They want thier drill back. Every card Carrying dad has a cordless power drill set get with the times bro! But seriosly you did a great job.

[@Southernrefinish88]

the sway of the trees will ruin the treehouse

[@lueiza2010]

What do you mean by that? How could this project be improved? Thinking of making one for my kiddos.

[@griffithwoodworking6661]

I was worried about this as well at first, but since the treehouse platform and the rest of the treehouse does not attach to the trees, It doesn't put any extra stress on the structure. The two main beams the structure sits on will move and take the stress. Its been about half a year since it was built and it has survived a number of short intense storms as well as longer sustained wind storms. Again, I thought it was safe for us, but you'll have to decide for yourself it is safe for you.

[@markie871]

What is the span between these 2 trees? Iam doing the same thing here, just started. Iam using 1/2"×10" lag bolts. I just used 2 on each as the load is much higher with the 1/2" bolts. Also using 2x8x12 as the support joists. Should this be enough for a 8x10 platform, with 8x8 house and 2ft porch area?

[@Southernrefinish88]

@@lueiza2010 purchase Michael Garnier tree house supplies they are specifically made for tree houses by actual engineers to support thousands of pounds and many inches of sway. For a tree house between 100 and 170 square feet your looking at around 850$ is just the platform with Michael’s hardware but you can be guaranteed it lasts 20+ years.

[@Southernrefinish88]

@@griffithwoodworking6661 that’s true although I’ve had incorrectly built tree houses last as long as 3 years before it started falling apart.

[@graugmastersin3190]

Never underestimate the ability of man to do something themselves. The only one stopping you is you.

[@Jeremyr.George]

Ice

[@harmarka5462]

Death trap.

[@blizzygang1680]

That’s a lot of pitch

[@rogercarver1814]

Please don't put screws and nails and lag bolts into a tree. There's other ways to secure to the tree.

[@davestrongman9519]

Don’t be such a wuss

[@finnf.k.2906]

@@davestrongman9519 The whole treehouse is more likely to become unstable and dangerous due to induced rot in the trees from the screws and bolts.

[@ericschmuecker348]

The best thing about a tree is what you can make out of it when you cut it down.

[@michellelaclair]

NEVER PIERCE A TREE UNLESS YOU ARE DOING IT AS A PROFESSIONAL TREE HOUSE BUILDER

[@ami9675]

It is not appropriate to drive a screw into the living tree!