Tree Fort: Treehouse Tips and Building the Adventure Bridge

In this week builds this unique freestanding Tree Fort from a kit.

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
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Figure A

Figure B

Note: For this particular project the trees in the homeowner's backyard were too tall for their children. To combine the best of both tree fort and treehouse worlds, we decided to build an adventure bridge that connects the fort to a tree so the children can enjoy both!

Tips for Building a Treehouse

Look for groups of trees (figure A) that are together for good, solid structural support. You won't have to build out with artificial supports.

Use only big trees that won't sway as much when the wind blows. All trees sway but the bigger the tree the less the movement, which means more support.

If you're working out in the woods this means you'll probably be working on uneven ground, so you'll want to find as flat an area as possible for the ladder.

Be sure to tie the ladder at the top to a branch or branches with a rope.

It's a good idea to tie your saw to a belt loop to prevent having to go back down to the ground if the saw slips out of your hands.

Create a pulley system (figure B) for hauling lumber up from the ground.

The lumber doesn't have to be new -- scrap wood works fine.

When building a treehouse it's a good idea to have a professional inspect the tree for dead branches, and then you may want an arborist to come out and prune those branches for you.

Figure C

Figure D

Figure E

Figure F

Figure G

Building the Adventure Bridge

Attach 2 x 6 ledger board to corner posts (figure C) of the tree fort.

Use 2 x 4 blocks to flush the board with the angle brace. Use clamps to hold it temporarily in place.

Use a heavy-duty 1/2" hammer drill with a long auger bit to drill the holes (figure D).

To attach the 4 x 6 ledger board to tree ,first make sure it will be level. Stretch the board from the tree fort to the tree, level the board and make a mark with a hammer and prybar on the tree where the top of the ledger board needs to go (figure E). Pre-drill holes in the tree. Attach the board to the tree using 10" galvanized lag screws.

Don't fasten the main bridge supports directly to the tree, instead, perch them over a support (figure F). This will prevent the entire structure from moving when the wind blows. Also, it will allow room for the tree to grow.

Lift the 4 x 6 bridge spans into place, and sue a router or belt sander to smooth any rough edges on the lumber.

Secure the beams to the tree fort with carriage bolts.

Rough cut the planks to go across the bridge. Leave the planks uneven for the classic "treehouse" look (figure G). Attach planks to bridge spans.

Secure the ladder to the bridge with lag screws.

Attach rope rail from the tree fort to the tree for extra security.

How to Build Your Own Fort

Build Your Own FortSchool's out and there's only so much you can do indoors (those Hannah Montana reruns are getting just a little tired). So why not head outside with some friends and build a fort? It's really not as difficult as it sounds, and requires only a few key items.

Build Your Own Fort - Getting Started

The first thing you're going to need is something to use for the fort's walls. Cardboard is generally the most effective material to use, and there's always a lot of it around. If your mom and dad just bought a new fridge, you're good to go. Otherwise, try asking around to see if you can scrounge up some unwanted cardboard (you'll probably find at least a couple of neighbors that will be more than happy to give you some). sponsored link Build Your Own Fort - Cut And Dried
You've been working by yourself up to this point, but now it's time to bring a parent or adult into the project. Depending on how big you want the fort to be, you're going to have to measure and cut pieces of cardboard to suit your needs. In total, you're going to need five pieces of big cardboard (four sides and a top) and a heavy-duty pair of scissors to cut through the material. If you're looking for a small fort that'll be big enough to hold you and your dog, you probably won't need pieces more than six or seven feet in both directions. Remember, three pieces need to be the same size (for the top and two sides), while another two must share identical dimensions.

Build Your Own Fort - End Of The Road

Okay, it's time to move things outside (if you're not there already). Before assembling this masterpiece, don't forget to cut out a door and even a window if you'd like. Also, make sure to cut out a small section from the bottom of the door, so you'll be able to open it over the grass. Now you'll need some heavy-duty tape (duct tape or that clear kind they use on tape guns would be best) to attach each section together. Once you're finished that, voila! Instant fort. Feel free to adorn your shiny new fort with drawings, posters, or whatever else you think will make your fort kickin'.

Build Your Own Fort - Taking Things Inside

Of course, sometimes it just isn't possible to build an outdoor fort - maybe you live in an apartment or you've been grounded for eating 12 Twix bars in a row. The indoor fort is much easier than the outdoor fort, and only requires some cushions and a few blankets. Arrange several sturdy cushions in a rectangular shape, hop inside and cover the whole thing up with a blanket. If it's a blanket your parents don't want anymore, go ahead and cut out a small window. Have fun! Related Stories:

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