How To Build a Treehouse For Your Backyard
Updated on January 29, 2019
When we were kids, we always dreamed of making our very own treehouse someday. Now that we’re older and quite handy with wood and tools, we finally have what it takes to make that dream a reality! First, we figured we’d better see how other people made it happen so we’ll feel more ready in terms of choosing structures and techniques once we get started. That’s why we’ve had our eyes peeled for great online tutorials as of late.
Just in case you love the idea of making a tree house of your own from scratch as well, here are 15 of the very best ideas, designs, and tutorials that we’ve come across in our search for info and inspiration!
1. Wood platform with branch steps
Do you have limited space to work with or little kids who you don’t want climbing too high in the trees? Perhaps you’re just a little bit new to this kind of handy project and you’re looking for something quite simple. Either way, we’d suggest taking a look at the way Apartment Therapy built this wooden platform with easy-climbing branch steps.
2. Treehouse set between two trees
Perhaps you only have smaller trees that are strong but only boast so many branches each? Well, if they’re close enough together, then perhaps you’d get along a little better making this kind of treehouse outlined on Sans 10400 that sits between two trees to get the support of each of them! They even guide you through the process of making their cute cottage shape.
3. Deck supported treehouse
Do you love the idea of making a treehouse because you live in a wooded area but you don’t actually have very many trees that are big enough to support the whole thing itself? In that case, we think you’d have better luck making something like this fantastic house from The Classic Archives that’s partially supported by trees but also suspended up there by a strong wooden deck of its own.
4. Loft treehouse
Are you actually so in love with the idea of building your own desk-style tree “house” that you think you’re prefer to stick with that idea since you live in a sunny place, but you’d like to make a jumbo version that your whole family can enjoy together? In that case, we’d definitely suggest taking a look at how Capturing Joy made this much larger deck style treehouse complete with its own staircase.
5. Treehouse with climbing wall ladder
When you were picturing your ideal treehouse before you started your routine, did you have a slightly more classic and old fashioned little raised cabin in mind? Well, we don’t blame you, since we also love that simplistic, charming style. That’s why we liked this design featured on Instructables so much! We’re particularly big fans of their ladder that’s built like a small climbing wall.
6. Treehouse with curtains and a tire swing
Are you actually quite intent on adding a couple extra features to you simple treehouse because you’re making it for your kids and you know they’ll spend hours playing there so you want to give them the maximum amount of fun? Then we’d definitely suggest taking a look at how Family Farm Experience took their deck-style treehouse to the next level by adding curtains to make a shady, calm space and a tire swing!
7. Deck style treehouse with knotted rope ladder
Are you actually quite experienced at these kinds of handy projects so you’re intent on building a structure in the trees that’s sturdy and impressive enough for all of your friends and family to enjoy if they feel like it? Then this jumbo desk in the trees outlined on Instructables might be just what you’re looking for! We’re also totally obsessed with the fun added detail of a knotted rope ladder.
8. Platform treehouse with curtain doors
Are you actually sadly lacking for trees in your yard but you know that your kids would love nothing more than having a treehouse of their very own so you’re looking for a creative way around that? Then we think you simply must look at the way Made With Happy made a raised wooden cottage that sits up on its own stilts. We think their curtain doors are adorable as well!
9. Treehouse with a tent on top
Do you actually come from a family of camping enthusiasts who love to spend days and even nights outside? Then we think you just might be the perfect person to give something like this platform style treehouse with a study, rain proof tent on the top a try! This tutorial from Yea, Dad’s Home even shows you how they made the awesome rope obstacle course in the trees that you see here.
10. Treehouse with a rock climbing side
Were you very intrigued indeed when we mentioned a ladder that worked a bit like a climbing wall but you can’t help but think that your kids might get along a little better with an actual kid-sized climbing wall in that case? Then we think you’ll get a huge kick out of the way Wellness Mama actually built one all up the side of their platform supported treehouse.
11. Treehouse hammock
Have you actually already chosen a nice, platform supported treehouse and planned out which elements and tutorials you’re going to use for that, but now you’re looking for ways to jazz the design up a little bit with a few bonus features? In that case, we think you might really appreciate thew way Homedit added a fantastic hammock chair in the space below their treehouse where kids can enjoy some quite time or simply have a nice swing.
12. A-frame treehouse hut
Have you actually been scrolling through this list thinking about how much you’d love to build a more dwelling style treehouse but you’re not totally sold on the cottage style we showed you earlier on our list either? In that case, we’d absolutely suggest taking a look at these plans from Outdoor Life that guide you clearly through the process of making an awesome A-framed treehouse with a peaked roof.
13. Short tree treehouse
Are your kids actually still very little and, even though you still definitely want to make one for them, you can’t help wondering whether they’re still a bit too small for a full climbing experience up into the air? Then we think you might get along a little better making this shorter, extra sturdy design featured alongside fantastic instructions on Sir Muddy Knees!
14. Treehouses with angled ladders
Just in case you’re actually still scrolling through trying to find your ideal more classic design that actually looks like a miniature house and its up at the very top of a tree? Then maybe these plans and instructions from WikiHow would work a little better for you! See how the treehouse itself and the fantastic and very safe angled ladder were made in their very detailed tutorial.
15. Pallet treehouse with short walls and a roof
If you’re going to put in the time and effort it takes to make an entire treehouse from scratch, would you love to also take that as an opportunity to make it an upcycling project as well? Then we have a feeling you’ll really enjoy this awesome design from BigJoe Kasulis that’s made entirely from reclaimed pallet wood. We also love the rustic appearance afford by the shorter walls in this structure.
Do you know a fellow DIY enthusiast who loves the idea of making their very own treehouse but they’ve expressed that they could use a little bit of guidance? Share this post with them so they have all kinds of resources to look to while they’re at it!