Tree houses are a wonderful part of an Australian childhood. They allow your little tyke to safely play house, read books or just chill out while enjoying the great outdoors. The types of tree houses available for kids today range from basic to amazingly advanced.

Children will often beg mum and dad for their own tree house, but parents are often hesitant due to the effort and costs involved in building one. The process, however, could be simpler than you first thought. Keep reading for some essential tips for tree house building.

1.      Do It Yourself Or Call in a Professional

Depending on how complex your potential tree house is, you may choose to tackle the job yourself or call in the services of a pro. It all comes down to your skill levels in carpentry and construction, and how much spare time you have to dedicate to the project. If you think you’re up to the task – go for it! It could be a great way to get the whole family involved with tasks like hammering in nails and painting. But remember, your top priority for this tree house is safety, so if you want to ensure that the structure is sound and don’t think your skills are enough, it may be best to call in a professional carpenter. They will help you construct a tree house that will last until your kids grow out of it.

2.      Gathering Materials

If you choose to put together a manufactured tree house, make sure it comes with all the relevant materials required to put it together. You’ll need your own tools, so study the instructions carefully to see what you need to have and how you’ll use the parts provided with the kit. Keep everything together, especially all those important small parts, and away from your enthusiastic kiddie helpers who might lose them. If you’ve decided to build your tree house from scratch, you’ll need to hit the hardware store for supplies. Consult your building plan and assess how much timber you will need – if you’re unsure, take the plans along to the store or timber yard and an expert will be able to help. Equip yourself with basic tools like a hammer, handsaw, tape measure, ladder, nails, screws and paint. Get a rough idea of prices before you start so that you have an estimate of the final cost of the tree house.

3.      Before You Build

It’s important to check local regulations that may prohibit you building a tree house on your property. While most local councils don’t, some have very strict rules about the kind and size of tree house that homeowners can build. Another consideration is your neighbours – your tree house may cause problems for them, so have a chat with them before you get started.

4.      Choosing the Tree

You will need to select a tree that is strong and sturdy enough to support a tree house’s weight. Trees are living things, and it will keep growing even after you have built the tree house, so ensure that you allow space for a bigger trunk if the tree house surrounds it. Remember, your tree house isn’t limited to one tree – you can use multiple trees to support a bigger construction.

5.      Getting The Tree House Into The Tree

Many construction experts advise that you build the tree house in sections and then hoist these onto the tree separately. You’ll find that this is easier, not to mention safer, than trying to deal with a large structure while you are metres off the ground.

6.      Important Safety Reminders

Tree houses are really fun, but it’s important to remember that they can be dangerous, too. Your tree house needs to be secure enough so that it won’t unexpectedly fall to pieces, which can cause serious injury to your kids. Some experts will advise that you don’t build a tree house that is higher than 2.4 metres (eight feet) off the ground, and that you make sure the structure is supported by strong rails. In the instance of severe storms or winds, you should always check the tree house to make sure the weather hasn’t caused any structural damage. It’s also worthwhile to talk to your children about the importance of safety when they are playing in the tree house.

7.      Maintaining Your Tree

The tree is the support of the tree house, so you need to monitor it regularly for signs of wear and tear, especially around the places where the tree is in contact with the tree house. Always make sure that the tree’s roots are deep and secure, and check for signs of pest damage and disease.

8.      Maintaining Your Tree House

If your tree house is made of wood, like most are, you will need to take special care to ensure it lasts for a long time. Inspect the wood periodically for water and pest damage, and apply waterproofing treatment when required.

A tree house can be a fantastic asset to your family’s home, provided you take the necessary precautions to ensure it is safe and built to last. If you do it right, your tree house will be a fun backyard addition that your kids and even grandkids will enjoy for years to come. However, it can be a fairly difficult task. If you’re looking for some help, consult one of our professional carpenters for advice or assistance – they’ll definitely help you get that tree house finished!