Tree-House in the City

June 2016,

My son has just turned 3 so it's time that his dad quit slacking and build him a tree-house. 

Requirements:

• It must fit in our tiny city backyard, and not look offensive to the neighbors.
• Big enough for sleep overs with Dad and/or Mom.
• Tall enough for my son to stand in for at least the next 4 years
• Weather and critter proof

Step 1: The tree
There is only one tree in our tiny backyard, not ideal but it will have to do.  I decide to have the tree cut down to a a 5' stump which I will then use to support one side of the treehouse (stump-house to be exact).  Fortunately this tree has deep roots, so it should give excellent support.

 

Step 2: The plans

I mock up a rough design in 3d software, and use it's measurements to create a shopping list.

Step3: Lumber!

My son and I are off to Home Depot to buy supplies!

Step 3: Building the Floor and Walls

I designed this whole project to be able to be assembled and disassembled, so I can build it on the ground, take it apart and put it on the tree (stump).

 

 

Step 4: Assembly

 

Awesome Find!  When browsing ebay I find rustic deck hatch from a 1950's Chris Craft boat, it makes a great large porthole window.

Here's an image of the same hatch, restored on a Chris Craft yacht:

Checking the headroom, looks good:

Step 5: Paint

Door is a interior door cut down
Hinges and door knob are early 20th century bronze:

This is one part where my son could help out!

Step 6: Disassembly

Step 7: Installing the platform

The tree (stump) supports the left side and the right is supported by the ladder which is cemented in place underground.

 

Step 8: Reassembly 
A friend helps me put the whole thing back together again:

 

Finishing Touches:

My son really wanted a doorbell, and a pirate flag. 

I install a fold up table, and we eat dinner in the tree-house

Electric lighting, a power outlet, and a folding bunk bed. Oh and it's close enough to the house that the wifi reaches!

Final thoughts:

• If you build an asthetically pleasing treehouse, your neighbors aren't as likely to complain
• I should have made the door open in instead of out; it would have been safer
• The few extra dollars spent on touches like the deck-hatch window, hinges and antique hardware are worth it. 

 

 

 

 

Update, summer 2020: 

After moving to the burbs, a new treehouse was in order.  The first treehouse was a hit with buyer and likely netted 10 times what it cost to build.  

Time for something bigger and better, but reminiscent of the previous.

Goals:

Two floors:a main floor, sleeping loft

Front deck. 

Three times the size of the city treehouse. 

Treehouse is anchored to two trees in the back and two large posts in the front, very sturdy.

With Covid keeping us working at home, I'm very tempted to make this into my own personal office.