Divide that number by pi 3 14 to get the diameter.
How to build a treehouse roof around a tree.
Making a treehouse roof.
2x4 inch boards work well for this and you will end up with a square to work with.
Don t constrict branches with rope straps or wire.
Don t restrict tree growth.
The first is a bit dramatic.
Add joists on 16 inch centers and build the floor with deck boards or 3 4 inch plywood.
For a standard 8 x8 treehouse choose a tree with a trunk at least 12 in diameter.
Once you finish one corner move on to the corner opposite of it and work on that one.
Build the perimeter of the frame using 2 x 6 or 2 x 8 cuts of lumber.
Minimizing tree damage for diy treehouse.
Now we are working on the roof and then we will talk through the walls and windows after that.
If your design calls for a flat roof try to introduce even a small slope of 3 5 so water cannot sit there.
Build the diy treehouse in mid summer.
If you get particularly harsh winters a steep pitch is critical to avoid a build up of snow which could easily spell disaster for a treehouse of limited support.
Top off the tree just below the roof line and build a solid roof above.
Next install the perimeter beams to the top set o beams and square them up using the 3 4 5 rule.
Now it s time to build the platform atop the supports.
For reference we have finished the base and frame of the treehouse as well as the floor and stairs.
I have seen a treehouse built in four cedars designed this way and it works remarkably well however it is not practical for most applications.
The second solution is to build a wall vapor barrier around the trunk on the inside of the treehouse.
The top set of beams will be the floor height of your treehouse.
Find a corner that isn t square and create braces to run at the top corner of the wall.
The heavy spring flow of sap will have slowed greatly but the tree will still have time to heal before winter.
To accommodate tree movement and growth allow gaps around any branches or trunks that penetrate the tree house.
Leave gaps around the tree.
Rails sides and a roof complete the treehouse.
Add the floor joist perpendicular the main supports.
Add spacers between the beams and the tree to.
Aim for a slope of at least 30 but preferably 45 or more.
Try to to drill the pilot holes as straight and level as possible.
Lag two sets of beams to the tree using a 3 4 diameter x 10 lag screw.
A good roof protects the whole of the treehouse beneath it.
A properly sloped or pitched roof is much superior.
To calculate your tree s diameter measure its circumference by wrapping a string or measuring tape around the trunk at the point where you want the treehouse to sit.
On each corner install an angled 2 x 8 down the tree directly below the main supports.
