Build your own treehouse with these easy to follow plans. The Zelkova design can be built between two trees, or on posts if you don't have suitable trees. Standard building materials are used efficiently to keep costs down and avoid waste.
Inside, the floor area is unobstructed by the supporting trees, so there is more space available for chairs or a table. The deck is fully covered to keep the entrance dry in wet weather. The roof panels are newly designed without visible rafters outside or on the inside ceiling.
The design uses plywood for the outer layer, so is easy to customize with trim, paint, and cladding like cedar shingles or shiplap. This gives a lot of flexibility in the final look, so you could match the finish of your main house, or create a rustic forest hideaway with the same base structure.
Specification
- 8' x 8' platform, with 64 sq ft floor space, of which 41 sq ft is enclosed
- Ceiling height is 5'2" minimum, 6'10" maximum
- Door opening is 5'10" x 2'
- If building between two trees: they should be at least 12" diameter, within 5° of vertical, and separated by between 10'2" and 15'
- If building on posts: you can incorporate a tree of at least 12" diameter as partial support for the platform, or it can be built free standing without any trees
Features
- Full wood and hardware lists, using materials that are easy to find locally or online
- Tree friendly design, for secure attachment with minimal damage
- For two trees a sliding support system prevents damage in strong winds
- No complicated techniques or joints to learn
- Multiple support options using two trees, one tree with posts, or free standing
- Large door (5'10" high) to suit adults and children
- Space to sleep for two adults or three children
- Landing with railings
What's included?
- Treehouse plans in PDF format, ready to download and use on any device
- 58 pages with 62 diagrams (for tree configuration) covering every stage of construction
- Different support options to build in trees or on posts (free standing or with partial tree support)
- Marginless PDF versions for tablets or ereaders
- 28 day satisfaction guarantee
- Email assistance with the build
The treehouse and supports are fabricated in sections at ground level, then lifted into the tree and fixed together in their final positions. This streamlined process is easier and faster than building everything in the tree, and means you can build most of the treehouse inside a garage or workshop, even in bad weather.
If you wish to use a greater span over two trees, please contact us with details of your situation. All tree supports require a clear space 6' below floor level and branches above floor level may need to be trimmed to make space for the treehouse. A method of access (stairs, ladder, etc) is not included in this plan and will need to be fitted according to your specific site.
Photos shown are of completed treehouses with some extra trim and paintwork.