In this day of electronics and video games, children are spending less time outdoors and more time inside. Stimulate imaginations and provide a personal space for youngsters with a treehouse overlooking the garden. Although treehouse designs vary widely in both cost and complexity, a quaint, yet alluring treehouse is a manageable project for the homeowner who has some basic carpentry skills. Integrating your treehouse design into the existing landscape works well if you have a few stout and sturdy trees. Kids will love the privacy of their new garden treehouse, and there is just something fun about having space to call your own.
Step One
Prep Work - Select a tree with large and sturdy limbs growing low to the ground. The tree needs to be surrounded by flat ground in order to construct a level floor for the tree house.
Step Two
Form an 8-by-8 foot square with garden stakes and string. Mark each corner of the square with a bit of spray paint. These will be the locations for installing the posts.
Step Three
Use a post hole digger to dig a 3 foot deep hole at each spray paint mark. Shovel 6 inches of gravel into the bottom of the holes. The gravel will keep water from pooling under the posts and causing them to rot.
Step Four
Measure and mark a location on each fence post 4 feet from the ground. Make the mark large enough to be clearly seen from on the face of the posts.
Step Five
Construction - Place a 4-by-4 fence post in one of the post holes. Mix a batch of quick-drying concrete, according to the package instructions. Ask an assistant hold the post vertical while you pour quick-drying concrete around the post into the hole. Repeat for each of the remaining three posts. Allow the posts to set in for at least 24 hours before continuing with the construction process.
Step Six
Place a 2-by-6 board horizontally across the front faces of two of the posts. Adjust the board, so it is even with the marks made on the two posts. Screw the board in place using three wood screws on each post. Repeat this process on the remaining three open spaces between posts. Install each of the boards even with each other.