Building a Treehouse

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MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS

After all the effort involved in designing and building a treehouse, the last thing you want is for it to fall down, especially if you happen to be inside at the time. Remember to check the floors, decks and railings frequently for rot or weakness. Inspect any steps, ladders and walkways, and repair damage immediately. Check the tree annually for growth and movement, and adjust or refix attachments to the tree as necessary.

MATERIALS, FIXTURES AND FITTINGS

An eco-friendly treehouse means using as much recycled and waste material as possible. Building material suppliers and building sites are a good source of waste wood, plywood and slightly damaged materials. But for structural use avoid wood with too many knots. Pressure treated wood will last longer but may contain toxic chemicals, so wear gloves and don't breathe in sawdust. Avoid endangered tropical hardwoods at all costs, and only use new wood that is certified as supplied from sustainable, managed resources. To avoid further depletion of Western red cedar, use only recycled shingles or shakes. Building reclamation depots are also wonderful places to find cheap supplies of old doors, windows, ladders, stoves and other interesting bits and pieces. Salvaged materials help give an individual touch, too.

To preserve and decorate your treehouse, use nontoxic, eco-friendly stains, varnishes and paints. If you plan to occupy your treehouse in relative comfort throughout the year, you will need to insulate the floor, walls and roof; draught-proof the doors and windows; and possibly double-glaze the windows to conserve energy.

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