With the start of the pandemic, we’ve all learned how important backyards are, especially for families with kids. Building a treehouse is an excellent way to create an interesting outdoor space for relaxation and for kids to play.
So, let’s check out the best treehouse ideas that’ll make your backyard more fun than ever.
Paint Your Treehouse a Vibrant Color
We all know kids love colorful things. So, if you want to make a treehouse they’ll adore, add some color to it.
A dash of red or some other vivid color, and your treehouse is sure to stand out in the ocean of regular wood-colored ones. Just make sure not to overdo it and use too many colors at once to avoid it clashing with the style of your home or backyard.
Keep it simple, and the results will be spectacular.
Create a Deck With a View
Though building a deck is one of the most common remodeling jobs people try in their home, not many people consider adding one to their treehouse.
Still, this is undoubtedly one of the best treehouse design ideas in our book. By creating a platform with a fence outside of your treehouse, you’ll get a balcony with the most incredible view—your ideally kept backyard.
This deck will be a perfect space for your children and their friends and even for you and your morning coffee on the weekends.
Hang Some Lights
To create a magical atmosphere, you could include some subtle lighting. For example, simply hanging string lights on the tree (or the treehouse itself) or adding some practical wall lamps could do the trick.
Carefully positioned lights won’t only create a fairytale-like look, but they’ll also allow you to use the treehouse during warm summer nights.
The lights can be battery operated, so you won’t have to worry about the extension cords lying everywhere or spend extra money on electrical work.
Go For a Simple DIY House
DIY projects are great for relaxing after a long day. So, if you’re crafty, a DIY treehouse can be the next project you could tackle.
All you need is a detailed tutorial, some tools, materials (mostly wooden planks), and hardware, and your new playground area for your little ones will be ready to see the light of day.
There are many designs you can go with, but we recommend picking the simpler ones to avoid additional costs and spending too much time on the construction process.
Add a Slide
If you’re building a kids‘ treehouse, you should try to make it as fun as possible.
For example, adding a slide will make your children believe they have the best treehouse in the world. We promise you they’ll spend their whole childhood playing there.
A playhouse with more additions is an excellent solution for those with a higher budget. You can also add climbing rocks, swings, and other exciting features to create a custom-made playground area for your little ones.
A Playhouse Inside a Tree
If you live in a forest area or have trees with large hollow trunks in your backyard, you can create a treehouse inside a tree trunk! Make the tree hole bigger if need be, add a door, and voila! You have a treehouse.
It’ll fit only one child at a time, but your little ones will definitely have a great time playing in their secret hideout.
Tree Branch Ladders
If you’re looking for interesting treehouse ladder ideas, check this out. Using logs and tree branches to build a treehouse ladder is a simple and easy yet charming solution.
You can use logs/tree branches for railings and the porch fence and planks to create steps. Such ladders will make your treehouse come to life and give it a more natural feel.
Additionally, this way, you can save on materials.
Use Stilts
If you don’t have large enough trees in your backyard to support a treehouse—don’t despair.
A treehouse doesn’t necessarily have to be placed on a tree. Get some stilts (logs, for example, if you want to achieve a rustic look), and you’ll be able to place a treehouse anywhere in your backyard.
A treehouse like this is typically safer (there’s no risk of the tree falling, etc.) and much longer-lasting than treehouses mounted on actual trees.
A Gazebo-Style Treehouse
If you want a great-looking but simple treehouse, why not go for one of the most popular backyard ideas—an elegant gazebo?
A gazebo-style treehouse fits almost every backyard style-wise, and it could be an excellent space for both children and adults.
Additionally, it’s easy to make and doesn’t require much material. So, if you’re at least a bit handy, you can even try to make it yourself.
Opt for a Unique Design
A treehouse doesn’t necessarily have to be simple. If you want a cool treehouse that’ll stand out, choose a unique design. Let your imagination run wild and create a treehouse straight out of a fairytale shaped like a mushroom, ball, castle, etc.
If your budget doesn’t allow this, you can always add some interesting details (e.g., colorful windows or an unusual roof) to create a similar effect.
Additionally, this will be an excellent additional feature for attracting guests if you plan to add your property to 660,000 Airbnb listings in the US.
Conclusion
Though it isn’t the cheapest project you can take on, building a treehouse can be an excellent investment. It’ll be a place where your kids will spend a lot of time and create many precious memories. Plus, you can use it for relaxation.
And, as you could have seen above, getting one doesn’t have to be complicated at all. A little imagination and effort are all it takes to create a perfect place for you and your family to enjoy.
FAQ
How do you build a simple treehouse?
In short, these are the steps you’ll need to take:
- Choose a healthy, sturdy tree (go for hardwood such as oak or maple), about 6–10 ft tall
- Create (or download) a detailed treehouse plan specifying the dimensions and materials
- Build the treehouse foundation
- Attach floor joists to the tree
- Construct the treehouse frame
- Build a roof
- Attach the walls to the frame
- Cut out doors and windows
- Attach a ladder, fence, and handrails
- Paint the treehouse
How much does it cost to build your own treehouse?
A treehouse isn’t the most affordable of projects, its average price ranging from $7,000 to $15,000. Even if you DIY everything and opt for cheaper materials, you can expect to pay at least $2,000 (excluding tools and any other additional costs) to create one.
Expectedly, the price largely depends on size, height, and complexity.
What makes a good tree house?
A good treehouse is:
- Stable
- Leveled
- Constructed in such a way so as not to constrict the tree
- Equipped with all the features you need
To get a good treehouse, you have to:
- Pick out a tree capable of supporting the treehouse’s weight
- Get quality materials
- Get a good treehouse plan and follow it to a T
How long can a treehouse last?
A high-quality treehouse can last 10–20+ years. But only if you pick the right tree and use appropriate, durable materials (e.g., pressure-treated pine, cedar, mahogany, etc.).
If you use cheap materials or choose a tree that can’t stand the pressure, the treehouse will likely be very short-lasting.
How do you make a treehouse fun and exciting?
There are many ways to make your treehouse more interesting.
For example, you could add:
- Vibrant colors
- Interesting designs
- A slide
- A fire pole
- A deck/balcony
- Multiple stories
- Swings
- A hammock
- Rope swings
- Zip line
- A bridge
- A climbing wall, etc.
Check out our treehouse ideas above to get inspired.
