DIY treehouse kits
The house on the block with a tree fort is the envy of the entire neighborhood. Outdoor treehouse kits can range from very simple to amazingly complex; but, don’t get too overwhelmed. These days, there are a variety of DIY options and complete building kits that will get you well on your way to an incredible backyard tree fort.
Believe it or not, kids get immense benefits from playing in treehouses. Not only do they encourage them to get outside in nature and away from the TV and computer screens, but climbing actually has fantastic cardiovascular benefits for growing bodies. Early immersion is also believed to help kids avoid, or get over a fear of heights, permitting them a greater opportunity to explore their world now and later in life.
4 best DIY treehouse kits
We have always wanted to build a super cool treehouse for our kids (probably because I never had one on the small plot that I grew up on). I was always envious of the kids who had a big tall tree house on a mature tree in their backyard. However, even as an adult, I am not the handiest person out there. I can change a lightbulb and fix a leaky sink, but I highly doubt that I would be able to construct a sturdy or safe treehouse from scratch.
That led me to do a lot of research into DIY treehouse kits. We ended up finding a number of kita that provided you with blueprints and the hardware that you need. You just have to get lumber and follow the obstructions to cut them to the right length. While it’s not exactly as easy as assembling an Ikea table, it does make the task of building your own treehouse much more approachable for the average parent.
Here are a couple of treehouse kits with building plans that you should consider if you are thinking about going the DIY route.
| Image | Product | Description | Parts included | Supply yourself: | Text Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | A small, simple treehouse that is best for smaller properties or beginners just getting started out building their own treehouse. Suitable for installation on a single tree trunk. | 2 x 1-1/4″ Pipe Brackets; 4 x 1″ Single Knee Brace Brackets; 4 x 1″ x 12″ Galvanized Lag Bolts; 2 x 1-1/4″ x 15″ Galvanized Lag Bolts; 8 x 5/8″ Carriage Bolts w/flat washers, lock washers, and nuts. | Lumber | Check price | |
 | A true professional treehouse presentation – your neighbors will never know that it came from a kit! Includes all of the specially designed hardware that you will need in order to follow the simple instructions in the 8′ Octagon DIY Treehouse Plan. | 2 x 1-1/4″ Pipe Brackets; 4 x 1″ Single Knee Brace Brackets; 2 x 1-1/4″ x 15″ Galvanized Lag Bolts; 4 x 1″ x 12″ Galvanized Lag Bolts; 8 x 5/8″ Carriage Bolts w/flat washers, lock washers, and nuts; Treehouse Plans, Guide: How to install a Treehouse Attachment Bolt (TAB), additional videos available online | Lumber | Check price | |
 | Slightly more usable space than the 8′ octagon, but fewer walls. Suitable for installation on a sturdy, thick single trunk. | 2 x 1-1/4″ Pipe Brackets; 4 x 1″ Single Knee Brace Brackets; 2 x 1-1/4″ x 15″ Galvanized Lag Bolts; 4 x 1″ x 12″ Galvanized Lag Bolts; 8 x 5/8″ Carriage Bolts w/flat washers, lock washers, and nuts. | Lumber | Check price | |
 | A larger treehouse with ladder and wraparound deck. The added weight means you will need an additional pole installed in the ground for stability, but it means more usable space for play! | 2 x TAB3X9 Bolts w/nuts; 1 x 1-1/4″ Pipe Brackets; 1 x 1-1/4″ Double Knee Brace Brackets; 2 x 1-1/4″ Single Knee Brace Brackets; 2 x 1-1/4″ x 15″ Galvanized Lag Bolts; 8 x 5/8″ Carriage Bolts w/flat washers, lock washers, and nuts; 4 x 6″ RSS Screws; 4 x 10″ RSS Screws | Lumber | Check price |
Most DIY treehouse kits and fasteners do not define specific weight ratings, as the actual weight they can support will vary depending on a wide variety of factors, including:
- the exact species of the particular tree you use to install your treehouse kit
- the ongoing health of the tree selected
- the distance that the maximum load is located from the tree
- the exact depth that the collar is installed
- if you install the end of the fastener higher up in the tree using a suspension system
- and many other case-specific design factors.
Remember, always, always consult a professional engineer, arborist, or experienced tree house builder if you have any doubts!
There are countless benefits to building your own treehouse using an outdoor treehouse kit. Usually, they are less expensive, require less of a time investment, and are more standardized than going the complete DIY route. You also have the benefit of instructions and support with a kit versus starting from scratch.
While there may be fewer options for customization when using a kit, there are usually still many ways that you can personalize your treehouse to make it feel more like a tree home!
If you’re looking for treehouse accessories or more ways to customize your treehouse, here are some suggestions:
Slackerz Zipline
Does a treehouse increase property value?
The question of whether a tree house adds value to a property is very subjective. Much like a pool, it all depends on the preferences of the buyer. A young family with kids will obviously see it as a huge benefit, whereas retirees may simple view it as a hassle that needs to be torn down. It also of course depends on the quality and craftsmanship of the tree house. A nice looking tree house is sure to be more desirable than one that is ugly or appears to be unsafe. So, much like with the rest of your house, be sure to keep up with general maintenance and upkeep (and a fresh coat of paint can’t hurt) if you want a treehouse to have a positive impact on your home sale price.
That said, the overall data does seem to suggest that (on average) a treehouse is correlated with higher property values. This is probably because most buyers either view them positively or indifferently – since they’re considerably faster, cheaper, and easier to get rid of than something like a pool. Not to mention that they tend to be found on larger plots with mature trees; so it may not be an entirely causal relationship.
Things to consider when making your own treehouse with a kit:
- More features may cost you more money, but they will also mean that your treehouse gets more use! A boring or difficult to use tree fort will be a waste of time, but an interesting and accessible tree fort will get constant use!
- Building a treehouse on your property can involve a considerable amount of work and potentially large time commitment. Consider how long you will be living here, how much use your treehouse will get, and whether you will have to remove the treehouse when you leave the property.
- Depending on where you live, your treehouse may get seasonal or year-round use. Consider this when deciding which tree fort building kit to purchase.
- Thoroughly research the type of tree in which you intend to build your treehouse kit.
- Know the height limitations for the installation of your treehouse kit.
- Depending on the treehouse kit you ultimately select, you may need different tools to construct and assemble your fort. Be sure to review any included instructions or blueprints ahead of time, so that you can be prepared to begin construction immediately.
- It may be advisable to research how to lock, close, or otherwise make your tree house inaccessible to both your kids and other kids on the neighborhood, to ensure that it is only used under proper supervision.
How to build a treehouse yourself
If you still want to build a treehouse completely from scratch, no problem! There are countless resources available online that can educate and inspire you. Here are some of our favorite DIY treehouse instructions, treehouse blueprints, and tree fort resources:
When it comes to treehouses, safety is paramount. No matter how high you build your fort, there is a risk of serious injury or death as a result of falls. It is critical to follow all manufacturer instructions, pick a suitable location and durable tree, and supervise your children when playing. If you have any doubts about your ability to make your own treehouse safely, please consult a professional before undertaking any project. However, when constructed safely, a DIY treehouse can be a source of endless enjoyment for your family.
Almost every kid dreams of having their own secret treehouse right in their backyard, and you can be their hero by giving them one! If you plan to start completely from scratch, even the most basic of treehouses will require a great deal of planning, forethought, and effort. Save yourself some time with these treehouse kits.
Even if you think you could never be able to build a tree fort in your backyard, it may be easier than you think with these DIY treehouse kits. When it comes to building an awesome tree fort for your kids to play in, you don’t necessarily have to hire an expert builder. These easy DIY treehouse building kits make it simple to make your own, from beginning to end. As long as you can follow instructions, you’ll be all set!
More articles you’ll love from Smart-Toys:
Best fort building kits
Best LEGO alternatives
Best bounce houses for home use
Best stilts for kids
