Buying a treehouse

What are the steps to buying a bespoke treehouse?

Treehouses come in all shapes and sizes. There is no one-size-fits-all design for creating a treehouse, the limits of what can be created come down to imagination, budgets and building regulations.

Before buying a treehouse there are a number of questions you’ll need to ask, as well as reviewing the base tree and the surrounding area.

In this post we’ll take you through the steps to create your own tailored treehouse…

Working with you and your children

We like to work with clients and their children to design what can be done, rather than looking at what can't. This is where the fun begins! 

You’ll have initial meetings and discussions with a design and construction team who will help you look through all of the possibilities so you can be sure that the result is not only within your space and budget but is absolutely fantastic! 

What type of tree do I have? 

The first question that needs to be answered when creating a new treehouse is what type of tree do I have? It’s not a question that should be overlooked, nor should any assumptions about its suitability be made at this stage. It may seem obvious, but you will be looking to find a tree that will provide maximum support.

Treehouses need to be well balanced and weight distributed so a healthy tree is vital for the project.

Experience has proven the best trees to build on are hardwood, such as oak, maple, fir, beech and hemlock. 

Once you’ve identified an appropriate tree for the project the next step is to look at its height and the diameter of the trunk and its branches. Doing this means we can determine the right size and positioning of the treehouse. You don’t want to build your project in a space that soon becomes too small for growing children. Nor do you want the treehouse to be too low to the ground that it’s unexciting, or too high up that it becomes a risk for falls.

What if I only have a softwood tree?

This doesn't mean we can't create a wonderful treehouse on it, but you will need a tree with thicker load bearing branches. Each tree is unique, but we will be able to perform safety checks and provide a suitable suggestion for the trees you have. 

Ensuring you have the right foundation to build upon is essential and will mean your treehouse is built to last, can weather the elements and allow for a sturdy play space to be created.

Alternatives

Even if you find you don't have a suitable tree we can work with you to create a fantastic, fun and themed off-ground playhouse.

Treehouses of Pleasure 

What will your treehouse be used for? Is it for youngsters to play inside only, or will it include outside elements such as rope swings, climbing frames, bridges and slides?

Do you want it to have a minimalist interior for serenity and peace, or be a blank canvas for your own family to decorate? You might already have a dream theme in mind.

Another thing to consider is if you want to include built-in seating, or fittings that create a specific theme. There are some spectacular lighting and water features you could add to the treehouse environment too.

Are you forward planning to adapt the treehouse as your child or family grow? Perhaps the theme could change in time?

We love exploring new ideas and looking for inspiration when creating enchanted treehouses and playhouses.

Caring for the tree – no treehouses of terror here…

When building a treehouse you're creating something to last and you are using a living thing to do so. This means that there are a number of key steps to take to make sure you're not causing damage or restricting the growth of the tree in the future. 

Space

How much space do you have available?

As well as the actual treehouse itself are you considering a theme for the area leading to it and surrounding it? Pathways, gardens, hedges and borders can all enhance the environment and shouldn’t be overlooked as part of both the theming and safety elements of the design.

Safety

Having a safe play area is an absolute priority.

How high is too high and how low is too low?

When your children are playing in the treehouse you will want to know they are safe. Climbing up into the treehouse is one element to consider as is the potential risk of falls from the treehouse. We'll help you find the right balance so the height set is just right.

We'll make sure your treehouse isn't too low either as that can be a cause for bumped heads!

Theming

The themes and styles for your child's playhouse are only limited by their imagination.

From castles and pirate ships, to the Wild West, outer space or to quaint off-the-wall random ideas, traditional bottom-of-the-garden styles or fairy tales we love bringing your ideas to life.

There are so many fantastic themes to choose from and you can add so much to them with accessories, artistic flourishes and other cool contraptions.

After designing a level, secure, safe and sturdy treehouse what else would your child want inside, outside, attached or built into it?

Here we're talking about lighting, secret doorways, trapdoors, observatories, escape routes, tables and seating and more.

A room with a view?

The number of windows and their positioning is another factor to consider. What’s the view going to be from the inside out, how sunny or shady will it be and what’s outside on the ground below it?

Planning

It's likely that your treehouse project will require planning permission. We will work through all aspects of this to ensure your creation meets rules and regulations.

It may seem like a daunting process but we know it's an exciting thing to do. Our team will develop the creation of a bespoke treehouse by taking your ideas, creating clear professional design and construction drawings.

This is really where the fun begins as you will begin to see your idea take shape! 

No surprises – unless you want there to be

Depending on the size and scale of the project the on-site construction of a treehouse can take anything from a few days to weeks or months.

During that time the area surrounding the treehouse will be inaccessible. You may want to keep the finished product hidden until it can be unveiled to your children and so we can create hoarding/boarding to hide the surprise.

The completion of the project will see a final safety check for you to sign-off before you reveal your unique creation to your friends and family. 

After care

We will advise you on after care for your treehouse and the tree itself, and as part of our design process we'll work with you to map out potential issues so you can have peace of mind that you can add to or adapt the treehouse if needed in the future.

We can build you create the treehouse and play space of your children's dreams, whilst helping to minimise the risks involved to give you peace of mind.

Get in touch today to arrange a call, video call or socially distant meeting at your house.