How to Build a Treehouse

by Christopher Richter, David Sparshott (Illustrator)

Overview

Many of us dream of owning a treehouse, whether it's a tree fort or playhouse for the children, a secret retreat or just a unique space for relaxing and reconnecting with nature. This book is a comprehensive guide to designing and building your perfect treehouse – no previous building expertise required. Beautifully illustrated, and written by a professional treehouse builder, the book explains how you select the right tree, which materials and tools to use, and how to construct the platform, walls, floor and roof. For anyone wanting to be more ambitious, there are options for installing special features such as ladders, slides and climbing walls.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780857829054
Publisher:	Laurence King Publishing
Publication date:	03/07/2023
Pages:	192
Product dimensions:	6.50(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Christopher Richter, founder of treehouseblog.com, is part of the German Baumbaron team, professional treehouse builders since 2009. After starting out as a protégé of Pete Nelson in 2003, he has now designed and built over 160 treehouses.

Editorial Reviews

01/16/2023

Richter, a professional treehouse builder, and his wife Rüggeberg, who runs Treehouseblog, debut with a meticulous guide to making upscale treehouses for children or adults. Walking readers from design and preparation through construction and finishing the interior, the authors cover how to choose the right wood (larch is best for exteriors while spruce is preferred for the frame) and tools (cordless drills and a jigsaw are a must), and outline best practices for storing materials (place spacers between slats of wood to prevent mold). Detailed illustrations show each step of the process, including how to install tree attachment bolts and nail boards to the house’s frame. The instructions are for a two-tiered structure that would be too advanced for novices, but the authors encourage readers to “adapt the methods we outline to your own project” and detail alternatives to their plan, including different ways to support the treehouse and style the siding. Those without a construction background will likely be overwhelmed by the exhaustive directions (the authors include a four-part formula for calculating baseboard spacing), but readers who already know a joist from a strut will appreciate the comprehensive guidance. Ambitious would-be treehouse builders will find all they need to get started. (Mar.)

Publishers Weekly

"Ambitious would-be treehouse builders will find all they need to get started." –Publishers Weekly

"In the age of the internet, where an endless stream of how-to guides and YouTube videos often lead to analysis paralysis, a physical (and beautiful) publication like How to Build a Treehouse packs all you need into one handy package—with margins ready for scribbly note-taking. If you're finally ready to get building, this might be the place to start." - Field Mag

From the Publisher

03/01/2023

The goal of professional treehouse builder Richter's book is to teach readers how to build a simple, solid, top-quality treehouse. He achieves this by supplying a specific architectural plan and walking readers step-by-step through the process, with options, alternatives, and useful tips listed along the way. Both metric and U.S. measurements are included, and there's a lengthy, fully detailed array of resources. Especially important is the "Ten Commandments for Building a Treehouse" section, which is primarily safety precautions that are frequently repeated throughout this work. For families undertaking this type of project, there are instructions for including young children at each stage of the project. For environmentally conscious readers, the authors also take great care to emphasize looking out for the tree and its long-term health. VERDICT This book is full of practical advice, such as notifying the neighbors before construction begins and the need to research local building codes. However, it is not for true beginners, as it requires a basic understanding of woodworking, tools, and construction terms. There's also only one specific architectural plan. If readers want to make a different type of treehouse, they may need to consult a professional or another resource.—Marjorie Mann

Library Journal