Tree House Plans

Tri Pointe Homes

Tree House Floors Plans

About Tree House Plans

Finding the right tree house plan will make all of the difference when building your tree house.

Tree house plans can be anything from a platform up on a branch to a miniature house build up in a tree. Either way, there is no perfect plan for a tree house since all trees are different and each one provides different challenges when it comes to actually building a tree house that will withstand the tests of time. You should, however, still work with proper building standards to ensure no one gets hurt.

A Perfect Tree House Plan

When it comes to getting your tree house just right, its good to get several different pictures at different angles of your tree. Make sure to include any neighboring trees in case your tree house plan includes several trees for support. Now print these up on your home printer. It doesn’t matter if it’s in color or if it’s low resolution. We’re going to write all over these anyway.

Now break out some sharpies and start sketching how you’d like your tree house to look. You might want to print up several copies of each angle to you have room to experiment.

Now here is where the sky is the limit. Start with an open frame design with a rectangular base just so you can see any issues that might arise from branch placement. Does your tree house wrap around the trunk or is it supported by branches? Will you need any free standing supports to ensure your tree house is sturdy?

With each new page, try to get more and more elaborate. Play with roof types and angles. Maybe you can design an octagon-shaped house all the way around the tree… It’s OK to design way out of your budget. You can build what you can afford now and add your planned features later.

Best Country House Plans

Country house plans, one of the most favoured styles, have a front or wraparound porch and a gabled roof.

They are typically of one or two storeys in height.

Tree House Access

Now that you have a basic idea of what you want your tree house to look like, it’s time to think about how people will get in and out of it.

The standard method is to nail a bunch of boards to the trunk to make a ladder. This is OK, but it is probably the most dangerous and besides, you should limit the amount of holes you put in your tree so it will stay healthy and vibrant for a very long time.

Maybe there is a knotted rope or drop down rope ladder. This gives a more “secret tree house” feel and your kids (or you) can pull up the rope to keep out pesky kids who want to join them. Be careful on this one because it could cause a lot of sibling fights…

By far, the safest and easiest access would be to build a staircase that either switches back or wraps around the tree. This takes some serious building skill so don’t attempt this without a great tree house plan that teaches you some of the foundations of building structures. With a well though-out plan, you can easily adapt to the specific problems with building on your tree.

The last, most cost effective, and second most safe idea is a wooden ladder that attaches to your tree house. Keep in mind that the more of an angle you build this ladder at, the safer people will be getting in and out of your tree house.

Getting started with your tree house plan

Now is the time to actually crawl up into your tree and get an idea how your tree house plan will need to be implemented. Are there any branches that are in the way? Will they have to be cut, or can you incorporate the branch as something to hang things from on the interior of the tree house?

Either way, if you will be cutting any branches off of your tree to make you design work, do not just leave a raw cut. You must use a Tree Wound Dressing that you paint on to any cuts to seal and protect the tree from bugs or rot.

Follow your tree house plan

It all starts with getting your floor put on and stabilizing it. Once you have the floor in place and sturdy, then the rest is easy. This can be partially built on the ground and then hoisted into the tree using a pulley system. You will need some help if your decide to do it this way. Or you can build the whole thing up in the tree. Just make sure you build either a temporary or permanent place to stand while you get your floor in.

Be careful to limit placing the flooring right up against the trunk. Allow for an inch or so gap between your floor and the trunk to give it room to grow. If you have to put wood right up against the trunk, at least leave room on the other side so it can expand.

In most trees, the bark is what delivers nutrients to the rest of the tree, so never skin a tree to make the inside look more finished.

Once your floor is in, it’s time to attach the walls. Did you leave places to attach them? This is where having a basic tree house building guide comes in handy so you can build places into your floor to attach the walls.

If you build it this way, you can make your walls on the ground then drop them into your flooring. A couple of screws and you’re ready to go! This also helps if you plan to expand your tree house eventually. Just pop out the screws and pop in your new upgrade.

The sky’s the limit

When following your tree house plan, keep in mind that they are not set in stone. Once you get your floor in, you might think of something cool to do with one of the walls. You might discover a better way to attach it to the tree.

Since you are building on to a living thing, make sure your tree house plans celebrate that nature. Don’t be afraid to dream and expand your ideas as long as the tree can support the extra weight and it fits into your budget.

Good luck and be safe building your tree house!

Tree House Plans #1

Tri Pointe Homes

This tree house is built in the midst of stunning nature, offering a relaxing view. With an 8×10 inch area, it provides a great space for you and your loved ones to enjoy. It also creates a wonderful play area for children.

House Plan Details

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Tri Pointe Homes listings include floor plans in many styles including Camden Spec, Cab Cod, Ranch, Two-Story, Log, Tiny House, Craftsman, Colonial, Cottage, Victorian, European, Traditional, Bungalow, Cabin House and more.