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ANNUAL INSPECTION: For your own safety we recommend to have all supporting parts checked periodically.
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BRACES: Connecting the platform and the tree, they reduce the span and thereby the deflection of your crossbeams. In your walls, they brace the structure against wind pressure and also reduce spans.
BRANCHES: Branches and especially branch forks offer a great opportunity to attach a supporting structure to the tree without additional tools.
BUILDING PERMIT: If you need one depends on different factors. Get good information so can enjoy your treehouse for a long time. Of course we’re happy to support you getting a building permit.
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CLIMBING: Climbing is a favorite pastime for kids. Try to satisfy this need with your construction, always keeping in mind everybody’s safety. Plan your climbing route before entering the host tree. Cut off dead branches before you’re tempted to hold on to it. Secure yourself with a rope and a climbing harness. There are special tree-climbing outfitters nowadays, fulfilling all your dreams.
CLIMBING HARNESS: We strongly recommend only to work in the trees while being roped up in one.
CROSSBEAMS: Make sure, like with all other structural parts, that you’re using the right dimensions. Especially the vertical size is essential for the right dimensioning.
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INSULATION: If you also want to use your treehouse during the cold months, we advise you to insulate it. There are natural materials available like wooden fibreboards or hemp, wool or the like which are more expensive but environment-friendly and thereby meeting the idea of a treehouse.
INTERIORS: There are no limitations to your fantasy, but keep the weight in mind. You can do electric installations (if you can). That way you can put in an electric heater and switch on the lights.
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LARCH: Larch wood is, because of its weather resistance and also its looks, the first choice in our latitudes. If freshly sawn, it’s popular because of its reddish color, which you can save using a varnish. It’ll get a matchless patina if untreated.
LIGHT: Keep in mind the cardinal points while drafting. If you’re a sunny person, your deck should point southwards. If you’re more into the evening sun, turn it westwards.
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MODULES: Instead of hauling every single part up the tree, you can prefabricate modules on the ground so you just have to join them once up the deck. Use a block and tackle!
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PRUNING: If there are smaller branches in your way during the construction, you can remove them. You should place the cut at the place where the branch meets the trunk. (Tip: don’t cut the branch you’re sitting on…)
PULLEY: It’s a must for every treehouse, visitors, building materials or snacks can easily be delivered that way.
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RAMP: You can build a slightly ascending ramp and maybe a draw bridge from the ground to your treehouse for a special way to access the platform. It might even be wheelchair-accessible that way!
RESPONSIBILITY: During the build of a treehouse and while playing in one, kids learn how to deal with the environment in a responsible way. Away from any second-hand experience (TV, Playstation, etc.) to shared first-hand experiences in the outdoors.
ROOF: The roof should definitely be pitched, so water and snow can’t do any damage. Better use natural materials for your roofing, like wood-shingles. A low-cost alternative is roofing felt you find at any hardware store. Metal sheeting is another option but you might be better off leaving that to a professional. Corrugated sheets are easier to apply. It’s lighter and doesn’t cost much.
ROPES: Are an excellent and flexible way to attach something. They are often used as railings and/or handrails.
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SKYLIGHTS: Skylights offer a natural source of light and open the view to the stars. But be careful: always make sure they’re properly installed.
SLIDE: Another fun way to exit your treehouse.
SLIDING POLES: Increase the attractivity for children, but also (and because) they are are a source of danger.
SMOKE DETECTORS: Inexpensive, can save a lot.
SOLITUDE: Treat yourself with a break far away from the busy daily routine: just you, a candle, a book. Your retractable rope-ladder guarantees some undisturbed hours.
STOVE: A woodstove gives warmth and a comfortable feeling. The weight is a problem though (high point load) and of course the arduous transport of the firewood.
SWINGS: The treehouse construction often offers an ideal possibility for hanging one or more swings.
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TOOLS: Good tools save a lot of work. Essential tools are: cordless drill, hammer, saw, level, tape measure, screwdriver. Kids should use those tools under supervision.
TREES: Only healthy trees with a minimum diameter of 8 inches are worth considering. Trees with low canopies are especially well suited for treehouses without posts. But you can also build treehouses in conifers. Of course you can set up your daydream without trees, just use stilts! You’ll find long-lasting treehouses in oaks, ashes, beeches, maples and willows.
TREEHOUSEHOTEL: By now, we’ve built some treehouse hotels in Germany – the baumbarons are proud of having attended these projects.
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WIND: Strong winds can damage your treehouse. Don’t rise too high and allow the treehouse to sway and move.
WINDOWS: Make sure there is plenty of ventilation and daylight. Treehouses often suffer from little light and moisture. Window shutters can be very appealing on your treehouse.
WOOD: The right choice is a crucial factor for the lifespan of your treehouse. For weatherproof and sustainability reasons you should use domestic woods like larch, cedar or oak (expensive) on the outside. Don’t use cheap softwood (spruce), otherwise it won’t last long. Pressure-treated woods are sturdy but also treated with chemicals.