Black & Decker The Complete Guide Build Your Kids a Treehouse

by Self, Charlie; Drigot, John

• ISBN13: 9781589232877
• ISBN10: 1589232879
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2007-02-01
• Publisher: Cool Springs Press

Summary

Treehouses Anyone Can Build! Black & Decker Build A Treehouse! that is a basic yet complete presentation of how to plan, design, and build a safe, fun treehouse structure for children. The book begins with an inspirational chapter showing the many treehouse variations that are possible. Next, a chapter on basic techniques shows how the essential treehouse platform can be built and secured in any tree configuration-nestled high among the branches or designed so the trunk passes up through the center, and every variation in-between Then, separate chapters show the techniques for adding walls, roofs, ladders, access hatches and accessories. The final chapter of the book gives complete plans for the treehouses, from the very simple to the surprisingly sophisticated.

Author Biography

Charlie Self is a freelance home improvement writer who has authored dozens of books and hundreds of magazine articles. He lives in Bedford, VA. John Drigot is a well-respected designer of DIY woodworking plans. He lives in Fort Collins, CO.

Table of Contents

Introduction	p. 4
Portfolio of Treehouses	p. 6
How to Build a Treehouse	p. 18
Treehouse Basics & Design	p. 20
Choosing a Tree	p. 21
General Tree Health	p. 22
Is It Big Enough?	p. 23
Location	p. 24
Behavior	p. 25
Grooming the winner	p. 26
Choosing a Tree Species	p. 27
Planning & Design	p. 28
Building Codes & Zoning Laws	p. 29
Elements of a Treehouse	p. 30
Design Considerations	p. 40
Drawing Plans	p. 44
Lumber & Hardware	p. 46
Treehouse Safety	p. 50
Safe Treehouse Design	p. 51
Working Safely	p. 55
Safe Design Checklist	p. 57
Treehouse Techniques	p. 58
Building Platforms	p. 59
Platform Basics	p. 60
Platform Anchoring Techniques	p. 61
Installing Decking	p. 65
Platform Designs	p. 66
Single Tree: Platform Nestled in Branches	p. 67
Single Tree: Trunk as Center Post	p. 70
Two Trees: Platform Spanning Between Trunks	p. 75
Three Trees: Platform Spanning Between Trunks	p. 78
Two Trees & Two Support Posts	p. 80
Walls, Windows & Doors	p. 82
Framing Walls	p. 83
Siding & Trim	p. 87
Installing Walls	p. 89
Making Windows & Doors	p. 90
Building Railings	p. 93
Building Roofs	p. 94
Framing the Roof	p. 95
Sheathing & Roofing	p. 100
Accessories	p. 104
Ladders, Trap Doors & Other Modes of Access	p. 105
Building Ladders	p. 106
Trap Doors	p. 110
Fireman's Pole	p. 111
Swings & Playthings	p. 112
Swings & Slides	p. 113
Climbing Features	p. 114
Pulleys & Accessories	p. 115
Zip Lines	p. 115
Treehouse Plans	p. 116
Gable Roof with Auxiliary Post	p. 116
A-Frame with Walkout Deck	p. 120
Half-covered Crow's Nest	p. 124
Wraparound Shed on Stilts	p. 128
Triangular Tree Hut	p. 132
Four-tree Shanty	p. 136
Resources	p. 140
Photo Credits	p. 140
Index	p. 141
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