ENGINEERING A TREEHOUSE

This treehouse project started with my toddler’s passion for ceiling fans and slides. Yes, kind of weird, but also, he’s four years old. Having a house with central air conditioning, we have no need for an indoor ceiling fan, yet my son keeps asking when we can install one for him to play with. In the same manner, there is no need for an indoor slide for hopefully obvious reasons that we adults can relate to. The solution was to create a treehouse that could accommodate both and give him something to play with his friends as he grows older.

After searching the web for treehouse and/or playhouse designs, they were all basic and bland. None that really stood out to me, so I decided to take the design into my own hands.

As the architect, structural engineer, contractor, and homeowner in one, the treehouse had to be an organized effort solely based on my skills and tools. Wood framing was the goal to keep costs down, be easily accessible, and easy to modify. Of course, it had to be pressure treated and stained to mask the greenish tint of the PT chemicals.

Finishes included a rolled asphalt roof, rolled rubber flooring, modern black cable rails, clear-stained cedar planked walls and ceilings, and stained cedar shingle siding. My son’s favorite part is an extension cord from the house can bring power to the lights and ceiling fan. Most of all the material was purchased at Home Depot and/or Lowes, minus the slide I was able to pick up from Facebook Marketplace, and a few other items (cable railings, ladder, ceiling fan) off Amazon.

The only criticism throughout construction was that my son changed his mind from wanting a yellow slide to a green one as it was being installed. Considering it was free, that was ignored, and he’s been able to get over it as soon as the ceiling fan got installed. The first fall season has been a success, and my wife and I hope he’ll enjoy it for years to come!

Brian W. Ki, P.E.
Staff Engineer