Treehouses and other Cool Stuff: 50 Projects You Can Build

by Jeanie Stiles, David Stiles

Remember the handcrafted mischief of the gangs on The Little Rascals, Gilligan's Island, and The Swiss Family Robinson? This cleverness is back in the old-fashioned fun of Treehouses and Other Cool Stuff You Can Build. Imagine building an old-fashioned go-cart, an A-frame treehouse, a portable lemonade stand, a seesaw, a scooter skateboard, a tub fiddle, and even the ultimate in entertainment-an erupting volcano. Also included is a useful section on carpentry tips and tools such Sawhorse, Saw Guide and Crosscutting, Ripping Wood, Pilot Holes and Drilling Screws, Toolbox. Author bios David and Jeanie Stiles have been writing "how-to" books together for the past twelve years. Most recently, the couple built a treehouse on The Today Show in Rockefeller Center in New York. They divide their time between New York City and East Hampton, where they live in a renovated barn.

136 pages, Paperback

First published December 19, 2008

Reviews

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

First up, my reservations.
1. little one: wood is expensive, and the house projects are no small deal! I suppose one could use these ideas as inspiration for what to do with materials on hand.
2. Big One: Treated wood is specified throughout. I know it resists weather, but it is injected with POISON, and should not be used for children's play equipment and toys.

Now, the love.
Clever, fun plans. Blueprints are simple, yet easy to read. You can tell this fellow has experience publishing building plans. Loved the "secret lock box," the "see-saw" and "merry go round."