Tree Houses You Can Actually Build: A Weekend Project Book

by Jeanie Trusty Stiles, David Stiles

An inspirational yet thoroughly practical guide for building tree houses—learn how to design and build a lifetime of memories!

Tree houses capture the imagination of the child in all of us, and they have never been more popular than they are today. This shows even the most inexperienced weekend carpenter how to design and build a lifetime of memories for the entire family. In Tree Houses You Can Actually Build, David and Jeanie Stiles explain basic building procedures through clear, simple instructions and nontechnical line drawings that illustrate every step of the project, from the earliest sketches to the final cedar shingle. The authors outline five basic designs that can be adapted to virtually any set of conditions, and throughout the book they emphasize safety for both adults and children. In addition to line drawings, the book contains a section of full-color photographs highlighting a variety of tree house projects, plus helpful building tips based on interviews with their owners.

Genres: Reference, Nonfiction, How To

120 pages, Paperback

First published May 26, 1998

Reviews

[Don Alesi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. The only reason I could not give this book five stars was because in E-book form some of the words and sketches were too light to read. Once I was able to adjust, I loved this book.
I have ten heavily wooded acres and always wanted to act like a kid again and build my own simple tree house. This book is for beginners like me who want something simple, cheap, and easy to build.
The drawings are excellent and easy to undersatnd. a young kid with mom or Dad's supervision could easily build one of these tree houses.
I have already picked out three trees near my cabin and can't wait to get started.
I feel like a twelve year old again. The only difference is that girls (Wife) are allowed in the tree house this time.

[Shira and Ari Evergreen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book shows how to make many different types of safe, lasting ladders and steps, along with other safety tips to help you build a tree house and enjoy it for generations. It's full of charming illustrations and many photos and stories of tree house projects; there's also a section on extras including benches and bunk beds and "phones", and even info on how to make a cardboard periscope. In the back there are cute signs tree house occupants can copy and fill in to deed their tree houses to their younger siblings, keep out bullies, encourage good housekeeping, or welcome in neighbor kids.

[Benjamin · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a classic. Maybe not quite what I was hoping for, I nevertheless do find myself referring back to it as our tree house slowly approaches completion.

my favorite quote: "Trees will always move in the wind - especially tall, thin trees."

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for kids to read, plan a project and then get their parents to help. There's enough information in here with clear and charming illustrations to make good choices about placement, construction techniques and safety but it is not dry or exhaustive. There are color photos of examples as well, although you'll want to hit Pinterest or other places on the Internet to get even more inspiration.

We have lent this book to other people and we've used it to build a fantastic three level structure that rapidly paid for itself with pithaya harvests. Great resource.

[Kayleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have seen a few houses that were maybe fancier or neater, but this is bar none the best single source for practical, informative designs, instructions and hints. Lots of safety, ideas and guidelines. If you're going to build it, read this first.

[Miles Sandgathe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just like the title says....if you actually want to build a tree house...this book will help you.

[Corey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has a lot of practical advice and suggestions for people looking to create and build a tree house of their own design.

[Yogi Zen Dude · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE it!

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

If building a tree house is actually as simple as this book leads me to believe, I will be amazed. However, it has given the courage and the technical basis to give it a try!