How to build a Tree House with a Slide and Swing-Set

Introduction and the plans

This article explains how to construct a platform or deck around a tree, how to make steps up to it, a safety handrail up the steps and around the platform, and also how to add a slide and swing-set.

This tree house is really a tree platform – a platform built around a tree rather than the traditional type of tree house consisting of a small playhouse built or placed in the tree’s branches.

The tree house was specifically designed for younger kids. Since built, it has had plenty of use from kids three years old and upwards and it’s amazing just how fast the kids seem to hone their climbing skills.

The stairs make it easy for younger kids to get up to the tree house and there is a good handrail around the entire platform.

If you are making a similar type of structure for older and more adventurous kids, then you could probably do away with the steps and incorporate a ladder instead.

Safety note: Young kids should not be left to play on such a structure unsupervised.

Below are the plans and lumber amounts, followed by building instructions on other pages.
Keep in mind that this tree house was designed for a particular patch around a particular tree, and as patches and trees vary, you may also need to vary the plans to suit your tree and surroundings. Therefore, these plans and instructions are intended as a guide only.

The plans

Lumber stock sizes and total amounts

Excluding the swing-set

150×50 (2″x6″) stock for joists and stair treads. 26 meters (85 ft) required.
100×100 (4″4″) stock for posts and sides of slide. 14.5 meters (47 ft) required.
200×50 (2″x8″) stock for stair stringers. 3.6 meters (12 ft) required.
50×50 (2″x2″) stock for balusters. 70 meters (230 ft) required.
75×50 (2″x3″) stock for handrail. 12 meters (40 ft) required.
150×25 (1″x6″) stock for decking. 33.5 meters (110 ft) required.