How to Plan a Tree House: Tree houses are one of idyllic childhood symbols. A special place, away from parents and school, that is just your own. It’s not hard to see why it’s an idea that’s persisted for generations. But actually building the tree house isn’t kids’ work. To…
A backyard zipline is an exhilarating DIY project for large outdoor areas that lets you tap into anyone's adventurous spirit. Read our DIY guide!
In spring of 2013, I decided to bust out and build a tree house for my daughter Ursula, which I’d never done before. I remember having one as a kid and loving it. I wanted one that I could build in a day, wouldn’t be too high up so as to worry me or other parents, and which was SIMPLE in design to maximize playtime and allow for adding on later. It’s light, open and can go up and down easily.
The pictures in the previous post were the building in progress. Here is the finished tree fort. The first two levels were put up by a friend of ours, but Ian did a marvelous job on the third level! He also put up a ZIP LINE! The kids love it a lot. This little cutie pie is now ten months old! (Her first year is flying by)
In spring of 2013, I decided to bust out and build a tree house for my daughter Ursula, which I’d never done before. I remember having one as a kid and loving it. I wanted one that I could build in a day, wouldn’t be too high up so as to worry me or other parents, and which was SIMPLE in design to maximize playtime and allow for adding on later. It’s light, open and can go up and down easily.
Install a kids backyard zipline in 5 simple steps! BONUS: the best zipline ideas & how to install a backyard zipline without trees!
Here is the starting pressure treated lumber post for the zip-line. I used two ground anchors which join together and attach to the wire. The first anchor position was not in line with the zip-line and it caused too much lateral force on the pulley resulting in a broken pulley. I used the second ground anchor to properly align the system. The horizontal section of chain 2/3rds up was used to increase line tension and balance bending forces on the post. Note that the post is angled backwards about 10 degrees from vertical. This also reduces bending forces. Two pulleys are used to reduce the force on each pulley. I used 1" diameter oak dowels as steps on the post so that the kids could climb up. It is difficult at first to balance but they quickly got the hang of it. Here is the disk swing seat tied to the trolley of the zip line. Here is the end post of the zip line showing the pulley on top and the chain to the ground anchor. I needed a pad to wrap around the end post so that the kids don't get hurt. I looked at pads for basketball poles but they were very expensive. I found a camping pad and wrapped it around the pole with the included straps. It is doubled over itself to increase thickness. It works great. I ended adding a few more straps to secure it better than shown in the pictures. You can get a camping pad like this at Amazon:
Our new Kidder Creek Zip Line is finished! It’s a thrilling ride that we can’t wait to share with campers this summer, and at over 700ft long it’s the longest zip line in all of Mount Hermon! With the help and professional direction of Synergo we were able to complete the project in four days…
A backyard zip line is just the ticket for endless summer fun. Within just a few hours, you'll be having loads of fun. Check it out!
Looking for things to do with kids in Tualatin? The Tualatin Valley is home to a variety of year-round indoor and outdoor activities for all ages. Check out these five family-friendly activities in Tualatin, Oregon.
Learn how to build a zipline in your backyard. It works even if you don't have trees in your own backyard. Try DIY with a zipline kit.
Inspiring kids treehouse designs that will make you want to build one today
We selected a nice, straight tree that has no branches for the first 20-30 feet. The platform is supported by a triangular-shaped beam at the tree and lays across another beam about ten feet out from the base. The beam rests on two braces that will allow the tree to grow without tearing apart the structure. Beams are essentially slip-joins that can accommodate the movement of the tree while keeping the platform square and level. The beams as supported on the far-end of the tree house. Post footers that hold up the far end of the tree house. With the platform decking on the beams. Cross-bracing on the tree house legs. And a shot from the edge of the woods. Over the next couple of weeks, we'll fabricate the railings, and covering.
If you want to build a playground area with landscape timbers, you will need several tools and supplies, like lumber, landscaping spikes, and mulch or pea gravel.
Extreme Backyard Zipline: These are the steps I used to build my zipline that is over 100 feet long! There are many kits available for purchase, but I found that my materials were much higher quality and came out to be even cheaper than the alternatives. This instrustable …
This article highlights the important details and techniques to consider in order to build a strong, lasting and safe treehouse.
Learn how to easily install your home zip line. We go step by step on all of the instructions to install your backyard zip line kit. Calculations, safety requirements and zip line accessories are all covered.
Barbara Butler has been creating one-of-a-kind play houses and tree houses for children all over the country since 1987. Her huge portfolio consists of some celeb clients and many others who recognize a need for children to have a special place to call their own. I love Barbara's philosophy behind...
Designers Thor te Kulve and Robert McIntyre have devised a clever system that allows anyone to build a spiral staircase up the trunk of a tree without actually hurting it and without using tools.
Here is the starting pressure treated lumber post for the zip-line. I used two ground anchors which join together and attach to the wire. The first anchor position was not in line with the zip-line and it caused too much lateral force on the pulley resulting in a broken pulley. I used the second ground anchor to properly align the system. The horizontal section of chain 2/3rds up was used to increase line tension and balance bending forces on the post. Note that the post is angled backwards about 10 degrees from vertical. This also reduces bending forces. Two pulleys are used to reduce the force on each pulley. I used 1" diameter oak dowels as steps on the post so that the kids could climb up. It is difficult at first to balance but they quickly got the hang of it. Here is the disk swing seat tied to the trolley of the zip line. Here is the end post of the zip line showing the pulley on top and the chain to the ground anchor. I needed a pad to wrap around the end post so that the kids don't get hurt. I looked at pads for basketball poles but they were very expensive. I found a camping pad and wrapped it around the pole with the included straps. It is doubled over itself to increase thickness. It works great. I ended adding a few more straps to secure it better than shown in the pictures. You can get a camping pad like this at Amazon:
Here's a shot of the treehouse we just finished* for our daughter Liberty. It took about three weeks, but most of the work was done over 3-4 weekend days. *as most of you know, a project like this is never "done"...the zip line is already ordered for phase 2.
Our new Kidder Creek Zip Line is finished! It’s a thrilling ride that we can’t wait to share with campers this summer, and at over 700ft long it’s the longest zip line in all of Mount Hermon! With the help and professional direction of Synergo we were able to complete the project in four days…
Backyard Zip Lines offers US made Zip Line kits and Accessories. Visit us online today we ship all throughout the US, Canada and the rest of the world, backyardziplines.com.
