Treehouses, Platforms, Stands, etc.

Tree Platform, Hunting Stands, Treehouses; they're all really just one in the same. I figured that a good way to start "Learn About It" would be to give you guys a short rundown on what these types of structures are, and how you can make them for your very own. So let's get started.

Basically, all three of these structures are exactly the same, just called by different names on how they look or are used. The first of these is a tree platform, which is exactly what the name says it is. It's basically a wooden platform that has been put up in a tree for some use, such as storage, or a cheaper alternative to a treehouse. The second of these structures is a Hunting Stand, which essentially is the exact same thing as a tree platform, but it is used primarily for hunting, so there may be some add-ons such as rifle stands, ammo holders, and other small features such as this. The last of the structures is a treehouse. I'm sure everyone reading this is familiar with a treehouse, either having been in one or at least seen one over the course of your lives. A treehouse is simply just a tree platform with walls and a roof (which is why it is a treehouse). These are a little trickier to make, and they take more time, effort, and money as well.

Now we get to the fun part: let's build a tree platform (hunting stand) and a treehouse.
1) First you're going to need to find a good spot either in the woods or your own backyard, where there is at least one strong tree in which you can base your house or platform. You can also use multiple trees and build a frame between them, it really just depends on how much space you have available.
2) Second, once you've found your tree(s), you're going to want to gather all of the materials you are going to need: wood (planks and plywood), nails and screws, and your tools (hammer, screwdriver, saw, measuring tape, etc.). I can't give you an exact number of materials you are going to need since I don't know the exact specifications of your tree(s) that you are prepared to use, but I can say that you are going to need a large amount of wood for the base of the platform or house, since that will be the main support system for the structure.
3) Next, you're going to want to build your base. If you're using one tree, choose a spot where you can nail the floorboards to where they lay on top of two or three very sturdy, thick branches. If you're using multiple trees, nail your boards to make a frame, then nail more across the top to make a floor. NOTE: Make ABSOLUTELY sure to put in supports. And if at any time your floor feels like it is bending, even slightly, add a few more supports.
Congratulations, if you were building a platform in the trees, you're finished! If you want to make this platform into a treehouse, continue reading below.
4) Now comes the tricky part. You need to put in a frame for your walls. This can be accomplished in many ways, but personally I have had success with putting the screw (you're DEFIANTLY going to want to use screws for this) up through the floor into the beam that is making up the frame to hold it in place. Again, this may not work for you depending on your surroundings, so mess around with the positioning a little until you find a way that works for you.
5) Once you have your frame up, you can choose to make your walls out of either more boards of wood, or plywood (recommended). Whichever way you choose to do it, make sure that you cur holes for windows and doors. Then once you're finished with the walls, nail a piece of plywood to the top (or two if you're making a slanted roof) to finish off the house.
6) Lastly, once you've put up your walls and roof, make a ladder (or purchase a rope ladder) so you can climb up and down your beauty of a treehouse.

And there you have it! That's all for the first edition of  "Learn About It"! Leave a comment with any suggestions you may have about a new topic, or about how to make this blog better. Until next time, learn it up my friends.

-Alex S.

Introduction to Learn About It

Hello everybody, and welcome to Learn About It, your online resource for random knowledge about subjects that you want to know about!

Learn About It is going to enlighten you on a different subject with every post. Now these subjects will be chosen by me until more people begin to come to this blog and make suggestions, in which case, I will transition over to filling those suggestions (given that they are reasonable suggestions).

With Learn About It, you can learn about things that you never before may have been interested in, just by checking back every so often to see if I've posted a new topic. Even better yet, follow this blog, so you will get notifications every time I make a new post.

I hope to see everyone back here again for my next post, which is when I'll be starting on the first subject!

P.S. Also be sure to check out my personal blog at: http://anythingandeverythingwithalexs.blogspot.com/.

-Alex S.