Aesthetic Considerations

It's simply not good enought to build a strong treehouse, it also has to be good looking. That's why you aren't going to see rough plywood walls or any junk like that. Here is another little cosmetic touch I think will look fantastic. Check out the before and after pic, with the cedar shake installed to cover the somewhat less than attractive 2 x 8 end beam.

Wall Framing, Second Floor Joists

Rudi and I continued with more wall framing and second floor joists, as well as some OSB sub floor on the second (or attic) floor. Rain was forecast, so I wanted to get a rubber tarp over the second floor to protect it and the shed pine laid as the finish floor below. Some clear garbage bags offer a bit of additional rain protection

Construction Details

Corner stud, with top plate on gable end wall lapped onto the double top plate of the 'front' wall. The 2 x 6 end joist rests directly on top of the single top plate, with the 7/16" OSB sub floor just visible.

Wall stud, double top plate, 'hurricane bracket', and second floor joist, located on the 'back' wall. For simplicity of layout, I located the joists directly over the studs at 16" centers.

Wall Framing and Second Floor Joists

Today saw more work completing the framing of the first floor walls, top plates, and the floor joists to support the second story. I have decided on a simplified gothic revival vernacular story and a half, with gable ends and a steep 55 degree pitch for the roof.

The Finish Floor

I found a good deal on six foot lengths of relatively clear pine, commonly sold as 'shed pine'. It is a nominal 1" x 10" board, measuring 3/4" x 9-1/4", perfect for flooring when laid over the 7/16" OSB sub floor, especially considered I have my joists at 12" centres.

The nice thing is that they come typically in 6' lengths, so I didn't have to cut them at all, simply lay them out, glue them, and nail them down, then position the partly assembled walls on them and screw them down.

Wall Framing (Cont'd)

We continued working on the wall framing, as well as laying the finish floor on top of the OSB sub floor, immediately prior to fastening the base plate down. I decided to use a double top plate instead of a single for the long walls, and locate the joists directly above the studs on 16" centres.

Some Bad News

Scratch the idea of using the reclaimed maple hardwood for the finish floors of the treehouse, as storing them outdoors under a tarp let them get wet and sodden... About one quarter of the entire lot is salvageable, which is probably not enough for the 70 square foot required. Lesson learned, and off to plan B, which is probably 1" x 10" shed pine laid over the OSB, or something similar.

Starting The Walls

Rudi and I got started on framing the walls today, using various scrap quality two by fours, all cut to 6' lengths. With the top and bottom plates adding another three inches, there is plenty of ceiling height for a kid who is under 5' tall, but just barely enough for a person of my height to feel safe, yet still a bit uncomfortable.