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3 Tree House Designs for Small Backyards

Tree_House_Designs_for_Small_BackyardsTree houses have been a common request for children for years. What started as a platform and rope ladder, has turned into a “no holds barred” creation that, with a little ingenuity can become a virtual fortress or second home. Depending on how elaborate you want to be, you can build a tree house that is safe, secure and fun for your child and their friends.

The Simple Floor Plan

Basic tree house designs are rather simple. Boards are used to fashion a floor and walls can be made of almost any material from metal sheeting to large pieces of canvas. When lightweight wood is used for the walls, windows can be created so children can look out over their “domain” and see things from an entirely new perspective. Basic designs are easy to construct and relatively inexpensive to build. With a little assistance, a basic design can be rather cozy and offer years of play without needing repairs.

Tree houses Without the Tree

Swing sets and playground equipment can be designed and built out of sturdy wooden beams. For parents who want to create a recreational area for their child, they can do so with a multitude of playground layouts. Many of these designs include an area for a large room or tree house. They can be built as high off of the ground as you want and, in some cases, can have more than one floor.

Unlike playhouses that sit neatly on the ground, playground tree house designs can be elevated to whatever height is desired. Heavily built ladders can be used or the traditional rope ladder may be added so that it can be pulled up when not in use. Tree house designs that are built into swing sets are ideal for smaller backyards. They can be erected without the benefit of the tree as the central support. No matter what size the yard, a few square feet is all that is needed to create a playground area that goes upward instead of outward.

Odd Shapes and Features

Tree houses can take almost any shape you want. Some conform to the lines of the tree, while others are designed using a specific shape as a foundation. Almost any shape can be used if you have a ways to make it work. Once the decision is made concerning the shape and the materials, the work can begin. Working windows and doors are often included for additional privacy. Internal stairways can make way for a second and, even third floor to be added, depending on how tall the tree is and how much time you want to invest in securing the structure to the tree and adding support beams underneath.

In small backyards, there may not be much room to be elaborate on the outside. When this is the case, what can't be achieved on the outside, can be made up for on the inside. If the tree or supports are sturdy enough, small pieces of furniture can be added to create a comfortable interior. Mechanisms can be added to open and close the windows as well as raise and lower the ladder.

There are several floor plans and tree house designs available from playground and swing set companies that will help homeowners create a play area for their child that has all of the comforts of home. The sky is the limit when it comes to creating the world's perfect tree house. If you don't want to risk building the structure by yourself, many playground companies know of contractors who will build a tree house to your specifications. Making sure the structure is built correctly is extremely important if you want it to outlast your children.

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