The complete guide to building your own tree house - Robert Miskimon

Book & CD-ROM. As children, many people dreamed of having a tree house, a place where they could get away to play and relax. Today, more and more people are making this dream a reality for their children, especially in the United States, England, Germany, France, and Brazil but it does not have to be just for children. (In fact, Corbin Dunn, 31, took up a permanent residence in a tree house in Santa Cruz, California for five years.) This guide shows you how to create one of these sky-high getaways, whether it is a child's play area or an adult hideaway. The oldest documented tree house is located in England on the grounds of Pitchford Hall and dates back to the 17th century. This proves that a tree house can be a lasting investment, especially if you choose the right tree and the right materials. This book will show you how to select a tree, prepare the tree, purchase the best materials, use the right tools, and buy lumber. You will learn about the tree house basics and the anatomy of a stable tree house, including four corners, diagonal support, sturdy flooring, a reliable ladder and railing, and a leak-proof roof. In the book you will also learn about waterproofing, safety precautions, and building regulations and restrictions. You will be provided with design, building, and decorating tips, as well as non-technical drawings to aid you in the building process. The book details supports, windows, skylights, and tree house designs. There is also an additional section on all the accessories you can add on to your house, like a ladder hoist, a fireman s pole, swings, a zip line, a pulley and basket, a rope bridge, and a trap door. Completed with a full-colour insert from tree houses around the nation, the guide will provide you with dozens of helpful tips, tricks, and suggestions to kick-start your daydream of a treetop hideaway.