20 Simple Tree House Plans and Design To Take Up This Spring

Made with Happy has a great design that’s both a treehouse and a playhouse. If you don’t have the sturdiest of trees in your yard, this is definitely a nice route to take.

Here’s a simpler treehouse design for you all to tackle. Take a look at Popular Mechanics for the complete plans. But, be prepared to not have to use as many nails as some of the other designs. You’ll start off by suspending the floor joists and fastening the floor. And you’ll eventually move on to add the railings.

Below you’ll find 32 different Tree House Plan designs to check out and get started on by the weekend.

A real treehouse made of different types of wood

Here’s another simpler design without all the “luxuries”. It’s very similar to design to the minimal plan we saw above, except the railings here were made with rope. If the kiddos like the look of this one, we say go for it! Just make sure that rope is nicely knotted for safety concerns.

A large treehouse suspended between trees

Renting a treehouse-like this gorgeous one from San Jose is a bit like glamping but on a whole different level, quite literally. This magnificent treehouse is supported by two old trees, with a sleek spiral staircase that leads up to the entrance.
What better way to experience the marvelous rainforest than being in the middle of nature, up in the treetops?

Solid treehouse wrapped around the trunks

Treehouses don’t really need the roof and the windows and the balcony. Instead, they can literally just be a strong, safe foundation for your kids to explore and create within. Just add a tent like they did at Yea Dads Hometo bring a lot of life and fun into the simple design.
This requires prepping and a clear plan of action and this video tutorial by the I Like To Make Stuff channel shows exactly how to approach these things to make sure you get great results.

High up in the tree with fun accessories hanging out

The typical treehouse has a fairly rustic aesthetic but just like styles for regular houses come and go so can treehouses adopt new looks. So how about a modern treehouse to match your home?
What’s important here is that you choose the right tree and a set of plans that’s within your skill range (as this tutorial states) – because safety is the most important piece of this entire puzzle.

A house in the treetops with a large balcony

Mountain cabins are usually super charming and that charm amplifies in the case of a treehouse. There’s something magical about being so high up and so close to nature in areas which you don’t normally get to see so close up.

There are three main components to this treehouse plan and it includes the ladder, the foundation, and the roof. Village Custom Furniture walks us through some of the smaller details but just remember to have that extra lumber bought for these kinds of designs – especially when installing it into your backyard because every tree really is different.
This epic treehouse was built in six months with a lot of power tools. So, if you have the necessities already, keep reading. Just remember when you’re going over materials lists, to order extra lumber and always have extra hardware as well. Again, we found the plan for this one on Instructables.

Something small and simple for the casual builder

Colorful treehouse suspended above ground

This design utilizes both sides of the tree and we’re especially drawn to its fun “beware” sign. If you visit Instructables you’ll be guided through the process of its creation within sixteen steps. Those steps include: mounting the main supports, laying out the platform, attaching those supports, and more.

Small playhouse with a cute interior

We’re so used to seeing treehouses being built in our own backyards that we don’t really consider the alternatives. But what makes perfect sense is to actually have the treehouse built in a forest where there’s tons of trees to choose from.

A playground built around a big tree

For instance, this 1-bedroom treehouse is located at the edge of Walker Pond in Vermont. It’s built up in the trees, suspended between two pines and featuring a spiral staircase that winds around the trees and up towards the terrace at the front of this little cabin. {found on airbnb}

This one is truly a mini house in the sky. Construction workers and builders alike will have a definite advantage when deciding what can happen in their own backyards. You can even install standard-sized windows and doors to make it even more functional.

Small and basic treehouse with an access ladder

Nautical inspiration turns this treehouse into a pirate hideout

Can you really call this a treehouse if it isn’t actually built in a tree? Well, why not? Not everyone has big trees in their backyard so this design from instructables allows you to work around that.

A solid foundation attached to the ground

A breezy design perfect for the summer

A nice treehouse and playset combo

There’s a really nice design by Ana White that you can out which has this beautiful slanted roof that appears as if it’s floating when looking at the treehouse from the front.

Luxury treehouse with a balcony and walkway

This particular treehouse can be found in Monte Verde, Chile. It has a simple and modern design and this super long staircase connecting it to the ground below.{found on airbnb}

Simple design options with room for extra features

We are absolutely in love with this colorful beauty from The Classic Archives. And thankfully, this deluxe treehouse has some free plans online that you can follow -after you find the perfect tree, of course. It includes complete shopping lists (materials, hardware, and lumber) as well as how to add some bunk beds inside!

Sturdy treehouse with a modern design

Here’s another “luxury” treehouse home to gather inspiration from. Complete with a walking balcony, windows, doors, and colored shutters, if you really want to spoil the family, this is a way to go as well.

An actual house up in the trees with standard windows and doors

Insteading has these gorgeous plans were featured as well. This is nearly a luxury treehouse in our opinion with its size and stylish, textural scene.

A cool idea for a treehouse ladder

Kristen Duke has a treehouse that sits a bit lower than some of the other designs – for nervous parents, this is a great plan! The foundation of this one really comes from the ground which will make builders (especially novices) more comfortable. It would also look amazing with a coat of fresh paint!

A treehouse without a roof

This timelapse video by DadLifeFXD shows you the entire process from start to finish so check it out for a bit of inspiration before starting your own amazing treehouse build.

A tree fort designed to last

Popular Mechanics gives you plenty of different ways to build a treehouse. From the floorboards to the ladder, it’s really important to follow directions closely, even if you go with a more simplistic design. But these general guidelines are good to follow no matter if you’ve decided to go with or without the “extra” additions like a roof and windows!
This house is reminiscent of a cabin in the woods, don’t you think? We love the darker wood and the green shutters that compliment it.

A treehouse without a tree

This treehouse can accommodate 4 guests in two bedrooms and is part of the Bio Thermales resort which has 15 natural hot and cold springs that guests can enjoy as well as several trails which can be explored.{found on airbnb}
The design is fairly simple overall which leaves plenty of room for the imagination when the kids get to use it. It could be a pirate fort, a playhouse or anything else they want.

Starting with a good foundation

There’s some height for the same feel of a treehouse but without the worry of safety. This is also a very cost-conscious project so if you’re looking for something more budget-friendly then take a closer look here.


This one is a treehouse and playset all in one! If you want to let the kiddos be spoiled with a bit more luxury, this is the way to go. Not only will you be buying lumber for this one, but you’ll want to invest in some playground equipment as well – and pay attention to how to install them safely. {found on imgur}.

A treehouse in the woods

You can also learn a thing or two from this video shared by NelsonTreehouse which shows how the Treehouse Utopia came to be. It’s a lovely retreat that you can actually book for a few days if you ever want to experience what living in a luxury treehouse is like.
Having a tree house as a kid is a lot of fun and it’s even better when the fun lasts for a very long time and the treehouse turns into a constant as you grow up. If you’re set on building a super sturdy treehouse, make sure you check out the tutorial on ronhazelton. This design is optimized to last but isn’t much difficult than a lot of the others you’ve seen so far.
From certain angles this lovely cabin disappears among the leaves of the tree canopies. It’s placed up on a hill which gives it a nice view over the valley and the magnificent trees surrounding it ensure it gets plenty of shade throughout the day.

Building a modern treehouse with a slanted roof

In addition to enjoying little lovely little treehouse in Concord, you also get to take advantage of all the extra amenities like the hot tub, fire or the comfortable hammock and pergola that you have access to when renting this place.
It’s a lovely and quint little place that mixes rustic and modern details and lets you enjoy the simplicity of being in the middle of nature but with all the comfort and convenience of modern-day living.{foun on airbnb}

The Handmade Home made a handmade hideaway that we find charming and delightful. This one even the parents will want to slip away to and enjoy the afternoon. And we can easily envision the kids enjoying some afternoon reads or private convos with friends throughout the summer months.

A luxury treehouse retreat

You can rent this place and enjoy the beautiful Italian countryside in style plus you also get access to a wine cellar, a pool and a magnificent 18,000 square meter garden.{found on airbnb}
The post 20 Simple Tree House Plans and Design To Take Up This Spring appeared first on Homedit.

More inspiring ideas from actual structures

A lovely holiday cabin with a pond

A glamorous little house among the trees

This design from Instructables is a true treehouse. But don’t worry, you can do it! You may need a little help and a lot of wood variations from your local hardware store but it’s certainly possible.
This one even has a lengthier balcony for the kids to enjoy. Again, what’s most important here will be the foundational elements of the design so make sure you spend a lot of time in the planning and prepping process before mounting.

We’re not sure if this is a treehouse or more of a tree ledge, but either way the kiddos will love it. Check out all the know-how at Apartment Therapy but in the meantime, you can take a look at the pic and get a good idea on how to go about replicating the design. Grab some scrap wood, pick a sturdy tree, and whip up something in an afternoon or two for the little ones to get creative on.

A 2-bedroom treehouse overlooking Silicon Valley

Treehouses aren’t just for kids and, as you might have seen earlier, there’s actually quite a few amazing structures out there that let you experience what living in a treehouse is like for yourself.
Again, you’ll want to make sure you have the right kind of tree – specifically a double trunk – that will support the foundation in the right ways (before installation).
There’s also a lot of room for personalization here in terms of paint jobs or even getting the kids up there once the foundation is sturdy and having them add their own creative spin to it.

A modern little treehouse in the mountains

This one is the pirate hideout and we think the kiddos will definitely want to spend their afternoons inside. Instructables features all 9 steps (yes, only 9) in its makings. From the foundational support to outlining the frame, this is a great plan to guide yourself through.
If you really want to make the kiddos of the house happy, then you’ll want to start sifting through some tree house plans and deciding on which project you’ll want to conquer.

A cabin on the hill among tree canopies

We’re really digging this “modern magic” from Dornob. Apparently, this particular build is really sturdy as it stood the test of a snowstorm. This contemporary design was made by using palettes as the frame inside of smaller pieces of lumber. Standard-sized beams were also included for extra supports.

Handcrafted rainforest treehouse in Costa Rica

The springtime is the perfect time to begin construction and the family can enjoy it throughout all summer and fall.

Inside it’s divided into two lofts that can accommodate 4 guests in 250 square feet on spate. The views are amazing. From up here you get to enjoy a wonderful panorama of the Silicon Valley.{found on airbnb}
Every good project starts off with a solid foundation. For a DIY treehouse this translates into a solid platform that everything else is built on.