1. family and parenting
2. children

®
#4250 Tree House Platform
Building Plans
Assembly requires advanced skill level.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us immediately.
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Nature Explore is a collaborative project of Arbor Day Foundation and Dimensions Educational Research Foundation
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©2012 Dimensions Foundation
A. Planning Tips:
HOW TO:
Build Tree House Platforms
Skill level: Advanced
1. Determine where you want the Tree House
Platforms. The grade or surface elevation may be
a factor. Is there an existing tree that will become
integral to the structure? Will a young tree be planted?
What are the critical dimensions: (Length, width and
height)?
To be successful with this project, you will need
experience with a wide variety of specialized tools and
it may take several days to finish. If you've built a deck
2. Use our working drawings to custom design your
before, this project may match your abilities. Consider
Skill Level: Advanced
platforms. The platforms are modular. There can be as
hiring
a contractor
to you
help
youexperience
with this
To be successful
with this project,
will need
with aproject.
wide variety of specialized tools and it
may take several days to finish. If you’ve built a deck this project may match your abilities. Consider
a
fewhiring
as one
platform and as many as your imagination and
contractor to help you with this project.
Description:
space permits. Remember to check with local building
Description:
codes. Plans may need to be modified to fit code. In
These
Tree House Platforms are modular in design
addition, special building permits may be required.
These
climbing
platforms
are
modular
in
design
and can be expanded to fit any space, large or small.
Climbing Platforms
and can be expanded to fit any space, large or small.
Each
platform
Photo5’ x15’,measures
5′ x 5′, with varied
Each platform
in Photo in
1 measures
with varied
elevations. The hand-peeled ponderosa pine railings
elevations.
The
Hand-Peeled
Ponderosa
Pine Posts
and posts add a rustic quality and safety element
to
the
climbing
space.
Children
can
use
the
railings
and Railings add a rustic quality and safety element
as anchors for fabric walls as they create temporary
to
theThespace.
can
the railings
rooms.
platformsChildren
work beautifully
builtuse
around
a mature tree or a young tree can be planted to
as
anchors
for
fabric
walls
as
they
create temporary
integrate with the climbing platforms.
rooms. The platforms work beautifully built around
a mature tree or a young tree can be planted to
integrate with the Tree House Platforms.
Photo 1
Materials List:
Materials
List per
single
5′ x 5′ platform module:
Note: working drawings
included
in this package
ITEM NO.
1
2
3
4
5
6
Description
strong-tie LUC26Z
stringer 2 x 6 (1)
stringer 2 x 6 (2)
joist-2 x 6 (1)
decking 5 qrt x 6 (2)
decking 5 qrt x 6 (1)
Material
metal bracket
treated lumber or cedar
treated lumber or cedar
treated lumber or cedar
treated lumber or cedar
treated lumber or cedar
all parts/QTY.
8
2
2
3
9
2
3. We suggest building platforms off-site using deckbuilding methods then transported to the location for
installation. Use the bill of materials enclosed per
each 5′ x 5′ platform. Additional information on deck
building can be found at your local home improvement
or hardware store or in the resources section at the
back of this guide. When constructing each 5′ x 5′
platform, leave one or two decking boards off of each
end to leave space to attach the post brackets.
4. The horizontal rails of your Tree House Platforms are
not intended for sitting or hanging. If you anticipate this
behavior, add an additional support post at the middle of
each platform to extend to the height of the railing.
For long-term stability, use Polymer Coated Star Deck Screws.
A. Planning Tips:
Photo
1
Planning is a crucial step in any construction project. A good plan serves as a reference throughout the
project. Use the following suggestions to help with the planning process:
1. Determine where you want the climbing platforms. The grade or surface elevation may be a factor. Is
there an existing tree that will become integral to the structure? Will a young tree be planted? What are
the critical dimensions? (Length, width and height)
2. Use our working drawings to custom design your platforms. The platforms are modular. There can be as
few as one platform and as many as your imagination and space permits. Remember to check with local
building codes. Plans may need to be modified to fit code. In addition, special building permits may be
required.
Use the following grid to layout the design of your
platforms. Place a post at each corner as shown in Photo 1.
3. We suggest building platforms off-site using deck-building methods then transported to the location for
installation. Use the bill of materials enclosed. Additional information on deck building can be found at
your local home improvement or hardware store.
PAGE 1
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natureexplore.org
©2012 Dimensions Foundation
2
B. Laying out the Tree House Platforms:
1. The 4 x 4 posts that will connect the modular
platforms can be laid out in a 5′ x 5′ grid pattern. Also
see working drawings for center-to-center dimensions
for 4 x 4 posts. If the platforms are built previous
to installation, it is important that the platforms
have been constructed square. Also remember, the
intersection of the grid pattern must match up with
the platform dimensions before post digging begins.
C. Digging the posts:
1. Use posthole diggers or a power auger to dig the
footing holes. It takes two people to handle a power
auger, so if you choose this option, get a helper. (Note:
you will need a 6″ (or larger) auger bit for 4 x 4 posts.)
Photo 2
2. After the holes are dug, place the 4 x 4 posts into
the holes. Depending on the design of your Tree
House structure cut the posts to the approximate
length desired. When rustic poles are added, the 4 x 4
posts need to be longer (see Photo 2).
*Check with local codes for required depth and size of footings.
3. As with any building project, it is important to
install all components plumb and level.
D. Mounting the brackets:
1. Screw the mounting brackets to the 4 x 4 posts that
will hold the platforms to the posts (see Photo 3).
Photo 3
E. Inserting the platforms:
1. After the brackets have been screwed to the 4 x 4
posts, the platform(s) are placed into the brackets.
Note: At this point, the platforms are NOT YET
screwed to the brackets (see Photo 4).
2. Clamps or tie-down belts can be used to tightly
secure the posts in the corners of the platform(s).
(See Photo 7, next page). The center of the holes should
align with the 4 x 4 posts. Again, during this
process, make sure that the 4 x 4 posts remain plumb.
Using a level, transit, or laser level, the platforms
will be leveled as well.
Photo 4
F. Pouring the concrete:
1. With the 4 x 4 posts plumb and level, you are now
ready to pour the concrete directly into the holes
(with the 4 x 4 posts).
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2. Allow the concrete to cure per manufacturer’s
recommendations and local standard practices.
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©2012 Dimensions Foundation
3
G. Completing the project:
1. Remove the clamps or tie-down belts and finish
screwing the brackets. To reach the brackets on the inside,
a few decking boards will need to be left off (see Photo 7).
You can now screw in the remaining deck boards.
2. The 4 x 4 posts can be cut to length (see Photo 2).
Depending on the design intent, rustic poles can be
attached. To attach the rustic poles, cut the 4 x 4 posts
diagonally and remove one side of the diagonal using
a chain saw (see Photo 6). Cut the same piece from the
rustic post and attach the two with carriage or lag
bolts. Rustic rails can also be added (see Photo 5).
Photo 5
H. Customizing your Tree House Platform
Multiple platforms can be installed over time (see
working drawings). Be sure to plan for this however,
and check with local building codes for acceptable
height requirements. We recommend a maximum
height of 17″ above ground level.
Finally, using an existing tree or adding a young tree
to the platform design and layout will be key to the
beauty of the project.
*Be sure to test the structural integrity of the
platforms before you allow children to use them.
Photo 6
Photo 7
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Nature Explore is a collaborative project of Arbor Day Foundation and Dimensions Educational Research Foundation
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©2012 Dimensions Foundation
4
3 PLATFORMS Working Drawings
B
A
DETAIL A
USE LAG OR CARRIAGE
BOLTS AS NEEDED
4″ x 4″ POSTS,
CUT TO LENGTH
AS NEEDED
DETAIL B
USE LAG BOLTS
Modular platform
Decking fastened with
#8 x 2 1/2″ Screws
(1/8″ spacing between boards)
5′-0″
4′-8 3/8″
B
Equal spacing
5′-0″
4′-8 3/8″
5
6
2
1 13/16"
B
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1
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C
DETAIL C
4
1 13/16"
3
|
Strong-tie brackets are
screwed to 4″ x 4″ posts first.
(two used in each corner)
[email protected]
Nature Explore is a collaborative project of Arbor Day Foundation and Dimensions Educational Research Foundation
|
natureexplore.org
©2012 Dimensions Foundation
5
®
Nature Explore Classroom resources are designed to bring children closer to nature and help them develop
life-long learning skills. To ensure safety and effectiveness, please be sure to follow the instructions for installation,
building codes, warnings, and maintenance. Failure to follow all of the instructions will void any warranty
offer. Furthermore, even Nature Explore Classroom resources installed and maintained in accordance with the
instructions can present hazards to children in the absence of adequate supervision.
Depending on the location and nature of the outdoor classroom, the supervisors may be paid professionals (fulltime park or school/child care facility staff ), paid seasonal workers (college or high school students), volunteers
(PTA members), or the parents of the children playing in the outdoor classroom. The quality of the supervision
depends on the quality of the supervisor’s knowledge of safe play behavior. Therefore, supervisors should
understand the basics of safety in an outdoor classroom.
Outdoor classroom supervisors should be aware that not all equipment and items are appropriate for all children
who may use the outdoor classroom. Posted signs or labels indicating the appropriate age of the users should be
checked before play begins, and supervisors should direct children to equipment appropriate for their age. It is also
very important to recognize that preschool-age children require more attentive supervision than older children do.
Building Codes:
Variations in building codes, specific local development covenants, or site conditions may require modification
to the installation of the product. Outdoor classroom owners are ultimately responsible for complying with all
applicable permits, building codes and other regulatory requirements, and should review their outdoor classroom
with local building inspectors. All appropriate building permits should be obtained prior to starting installation.
Liability:
Nature Explore shall have no liability or responsibility for actions or inaction in connection with any Nature
Explore item or any damage or liability that arises during the construction and/or use. Always read and observe all
safety precautions provided by the Consumer Product Safety Council regarding toy safety, playground safety, and
any other applicable programs. Likewise, always read and observe all safety precautions provided by any tool or
equipment manufacturer consulted during installation.
We’re here to help!
1-888-908-8733
|
[email protected]
Nature Explore is a collaborative project of Arbor Day Foundation and Dimensions Educational Research Foundation
|
natureexplore.org
©2012 Dimensions Foundation
6
Important Facts About Natural Wood Products
Many of our items, such as Giant Tree Cookies, balance beams, tables, seating, and instruments, are hand-crafted out
of natural materials for their educational and environmental value, natural aesthetic qualities, and personal enjoyment.
Routine visual inspection and occasional sanding or bolt tightening is recommended to ensure items are in the best and
safest condition and to extend the overall useful life of the item(s). If indicated, items can arrive with an initial application
of a weather sealant. Annual application is recommended.
As natural wood resources age and acclimate to changing climates, you will notice graining, knots and checking (a
natural cracking process that occurs as wood releases moisture across annual growth rings) as shown below. Should this
natural process result in splintering or a rough surface, simply sand the area and return it to use. Also, these resources will
naturally develop a beautiful silvery-gray patina over time. Observing wood’s natural color change and aging is a valuable
part of children’s connection with nature. Each item’s dimension and appearance will vary due to the uniqueness of the
wood from which it was created.
There are a variety of treatment options you can use to extend the life of your Nature Explore product such as linseed oil
or soy-based sealants. Please consult a local expert (i.e. wood-working expert, general contractor, lumber yard, parks &
recreation department, etc.) to see what options are appropriate and safe in your particular area.
In rare cases, as items continue to dry and acclimate to your local climate/environment, there is a chance that mold
discoloration will appear. Routine sanding and ensuring the item is installed on a surface with adequate drainage
(i.e. mulch, gravel, etc.) will reduce the potential for mold. Installing on grass surfaces allows moisture to be trapped
underneath the product and is not recommended. Should mold occur on any of your Nature Explore items, please contact
us for a quick and easy removal recommendations.
Quality Commitment
Nature Explore is dedicated to children’s education and safety. All of our resources are field-tested by experienced teachers
and researchers prior to being available in the Sourcebook. Items that are hand-crafted, such as instruments, tables or
balance beams, are done so by trusted professionals who share in our mission to connect children with nature. Our natural
resources are crafted out of wood and other materials carefully selected for functionality, safety and durability.
If you ever have questions or would like more information about items you would like to order or have received, please
contact us via phone or email. We are happy to discuss things in detail with you or send you additional information.
If inquiring about an existing order please have your ‘bill to’ zip code and order number handy (Ex: SO90001234). Also,
our warranty, return and exchange policies are located online for your quick reference.
We’re here to help!
1-888-908-8733
|
[email protected]
Nature Explore is a collaborative project of Arbor Day Foundation and Dimensions Educational Research Foundation
|
natureexplore.org
©2012 Dimensions Foundation
7