Building a treehouse is an elaborate process that runs smoothly only if you have the right supplies. A lot of people only talk about having the right tools and machines for building a treehouse. But in reality, if you don’t use the right hardware and material, your treehouse won’t last long. We don’t want you to face such situations, so we created this post entirely about the hardware and materials supplies for treehouse.
Contents
Hardware And Materials Supplies For Treehouse
We have compiled a list of all the best hardware and materials supplies for treehouse using which you can build a safe, and strong treehouse. Each supply is selected after a lot of research and we also looked at the popularity of these supplies among treehouse enthusiasts. Also, these are the most basic supplies that you need for building a treehouse irrespective of the design of the treehouse. Let’s look at each of them:
1. TABs
TABs or treehouse attachment bolts are considered to be the backbone of any treehouse structure. You will need high-quality TABs to create the most stable platform for the treehouse. These bolts are usually made of steel and can hold the weight of up to 10,000 lbs. The threaded end goes into the tree and the boss provides the compressive strength as well as the load distribution the structure requires. These bolts are available in different sizes. It all depends on the size of the tree and the structure you want to build.
In addition to treehouse attachment bolts, you will need other small fasteners to bring the whole structure together. Different types of fasteners will allow you to attach woods to the brackets or Tabs. Usually, these are nothing but nuts and bolts. We recommend you to get fasteners in bulk because there is no fixed number that you can pinpoint while planning for the treehouse and also get specific treehouse lag bolts. You can get Fastener kit like Qualihome nuts and bolts kit.
3. Metal Brackets
You can consider metal brackets as the connection between a TAB and wood the structure. All the attachment points of the treehouse require a good quality metal bracket which allows free movement of the beam. there is a lot to learn when it comes to a metal bracket for treehouse but for now, you must know that there are two types of brackets:
J-bracket
Box Bracket
All the brackets are made out of Steel and they are usually at least ¼” thick. If you have a planned well you will be able to tell where and how many brackets you will need for the complete structure. You can get different kinds brackets for treehouse from here.
4. Knee Braces
Almost all treehouses use knee braces. It is a kind of joint where the beam of the treehouses meets the tree. Since you would need the beam to be as flat as possible you want the brace to take a lot of stress exerted by the tree. In most cases, people like to use wood but you can also fabricate a metal brace. A metal brace is generally expensive compared to a wood brace.
5. Cable
A cable is useful in providing support to the treehouse structure. If you want to make use of a strong branch or you plan to hang the whole treehouse rather than using braces cable can be a great choice. The cable is made of aircraft-grade galvanized steel which follows the federal specification. They are available in various sizes but to give an idea a cable of ⅜” diameter can hold a load of up to 14,400 lbs. You can buy a role of Forney 70452 Wire Rope.
6. Auger Bits
One more major hardware you would need is a kit of bits. For treehouse construction, the first bit, you need is a self-feeding bit which is around 1″. This helps you drill holes for the TABs. Besides this, there are few other bits that you need for different drilling requirements. Usually, they are available in one kit but you can buy them separately. You can buy a set like Steelex D2021-1/4-Inch to 1-Inch Deluxe Auger Bit Set. But it depends on the size of the holes you drill.
7. Ratchet
For tightening fasteners and bolts you need something like a ratchet. You will be able to use it for assembling different kinds of treehouse structures. Just get a set like EPAuto 1/4-Inch & 3/8-Inch Drive Socket Set.
8. Fist Grips
Fist grips, also known as chair grip is used for securing wire or cable turnbacks. These are usually made of high-quality stainless steel. You must buy only those fist grips that are according to federal specification requirements. Crosby 1010514 3/8.
9. Eye Bolts
If you want to have a part of the house, eye bolt is the most crucial hardware. It is not like a bolt but has a head where you can secure the cable. There are shouldered and non shouldered eye bolts. Both work fine for a treehouse. But make sure you get high-quality steel bolts and also check the load rating. Hard-to-Find Fastener Eye Bolt is great choice.
10. Eye Screws
Similar to eye bolts, eye screws can also be used to lift loads. They have a lower load rating, so do not use it for support. You can use screw for hanging fixtures line lights etc. AxeSickle 2 Inch Metal Eye Hook is good option that you buy online in bulk.
11. Shackles
Since you will be doing construction at a height you would need a lift system to get a heavy list to the site. The shackle will allow you to lift loads up to 4000 lbs but in a straight line. Combine it with a quality pulley you can create a lifting system for treehouse supplies. If you want to make sure you can do heavy lifting, get Rhino USA D Ring Shackle.
12. Thimbles
Thimble is a crucial part of a lifting system. It not only protects the wire rope but also guides it. Make sure to buy galvanized steel thimbles. You will find different kinds of thimbles go for the ones that suit your needs. We like the Penta Angel M6 304 Stainless Steel thimbles .
13. Turnbuckles
Turnbuckle could be useful hardware if you want to reduce the stress exerted on the treehouse. It is usually connected between the two cables. When you twist the ends of the turnbuckle you can increase or reduce the stress on the cable. You get two types of turnbuckle closed and stress. The best turnbuckle you can find right now is CTSC Hot Dipped Galvanized Steel Jaw and Jaw Turnbuckle.
14. Quick Links
If you want to join chains or cable together or you want to hand something, something like a quick link is a great choice. It is pretty simple looking hardware but you must ensure it is made of galvanized steel. Also, look at the load limit of the unit. Usually, they are available in bulk. At present Yardware etcetera Quick Links 3/16 inch Zinc Plated is the best quick link that you can buy.
15. Netting
Netting can be used in many ways. You can use it for security or you can use it as a climbing net for fun. Depending on the purpose of the net you should a suitable net. Climbing nets are available online. The Swing-N-Slide WS 4481 Climbing Cargo Net is the best climbing net at present. For security, you can get something like Aoneky Polyester' Playground Net.
16. Waterproofing Sheet
Waterproofing is a key aspect of building all-season treehouses. The waterproof sheet is one of the most important materials for waterproofing a treehouse. You can use a neoprene sheet to make a roof or walls waterproof. These are available in different sizes which makes it perfect for DIY projects. One of the best waterproofing sheets that you can buy is XCEL Premium Large Neoprene Sheet.
17. Roof Sealant
If you want to make sure that your roof doesn’t leak or deteriorate, a roof sealant is a perfect solution. You can use it while you are constructing a new treehouse or it is perfect for repairing the roof of the old treehouse. Whatever may be the material of the roof, this kind of sealant work perfectly. We suggest you to buy something like SASHCO SEALANTS 14023 Roof Sealant .
18. Paracords
Paracords are great when you want to do some lifting. These types of cords are needed when you want to do construction at a height. With treehouse construction, you will always need this kind of material. You can use it for climbing, lifting hardware and materials supplies for treehouse. There are hundreds of paracords out there, we recommend you a commercial grade cord-like OUTDOOR Paracord Planet Mil.
19. Climbing Rope
Climbing rope is a little different than paracord. It can be used as a way of access to the treehouse. However, this is suitable for treehouses that are at height less than 6-8 feet. Kids will really enjoy using this climbing rope. Perantlb Outdoor Climbing Rope is one of the best climbing rope that you can use.
20. Helmet
Where there is construction, you need a helmet to save your head. Any construction helmet will do. But make sure it is according to safety standards. If you don’t know which to buy, go with our choice, Fusion Meka Work Climbing Helmet which is perfect for climbing and working at height.
21. Harness
The harness is a crucial part of climbing gear. For constructing a structure like a treehouse, you would definitely need a good harness that allows you to work freely at height. Buy any harness that is designed for construction sites. The Guardian Fall Protection (Qualcraft) is one harness that comes with a tie to carry your tools with you.
22. Carabiner
The carabiner is great little hardware to hook anything. While working on a treehouse you might need to lift a lot of things or hang tools on a tree, it allows you to secure anything to a rope or a hook. We suggest you go with a screw gate carabiner. We recommend you to buy STURME Locking Carabiner Clip.
23. Lift Pulleys
A lift system could be a lifesaver if you want to lift hardware and materials supplies for treehouse to the site. There are several types of lift pulleys. You can use them with rope, cable, or chains. Depending on how big your construction is, get a pulley with the right load rating. it can help in making a tree house bridge also. For small or medium-sized treehouse, we suggest you to buy WINOMO Double Pulley Block.
24. Zip Line Pulley
If you want to make sure you do not just go up but move left or right while constructing your treehouse, get a zip line pulley. It is a perfect tool that allows you to move back and forth along the line. If you want a high-quality zip line, we recommend you to get Lixada Zip Line Pulley Tandem.
25. Figure Eight Descender
Not always you need a descender, but if you want to control your descend while building a treehouse, a figure-eight descender can be useful. Many professional climbers like to use it. AOKWIT 50KN Rescue Figure 8 Descender is high-quality descender that you can buy.
Final Thought
We have created this list with a view that you get a complete idea about hardware and materials supplies for a treehouse. You don’t have to get everything but just get the ones that you think might help you build your dream treehouse. You can also get prefab treehouse kits which include most of the things. If you have forgotten anything please do comment on this post, and we will incorporate it.
Leave a Reply