Mark Johanson is an experienced home improvement, woodworking and gardening writer and editor. He has collaborated and directed the production of more than 400 do-it-yourself books, including over 75 under the BLACK+DECKER® brand. He has also written numerous magazine and online articles on DIY topics. He lives in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

Philip Schmidt is an avid environmentalist and a home improvement expert who has written more than two dozen successful DIY books covering subjects from solar power to backyard treehouses to DIY plywood furniture. Included in his list of titles is How to Build Your Very Own Little Free Library, Build Your Kids a Treehouse, The Complete Guide to Patios, The Complete Guide to Greenhouses & Garden Projects, and The Complete Guide to Contemporary Sheds. He lives in Colorado.

Contents
The Complete Guide
to Treehouses
Introduction
Lofty Ideas: A Gallery of Creative Treehouses
Treehouse Basics
Choosing a Tree
General Tree Health
Is It Big Enough?
Location
Trees to Avoid
Grooming the Winner
Choosing a Tree Species
Planning + Design
Building Codes + Zoning Laws
Parts of a Treehouse
Design Considerations
Lumber, Hardware + Tools
Treehouse Safety
Safe Treehouse Design
Working Safely
Treehouse Construction
Treehouse Support Systems
Treehouse Support Options
Beams and Braces
Platforms
Single Tree: Platform Nestled in Branches
Single Tree: Trunk as Center Post
Two Trees: Platform Spanning Between Trunks
Three Trees: Platform Spanning Between Trunks
Two Trees + Two Support Posts
Framing + Finishing Walls
Framing Walls
Siding + Trim
Installing Walls
Building Railings
Finishing Interiors
Wall + Ceiling Paneling
Shelves + Tables
Flip-down Table + Bunk
Doors + Windows
Building a Window
Shutters + Pop-up Windows
Fun Doors
Classic Doors
Building Roofs
Framing the Roof
Sheathing + Roofing
Modes of Access
Ladders
Trap Doors
Fireman’s Pole
Swings + Playthings
Classic Tree Swings
Zip Line
Rock Climbing Wall
Water Cannon
Speaking Tube
Slides
Treehouse Projects
Open-air Treehouse
Gable House with Entry Deck
More Treehouse Plans
Plan 1: Gable Roof with Auxiliary Posts
Plan 2: A-frame with Walkout Deck
Plan 3: Half-covered Crow’s Nest
Plan 4: Wraparound Shed on Stilts
Plan 5: Triangular Tree Hut
Plan 6: Four-tree Shanty
Resources/Photo Credits
Index