Tree Deck Overlooking Lake Michigan

This set contains 1) photos of an existing tree deck and 2) photos of some potential future tree deck sites.

1) I built the existing tree deck in fall of 1996. A neighbor, Mike Burr, helped me with the initial supports and framing. Later, my 76 yo father, Paul, had a grand time helping out!

The tree deck is supported by four different trees: SE corner – box elder; SW corner – maple; NW corner – locust; NE corner – popple? I attached the tree deck supports to the trees using large lag bolts. The rails – both top and bottom – are also attached using lag bolts and I used bronze screening material in between the vertical rail posts. Access is from a constructed vertical ladder on the west end. The deck is about 14 feet above ground on the west end. On the east end it’s about 18 feet.

We’ve had lots of great times in the tree deck – sleeping under the stars, playing music, dinners with friends and families, reading and relaxing. The view is great, overlooking Lake Michigan.

Over the years, as the trees have grown, there has been some stress on the structure, requiring occasional repairs. The biggest challenge has been the box elder, which grows at a 45 degree angle to the tree house. In spring, 2008 we returned from a vacation to find that the lag support bolts attached to the popple had broken, causing the NE corner of the tree deck to fall several inches and come to rest in the crotch of the popple. The lag bolts attaching the railing to the locust had also broken and the attachment to the box elder was also awry. So repairs are needed! This time I plan to use specially designed hardware so as to allow independent movement for the tree dec in windy conditions. I’ll also use garnier bolts. Repair will involve jacking up the sagging supports before re-attaching.

2) Building tree houses/decks is addictive. I've included some photos of some potential additional tree deck sites.