Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of a Wild Tree Woodworks treehouse?

Each of our treehouses is designed to fit within your unique trees and location. Costs can vary widely, so we think of each treehouse as generally fitting into one of four categories:

Crow's Nest & Treehouse Platform
50 to 350 square feet in size, a platform may be complete with a handmade ships ladder and railing. Or it may be the solid foundation for your owner-built treehouse. We’ll work with you to design just what you need and what your trees can support.
Starting at $20,000

Kids Treehouse
One-of-a-kind playhouses for children, suspended safely in the trees. Including windows and a door, these designs may also feature a deck, bunk beds, a built-in desk, or a fire pole. In our “screen-free” category, these projects are also free of electricity and insulation: Truly a place for imagination to run wild!
Starting at $35,000

Family & Office Treehouse
A refuge for both kids and adults, this treehouse may be just what the family needs: additional space outside the main home. Depending on design & scope, this treehouse might have electricity & wi-fi, or it may be off-grid. Suitable for year-round use, these structures are fully enclosed with windows and doors. Would you like a skylight, a wood stove, or a large deck?
Starting at $80,000

Treehouse Home & Guesthouse
Our full-size, thoughtfully designed treehouse with all the amenities: electricity & lighting, a water closet, custom windows, insulation, and sleeping & working areas. Have a unique hobby? We love building spaces that encourage your creativity. This treehouse include ample exterior deck space with a staircase or bridge entrance. An interior lounge area, kitchenette, heat source, and sleeping loft all find expression in this treehouse, custom-designed to fit your trees and your desires.
Starting at $200,000

We customize our designs to fit your needs and budget. Rarely does a treehouse fit exactly into one of these categories. If you are serious about building a treehouse (or a ground-based structure, for which pricing can be similar) we would love to hear from you. Please submit an inquiry.

What factors affect the price of a treehouse?

The trees, the site, and your needs all play a role. Here are some elements that will influence the price of your treehouse:

  • Number of trees

  • Size requirements of your treehouse

  • Height of treehouse above the ground

  • Access to the build site

  • Desired level of finish, building materials, & amenities

  • Complexity of design

  • Permitting & engineering

  • Travel costs

Our general pricing structure for a full-size build:

  • Design: 3-5%

  • Materials: 25-30%

  • Construction Labor & Subcontractors: 50%

  • Administration & Logistics: 15-22%

How long will it take to build my treehouse? What size is the crew?

The pre-build process requires one to 12 months, and depends on scope of project, openings in our build schedule, and permitting requirements. Once the Wild Tree Woodworks crew “breaks bark”, construction typically takes three to eight weeks to complete.

Our custom designs are built on-site by the talented Wild Tree Woodworks crew. The typical crew size for a treehouse build is two to five craftspeople. Depending on scope, we employ additional carpenters or local subcontractors.

Will I need a building permit? How does permitting work and how much does it cost?

If you dream of a habitable treehouse, it will likely require a building permit. We suggest talking with a building official early in the process to learn about the regulations in your locality. Requirements vary by jurisdiction. They will likely want to know your project’s purpose, size, height, and the location on your property.

Obtaining a building permit for a treehouse is similar to that for a house built on the ground.

Permit fees are not a significant percentage of the overall project cost. Engineered plans, an arborist consultation, a geotechnical report, or additional renderings — many times required for a building permit — will add to the total price of your treehouse.

Do you accept projects that are not treehouses? Such as a cabin, guest house, home office, or dwelling unit that is on the ground?

Our interests are in creative and unique building projects of all kinds, whether in the trees or on the ground. If you have a unique, challenging, or interesting project, we would love to hear from you. In particular we enjoy building backyard structures for Seattle homeowners, and we sometimes take on remodel projects in the city. Please feel free to get in touch.

Are treehouses safe? How long do they last?

We tend to think of treehouses as one would think of a boat: with care and regular maintenance, it can last for generations and take many people on wonderful journeys. And yet, without regular inspection and maintenance, a treehouse — like a boat — can become unsafe.

Our treehouses are designed and built using the best available hardware and time-tested materials. We stay up-to-date on best practices by attending seminars as well as the yearly World Treehouse Conference. However, any structure that is not maintained will not last. We strongly encourage new treehouse owners to keep up with yearly maintenance and care for their treehouse and its support trees.

Do you offer treehouse consulting services? Will you inspect my aging treehouse?

We offer consulting services for DIY builders and those needing inspection of an aging treehouse. Whether by phone or in-person in Western Washington, we are happy to help. Consulting services are billed at $100 per hour for time spent with you and, if requested, for time spent producing a written report. Travel time is billed at $70 per hour. There is a two-hour minimum for consulting visits, and a one-hour minimum for phone calls.

Are you hiring?

Please visit our Careers page for opportunities to join our team.