The Nelson Treehouse science of building safely and sustainably up in the trees is founded on the use of the highest-quality, heavy-duty, specialized treehouse hardware. We have spent over 30 years consulting with and working alongside carpenters, arborists, and engineers to develop the hefty hardware we trust in every treehouse we build.
In 2016 and 2021, we tested the weight-bearing capacity our Treehouse Attachment Bolts (TABs) at the Composite Materials and Engineering Center at Washington State University. The ICC-accredited results proved just how strong our TABs and the associated hardware are when properly installed in the tree(s).
Our treehouse hardware is comprised of heavy, heat-treated steel – a single standard-limb TAB weighs 18 pounds. It’s professional-grade, but DIY-friendly: hundreds of backyard treehouse-builders around the world have used our hardware to create the treehouse of their dreams. Our standard-limb and heavy-limb hardware is fabricated in the USA.
Our Hardware Is strong
Treehouse Attachment Bolts - TABs - are the backbone (and literal foundation) of a successful treehouse project. TABs act as artificial tree limbs on which the structural support members of the treehouse will rest or hang.
Gravity capacity of Nelson Treehouse TABs*
WHY USE SPECIALIZED TREEHOUSE HARDWARE?
Treehouses are elevated structures that rest on living organisms. Despite their playful appearance, they can weigh tens of thousands of pounds, making the connection between the tree and treehouse critical for safety and sustainability.
Our hardware is designed to create a durable, long-lasting foundation while preserving tree health. Investing in specialized treehouse hardware is key to ensuring the structural integrity of your build. For most DIY backyard projects, Tree Fort or standard-limb hardware will suffice, but our heavy-limb hardware is typically used for larger, professional builds.
When properly installed, our treehouse hardware provides a safe, sustainable, and strong support system for your treehouse without causing irreparable damage to the trees. Investing in quality, specialized hardware is essential for creating an enduring foundation for your treehouse.
In most of our treehouse builds, we install heavy-limb hardware, as we are typically building large-scale treehouses with extensive square footage and weight. For DIY-ers building a modest backyard treehouse, Tree Fort or standard-limb hardware will usually be adequate.
Multi-column
Build with the master
Watch our YouTube series of Treehouse Master, Pete Nelson building a platform using our Tree Fort Hardware
platform examples
These examples illustrate common layouts for beams and platforms, featuring various combinations of trees, beams, & posts.
Best Practices
Here are 9 key guidelines for designing and building your treehouse. For detailed best practices, check out our Treehouse Instructional Guide.
Bit & Auger Rental Program: In order to participate in the rental program, you must clarify in an order note or email before shipment that you would like a rental bit or auger. Then if they are returned, undamaged within 30 days, you receive a 60% refund. NOTE: The Tree Fort Installation Kit is not eligible for the rental program.
Check out amazing projects from DIY-ers who’ve used our hardware:
DIY-Builders Craft Incredible Treehouses Around the Country
Enormous tree-deck built by a father for his daughter's wedding
Projects by Treehouse DIY-ers!
For our tips on hardware installation and building practices, we recommend watching these tutorial videos:
What is a TAB? (Treehouse Attachment Bolt)
Installing a Treehouse Suspension System
And checking out these blog posts:
Hardware Highlight: Treehouse Attachment Bolt
Testing the Strength of Treehouse Attachment Bolts
One-Stop Shop for Your Treehouse Build
Pete Nelson's Treehouse Designs for DIY-ers
6 Steps of the Nelson Treehouse Design Process
Technology That's Revolutionizing the Way We Build Treehouses
Treehouse Framing DIY Tutorial: Your First Rake Wall
How to Build a Fibonacci Bench
We have more videos on treehouse technique, tips, and timelapses on our YouTube channel.
Take to the Trees
We're here to support your treehouse projects every step of the way. Whether you need quick advice or in-depth guidance, we offer consultations by phone or email. When you purchase our designs or hardware, you'll receive a complimentary 15-minute consultation to ensure you have the right equipment for your project.
Disclaimer & Limitations
Be in a Tree LLC and Nelson Treehouse and Supply disclaim and limit any representations and warranties as follows:
- The load that this treehouse hardware can bear depends on many factors, including the species and health of your tree(s). Tree house maintenance is required every year to ensure the structure, and tree(s) remain safe and secure for years to come, and more importantly that its users are not put at risk. Perform frequent inspections and maintenance.
- We highly recommend consulting with Nelson Treehouse, a certified arborist, and a structural engineer before starting your project, especially if your treehouse will contend with snow loads, wind, earthquakes, or other extreme environmental factors.
- Use hardware at your own risk. Improperly installed hardware can pose a significant risk to all parties involved including (but not limited to) the tree, construction workers, and the users of the treehouse. Be in a Tree LLC and Nelson Treehouse and Supply disclaim and assume no liability, are not responsible for property damage, personal injury or consequential damages alleged to be the result of use of this product.
