Finished Colorado Tree House Made of Beetle Kill Logs

These views of the completed tree house were taken at the Denver Botanical Gardens. The large center log weighs 508 lbs and supports a water proof shade structure. Lower level has both a floor and an open area for a sand box. A ladder provides access to the upper deck of the "fort." All timbers and split logs are species of pine harvested after being infected and killed by the bark beetle in western Colorado.

All proceeds from the sale or auction of this project will benefit the Rocky Mountain Communities and their programs that provide affordable housing and support to low income families.

Final Construction Adds BK Handrail to Tree House

Small Beetle Kill logs were used to create a hand rail and ladder. Exterior stain was applied to all exposed surfaces. Beetle kill pine usually has a blue stain in the first 1-2 inches of the outer wood. After planing and sanding the logs, most of the typical blue stain has been removed.

Second Floor of Tree House Timber Frame

Tongue and groove flooring is added to the second floor by Mark Adams. Structure is a timber frame using mortise and tenon joints to connect the side beams to the 6x6 end posts. Center log is mortised to hold the 6 x 7 cross beam anchored with hardwood pegs.

Construction of Colorado Tree House Using Beetle Kill Logs

The Tree House and 10 other playhouses were assembled on April 7th at the Denver Botanical Gardens. In this photo several volunteers are putting the large center "tree" in place.

Beetle Kill Timber Prepped for Colorado Tree House

Beetle Kill (BK)logs were used in this Colorado Tree House project. Half round BK small logs were stained and used for the outside of the "Fort." Large center log is 18 inches in diameter, 11 feet long and weighs 508 lbs. This log is mortised all the way through to accomodate the 6"x7" beam held in place by hardwood pegs. The lower level has split log flooring and area for a sand box. A mortise and tenon joint was used to anchor the side beams into the 10x10 end posts.

Colorado Beetle Kill Pine Logs

Colorado beetle kill pine logs used for the roof of the "Elephant Skull" Hut at the new Asian Tropics expansion of the Denver Zoo.