DIY Deck & Tree Forts: Backyard Transformation That Drew the Neighborhood

Orlando couple in a 1920s bungalow, expecting their second child, moved to a semi-suburban remodeled home. The backyard needed work—torrential rains created a mud pit. They DIY-built a deck via articles and YouTube.

Deck Build: 5 Weekends of Learning

Five solid weekends later (longer than expected), a large solid surface for dining/gathering emerged. Trimming oak branches revealed tree fort potential. Using leftover deck wood and internet guidance, they built two hugely popular forts—now the neighborhood kid destination.

Fort Design: Kid-Tested Features

Research showed multiple entrances/exits (3–4 each) enable fluid group play. Features: rope ladder, rock climbing grips, hooks, telescopes, water balloon launcher. Secured with 3½″ deck screws and lag bolts—tree-safe per arborist advice.

Construction Challenges

Sloping lot made level framing time-consuming.

Budget Win

No labor costs = ~$1,200–$1,300 total.