Posting this twice, to be sure you get it~
Yay! I'm all for it. I've never built one, and have only been in two, briefly. But I am wild about them, and they are in my future, life dreams!

If you want, plug me into your phone, so we can stay in touch this way too~
510-644-3694 home
Cheers!



(ps, your promise joke was very cute..;^))


PPS, about setting a date- Let's pick the weekend of the 21st in January. We can modify as needed, right?

So, let's see, I'll have to sketch something out and send it to you. The basics are that the diameter of the two mature trees with the preexisting support (see photo) which is like a rock in those trees, bark developing around it, are about 16" at height. The opposing two trees are somewhat less in size, approx 10" at height. The reason for a trapezoid of 6-8' at the larger to 10' at smaller trees is due to contour of sun and trails. Height off the ground is approximately 8' at the larger trees and 20' at the smallers.

The total span is 20'. The posts would be at approx 10'. There would be angle supports from posts to beam. If I went with the separated 2x's, then I might have issues with the attachment of joists between beams no? I would then have to block at every joist attachment. Or perhaps I could overlay the joists across the top of the beams! This would allow for more airflow and prevention of rot. I could then cross support the joists, without blocking. What do you think of that?

Now as I am thinking, I don't see any reason that I couldn't make a rectangular one and make it easier for me. I'll look at it again tomorrow morning.

With the joists, I would probably be able to get away with 2x8's? I am thinking that with that I could then run 2x6's across the top for decking. Man that is starting to add up in weight. I have fears now. Is that too heavy duty? I mean it isn't like I'll be holding parties up there, but may have a small group of up to 8 people or so. And also may eventually add a small structure up there for sleeping and stuff. Would I be better of using two posts per beam to take some of the weight off the trees?

What does 40 psf live load get me...8000lbs total on the platform including beams? Are there any quick calcs on the weights of wood?

Yikes, I am starting to drop into question mode! Damn engineers always looking for things to ask questions about!

Thanks you guys for your interest!

The 21st of January sounds good to me, though it will be WAY wet up here at that time (I hope). But let's start there and see how it shapes up!

I like the pre fab truss idea. ...However I do believe Todd would like to use existing materials he has on site.....He's not to crazy about 'lams' of any sort....I do think its work investigating because you use less wood........but typically more glu and 'cfc' nasties. But even now the cfc emmissions are getting mighty low with some products.