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How to build a cubby on a tree stump?

Hello there,

We had to have a large tree taken down in our garden recently and have been left with a ~1m tall stump. We would like to build a cubby on top of it, and I’ve found some very helpful articles on here detailing the cubby build (thank you!) but I can’t find much information on whether we can build a platform directly onto the stump, or if we will have to also put it on stilts. Our space is limited due to paving and the roots of the tree will make digging challenging. Of course I understand it would depend on the condition and size of the stump, ours is pretty large and recently cut/ looks healthy. Main question is do you know if it will deteriorate quickly now that it’s cut, or will it hold its integrity for a while? Thanks!

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Comments

Dave-1

Evening @SC411

Why not is my answer! 🙂 The tree will hold up for ages, especially if you dont see any kind of rot around the stump.

How wide is the stump? You could always have two pieces on top of the stump towards the edges and then two the other way to form a large type cross. Then fill in the area as if you are building a flat frame. I presume that the width of the cubby house wont be wider then say 2 -3 times the width of the stump because of your limited space.

I would be attaching the cross beams to the stumps by steel angle brackets. Not drilling down through the cross beams and into the stump. Mainly beacuse i think it will give you more flexibilty in leveling the cubby house deck.

Tho just looking at the pic again I noticed a shed door might run into problems being opened 🙂 Only other thing to keep in mind is the height of the fence and privacy with whats over the other side, tho a scxreen could definently be worke dinto the cubby house or even just the back of it could be there.

Dave

JacobZ

Hi @SC411,

Thank you for your question and welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

It's great to see you've already received some advice from @Dave-1.

Similar to his advice, I would say that there's no real reason you couldn't build a cubby house that incorporates the stump, but you would need to do some research into the allowable cantilever for any beams overhanging the stump, or to contact an engineer for their assessment. The other option is to add additional posts to support the frame of the cubby house.

I'd suggest you start by painting the top of the stump with Bitumen Rubber Waterproofing Membrane to prevent water entering the top of the stump. This will help prevent rot and give the cubby house a much longer life.

You could then use H3 pine framing to construct the cubby house.

You might want to check out Clever cubby house designs for some ideas and inspiration.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

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