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Ask Jack HowIf you're here, you're probably trying to figure out how to build something, improve an idea you already have, or decide what makes sense for your backyard.
That's what Jack's Backyard is here for. I can help with DIY playsets, treehouses and elevated play structures, backyard projects, materials, construction details, and practical design questions based on more than 30 years of hands-on experience. If you need more than the information available on the website, you can contact me for a consultation. If you're looking for professional construction, installation, or repair work, I can also help point you in the right direction through Playset Services. |
TreeMail: [email protected]
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Frequently Asked Questions
Before You Reach Out
Jack's Backyard is about helping you figure out what to build and how to approach it. Whether you're planning a DIY playset, a treehouse or elevated play structure, or another backyard project, I can help you sort through the options and decide what makes sense before you start spending money or cutting lumber.
What Can I Help With?
I offer consultations for DIY builders and homeowners who need help with planning, layout, materials, construction details, or simply figuring out where to start.
If you're looking for professional construction, installation, or repair work, those services are handled through Playset Services.
What Do Custom Projects Cost?
Every project is different, but a realistic starting point helps.
Custom playsets generally start around $5,000. Custom treehouses and more involved elevated play structures generally start around $10,000 and can increase considerably depending on size, height, access, design, and features.
If those numbers don't fit your budget, that doesn't necessarily mean you can't build something. A DIY approach may make considerably more sense.
Can You Help Me Build It Myself?
Yes. That's a big part of what Jack's Backyard is becoming. I can help you think through your design, materials, construction methods, layout, and practical details based on more than 30 years of building playsets, treehouses, and backyard projects. I also offer downloadable DIY playset plans if you'd rather start with a proven design and make it your own.
Not Sure Where to Start?
That's fine. You don't need a finished drawing or a complete plan before contacting me. Tell me what you're considering, what you're trying to accomplish, and roughly what you want to spend.
Jack's Backyard is about helping you figure out what to build and how to approach it. Whether you're planning a DIY playset, a treehouse or elevated play structure, or another backyard project, I can help you sort through the options and decide what makes sense before you start spending money or cutting lumber.
What Can I Help With?
I offer consultations for DIY builders and homeowners who need help with planning, layout, materials, construction details, or simply figuring out where to start.
If you're looking for professional construction, installation, or repair work, those services are handled through Playset Services.
What Do Custom Projects Cost?
Every project is different, but a realistic starting point helps.
Custom playsets generally start around $5,000. Custom treehouses and more involved elevated play structures generally start around $10,000 and can increase considerably depending on size, height, access, design, and features.
If those numbers don't fit your budget, that doesn't necessarily mean you can't build something. A DIY approach may make considerably more sense.
Can You Help Me Build It Myself?
Yes. That's a big part of what Jack's Backyard is becoming. I can help you think through your design, materials, construction methods, layout, and practical details based on more than 30 years of building playsets, treehouses, and backyard projects. I also offer downloadable DIY playset plans if you'd rather start with a proven design and make it your own.
Not Sure Where to Start?
That's fine. You don't need a finished drawing or a complete plan before contacting me. Tell me what you're considering, what you're trying to accomplish, and roughly what you want to spend.
We'll figure out the next step from there.
Got a Project? Talk It Through With Jack.
Q: Do you offer consultations for DIY projects like treehouses, playhouses, or playsets?
A: Absolutely! Whether you're planning a backyard playset, a custom treehouse, or a DIY-friendly outdoor structure, I offer consultations via phone, Zoom, or in-person (within my local service area).
A: Absolutely! Whether you're planning a backyard playset, a custom treehouse, or a DIY-friendly outdoor structure, I offer consultations via phone, Zoom, or in-person (within my local service area).
Q: What types of consultations do you offer?
A: You can tap into my real-world building experience for:
A: You can tap into my real-world building experience for:
- DIY treehouse plans and layout feedback
- Backyard playset designs and materials advice
- Playhouse construction tips (from simple to full-scale structures)
- Swing set planning with safety and spacing considerations
- General yard layout advice to help maximize space, sunlight, and play zones
- Build troubleshooting for DIYers hitting snags in framing, anchoring, or material selection
Q: Where do you offer consultations?
A: Onsite Consultations are available in-person within my local service map (see map above on this page). 🌐 Phone & Zoom Consultations are available nationwide — and worldwide. Whether you're building in Texas or Tasmania, we can meet virtually to discuss your backyard build.
A: Onsite Consultations are available in-person within my local service map (see map above on this page). 🌐 Phone & Zoom Consultations are available nationwide — and worldwide. Whether you're building in Texas or Tasmania, we can meet virtually to discuss your backyard build.
Q: What are your consultation rates?
A: It depends on the type of consultation you need. For most DIY projects — including backyard playsets, playhouses, yard layout planning, and general build advice — my rate is $50 per 30 minutes phone consultation, scheduled in advance.
If you're contacting me about a professionally built treehouse, that initial phone conversation is free. — but I don’t give away technical build details in that call. Once we move into actual design or DIY guidance, my standard consultation rates apply. Bring your plans, photos, questions, or just an idea — I’ll help you turn it into something real, safe, and built to last.
A: It depends on the type of consultation you need. For most DIY projects — including backyard playsets, playhouses, yard layout planning, and general build advice — my rate is $50 per 30 minutes phone consultation, scheduled in advance.
- Onsite Consultations (within my local service area) – Start at $300 and may increase depending on your distance from Columbus, Texas. Perfect if you want me to walk your property, review your build location, and give hands-on feedback.
- Phone or Zoom Consultations – Available anywhere in the world for $50 per 30 minutes. Great for reviewing your plans, materials list, or getting expert input before you start building.
If you're contacting me about a professionally built treehouse, that initial phone conversation is free. — but I don’t give away technical build details in that call. Once we move into actual design or DIY guidance, my standard consultation rates apply. Bring your plans, photos, questions, or just an idea — I’ll help you turn it into something real, safe, and built to last.
Q: Why consult with Jack?
A: I’ve spent years designing and building custom backyard structures that are both practical and creative. My approach is rooted in craftsmanship, experience, and a clear understanding of what works in real-world backyards. Whether you're working with tools for the first time or already deep into a build, I can help you:
A: I’ve spent years designing and building custom backyard structures that are both practical and creative. My approach is rooted in craftsmanship, experience, and a clear understanding of what works in real-world backyards. Whether you're working with tools for the first time or already deep into a build, I can help you:
- Avoid costly mistakes
- Select the right materials
- Plan layouts that grow with your kids
- Get personalized feedback on ideas, drawings, or pre-built kits
DIY — With a Little Help From Jack
Q: I have the skills and tools to build my own. Are you willing to offer your experience so I can build great treehouse?
A: Absolutely. If you're planning to build it yourself, I can help you work through the design before you start cutting lumber. We can begin with a phone or video consultation to talk through your ideas, the trees or site you're working with, size, layout, materials, and any problems I see.
For projects that need a closer look, we can move to an onsite consultation. Onsite consultations start at $300, depending on location, and typically last 1–3 hours. This is a design and planning consultation—not a construction service. The goal is to help you develop a practical plan and avoid some of the mistakes I've learned about through decades of building treehouses.
A: Absolutely. If you're planning to build it yourself, I can help you work through the design before you start cutting lumber. We can begin with a phone or video consultation to talk through your ideas, the trees or site you're working with, size, layout, materials, and any problems I see.
For projects that need a closer look, we can move to an onsite consultation. Onsite consultations start at $300, depending on location, and typically last 1–3 hours. This is a design and planning consultation—not a construction service. The goal is to help you develop a practical plan and avoid some of the mistakes I've learned about through decades of building treehouses.
Q: I’m looking to buy your Triton DIY plans. Is this structural enough for adults to use and swing as well? (It looks pretty sturdy) We bought a playset from Costco and is supported for 600lbs but moves like crazy when we try to swing with our daughter.
A: Yes — the Triton is designed to be substantially heavier and more rigid than most big-box retail playsets. I’m a big guy myself, and I can swing on the Triton swingset without the excessive rocking and flex you typically feel on lighter retail sets. My plans use larger framing lumber, stronger bracing, and heavier construction methods based on years of building and repairing playsets professionally. When properly built and anchored, the structure is absolutely capable of adult use.
That said, adults should still use some common sense. If an adult is swinging, I recommend using the swing position closest to the fort or A-frame support since that places less stress on the beam. No wooden playset is completely motionless during use, but the Triton is designed to feel solid and controlled rather than loose and shaky like many boxed retail sets.
Also keep in mind that the swing hangers, mounting hardware, and the swings themselves are often the real limiting factor on most swing sets — not necessarily the structure. Using quality hardware and installing everything correctly makes a big difference.
A: Yes — the Triton is designed to be substantially heavier and more rigid than most big-box retail playsets. I’m a big guy myself, and I can swing on the Triton swingset without the excessive rocking and flex you typically feel on lighter retail sets. My plans use larger framing lumber, stronger bracing, and heavier construction methods based on years of building and repairing playsets professionally. When properly built and anchored, the structure is absolutely capable of adult use.
That said, adults should still use some common sense. If an adult is swinging, I recommend using the swing position closest to the fort or A-frame support since that places less stress on the beam. No wooden playset is completely motionless during use, but the Triton is designed to feel solid and controlled rather than loose and shaky like many boxed retail sets.
Also keep in mind that the swing hangers, mounting hardware, and the swings themselves are often the real limiting factor on most swing sets — not necessarily the structure. Using quality hardware and installing everything correctly makes a big difference.
Planning a Custom Treehouse?
Q: Do you still build custom treehouses?
A: Jack's Backyard now focuses on treehouse design, consultation, and helping people work through their ideas. For the past several years, my son Spencer and the crew at Playset Services have handled much of the actual construction, taking my designs and turning them into the finished treehouses you see throughout this site.
Spencer has been building things alongside me since he was two years old, so this isn't a new partnership or simply a referral to another company. Today, our roles are just more clearly defined. I can help develop the concept, work through the practical design decisions, and determine what makes sense for your project. When professional construction is the right choice, Spencer and Playset Services can take it from there.
A: Jack's Backyard now focuses on treehouse design, consultation, and helping people work through their ideas. For the past several years, my son Spencer and the crew at Playset Services have handled much of the actual construction, taking my designs and turning them into the finished treehouses you see throughout this site.
Spencer has been building things alongside me since he was two years old, so this isn't a new partnership or simply a referral to another company. Today, our roles are just more clearly defined. I can help develop the concept, work through the practical design decisions, and determine what makes sense for your project. When professional construction is the right choice, Spencer and Playset Services can take it from there.
Q: How much does a custom treehouse cost?
A: Professionally built custom treehouses generally start around $10,000 and can increase considerably depending on the trees, size, height, access, design, and features. More elaborate projects can easily reach $30,000 or more.
A: Professionally built custom treehouses generally start around $10,000 and can increase considerably depending on the trees, size, height, access, design, and features. More elaborate projects can easily reach $30,000 or more.
If you're considering a custom build, start by telling me what you want to accomplish,
where you're located, and roughly what you want to spend. I can help you
determine the best way to move forward. You can find detailed information Here.
where you're located, and roughly what you want to spend. I can help you
determine the best way to move forward. You can find detailed information Here.
Send me a Treemail.
Planning a Custom Playset?
Q: How much is a custom playset?
A: Custom playsets generally start around $5,000, with the final cost depending on size, materials, layout, site conditions, and features. If you're considering a custom playset, I can help with planning, design, and deciding what makes sense for your family and budget. Professional construction and custom playset sales are handled through Playset Services.
A: Custom playsets generally start around $5,000, with the final cost depending on size, materials, layout, site conditions, and features. If you're considering a custom playset, I can help with planning, design, and deciding what makes sense for your family and budget. Professional construction and custom playset sales are handled through Playset Services.
Jack's Custom Wood Products
Q: Do you sell or build porch swings?
A: Not anymore. I've built plenty of porch swings over the years, but I'm no longer building them for sale.
I do plan to develop DIY porch swing plans in the future. In the meantime, building a good porch swing isn't rocket science. If you're comfortable working with wood, you can learn quite a bit by looking at pictures, understanding the basic construction, and adapting the design to what you want to build.
If you get stuck or want some experienced advice before you start cutting lumber, I can help through a phone or project consultation.
A: Not anymore. I've built plenty of porch swings over the years, but I'm no longer building them for sale.
I do plan to develop DIY porch swing plans in the future. In the meantime, building a good porch swing isn't rocket science. If you're comfortable working with wood, you can learn quite a bit by looking at pictures, understanding the basic construction, and adapting the design to what you want to build.
If you get stuck or want some experienced advice before you start cutting lumber, I can help through a phone or project consultation.
General Information
Q: Where are you located?
A: I'm based in Columbus, Texas, but consultations aren't limited to Texas. Phone and remote consultations are available wherever you happen to be.
Q: Do you travel for consultations?
A: Yes, when it makes sense. On-site consultations can be useful for treehouses, elevated play structures, unusual sites, or projects where seeing the property firsthand matters. Travel outside my normal area can be discussed depending on the project and location.
Q: Can you design a treehouse or playset and have someone else build it?
A: Absolutely. You don't have to hire anyone associated with Jack's Backyard to build your project. I can help you work through the design, layout, materials, construction details, and practical decisions, and you can build it yourself or take that information to a local contractor.
Q: Does Jack's Backyard still build custom projects?
A: Jack's Backyard now focuses on DIY plans, project design, consultation, and sharing what I've learned from more than 30 years of building. Professional playset and treehouse construction, installation, and repair work is handled through Playset Services, led by my son Spencer.
Q: How much does a consultation cost?
A: Consultation cost depends on what you need. A phone consultation may be all that's necessary for a few questions or some help working through an idea. Larger design projects, on-site consultations, and projects requiring drawings or additional design work are quoted based on the scope of the project.
A: I'm based in Columbus, Texas, but consultations aren't limited to Texas. Phone and remote consultations are available wherever you happen to be.
Q: Do you travel for consultations?
A: Yes, when it makes sense. On-site consultations can be useful for treehouses, elevated play structures, unusual sites, or projects where seeing the property firsthand matters. Travel outside my normal area can be discussed depending on the project and location.
Q: Can you design a treehouse or playset and have someone else build it?
A: Absolutely. You don't have to hire anyone associated with Jack's Backyard to build your project. I can help you work through the design, layout, materials, construction details, and practical decisions, and you can build it yourself or take that information to a local contractor.
Q: Does Jack's Backyard still build custom projects?
A: Jack's Backyard now focuses on DIY plans, project design, consultation, and sharing what I've learned from more than 30 years of building. Professional playset and treehouse construction, installation, and repair work is handled through Playset Services, led by my son Spencer.
Q: How much does a consultation cost?
A: Consultation cost depends on what you need. A phone consultation may be all that's necessary for a few questions or some help working through an idea. Larger design projects, on-site consultations, and projects requiring drawings or additional design work are quoted based on the scope of the project.
Some of these inquiries seem like reasonable request
and others are ridiculous, but these are actual questions.
Q: Where are you?
A: At my desk writing these FAQ's. I'm willing to travel outside of my normal range for the right project. See map posted above for my normal area.
Q: Need Playset. Thanks.
A: If this is how you communicate, we will not get along.
Q: Do you have a number where I can reach you?
A: No, but you you probably have one where I can reach you. Once you're my client, you can have my number.
Q: I prefer to text. Can I text you?
A: I don't text.
Q: My son/daughter is having a birthday party next weekend. Can you come over and a build a treehouse before Friday?
A: I can have one ready for their birthday next year.
Q: How much is it to move or install a swingset?
A: I do not move or install swing sets. If you're in Texas, contact [email protected] for any type of residential Playset Service.
A: At my desk writing these FAQ's. I'm willing to travel outside of my normal range for the right project. See map posted above for my normal area.
Q: Need Playset. Thanks.
A: If this is how you communicate, we will not get along.
Q: Do you have a number where I can reach you?
A: No, but you you probably have one where I can reach you. Once you're my client, you can have my number.
Q: I prefer to text. Can I text you?
A: I don't text.
Q: My son/daughter is having a birthday party next weekend. Can you come over and a build a treehouse before Friday?
A: I can have one ready for their birthday next year.
Q: How much is it to move or install a swingset?
A: I do not move or install swing sets. If you're in Texas, contact [email protected] for any type of residential Playset Service.