Pete Nelson Net Worth

What Is Pete Nelson Net Worth?

As of 2025, various sources estimate Pete Nelson’s net worth to be approximately $3 million. This figure is primarily attributed to his successful career as a treehouse builder, author, and television host. His income streams include his company, Nelson Treehouse & Supply, his time hosting the Animal Planet show “Treehouse Masters,” and revenue from his published books on treehouses.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Peter Nelson was born on June 4, 1962, in Ridgewood, New Jersey. Nelson’s fascination with treehouses started at the age of 5 when his father built him a tree fort behind their garage. In 1985, Nelson graduated from Colorado College with a degree in Economics. Despite his academic background, Nelson’s passion for carpentry and design led him to pursue a career in treehouse construction. In 1987, Nelson rekindled his dream of a career in treehouses after receiving the book “How to Build Treehouses, Huts and Forts” by David Stiles from a high school friend. Shortly thereafter, he constructed his first adult treehouse in his backyard in Colorado Springs.

Nelson Treehouse & Supply and Treehouse Point

In 1994, Pete Nelson formalized his passion by publishing his first book, “Treehouses: The Art and Craft of Living Out on a Limb,” which inspired him to write five more books on the subject. This initial publication laid the foundation for his career and established him as an authority in treehouse construction. In 1997, Nelson co-founded the Tree-House Workshop. In 2005, Nelson made treehouse construction his main priority, transitioning from building single-family houses to focus solely on his unique niche. In 2006, Nelson and his wife, Judy, opened Treehouse Point, a bed and breakfast composed entirely of treehouses, near Fall City outside of Seattle, WA. This unique retreat features multiple treehouses, offering guests an immersive experience in arboreal living. Stays at Treehouse Point range from $175 to $525 per night. In 2011, he founded Nelson Treehouse and Supply, a treehouse design, construction, and supply business based out of Fall City, Washington. The company designs and constructs high-end custom treehouses for private clients, businesses, and public projects.

A fully appointed custom treehouse from Nelson Treehouse & Supply typically ranges from $300,000 to $1 million or more, depending on the complexity, location, and specific features requested. Design services account for 10 to 15 percent of the total price, with a minimum design service fee of around $30,000 for a fully permitted and engineered treehouse. For projects outside of the Seattle area, travel and crew lodging expenses can add another $30,000 to the overall cost. The company constructs approximately a dozen non-TV treehouses each year, starting at $250,000 and up. In 2017, Pete Nelson stated that his company did almost $5 million in business. Each treehouse project typically takes around three weeks to complete. Some clients prefer to purchase blueprints for custom treehouses, which are available for around $125, including Nelson’s instructional guide, “Treehousing.”

“Treehouse Masters” TV Series

In 2013, Animal Planet launched “Treehouse Masters,” a documentary series showcasing Nelson and his crew traveling the world to build treehouses. The show ran until 2018 and showcased more than 50 of Nelson Treehouse & Supply’s custom creations for treehouse enthusiasts and celebrities alike. As of 2015, “Treehouse Masters” averaged 1.3 million viewers per episode. The success of “Treehouse Masters” allowed Nelson to increase his per-episode talent fees starting in season three. While the exact figures are not public, the show’s popularity undoubtedly contributed to Pete Nelson net worth and financial stability. In each episode, the show detailed the budget for the treehouses that were built. Most of the treehouses cost over $100,000.

Notable Treehouse Projects

Pete Nelson and his team have designed and built hundreds of treehouses around the world. One notable project is the 2,500-square-foot Homestead Treehouse in Whitefish, Montana, featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a fully-equipped kitchen, and living space. This particular treehouse is considered one of Nelson’s grandest projects to date. In 2016, Nelson collaborated with country music star Zac Brown to build a 1,300 square foot treehouse at Brown’s Camp Southern Ground, a non-profit designed to serve children with neuro-developmental disorders and those from military families struggling with PTSD.

Writing Career and Publications

Pete Nelson is the author of several books on treehouses, including:

• “Treehouses: The Art and Craft of Living Out on a Limb” (1994)
• “Home Tree Home: Principles of Treehouse Construction and Other Tall Tales” (1997)
• “The Treehouse Book” (2000)
• “Treehouses of the World” (2004)
• “New Treehouses of the World” (2009)
• “Be in a Treehouse: Design / Construction / Inspiration” (2014)

His books showcase his unique mastery and passion for building amazing and intricate structures in the trees. These books have contributed significantly to his financial standing. His first book, “Treehouses; The Art and Craft of Living Out on a Limb”, inspired him to write five more books on the subject.

Family and Personal Life

Pete Nelson married his wife, Judy, in 1986. Together, they have three children: Emily, Charlie, and Henry. The Nelson family resides in Fall City, Washington, where they collaboratively run Nelson Treehouse and Supply. His family, including his wife Judy, daughter Emily, and sons Charlie and Henry, are all involved in the family business. His daughter, Emily, oversees project operations and founded the online store “Be in a Tree.” His twin sons, Henry and Charlie, are skilled carpenters who often travel with the crew to bring clients’ treehouse dreams to life. The family culture is a crucial aspect of Nelson Treehouse & Supply, where they believe in working with good people and fostering a genuine camaraderie nurtured with love, respect, and support.

Real Estate and Other Ventures

Besides Nelson Treehouse and Supply and Treehouse Point, Pete Nelson has also expanded his brand through real estate investments. He also co-founded TreeHouse Workshop. Nelson Treehouse and Supply has worked with Princess Cruises to create treehouse workspaces on Microsoft’s corporate campus. Nelson also owns Treehouse Utopia in Utopia, TX.

Interesting Facts

Pete Nelson’s passion for treehouses was rekindled after college, despite earning a degree in economics. Nelson is also an avid car enthusiast, owning a 1994 Land Rover Defender and previously driving a 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser. His designs are known for their sustainability, often incorporating recycled and repurposed materials.