Build a balance beam to keep the kids busy while you enjoy the back yard. It's easy to build, lasts a long time and can be transformed into a garden bench once the kids are grown. Materials: Two 3' pieces of 4" x 6" pressure-treated pine lumber for the legs (make sure the lumber is rated for ground contact)
One 8' piece of 4" x 6" pressure-treated pine lumber for the beam
Six 12" galvanized nails
Posthole digger
Tape measure
Level
Drill
220-grit sandpaper
Optional: wood sealer or stain - Sand the beam smooth to remove splinters. Treat it and the legs with wood sealer or stain, if desired.
- Lay the beam on the ground to determine where to dig holes for the legs (figure A). Make a mark on the ground 6" from both ends. You'll nail the top piece to the legs 6" in to avoid splitting the ends of the beam.
- Using a posthole digger, dig two 18"-deep holes (figure B). Set the legs in the holes, and use a level to make sure they're perpendicular to the ground (figure C).
- Fill in around the legs with soil, and tamp tightly. Place the long beam on the legs so there is a 6" overhang at the ends (figure D). Drill pilot holes, and use three nails on each end in a triangular pattern (figure E). Don't put more than one nail in the same line of grain to avoid splitting the wood.
- The finished beam will be 18" off the ground. To cushion falls, lay down a thick layer of mulch underneath and around the balance beam.
- Below the balance beam, make sure to add a thick layer of mulch, saw dust, or pine needles.
- Also, even though you've used pressure-treated lumber, you should further protect the wood. First sand it to remove the splinters and then, working in a well-ventilated area, treat the beam by painting it with stain. Brush on a thick layer, painting with the grain. Don't forget to seal the ends. To turn the beam over and stain the other side, prop it on some bricks (figure F).
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