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Balance beams can be a critical skill to master for gymnasts of any age. They teach younger students agility and balance while still offering a wide range of challenges for even the most accomplished gymnast. Learning how to make a balance beam can allow your gymnast the opportunity to practice more frequently from the comforts of home.
Steps
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Purchase the required lumber from your local hardware supplier. To build the balance beam you will need six 8 foot (2.44 m) pieces of 1-by-6 pine beams, four 12-inch (61 cm) pieces of 2-by-4 wood planks and four 24-inch (30.5 cm) pieces of 2-by-4 wood planks.
- You will also need to purchase everything listed below in "Things You'll Need". These items can all be found at your local hardware supplier or stores such as Home Depot and Lowes.
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Wash the entire surface area of each wood piece. Use soap, water and a washcloth, sponge or coarse brush to scrub the wood pieces thoroughly. This is very important as dirt and grime can prevent the wood glue from working as effectively. Let the wood sit for a while until it is completely dry before adding the glue.Advertisement
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Glue the six 8 feet (2.4 m) wood pieces together. Place the pine beams vertically next to one another as that is how they will need to be administered. Glue the largest sides (the flat sides with the most surface area) of the wooden beams together with an industrial-strength wood glue (preferably waterproof). Use a very generous amount of glue in this process as that is what keeps the wood beams together. Make sure they dry before the next step! [1] X Research source
- When finished the fronts and backs of the beams should be completely flush, creating 1 large beam measuring 8-feet (2.44 m) long and around 4.5-inches (10.2 cm) wide.
- The 4.5-inch (10.2 cm) surface will be the top of your homemade beam.
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Secure the beams together while the glue dries. The best solution for securing the beams together is to use wood clamps. If you don't have clamps, lay the beams flat on their widest part and apply a heavy weight to help fuse the boards. [2] X Research source
- Allow the beams to dry for at least 24 hours.
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Sand the wood. When the glue has dried, remove the clamps or the weights, and sand the entire surface of the beam. [3] X Research source
- Use a sanding plane or sand belt to ensure the surface is uniform and even.
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Mount steel galvanized angle holders to the beam. Screw the angle holders (the angle holders will come with screws) to the underside ends of your balance beam approximately 12 inches (30.5 cm) from the end of each side.
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Add legs to the beam. Fasten the four 12-inch (30.5 cm) pieces of 2-by-4 wood planks into the angle holders to create the legs, using 4 wood screws per leg, or 16 screws total.
- There should be 4 available spaces in the angle holders, 1 for each leg.
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Anchor the base for each leg. Attach one 24-inch (61 cm) piece of 2-by-4 wood plank to the bottom of each leg, using 4 total, with 4 wood screws per anchor.
- These will ensure greater stability and a balanced surface.
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Cover with synthetic suede padding. Cut a long, thin strip of the suede padding to fit the length and width of the beam. Glue the padding onto the surface so it covers the entire beam. [4] X Research source
- For optimal results, use a piece wide enough to fit all the way around the beam with enough left over to fasten to the underside with the angle holders.
- Allow the padding and glue to fully dry before using the beam.
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Community Q&A
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QuestionDo you have any suggestions on how to find synthetic suede?Community AnswerGo to a fabric/craft store and ask an employee for help. You can also order it online.
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QuestionWould cedar work well as a balance beam?Community AnswerYes, but cedar is an expensive and softer wood that could be dented by your shoes. However, cedar is also more stable outdoors than a standard SPF plank.
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QuestionDo you have to put anything over the beam?Community AnswerYou should, so you have a soft landing when you are doing a skill and so you don't get splinter.
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Tips
- Before purchasing the lumber pieces, make sure to measure them. Not all beams are exactly the same length, and you need pieces which are even sized for the balance beam.Thanks
- When first gluing the beams together, be sure to apply the wood glue very liberally. This is the heart of the balance beam, and it will need to be strong enough to support your gymnast through rigorous exercise.Thanks
- If you are making a beam for indoors, consider gluing additional synthetic suede pieces to the bottom of the legs anchor pieces. This will prevent the beam from scratching your floors.Thanks
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Warnings
- Thoroughly test your new balance beam before performing rigorous routines. The beam is only as good as the craftsmanship, and to avoid serious injury take great measures to ensure it is solid and can hold up under pressure. [5] X Research sourceThanks
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Things You'll Need
- Soap and water
- Six 8-foot (2.44 m) pieces of 1-by-6 pine beams
- Waterproof wood glue
- Wood clamps or heavy weights
- Sanding plane or sand belt
- Galvanized angle holder and screws
- Four 12-inch (61 cm) pieces of 2-by-4 wood planks
- Four 24-inch (30.5 cm) pieces of 2-by-4 wood planks
- Screwdriver
- 32 wood screws
- Synthetic suede padding (optional)
You can also add duct tape to a regular mat for a stripe beam!
References
About This Article
Article Summary
X
To make a balance beam, first glue six 8-foot pieces of wood together for the top. When the glue has dried, sand the wood and mount angle holders underneath the ends of your balance beam. Then use wood screws to fasten four 12-inch pieces of 2x4 planks into the holders for the legs. Make a stable base for your balance beam by attaching one 24-inch piece of 2x4 plank to the bottom of each leg. Finish your balance beam by covering it with synthetic suede padding. For more information on making a balance beam, including how to prepare the wood before you start, read on!
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Reader Success Stories
- "I'm building this for a 10-year-old. I needed specific measurements and tips. Thanks a million."
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"I'm building this for a 10-year-old. I needed specific measurements and tips. Thanks a million."
"This was perfect. All the answers to all my DIY beam questions. Thanks!"
"It told me what to buy and how to put everything together."
"About the lengths of the beam."
"It was very detailed. Thanks."
