Skip to Content

Log in / Sign up

Q&A for How to Make a Balance Beam

Return to Full Article

Coming soon

Search

Add New Question

Question

Do you have any suggestions on how to find synthetic suede?

Community Answer

Go to a fabric/craft store and ask an employee for help. You can also order it online.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 16
Question

Would cedar work well as a balance beam?

Community Answer

Yes, 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.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 21 Helpful 46
Question

Do you have to put anything over the beam?

Community Answer

You should, so you have a soft landing when you are doing a skill and so you don't get splinter.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 20 Helpful 42
Question

Why layer the planks? Is there a reason for not using a 4X4 post type piece of wood?

Community Answer

A 4x4 is the nominal measurement. Actual dimensions are 3.5x3.5". You can get a 6x6x8' post and cut it down to regulation size using a table saw.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 26 Helpful 42
Question

Is there a beam that is 4 by 6 inches?

Community Answer

Visit a lumberyard and talk to them about your needs. Commercially available beams do not always measure exactly and will not meet regulation size. Take a tape measure with you when you go beam shopping to make sure measurements are accurate.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 21 Helpful 30
Question

Should I use padding on the beam before covering it?

Community Answer

No. The synthetic suede padding in step 2.3 should be enough.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 8 Helpful 15
Question

Do I have to put carpet on the beam?

Community Answer

No, you don't have to. You can find something else that you think is comfortable and soft for you.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 19 Helpful 29
Question

Can I make a balance beam higher?

Community Answer

If you want, but it would be easier to be closer to the ground in order to learn new skills.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 12 Helpful 22
Question

How much will it cost to make a balance beam?

Community Answer

It depends where you buy the wood, how long it is, and how long you want the beam to be.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 21 Helpful 26
Question

What is the best cover?

Community Answer

You could use yoga mats or even carpet -- anything that is soft so that you won't get any splinters from the wood.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 5 Helpful 11
Question

How much synthetic suede do I need for a balance beam?

Community Answer

It depends on how big your beam is. It needs to fit all the way around your beam. It is also useful to cover the legs of your beam.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
Question

Where do I find the synthetic suede?

Community Answer

Any hardware store or local market should have it. You can also check online retailers such as Amazon.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1
Question

What is the width and length of a balance beam?

Community Answer

Width: 4 inches. Length: 18 inches for competitive, but you can choose your own size.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 63 Helpful 32
Question

Can I make a beam out of every day household items?

Community Answer

It is not likely that you will be able to construct a legitimate beam out of every day household items.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 2
Question

Does the glue hold this right?

Community Answer

The glue may make the beam thicker, but if you leave the glue to dry it'll hold the planks together.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 1
Question

Is it better to use synthetic suede padding or carpet on the beam?

Community Answer

It really depends on your budget and preference. Real beams use the synthetic suede but it is more expensive than carpet.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Will it hurt my feet with out padding?

Community Answer

It can, but it truly depends on your preference. Some people hate the padding.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

What kind of soap should I use to wash the wood?

Community Answer

You should not use soap to wash the wood. It's better to use washing liquids or washing powder so that the wood doesn't get messed up.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

What kind of glue should be used for the suede?

Community Answer

Tacky glue work well, but if you want you can use super glue or Elmer's glue as well.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 0
Question

Can I make a wider and longer balance beam for more support?

Community Answer

You could, but then it wouldn't be a classic gymnastics beam, just a fun beam to walk on.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 0
Question

What kind of glue do I need for the surf?

Community Answer

Wood glue or super glue would work the best.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 0
Question

Is it less money to build one then to buy one?

Community Answer

Yes.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 0
Question

Why do we glue the boards instead of inserting screws or bolts?

Community Answer

Screws can badly hurt if you accidentally miss the beam, or if the screws are on top and you land on them.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 2 Helpful 0
Question

Is it best for me to just use a 8' by 4" piece of wood?

Community Answer

It is easier to buy individual pecies of wood but it is up to you.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

Can you use one thick piece of wood instead of layers of smaller boards? Also, if layers are necessary, can you use nails instead of wood glue if you are careful not to let anything poke out?

Joyce Chen

Community Answer

No! The nails would hurt the feet of the gymnast using the beam! Remember, they are walking and performing things that could injure them on the beam barefoot.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
Question

What length is beam in inches?

Teagan Stanley

Community Answer

It is four inches wide and about 3 1/2 4 feet tall. But most beams you can adjust.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Return to Full Article

You Might Also Like

-

-

179

.mwimg a.image{display:none}#header_logo{display:none}#cse-search-box{display:none}#cse-search-box-noscript{display:block !important}#cse-search-box-noscript .cse_q{color:#FFF;background-color:#B3CE9C}.wh_search .cse_q{width:88%}#mw-mf-main-menu-button{display:none;visibility:hidden}.header .search{display:none}#search_footer .cse_sa{background-image:url(/extensions/wikihow/mobile/images/white_mag.png);background-size:22px}.related_box{display:block;background:#EEE;border:5px solid #FFF;vertical-align:bottom;width:127px;background-size:180px;float:left;height:120px;position:relative}.related_box p{line-height:15px !important;font-size:13px;background-color:rgba(67,95,44,.4);color:#FFF;font-weight:bold;padding:8px;margin:0 !important;position:absolute;bottom:0}#noscript_header_logo{display:table-cell;vertical-align:middle;background-position:50% 77%;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-image:url(/extensions/wikihow/mobile/images/wikihow_logo_230.png);background-size:105px;width:auto;height:51px;padding:0 14px}.articleinfo{display:none}#iorg_free_data{z-index:50;width:100%;position:fixed}#ara_recommendations{display:none}

Design a Mobile Website

View Site in Mobile | Classic

Share by: