There are monkey bars for both kids and adults.While kids will have fun swinging across the bars with friends, you can also use them for strength training in your workout routine.You can build your own monkey bars at home using a few tools.You will be able to use and enjoy your monkey bars for many years after you set them in the ground.
Step 1: There is a grassy, level area away from other equipment.
If you fall down, put your monkey bars in a grassy spot so they don't hurt as much.If the vertical posts are crooked, you will have trouble building the rest of the bars.If you are swinging on the bars, you should leave about 4–5 feet between the area and other structures.
Step 2: There is a 3 ft 12 ft section of land.
To mark the first corner of the monkey bars, push a wooden stake into the ground.The short side of the monkey bars has a stake 3 feet away.Push a third stake into the ground at your measurement to mark the length of the monkey bars.The last stake should be 3 feet away from the third one.When you are done, your monkey bars will be 12 feet long, 7 feet tall, and 3 feet wide.
Step 3: You can dig a hole with a post hole digger.
Push the blades of the post hole digger into the ground by holding the handles together.Pull the handles apart to remove the dirt.Continue digging until the hole is about 1 foot (30 cm) across and 3 feet deep.Continue digging the holes at the other stakes.You can find a post hole digger at a hardware store.If you don't have a post hole digger, you can use a shovel.
Step 4: 6 in (15 cm) of gravel is poured into the holes.
A flat surface can be provided by filling your holes with gravel.Add gravel to the bottom of the holes.The gravel needs to be leveled so the monkey bars don't slant.You will need about 3 feet of gravel for each hole.Water doesn't cause the posts to rot if the drainage is improved.
Step 5: The post is set in the center of each hole.
Pressure-treated outdoor posts are 10 feet long and can handle the weather.Stand your posts in the center of the holes.If you want them to remain sturdy during your build, make sure they sit firmly.Monkey bars are less likely to bend if you look for the straightest posts.If you use posts that aren't made for outdoor use, they could rot when they get wet.
Step 6: Put quick-setting concrete in the holes.
If you are using the monkey bars, you need to make sure the posts are stable.You will need about four bags of concrete to fill your holes.Use a hoe or trowel to mix the concrete in a wheelbarrow or large bucket.Slowly pour the concrete into the hole around the post.The concrete should be put in the same way as the rest of the holes.Check the specific instructions on the bags of concrete you are using to see if there are any special mixing instructions.When mixing concrete, wear safety glasses and a dust mask so you don't get any of the powder in your eyes or nose.If the monkey bars are not stable in the ground, you should not use them.
Step 7: Immediately after pouring concrete, level your posts.
It takes about 20–40 minutes for quick-setting concrete to start hardening.If the post is not crooked or slanted, set a level on top of it.Push the post to adjust it if it isn't level.To make sure they are all level, check the remaining posts.To keep it in position, lean the board, sticks, or stones against the side of the post.
Step 8: Allow the concrete to cure for four hours.
Within an hour, the concrete will feel dry to the touch, but it takes longer for it to completely set.Leave the posts alone for at least 4 hours so the concrete has time to firm up so it can support weight without causing the post to move around.
Step 9: Measure the distance between the outer edges of the posts.
There are two posts on the short end of your monkey bars.Stand in front of the posts with one on your left side and the other on the right.Start the tape measure on the left edge.Attach the tape to the rightmost edge of the post and write down your measurement.You only have to measure one side because both of the short ends are about the same distance.
Step 10: Cut 2 in 4 in boards to the length you found.
Take the measurement you found and add it to 6 to find the total length.You can cut the boards down to size by buying 2 in 4 in boards that are 8 feet long.Make sure you buy pressure-treated lumber.Use a circular saw or hand saw to cut the lengths of your boards.You may be able to use the scrap wood later in the build.You will need 18 feet for your steps.
Step 11: The posts are 12 in (30 cm) from the ground if you put the first steps on them.
Press the wide flat side of the step to make the ends flush with the posts.The step should be positioned from the ground.Hold the step in place with your non-dominant hand.The step has a wood screw from the top corner.Put the screw through the board and into the post with an electric screwdriver.Place the second screw from the bottom corner on the same end.Attach the other end of the step to the second post.
Step 12: There are additional steps in 30 cm.
Make a mark on the post with 12 inches (30 cm) up from the top of your first step.Attach 2 screws to each side of the next step and Align the bottom edge of it with the mark you just made.Next, add another 12 inches (30 cm) higher.To finish the steps, repeat the process on the other end of the monkey bars.The distance between the steps can be adjusted.If you build them for smaller kids, you can shorten the gaps or make them larger.You should be able to reach the top of the post when you stand on the bar.
Step 13: The pieces from your boards were supported by 2 in.
You can use the leftover pieces from cutting your steps to build something.The Mark 4 sections are 2 inches long.Straight cuts can be made using your circular saw or handsaw.When you are done, your pieces will measure 2 by 4 by 2 inches.The horizontal runs will be easier to install with the help of these pieces.
Step 14: Attach the supports to the posts.
Take a measurement from the top of your post.Place the support on the interior side of the post.The support to the post should be secured with 2 outdoor screws that are 3 inches long.Place the other supports on the remaining posts so they are level.The horizontal runs will not sit evenly on the supports if they are not level.
Step 15: The 2 in 6 in runs are on top of the supports.
There are 2 pressure-treated boards that are each 6 in in size and 12 feet long.The long narrow edge should be on the bottom of the board.Set the board down so the ends are flush with the posts.The second board should be on the other set of supports.The helpers should hold the boards in place so they don't move.Unless you shorten the distance between your posts, you don't need to cut the 2 in 6 in board.
Step 16: Use screws to secure the runs.
Push the board against the side of the post.Start the first screw from the corner and drive it through the board into the post.Attach 4 more screws to the board with an X-shaped pattern.You can board the same way if you secure the remaining end.Use a C-clamp to hold the pieces together while you attach the screws if the board doesn't press against the post tightly.
Step 17: You can get a set of monkey bars from an outdoor store.
Attach the bars and hardware to your frame with the monkey bar kits.You have enough to span the entire length if you look for a set that has around 6–9 bars.You have enough room to swing around and hold onto the bars if you get a 20 inch (51 cm) long one.The kit for a monkey bar costs around $30USD.If they mount to a flat surface, you can use any style.
Step 18: To find the spacing, divide the run length by the number of bars.
Write down the total length of your horizontal run in inches.Divide the length by the number of rungs you have.The distance between each bar will be your answer.If you have 9 rungs and the horizontal run is 142 inches, your equation would be 142/(9 +9)The divisor should be simplified to 144/(10).There is an equation that you can solve.There will be a distance between each bar.You should space your monkey bars across the entire length according to this recommendation.Since you may need to get more bars and set them closer to each other, keep in mind how far you can reach.
Step 19: The bars are on the narrow edges of the runs.
Measure the length of the horizontal run by the distance you found it.To draw a line at your measurement, use a pencil.Continue until you make a number of marks equal to the bars you are adding.They need to line up with the ones on the first run.You have to reach for the first one from the top step if you want to place bars at the ends of the runs.
Step 20: The bars should be put into the tops of the runs.
If you want the screw holes to be centered on your marks, place a bar on the top narrow edges of the runs.The hole at the end of the monkey bar is where you want to put the screws.To hold the bar in place, use an electric screwdriver and set the screw into the top of the run.Attach the other side of the bar to the second run.Attach your monkey bars to the marks on the frame.You are ready to use the bars when you finish attaching the last one.If you don't already own a monkey bar with a star-shaped bit, you may need to buy one.