How to Build a See Saw
You can have a lot of fun with a see saw, and now you can recreate the pleasure of one in your own garden with a self-built see saw.
Required Materials
- metal tubing or 2×8” stock
- metal U-frame or post stock
- 10+’ metal perforated strap
- bolts
- screws
- cement
- sand
- water
- padding
- cover material
- staples
- post anchors
- U-clamp
Required Tools
- wood drill with assorted bits
- metal drill with bits
- shovel
- hammer
- staple gun
- level
- tape measure
- pencil/paper
Instructions
- Foundation - On a level space, lay out the length of the see saw. Locate the middle of the ground for two foundation holes. These holes will need to be at least four feet deep and one foot wide. If you are in a frost zone, dig the hole deeper than the four-foot frost-line. Place a concrete tube into the hole. The top of the tube should be 3 inches below the surface of the ground. Attach an anchor to accept vertical supports.
- Posts - You can use either a one-piece metal U-post system or two vertical posts connected by a metal pipe and bolted on at the ends to a wooden post system. The center anchor piece will change depending upon the choice, but most will work acceptably. If you choose wooden posts, cut and sand the corners and then drill and counter-sink the screw holes. Attach these posts to the foundations, and then to one another.
- The Lever - Choose the length of the lever preferred. Wood or metal are both fine as materials. If wood is used, attach a metal strip to the underside of the stock to provide rigidity. Drill holes for a seat into both ends - the hole connection will differ depending upon the material choice. Counter-sink all screw and bolt holes. If wood is chosen, attach a cross support to strengthen the seat attachment. Attach the lever to the foundation support with a U-clamp.
- Seats - Attach some padding to the seat area. Any foam or cushion material will do. Cut a square piece of vinyl and staple it over the cushioning onto the seat. For added styling, you may choose to use tack nails; there are a variety of tack nails available, so design choice is available to those with a creative eye.
- Handles - Drill a hole in the lever arm approximately 18-24” from the end of the lever. Drill another hole in a 1×2” piece of stock. Screw the vertical shaft into the horizontal lever and then add a cross member to the vertical beam for the rider to hold on to.
- Sanding and Painting - Once you are done, take a look at the overall project. Sand down anything that looks like a splinter or sharp edge. Choose paint without lead and give the project a few coats of outdoor oil-based paint to provide protection against both general wear and the elements.