How to Construct a Balance Beam

If your son or daughter wants some extracurricular practice outside the gym, and you don't want to shell out $130 or more for a professional balance beam, why not make your own? With the right preparation and less than an afternoon's worth of work, you can mimic a gym-quality beam without bending over backwards. This beam sits low to the ground, conforms to the 4" regulation width, and can be built using the same padding and suede used by professionals.

Things You'll Need

• 8-foot maple 4-by-4
• Two 8-foot 2-by-4's
• Self-adhesive suede fabric
• 1/4" thick closed cell polyethylene foam
• Staple gun
• Hammer
• Nails
• Scissors
• Hand saw

Instructions

1. Nail an 8-foot 2-by-4 face-to-face with an 8-foot piece of 4-by-4 maple (used for its strength) to create a single strong 8-foot long beam that measures 3 1/2-inches by 5-inches (4-inch lumber is 3 1/2-inches in actual width).

2. Staple a 15-inch by 8-foot length of 1/4-inch thick closed cell polyethylene foam to the beam starting on one bottom edge, securing on both edges along the top, and securing on the bottom opposite edge making sure the foam is uniformly tight. Avoid stapling directly on top of the beam where staples could poke through the suede with wear.

3. Trim away excess foam along the bottom with scissors or shears for a clean look.

4. Apply an equal-sized sheet of self-adhesive suede directly to the foam, trimming where necessary. The thickness of the suede combined with the thickness of the foam gives the beam the regulation 4-inch width.

5. Cut two 1 and 1/2-foot sections and four 6-inch sections from a 2-by-4. These will be used for the base.

6. Attach, with hammer and nails, the two 1 1/2-foot sections of 2-by-4 at their midpoints onto the bottom of each end of the beam perpendicular to the length of the beam. Use at least three nails on each end.

7. Lay the 6-inch pieces of 2-by-4 on top of the 2-by-4's that you just attached top-to-bottom to create a 3 support that butts up against the beam. Butt them up against the beam on both sides and both ends, and secure them to the base 2-by-4s with nails. These will add integrity to the base, and prevent the beam from falling on its side.

Tips & Warnings

• If additional support is necessary, a length of 2-by-4 can be added under the center of the beam, nailing directly to the bottom.

• If you'll be using the beam outdoors, use pressure-treated wood instead of maple or pine, and apply waterproofing (available at most shoe stores) to the suede.

• Gymnastics can be dangerous if you don't know what you're doing. Only use a balance beam under supervision.

References

• The Beam Store
• Home How to Build a Gymnastics Balance Beam
• The Foam Factory: Polyethylene Foam

Resources

• The Foam Factory: Closed Cell Polyethylene Foam