Seesaw is a popular toy for children outdoors, so if we parents can DIY a seesaw for kids in the backyard at home? The following is a detailed guide to making a seesaw.
How to build a seesaw
Seesaw material tool preparation
About materials First, we have to choose solid wood with a thickness of 5-8cm, a length of about 2.5-3 meters depending on the age of the child, and a width of 30-40cm to ensure that the load-bearing capacity is ≥50kg per end. For the bracket, choose a round wooden column or metal pipe with a diameter of 10-15cm or a triangular bracket with wooden boards to enhance stability.
Accessories We need anti-skid pads, screws, expansion bolts, sandpaper, waterproof paint, cartoon stickers, etc. Tools for seesaw We need to prepare saws, electric drills, screwdrivers, hammers, levels, tape measures, sandpaper machines, pencils.
Seesaw plans Design and size
We mark the midpoint of the board. If it is a toddler model, the fulcrum can be offset 5cm to one side to reduce the tilting height and increase safety. The height is the distance from the top of the bracket to the ground = the child's sitting height + 10cm, ensuring that the child's feet can land naturally.
Seesaw processing
First, we need to use a saw to cut the board to size, and sand the edges with sandpaper until they are smooth and burr-free, especially the edge of the seat needs to be polished to avoid scratching the child. Secondly, we use expansion bolts to fix it on the cement floor. If the bracket is built with wooden boards, it can be made into a triangular structure, and the bottom is widened with wooden boards to enhance stability.
Install the seesaw
First, we align the midpoint of the board with the top of the bracket, and use screws to pass through the board and the bracket to fix it. Before tightening the screws, rubber pads can be placed on the contact surface to reduce shaking noise. Then we mark the seating area at 30cm from the end point on both ends of the board, and paste non-slip rubber pads or sew sponge cushions to prevent children from slipping. Install cartoon-shaped handrails such as animal ears or hang colorful tassels on both ends of the board to enhance the attraction.
Seesaw safety inspection
We can first let adults sit lightly on both ends to check whether the bracket is shaking and whether the board is cracked. If there is any looseness, the screws need to be reinforced. Then paint the board with waterproof paint, or draw cartoon patterns with non-toxic paint to increase the fun; non-slip cartoon stickers can be pasted on the seating area.
Safety precautions
When choosing materials, we should avoid using recycled wood or scarred boards. Secondly, metal parts need to be wrapped with anti-collision strips to avoid scratches.Choose a flat ground for outdoor installation and stay away from sharp objects; for indoor use, you can use a non-slip pad at the bottom of the bracket to prevent sliding.It is recommended that children under 3 years old use it under adult supervision to avoid overloading.
Through the above DIY seesaws steps, you can make a safe seesaw suitable for children aged 3-10, which not only meets the needs of parent-child interaction, but also exercises children's balance ability. If you don't understand, you can ask us at any time, or if you also need to buy seesaw amusement equipment, welcome to contact us tongle, we can provide you with high-quality and low-cost equipment.
