Building a teeter totter, also known as a seesaw, can be a fun and rewarding project that brings joy and entertainment to a playground or backyard. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you construct a basic yet sturdy teeter totter.
Materials and Tools Needed
Before you begin, you’ll need to collect the following materials and tools:
- Wooden plank (for the seat) – approximately 8 to 12 feet long
- Wooden or metal beam (for the pivot) – about 12 inches long
- Two wooden or metal brackets (for support)
- Screws or bolts (to secure the brackets)
- Saw (to cut wood if necessary)
- Drill (to create holes for screws or bolts)
- Level (to ensure the teeter totter is even)
- Sandpaper (to smooth edges)
- Paint or varnish (optional, for aesthetics and weather protection)
Choosing a Site for Your Teeter Totter
Select a flat and open area in your yard or playground where the ground is even. This will be the location for your teeter totter. Ensure that the site is clear of any obstacles and that there’s ample space for the teeter totter to move up and down without any hindrances.
Step 1: Preparing the Seat
Start by preparing the wooden plank that will serve as the seat. If necessary, cut the plank to your desired length. A standard seesaw is 8 to 12 feet long, but you can adjust this based on age and size of users. Smooth the edges and surfaces using sandpaper to ensure it’s safe and free from splinters. Paint or varnish the wood to protect it from the elements and let it dry completely.
Step 2: Constructing the Pivot
The pivot is the central point on which the teeter totter will balance. Find the center of your wooden plank and attach the wooden or metal beam perpendicular to the plank using brackets. The beam should be strong enough to support the weight of the users. Ensure that the beam is centered perfectly to the plank to make sure the seesaw will balance correctly. Attach the brackets using screws or bolts, and make sure they’re tight and secure.
Step 3: Making the Base
For a simple teeter totter, you can create a base out of the remaining wood or use a sturdy object to act as the fulcrum. The base needs to be strong enough to hold the pivot point in place. You can also dig a shallow hole to set the pivot beam into the ground for additional stability, depending on your design.
Step 4: Assembling the Teeter Totter
With the seat and pivot ready, it’s time to bring them together. Place the pivot point onto the base. Check that the teeter totter is level by placing the level on the seat near the center beam. Adjust as necessary until it is perfectly horizontal.
Step 5: Safety Check and Finishing Touches
Do a thorough check of all screws, bolts, and other hardware to make sure everything is securely fastened. Sand down any rough edges or corners that may have been missed earlier. Test the teeter totter with a little weight first to ensure it’s stable. You may also want to add handles near the ends of the seat for users to hold onto, as well as stoppers to prevent the teeter totter from hitting the ground too hard.
Maintenance and Safety
Regularly inspect your teeter totter for any signs of wear or damage, especially after severe weather. Ensure the pivot point remains well-lubricated if using a metal pivot. Always supervise children while they are using the teeter totter to prevent accidents.
Creating a teeter totter can be as simple or complex as you want to make it. The steps provided here are for a basic model, but you can always customize or add features as desired. Safety is paramount, so make sure that during construction and play, all possible precautions are taken. Enjoy your new backyard creation!