In other words—how to make your daughter think you’re the best dad in the whole entire universe.
So we’ve got a gymnast in the family. And no, I’m NOT talking about me. Let’s not address the summer- sault gone wrong the other night. Pretty sure I broke my neck.
When your little one is the next Jordan Weiber, it’s inevitable that she’ll start asking for gym equipment. Ya know—balance beam, uneven bars, pummel horse—all the inexpensive stuff. She began leaving subtle hints around the house, so my husband built her a balance beam.
Here’s how he did it. Keep in mind I skipped photographing quite a few steps because I didn’t plan on blogging about it (gasp!).
We went to Lowe’s and picked up 6, 10-foot 1×6’s and a couple of 2×4’s. He then wood glued all the 1×6’s together and kept them clamped for a few days until it dried.
He then mitered the 2×4’s and drilled them into the bottom of the beam at the ends. Using 4 L-brackets that he bent just a bit, he was able to reinforce the side 2×4’s.
In order to give it some padding, he purchased two yoga mats and stapled it to the form. That was the pricey part. Each mat was $30. Perhaps you could find them cheaper somewhere?
Then he purchased 11 feet of faux leather to seal everything up! It was $28.00.
Ta. Da.
Little Miss is extremely pleased and is ready to begin her Olympic career! The girl likes to make signs, no?
She’s got skills, that’s for sure. Clearly, I taught her everything I know.
Cost breakdown:
- Lumber and brackets: $40.00
- Yoga mats: $60.00
- Leather covering: $28.00
- Total: $128.00
Not bad considering how madly in love with it she is! And my favorite part? I didn’t do a single drop of it. This was all Daddy’s project. 
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Love! Great job. Our O is a gymnast, too. I better not show her this picture… 🙂
Olivia should be very proud to have such a great dad, and to be such an influencial sign maker! It turned out great. I can tell how much she loves it. Don’t know how she’s not terrified to do a hand stand on that skinny thing. Geessh…..
I love that last picture of you using the beam also. Your handstand is superb.
Seriously? This.is.AWESOME. She has that man wrapped around her little finger, just as it should be. Your hubby did a great job!
Wow! What a great dad to tackle that project. Love the cute signs, and good job on the handstand. 🙂
Yeah – so excited to hear your another gym mom! My youngest daughter competes gymnastics & so did one of my older girls. She now a coach at the gym while attending college. We actually compete this weekend in Gr. Rapids. Does you beam seem to be tippy at all? The one my husband built is lower but still will move slightly when she pounds on it.
I bet she is so happy!
Liz
Mid Michigan
I will NOT be showing this post to my girls! I do not have room for gym equipment!! They don’t do gymnastics for real but they sure try. Thinking I may have to sign them up – it seems to be more than a passing phase.
Dad did a fantastic job on that balance beam and he should be beaming himself!
How cool it that beam, pretty awesome if I must say so, and I must say so. Whjat’s even better is parents who support there childrens dreams, Great job to you and your husband.
This post melts my heart!! I was that little girl who received a beam- built by my dad when I was 6 years old! My house became the “beam house” while my friend’s home- two doors down- was the “bars house.” Her father had used pvc pipe to build a set of bars in their basement! We finished with floor in her yard as well! It was the dream to make the U.S. team; to train under The Great- Bela Karolyi AND to be the next Mary Lou. Thank you for sharing the dreams of a young girl and her balance beam — I love it!
Wow! I am inspired…..my daughter is a gymnast and we have been thinking about doing this in our basement. Thanks for the how to. Where did you purchase the mats???
Thanks
My dad, too, made me one of these when I was younger. All my friends were soooo jealous. The attic in our garage was dedicated to my gymnastics and it was awesome. The floors were all the padding, the walls were mirrored, I had my beam, and my dad was a garage guy so he had tons of scafeling (sp?) to make me bars. Love it!
OMG – my daughter would die over this! Too bad I don’t have anywhere to put it or I’d be picking up supplies this weekend!
Aw I bet she just loved that!
Nice! I have found yoga mats at great prices (usually under $15, even less if they have some on clearance) at Marshalls, Home Goods, and TJ Maxx.
I think that’s the coolest thing ever!! And man, those long lean legs! Jealous. Of your daughter. 😉
Very impressive and great that you can encourge your daughter in her sports at home also. Thanks for sharing.