PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
EDIT Edit this Article
EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games Arts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and GardenRelationship Quizzes Cars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and StyleSports and Fitness Computers and ElectronicsHealthPets and AnimalsTravel Education & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and ReligionWork World Family LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationshipsYouth
LOG IN
Log in
Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. FacebookGooglewikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
RANDOM
Home
Random
Browse Articles
TrendingNew
Quizzes & Games
All QuizzesHot
Love Quizzes
Personality Quizzes
Fun Games
Dating Simulator
Learn Something New
Forums
Courses
Happiness Hub
Explore More
Support wikiHow
About wikiHow
Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow
Categories
Sports and Fitness
Individual Sports
Gymnastics
How to Make a Balance Beam Download Article Co-authored by Sam Hubbard
Last Updated: February 19, 2026 Approved
Download Article
Making the Beam
|
Adding the Base
|
Video
|
Q&A
|
Tips
|
Warnings
|
Things You'll Need
|Show more|Show less X
This article was co-authored by Sam Hubbard. Sam Hubbard is a Professional Carpenter and the Owner of Highlands Remodeling. He has over 19 years of experience in the carpentry industry. Sam specializes in both home remodels and custom woodworking projects. Highlands Remodel has been recognized for their kitchen remodels, home woodworking projects, cabinetry, closet installations, and handyman services. Highlands Remodeling serves communities throughout both North and South Carolina, and holds an official certification from the Association of Certified Handyman Professionals (ACHP). Sam and his company take pride in their ability to transform their client’s existing spaces into something truly remarkable. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, several readers have written to tell us that this article was helpful to them, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 490,920 times.
Balance beams can be a critical skill to master for gymnasts of any age. They teach younger students agility and balance while still offering a wide range of challenges for even the most accomplished gymnast. Learning how to make a balance beam can allow your gymnast the opportunity to practice more frequently from the comforts of home.
Steps
Part 1 Part 1 of 2:
Making the Beam
Download Article
1 Purchase the required lumber from your local hardware supplier. To build the balance beam you will need six 8 foot (2.44 m) pieces of 1-by-6 pine beams, four 12-inch (61 cm) pieces of 2-by-4 wood planks and four 24-inch (30.5 cm) pieces of 2-by-4 wood planks.
You will also need to purchase everything listed below in "Things You'll Need". These items can all be found at your local hardware supplier or stores such as Home Depot and Lowes.
2 Wash the entire surface area of each wood piece. Use soap, water and a washcloth, sponge or coarse brush to scrub the wood pieces thoroughly. This is very important as dirt and grime can prevent the wood glue from working as effectively. Let the wood sit for a while until it is completely dry before adding the glue. Advertisement
3 Glue the six 8 feet (2.4 m) wood pieces together. Place the pine beams vertically next to one another as that is how they will need to be administered. Glue the largest sides (the flat sides with the most surface area) of the wooden beams together with an industrial-strength wood glue (preferably waterproof). Use a very generous amount of glue in this process as that is what keeps the wood beams together. Make sure they dry before the next step![1]XResearch source
When finished the fronts and backs of the beams should be completely flush, creating 1 large beam measuring 8-feet (2.44 m) long and around 4.5-inches (10.2 cm) wide.
The 4.5-inch (10.2 cm) surface will be the top of your homemade beam.
4 Secure the beams together while the glue dries. The best solution for securing the beams together is to use wood clamps. If you don't have clamps, lay the beams flat on their widest part and apply a heavy weight to help fuse the boards.[2]XResearch source
Allow the beams to dry for at least 24 hours.
5 Sand the wood. When the glue has dried, remove the clamps or the weights, and sand the entire surface of the beam.[3]XResearch source
Use a sanding plane or sand belt to ensure the surface is uniform and even.
6 Mount steel galvanized angle holders to the beam. Screw the angle holders (the angle holders will come with screws) to the underside ends of your balance beam approximately 12 inches (30.5 cm) from the end of each side.
Advertisement Part 2 Part 2 of 2:
Adding the Base
Download Article
1 Add legs to the beam. Fasten the four 12-inch (30.5 cm) pieces of 2-by-4 wood planks into the angle holders to create the legs, using 4 wood screws per leg, or 16 screws total.
There should be 4 available spaces in the angle holders, 1 for each leg.
2 Anchor the base for each leg. Attach one 24-inch (61 cm) piece of 2-by-4 wood plank to the bottom of each leg, using 4 total, with 4 wood screws per anchor.
These will ensure greater stability and a balanced surface.
3 Cover with synthetic suede padding. Cut a long, thin strip of the suede padding to fit the length and width of the beam. Glue the padding onto the surface so it covers the entire beam.[4]XResearch source
For optimal results, use a piece wide enough to fit all the way around the beam with enough left over to fasten to the underside with the angle holders.
Allow the padding and glue to fully dry before using the beam.
Advertisement
Video
Community Q&A
Search Add New Question
Question Do you have any suggestions on how to find synthetic suede? Community Answer Go to a fabric/craft store and ask an employee for help. You can also order it online. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 16
Question Would cedar work well as a balance beam? Community Answer Yes, but cedar is an expensive and softer wood that could be dented by your shoes. However, cedar is also more stable outdoors than a standard SPF plank. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 21 Helpful 46
Question Do you have to put anything over the beam? Community Answer You should, so you have a soft landing when you are doing a skill and so you don't get splinter. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 20 Helpful 42
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement
Tips
Before purchasing the lumber pieces, make sure to measure them. Not all beams are exactly the same length, and you need pieces which are even sized for the balance beam. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 0
When first gluing the beams together, be sure to apply the wood glue very liberally. This is the heart of the balance beam, and it will need to be strong enough to support your gymnast through rigorous exercise. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 1
If you are making a beam for indoors, consider gluing additional synthetic suede pieces to the bottom of the legs anchor pieces. This will prevent the beam from scratching your floors. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 1
Show More Tips Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement
Warnings
Thoroughly test your new balance beam before performing rigorous routines. The beam is only as good as the craftsmanship, and to avoid serious injury take great measures to ensure it is solid and can hold up under pressure.[5]XResearch sourceThanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Advertisement
Things You'll Need
Soap and water
Six 8-foot (2.44 m) pieces of 1-by-6 pine beams
Waterproof wood glue
Wood clamps or heavy weights
Sanding plane or sand belt
Galvanized angle holder and screws
Four 12-inch (61 cm) pieces of 2-by-4 wood planks
Four 24-inch (30.5 cm) pieces of 2-by-4 wood planks
Screwdriver
32 wood screws
Synthetic suede padding (optional)
You can also add duct tape to a regular mat for a stripe beam!
You Might Also Like
How toBuild a Gymnastics BarDIY Agility Seesaw for Dogs: A Step-by-Step Visual GuideHow toWalk on a Gymnastics Balance BeamHow toBuild a Climbing WallHow toBuild a Balance BoardHow toMake Your Own Wrestling RingHow toWrap BeamsHow toMake a Shuffleboard TableHow toBuild a LongboardHow to Design & Build a Skateboard RampHow to Make a DIY Wooden Bed FrameHow toBuild a Dog RampHow toBuild a Picnic TableHow to Make a Bike Stand: Step-by-Step Instructions Advertisement
Co-authored by: Sam Hubbard Professional Carpenter This article was co-authored by Sam Hubbard. Sam Hubbard is a Professional Carpenter and the Owner of Highlands Remodeling. He has over 19 years of experience in the carpentry industry. Sam specializes in both home remodels and custom woodworking projects. Highlands Remodel has been recognized for their kitchen remodels, home woodworking projects, cabinetry, closet installations, and handyman services. Highlands Remodeling serves communities throughout both North and South Carolina, and holds an official certification from the Association of Certified Handyman Professionals (ACHP). Sam and his company take pride in their ability to transform their client’s existing spaces into something truly remarkable. This article has been viewed 490,920 times. 100 votes - 73% Co-authors: 25Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 490,920 Categories: GymnasticsArticle SummaryX
To make a balance beam, first glue six 8-foot pieces of wood together for the top. When the glue has dried, sand the wood and mount angle holders underneath the ends of your balance beam. Then use wood screws to fasten four 12-inch pieces of 2x4 planks into the holders for the legs. Make a stable base for your balance beam by attaching one 24-inch piece of 2x4 plank to the bottom of each leg. Finish your balance beam by covering it with synthetic suede padding. For more information on making a balance beam, including how to prepare the wood before you start, read on!Did this summary help you?YesNo
In other languages Spanish Italian Russian French Vietnamese Arabic
Print
Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 490,920 times.
Reader Success Stories
Tony Corvelo
Jun 28, 2017
"I'm building this for a 10-year-old. I needed specific measurements and tips. Thanks a million."
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story
Did this article help you?
Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Sam Hubbard Professional Carpenter 100 votes - 73% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 25Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 490,920
Tony Corvelo
Jun 28, 2017
"I'm building this for a 10-year-old. I needed specific measurements and tips. Thanks a million."
Jim Joll
Nov 24, 2017
"This was perfect. All the answers to all my DIY beam questions. Thanks!"
Brizzzy 1424
Sep 14, 2017
"It told me what to buy and how to put everything together." Rated this article:
Abi Fash
Aug 21, 2017
"About the lengths of the beam." Rated this article:
Gerrit Kroontje
Nov 15, 2017
"It was very detailed. Thanks." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
Quizzes & Games
Can We Guess How Tall You Are QuizTake QuizHow Tall Will I Be QuizTake QuizBedroom Aesthetic QuizTake QuizWhat Instrument Should I Play QuizTake Quiz
You Might Also Like
How toBuild a Gymnastics BarDIY Agility Seesaw for Dogs: A Step-by-Step Visual GuideHow toWalk on a Gymnastics Balance BeamHow toBuild a Climbing Wall
Trending Articles
Psychopath TestWhat Female Body Shape Are You? How to Identify YoursWhat Kind of Cat Am I QuizIf I Were A... Quiz
Trending Articles
Do You Agree with These "Hear Me Out" Character Hot Takes?Do I Have Main Character Energy?Can Your Finger Length Tell Your Personality?What Are Narrow Clavicles? Plus, How to Build Shoulder Width with Exercises
Take the Quiz Everyone Is Talking About
Am I Gay QuizWhat Animal Am I QuizWhat Is My Mental Age QuizHow Well Do I Know My Best Friend Quiz
You've Seen These All Over Your Feed
10+ Scary Phone Numbers to Call360 of the Best Borg Names for Your Next Party: Unique, Historical & MoreWhat Every Domain Expansion Hand Sign Means In Jujutsu KaisenThe Ultimate List of Truth or Drink Questions
Featured Videos
How toPlay Dice (2 Dice Gambling Games)How toPersuade a Girl over TextHow toGive Someone the Silent TreatmentHow toMake Hibiscus Tea
Hot Takes 🔥 🔥 🔥
Do You Agree with These Crazy Hot Takes?Do You Agree with These Pop Culture Hot Takes?Do You Agree With These Fashion Hot Takes?Do You Agree With These Board Game Hot Takes?
Your Daily Dose of Fun!
When Will I Get My First Period QuizAm I a Bruh Girl?Which My Little Pony Am I QuizAm I Cool Quiz
Categories
Sports and Fitness
Individual Sports
Gymnastics
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
Download Article Co-authored by Sam Hubbard 
Advertisement 
Co-authored by: Sam Hubbard Professional Carpenter This article was co-authored by Sam Hubbard. Sam Hubbard is a Professional Carpenter and the Owner of Highlands Remodeling. He has over 19 years of experience in the carpentry industry. Sam specializes in both home remodels and custom woodworking projects. Highlands Remodel has been recognized for their kitchen remodels, home woodworking projects, cabinetry, closet installations, and handyman services. Highlands Remodeling serves communities throughout both North and South Carolina, and holds an official certification from the Association of Certified Handyman Professionals (ACHP). Sam and his company take pride in their ability to transform their client’s existing spaces into something truly remarkable. This article has been viewed 490,920 times. 100 votes - 73% Co-authors: 25 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 490,920 Categories: Gymnastics Article SummaryX
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
671 
1 Purchase the required lumber from your local hardware supplier. To build the balance beam you will need six 8 foot (2.44 m) pieces of 1-by-6 pine beams, four 12-inch (61 cm) pieces of 2-by-4 wood planks and four 24-inch (30.5 cm) pieces of 2-by-4 wood planks. 
2 Wash the entire surface area of each wood piece. Use soap, water and a washcloth, sponge or coarse brush to scrub the wood pieces thoroughly. This is very important as dirt and grime can prevent the wood glue from working as effectively. Let the wood sit for a while until it is completely dry before adding the glue. Advertisement 
3 Glue the six 8 feet (2.4 m) wood pieces together. Place the pine beams vertically next to one another as that is how they will need to be administered. Glue the largest sides (the flat sides with the most surface area) of the wooden beams together with an industrial-strength wood glue (preferably waterproof). Use a very generous amount of glue in this process as that is what keeps the wood beams together. Make sure they dry before the next step![1] 
4 Secure the beams together while the glue dries. The best solution for securing the beams together is to use wood clamps. If you don't have clamps, lay the beams flat on their widest part and apply a heavy weight to help fuse the boards.[2] 
5 Sand the wood. When the glue has dried, remove the clamps or the weights, and sand the entire surface of the beam.[3] 
6 Mount steel galvanized angle holders to the beam. Screw the angle holders (the angle holders will come with screws) to the underside ends of your balance beam approximately 12 inches (30.5 cm) from the end of each side. Advertisement 
1 Add legs to the beam. Fasten the four 12-inch (30.5 cm) pieces of 2-by-4 wood planks into the angle holders to create the legs, using 4 wood screws per leg, or 16 screws total. 
2 Anchor the base for each leg. Attach one 24-inch (61 cm) piece of 2-by-4 wood plank to the bottom of each leg, using 4 total, with 4 wood screws per anchor. 
3 Cover with synthetic suede padding. Cut a long, thin strip of the suede padding to fit the length and width of the beam. Glue the padding onto the surface so it covers the entire beam.[4] 
Community Answer Go to a fabric/craft store and ask an employee for help. You can also order it online. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 16 
Community Answer Yes, but cedar is an expensive and softer wood that could be dented by your shoes. However, cedar is also more stable outdoors than a standard SPF plank. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 21 Helpful 46 
Community Answer You should, so you have a soft landing when you are doing a skill and so you don't get splinter. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 20 Helpful 42