This step by step diy woodworking project is about monkey bar plans. This article features detailed instructions for building a small monkey bars that can be moved easily and do’t require a large investment. This is the ideal project for a backyard, as it will keep your kids busy for hours. Make sure you adjust the size of the assemble to suit your needs. In addition, anchor the structure to the ground, if needed.
When buying the lumber, you should select the planks with great care, making sure they are straight and without any visible flaws (cracks, knots, twists, decay). Investing in cedar or other weather resistant lumber is a good idea, as it will pay off on the long run. Use a spirit level to plumb and align the components, before inserting the galvanized screws, otherwise the project won’t have a symmetrical look. If you have all the materials and tools required for the project, you could get the job done in about a day.
Projects made from these plans
Monkey Bar Plans
Building-monkey-bars
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- A – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 88″ long LEGS
- B – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 57″ long, 8 pieces – 25 1/2″ long BRACES
- C – 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 96″ long, 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 24″ long BEAMS
- D – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 96″ long TOP FRAME
- E – 10 pieces of 1″ dowel – 16 1/2″ long BRACES
- F – 10 pieces of 2×3 lumber – 21″ long CLEATS
- 11 piece of 2×4 lumber – 8′
- 2 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 8′
- 3 pieces of 2×3 lumber – 8′
- 2 pieces of 1″ dowel – 8′
- 150 pieces of 2 1/2″ screws
- 50 pieces of 3 1/2″ screws
- wood glue, stain/paint
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Hammer, Tape measure, Framing square, Level
Miter saw, Drill machinery, Screwdriver, Sander
Safety Gloves, Safety Glasses
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One day
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It’s that simple to build monkey bars – Video!
Building a monkey bar
Building-the-vertical-supports
The first step of the project is to build the vertical supports for the monkey bars. Cut the 2×4 components at the right sizes (you can adjust them to suit your needs). Drill pilot holes through the bottom plate and insert 3 1/2″ screws into the vertical posts.
Fitting the bottom braces
In order to enhance the rigidity of the structure, you need to attach braces to the vertical posts. Cut both ends of the braces at 45 degrees and fit them to the supports, as shown in the diagram. Plumb the supports with a spirit level and lock the braces into place with 3 1/2″ screws.
Building the rails
The next step of the project is to build the rails from 2×4 lumber. Mark the middle of the rail with a pencil. Mark the locations for the bars and make 3/4″ deep holes with a 1″ drill bit. Make sure you take accurate measurements and repeat the process for the opposite rail.
Fitting-the-bars
Use 1″ dowels to make the bars. Alternatively you can use pipes for the bars. Add waterproof glue to the holes and fit the bars. Align the components, making sure the corners are square and clamp everything together tightly.
Assembling the monkey bar frame
Fit the 2×4 support to the frame, in order to enhance the rigidity of the structure. Drill pilot holes through the frame and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the rails.
Fitting the top beams
Fit 2×6 beams to the top of the posts, as shown in the diagram. Use a spirit level to plumb the supports, drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock everything tightly.
Fitting-the-top-braces
Attach 24″ braces to the structure, as shown in the diagram. The braces will make the frame rigid. In addition, notice the diagonal braces to the sides of the monkey bars. Make 45 degree cuts to both ends of the braces and then secure them into place with 2 1/2″ screws. Plumb the posts before attaching the braces.
Fitting the monkey bars frame
Next, you need to attach the monkey bar frame to the structure. Use a spirit level to check if the frame is horizontal and a carpentry square to check if the corners are right-angled. Drill pilot holes through the vertical posts and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the frame. Also drive some screws from the interior into the vertical uprights.
Fitting the steps
One of the last steps of the project is to attach the 2×3 steps to the sides of the monkey bar structure. Once again, you can adjust the distance between the steps to get a professional result.
Money bars plans
The project seen from above has an unique appearance.
Building a monkey bar
Make sure you double check all the joints regularly to prevent potential issues.
Monkey Bar Plans
Fill the holes with wood putty and let them dry out for a few hours. Smooth the surface with 100-220 grit sandpaper and remove the residues with a damp cloth.
Top Tip: Apply a few coats of paint or stain to the components, to enhance the look of the project. If you want to get this project as a PDF file, please take a look over the GET PDF PLANS button bellow.
This woodworking project was about monkey bars plans free. If you want to see more outdoor plans, check out the rest of our step by step projects and follow the instructions to obtain a professional result.
You will need (11) 2x4x8 to complete project
Thanks for pointing that out. I’ve updated the cut list.
I noticed for the bottom braces, it says 57 inches. And the measurement from the outside to the first vertical support is 18 inches, with 18 inches in-between the next vertical brace, then another 18 inches to the other edge. Given that each vertical support is 2 inches wide, that adds up to 58 not 57
2x4s are 1 1/2″ wide and not 2″ wide. Make sure you check out the list with the actual dimensions for lumber: http://myoutdoorplans.com/imperial-to-metric-conversion/
well thats interesting, i suppose “2 by 4” rolls off the tongue a little easier than “1 1/2 by 3 1/2” 🙂
Do you see any issue attaching a swing under the monkey bars?
In this configuration I would rather not, as the bars are floating inside the frame and they could get out of the notches. If you want to attach the swing, you need to reinforce the bars you are attaching the swing to. Such as getting them all the way through the frames and then hold them into place with pins.
Would it be ok to make this 15’ long if I use 2x8s instead of 2x6s?
Yes. That will work.
Are these money bars stable enough to not tip over?
That’s the plan.