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This step by step woodworking project is about monkey bars plans. I have designed this project so you can build an entertaining playset for your kids. Make sure you adjust the dimensions to suit your needs and also supervise them while using it. Smooth all the sharp edges and leave no protruding screws. See my other woodworking DIY projects HERE.
We recommend you to invest in the best materials you could afford. Therefore, you should buy weather-resistant lumber, such as pine or cedar. Always take accurate measurements before adjusting the size of the components at the proper size. Drill pilot holes trough the components before inserting the wood screws, to prevent the wood from splitting. See all my Premium Plans in the Shop.
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Monkey Bars Plans
Building monkey bars
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Materials
- 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 BASE
- C – 2 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 96″ long, 2 pieces – 15″ long FRAME
- D – 10 pieces 2×3 lumber – 21″ long STEPS
- E – 10 pieces of  1″ dowel – 17″ long BARS
- F – 2 pieces of 2×6 – 96″ long, 2 pieces – 24″ long FRAME
- G – 4 pieces of 2×4 lumber – 25 1/2″ long BRACES
- 12 piece of 2×4 lumber – 8′
- 3 pieces of 2×6 lumber – 8′
- 3 pieces of 2×3 lumber – 8′
- 2 1/2″ screws
- 2 pieces of 1″ dowel 8 ft
- 1″ spade bit
- paint, glue
Tools
- Safety gloves, glasses
- Miter saw, jigsaw
- Chalk line, tape measure, spirit level, carpentry pencil
- Drill machinery and drill bits
Time
- One Day
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Building wooden monkey bars
Building the stand frames
The first step of the project is to build the frame for the monkey bars. Cut the components from 2×4 lumber. Drill pilot holes through the bottom plate and insert 2 1/2″ screws into the vertical supports to lock everything together tightly. Add glue to the joints and make sure the corners are right-angled.
Fitting the steps
Fit 2×3 steps to the vertical supports, making sure you place them equally spaced. Use a block of wood to create even gaps. Drill pilot holes through the steps and insert 2 1/2″ screws.
Fitting the braces to the stand
Build the braces for the bottom supports from 2×4 lumber. Cut both ends of the braces at 45 degrees. Fit everything together tightly and use 2 1/2″ screws to lock everything together tightly.
Building the bars supports
Next, build the frame for the monkey bars from 2×4 lumber. Mark the location for the holes and then drill about 1″ in depth, using a 1″ bit.
Assembling the monkey bars frame
Fit the 17″ long monkey bars into place and then assemble the frame, using 2 1/2″ wood screws. In addition, you need to fill the holes in the supports with wood glue, so the bars will be set into place.
Attaching the monkey bars to the stand
Fit the monkey bars to the stand, as shown in the diagram. Drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws to lock everything together tightly. Leave no gaps between the components and check if the corners are right-angled.
Building the top frame
Build the top frame from 2×6 lumber. Clamp the components to the top of the legs, drill pilot holes and insert 2 1/2″ screws so you can lock them into place tightly. Add waterproof glue to the joints so you add rigidity to the structure.
Building the braces
Fit 2×4 braces to the stand, so you lock everything together tightly. Cut both ends of the braces at 45 degrees and then secure them into place with 2 1/2″ screws and glue.
Monkey Bar Plans
Fill the holes with wood putty and let it dry out for several days. Smooth the surface with 120-220 grit sandpaper for a professional result. Apply a few coats of stain or paint to enhance the look of the project and to protect them from the elements.
Build monkey bars
This monkey bar stand is a nice addition to any backyard, as it will keep your kids entertained for so many hours in a row.  You can adjust the size of the project easily so it suits your needs and tastes.  If you like my project, don’t forget to SHARE it on Facebook and Pinterest.
Monkey Bar Plans
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DIY Monkey bars
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Thank you for reading our project about guitar monkey bars plans and I recommend you to check out the rest of the projects. Don’t forget to LIKE and SHARE our projects with your friends, by using the social media widgets. SUBSCRIBE to be the first that gets our latest projects.
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6 comments
I made a prototype from 1-1/4″ dowel 24″ length. I holds my weight (185 lbs) but the wood flexes, but then my daughter started swinging and jumping to the next and I saw it flex, scared it might break when her heavier cousins go on it I’m going to reduce the length to 18″ which will give a spacing of 16-1/5 ” and a better weight capacity.
Thanks for the feedback. Let me know how the modifications came out and the results.
Hi I am wondering what weight this design will hold. I am also wondering how the plans would change if instead of 2X4’s I use 4X4’s. Ultimately I want to build two monkey bars sets and run 4 X 4’s connecting them that my kids can connect hammocks too.
You need to make minimal modifications. I’m not sure about the maximum height. If you go very tall, you will need some diagonal bracing.
From the parts list (2 – 2×6 by 96′) I am short two 24 inch 2×6 for F frame. Why do you need the 2 -15 inch 2×4 in the monkey bars, you can not use two dowel bars and the 25 1/2 inch braces should be enough support??
I updated the list for the extra 2×6. Regarding your question, you already know the answer. You cannot compare the dowels with 2x4s, to close the frame and add extra rigidity to the monkey bars.