DIY Pikler Triangle Plans

For assembly photos, step by step tutorial, and plan rationale, see
https://abutterflyhouse.com/diy-pikler-triangle/

Note: Plans are for personal use only. Not for professional use.
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Lumber Required:
• (2) 2” x 3” x 8 Foot Boards
• (8) 1” Diameter, 48” Long Poplar Dowels
• 3/4” Plywood

Materials Required
• (2) Star Knobs
• (2) 3” Carriage Bolts*
• (2) 2 1/2” Carriage Bolts*
• (4) 1 1/2” Screws
• (4) Small Finish Nails
• (2) Nuts*
• (2) Washers*
• Wood Glue
• Sandpaper

Tools Required:
• Miter Saw
• Drill Press
• Drill/Driver
• 1” Forstner Bit
• Belt Sander
• Orbital Sander
• Ratchet and Deep Socket
• Mallet

Cut List:
• (15) 1” Dowels @24” (Ladder Rungs)**
• (2) 2 x 3 @37 3/4” (Long Legs)
• (2) 2 x 3 @34 3/4” (Short Legs)
• (2) 3/4” Plywood Triangles @ see Step 7

*Shank diameter and thread size of all nuts and bolts should match the diameter and thread size of
the star knobs.

** Given you’re using a 48” dowel to make two 24” dowels, the dowels will end up just short of 24”
because of the saw kerf. This is fine.

(c) A Butterfly House www.abutterflyhouse.com

 DIY Pikler Triangle Plans, Page 3 of 11

Before starting, be sure to read through the entire plan, familiarizing yourself with the
assembly process, as well as the placement of all screws.

Step 1: Prep and Cut Pieces

Make all cuts except the plywood triangles per the cutlist above. Sand the pieces of wood until you are
satisfied with their feel and appearance. If desired, paint the dowel rods

Step 2: Curve Leg Ends

Draw a curve onto the ends of the legs with a compass or other circular object. Using a belt sander,
sand the ends down to the curve you drew. Smooth with an orbital sander.

(c) A Butterfly House www.abutterflyhouse.com

 DIY Pikler Triangle Plans, Page 4 of 11

Step 3: Drill Dowel Holes

Using a drill press and a 1” Forstner bit, drill the dowel holes into the legs. Dowel holes should
centered on the leg and the centers spaced 5” apart.

Dowel holes should be 3/4” deep.

(c) A Butterfly House www.abutterflyhouse.com

 DIY Pikler Triangle Plans, Page 5 of 11

Step 4: Dry Fit Ladders

Test each ladder rung in the proper dowel holes. If necessary, hand sand the dowels until they fully
insert into the holes.

Step 5: Assemble Ladders

Add wood glue to each dowel hole, then insert the dowels into place. Use a mallet to ensure the
dowels are fully embedded into the wood. Repeat with the other side of the ladder, then repeat with
the second ladder.

(c) A Butterfly House www.abutterflyhouse.com

 DIY Pikler Triangle Plans, Page 6 of 11

Step 6: Add Nail Supports

Add a single finish nail to both sides of the bottom ladder rungs. Countersink the nail, and cover with
wood filler if desired. See nail placement below. There should be four nails added total (two per
ladder.)

(c) A Butterfly House www.abutterflyhouse.com

 DIY Pikler Triangle Plans, Page 7 of 11

Step 7: Cut and Sand Plywood Triangles

The plywood triangles are isosceles, and have a base of 10 1/2” and a height of 11”. To draw the
triangle on your plywood, draw a 10.5” line to act as the base.

Then in the middle of the base line, draw a perpendicular line measuring 11 1/4”.

(c) A Butterfly House www.abutterflyhouse.com

 DIY Pikler Triangle Plans, Page 8 of 11

Connect the ends of the lines, then cut out the triangle with a miter saw. Cut the base line first, then
the two other sides. I’ve labeled the approximate angle measures below; use those as a guide for
cutting the triangle.

If desired, send curve the ends of the triangle with an orbital sander.

(c) A Butterfly House www.abutterflyhouse.com

 DIY Pikler Triangle Plans, Page 9 of 11

Step 8: Assemble

Clamp the plywood triangle to the Pikler triangle legs, and add two 1 1/2” screws to the longer leg.

(c) A Butterfly House www.abutterflyhouse.com

 DIY Pikler Triangle Plans, Page 10 of 11

Drill a pilot hole to check the placement, then drill a hole the size of your carriage bolt through the
plywood triangle and shorter leg.

Add the 3” carriage bolt, nut, and washer, and tighten into place with the ratchet and deep socket.

(c) A Butterfly House www.abutterflyhouse.com

 DIY Pikler Triangle Plans, Page 11 of 11

Drill a pilot hole to check the placement, then drill a second hole the size of your carriage bolt through
the plywood triangle and shorter leg.

Slip the 2 1/2” carriage bolt through the hole. If it doesn’t reach the other side, tighten a 3” carriage
bolt into place, then remove it and replace with the 2 1/2” bolt. Secure the star knob to the bolt.

Repeat for second plywood triangle.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me at

LindsayFay@abutterflyhouse.com. I’d love to hear from you!

For more home furniture projects, visit www.abutterflyhouse.com.

(c) A Butterfly House www.abutterflyhouse.com