Wood Seesaw or Teeter Totter

Dimensions are shown above.

Difficulty: Intermediate

Make a teeter totter or seesaw for less than $20! You'll just need some 2x framing lumber, a bolt and
screws, and our free, easy step by step seesaw plans.

This project has been built hundreds (if not thousands) of times and beloved by children everywhere.
Build and use at your own risk.

Preparation

Shopping List

2 – 2x4 @ 8 feet long

2 – 2x6 @ 8 feet long

1 – 10” 5/8” bolt with nut and four washers

1 – 1x8 @ 3 feet long

1 – 24” 1” dowel or closet rod

Common Materials

3 inch screws

Elmer's Wood Glue

Cut List

2 – 2x4 @ 96”

2 – 2x6 @ 24” (uprights)

2 – 2x6 @ 36” (long base)

2 – 2x6 @ 24” (short base - both ends cut at 30 degrees off square ends NOT parallel to each other)

2 – 2x6 @ 12” (scrap piece can be shorter than 12” – used for handle)

FROM EACH 2x6 cut one each of the 24”, 36”, 24” and 12” to conserve boards

Tools

measuring tape

square

hammer
safety glasses

hearing protection

drill

circular saw

sander

countersink drill bit

General Instructions

Please read through the entire plan and all comments before beginning this project. It is also
advisable to review the Getting Started Section. Take all necessary precautions to build safely and
smartly. Work on a clean level surface, free of imperfections or debris. Always use straight boards.
Check for square after each step. Always predrill holes before attaching with screws. Use glue with
finish nails for a stronger hold. Wipe excess glue off bare wood for stained projects, as dried glue will
not take stain. Be safe, have fun, and ask for help if you need it. Good luck!

Instructions

Step 1
Attach long base supports to uprights with lots of screws and glue.

Step 2
Then add the side supports again with lots of screws and glue.

Step 3
Build the seat part by sandwiching the handle supports between 8 foot long 2x4s and attaching with
glue and lots of screws. Drill a 5/8" hole in center of 2x4s for the pivot bolt.

Step 4
I used scrap 1x8 boards for the seats, covered in a foam chair pad cut in half and outdoor fabric. I
drilled three holes in the uprights with 5/8" bit so the seesaw could be adjustable. The most difficult
part of this seesaw was getting the bolt holes lined up. We ended up just making the bolt holes a little
larger so the bolts could pass through easier. On the bolt, we put washers on each side of the
uprights to protect the finish and for a smoother ride. For the handles, we had extra closet rod dowel,
so we just cut to size, and drilled a hole and inserted the rod. We then glued and screwed in place.

Finishing Instructions

Preparation Instructions
 Fill all holes with wood filler and let dry. Apply additional coats of wood filler as needed. When wood
filler is completely dry, sand the project in the direction of the wood grain with 120 grit sandpaper.
Vacuum sanded project to remove sanding residue. Remove all sanding residue on work surfaces as
well. Wipe project clean with damp cloth.

It is always recommended to apply a test coat on a hidden area or scrap piece to ensure color
evenness and adhesion. Use primer or wood conditioner as needed.

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