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How to make a D.I.Y. ballet barre for kids

By Bunnings Magazine /

Image of room for kids with colourful wall and ballet barre installed

Overview

To help her daughter practise dancing at home, Bunnings Workshop community member Alyce (@Alyce_Pham) installed a ballet barre in her child’s bedroom. This simple D.I.Y. project is an adapted, off-the-shelf timber handrail system. You could even place it in front of a mirrored built-in robe to replicate the feel of a real dance studio.

Tip: Make sure to attach the brackets to wall studs to ensure the barre is safe and secure.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Steps

1Cut the ballet barre to size

Cut the 43mm dowel to 600mm with a mitre saw.
Green Bunnings hammer
Tip: For a longer dance barre, locate studs for brackets no more than 900mm apart and cut the dowel with maximum 450mm overhang on either end.

2Sand and oil the barre

Smooth all over and around the ends with 240-grit abrasive paper to remove breakout and round-over the edges slightly. Wipe away dust with a damp cloth. Apply furniture oil with a clean cloth and leave to dry.

3Find and mark wall studs

Use a stud finder to locate the wall studs, marking them with tape.

4Measure for the perfect height

Measure up from the floor to mark the height of the barre, then measure 110mm down, position a handrail bracket and use it as a template to mark holes on the wall over the studs. Use a level to check the holes are in-line.

5Secure the brackets

Use a 4mm bit to predrill into the wall. Secure the brackets with 12G x 50mm screws, checking for level again.

6Predrill and secure the cap connectors

Use a connector from a handrail cap as a template to mark the centres of the dowel ends. Predrill with a 3mm bit, then secure the cap connectors with 10G x 50mm screws.

7Glue the caps to your barre

Apply superglue around the connectors and attach the end caps, leaving to dry.

8Place the barre on the brackets and secure

Tighten the top of the brackets with a hex key and position the barre on the brackets, checking the overhang is equal. Mark holes through the brackets underneath to predrill the barre with a 3mm bit, securing with 25mm screws.

9Keep in mind…

 

  • The standard ballet barre height for kids up to 10 years is 820-850mm, and 1050mm for adults.
  • Work in a well-ventilated area and wear a mask when using cutting tools and sanding.
  • Before drilling into walls, use a stud finder to check for wiring or pipework and turn off the power before working. If unsure, call a professional.
  • This D.I.Y. barre is not designed to take the full weight of the user and is intended for balancing.

    • Ready to get started?

    Learn more about this fun D.I.Y. project at workshop.bunnings.com.au/barre.

    Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

     

    Photo Credit: Sue Stubbs

    Health & Safety

    Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

    When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.