LITTLE RIPPERS

DELIGHT THE KIDS WITH CUSTOM DESIGNS FOR READING, DANCE AND REST

Side Bar

To help her daughter practise dancing at home, Bunnings Workshop community member Alyce (@Alyce_Pham) installed a ballet barre in her bedroom. See more at workshop.bunnings.com.au/barre. You can adapt an off-the-shelf timber handrail system to create one in your child’s bedroom. Just be sure to attach the brackets to wall studs.

Tools & materials

n Safety equipment (mask, ear and eye protection) n Tape measure and pencil n Mitre saw n Stud finder n Microfibre cloths n 600mm level n Drill with 3mm and 4mm bits n 4mm hex key n 43mm Tasmanian oak dowel• n 240-grit abrasive paper n Furniture oil n Tape n Two 70mm stainless steel handrail brackets n 12G x 50mm timber screws n Two 30mm stainless steel handrail caps n 10G x 50mm timber screws n Superglue n 10G x 25mm timber screws

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

2 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.

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

4 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.

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

6 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.

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

8 Tighten the top of the brackets with a hex key, 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.

Diy Toolkit

1 3 4 2

1 Porta 19mm select Tasmanian oak dowel, $30.70/3m, I/N: 0080020• 2 Porta 30mm stainless steel handrail cap, $20.30, I/N: 0082341. 3 Porta 70mm stainless steel handrail bracket, $24.80, I/N: 0082342. 4 Selleys ‘Power Grip’ super strong all purpose glue adhesive, $9.50/10g, I/N: 0067503. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

STYLE TIP PLACE THIS BARRE IN FRONT OF A MIRRORED BUILT-IN ROBE TO MIMIC THE FEEL OF A REAL STUDIO

Keep in mind…

n The standard barre height for kids up to 10 years is 820850mm, and 1050mm for adults.

n Work in a well-ventilated area and wear a mask when using cutting tools and sanding.

n 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.

n This barre is not designed to take the full weight of the user and is just for balancing.