Hey there, fellow craft enthusiasts! Robert Kline here, and let me tell you, I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of a backyard treehouse, even without a suitable tree in sight. Recently, I embarked on a quest to build one for my little one, and I knew it had to have that extra something special – a fireman’s pole! Let me walk you through how my vision came to life, and how you can recreate this thrilling addition to your own backyard.
The Quest for the Perfect Pole
My vision board (okay, maybe it was just a page in my trusty notebook) was filled with sketches of zip lines and secret ladders, but the fireman’s pole held a special place in my heart. I did some digging (no pun intended) online and found that while pre-made playset poles exist, they often lack the sturdy feel and customizable height I was going for.
My brother, ever the resourceful one, suggested checking for “stripper poles” on Amazon (yes, they do exist!). We even stumbled upon a blog post where someone used a flagpole for the same purpose. While ingenious, these options were often sectional and prone to wobbling. The last thing I wanted was a wobbly pole with my daughter clinging to it!
My search led me to the motherload – Alco Metals, a fantastic industrial supplier that welcomes curious kids like mine. Amidst the metal beams and pipes, I unearthed a thing of beauty: a 13.5-foot section of 2 1/2″ stainless steel tubing. It was overkill, yes, but the gleam of that stainless steel was irresistible. The best part? The kind folks at Alco Metals gave me a steal of a deal, making this dad very happy.
From Brick Breaker to Pole Position
Now, with the pole secured, the real work began. A leftover brick step from the old patio needed to go, and boy, was it stubborn! Let me tell you, invest in a sledgehammer. It will save you a world of time and frustration when dealing with stubborn concrete. After a bit of sweat and some well-aimed swings, the step crumbled, making way for the pole.
I spent a good while carefully measuring and clamping the pole to the treehouse platform, ensuring it was close enough for little arms to reach but still comfortable for adults. A distance of about 14 inches did the trick. With the placement set, I dug an 18-inch hole (a post-hole digger is your friend here) and added a layer of gravel for drainage.
To secure the pole at the top, I attached a sturdy board to the treehouse eaves using a Simpson strong-tie bracket designed for chain link fences. A few well-placed whacks from my trusty sledgehammer persuaded the bracket to fit snugly around the pole.
Concrete Dreams and Sliding Smiles
With the pole firmly in place, it was time to pour the concrete. Trust me, this thing isn’t going anywhere! Seeing the project come together, mirroring the sketches I’d made, filled me with a sense of accomplishment. And the pole itself? Pure joy! Even though it’s only a 5-foot drop, it feels like a thrilling ride every time.
The Takeaway
Building this fireman’s pole was an adventure, a testament to the magic we can create with our own two hands. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most unexpected materials, like a stainless steel tube from an industrial supplier, can become the building blocks of childhood dreams.
So, go ahead, unleash your inner builder. Transform your backyard into a playground of imagination and create lasting memories for your little ones.
What are your thoughts? Share your own backyard adventures in the comments below! And if you’re looking for more unique, handmade gift ideas, be sure to check out the rest of Robert Kline Art’s website. You’re sure to find something special!