Build your own horizontal bar: Joy of movement for children in the Swiss garden

A horizontal bar in your own garden not only makes children's eyes light up, but also supports the healthy development of your child. Especially in Switzerland, where many families have a private garden, parents are looking for meaningful ways to encourage children outdoors - away from screen time. This is exactly where a home-made horizontal bar comes into play: it encourages movement, contributes to motor development and is fun to boot. Thanks to its space-saving design, it fits into almost any Swiss garden and is easy to build yourself.

In this guide, you will learn step by step how to build a safe and durable horizontal bar yourself - ideal for Swiss weather conditions and garden conditions. You will not only learn which materials are suitable and how to choose the perfect location, but also which mistakes should be avoided. Whether as a spring project or a summer vacation activity, these instructions are suitable for everyday use, family-friendly and ideal for DIY enthusiasts.

Horizontal bar in the garden: Why outdoor exercise is so important

A horizontal bar - often also called a gymnastics bar - is a simple but versatile piece of outdoor sports equipment for children. It consists of a horizontal stainless steel tube that is fixed between two posts. Children can use it for gymnastics, climbing, swinging or playfully testing their strength. In addition to the high fun factor, the gymnastics pole also offers numerous health benefits.

1.1 Strengthen motor skills and promote body awareness

Regular use of a horizontal bar specifically develops the core, arm and back muscles. Children develop important coordination skills - from balance to body control. Studies prove this: Those who get enough exercise not only train motor skills, but often also have an improved ability to concentrate.

This physical activity promotes self-esteem and helps children to develop a healthy relationship with their own bodies - particularly valuable during the crucial growth phase. A gymnastics bar is therefore much more than just a piece of play equipment: it makes a concrete contribution to holistic development.

1.2 Motivating children to play outdoors

Whether in urban areas or in rural Alpine regions: your own garden is a valuable retreat and adventure space. A well-placed horizontal bar creates a low-threshold exercise opportunity that children enjoy using time and again - alone or with friends. Especially in Switzerland, where seasonal weather and altitudes vary, it is worth adapting this offer individually to the garden conditions.

More exercise in the fresh air promotes the natural sleep rhythm, strengthens the immune system and supports emotional well-being. A horizontal bar in the garden therefore not only brings more activity, but also quality of life - for children and parents alike.

Which materials are ideal for Swiss gardens?

When building a horizontal bar, you should look for durable and weatherproof materials that can cope with snow, frost and UV radiation. In Switzerland, natural weather influences should not be underestimated - especially in mountainous regions, the choice of materials plays a key role in longevity.

2.1 Proven materials for the Swiss climate

Pressure-impregnated woods such as robinia or larch are recommended for the posts, as they are naturally resistant to rot. Alternatively, hot-dip galvanized steel is also suitable. The horizontal bar itself should be made of stainless steel - this is hygienic, weather-resistant and particularly durable, making it ideal for outdoor use.

These materials have proved particularly successful in Swiss gardens:

• Posts: Robinia, larch or galvanized steel
• horizontal bar: Stainless steel tube with approx. 33 mm diameter
• Floor anchor system: H-anchors made of galvanized steel set in concrete
• Screws: Stainless steel screws (A2 or A4)

2.2 Consider safety and Swiss standards

Safe installation is a top priority - especially when it comes to playground equipment for children. In Switzerland, the SN EN 1176 standard provides helpful standards for the safety of playground equipment. Even though it is aimed at public facilities, it is a valuable guide for private use.

Install the structure at least 50 cm deep in the ground - H-anchors set in concrete are ideal. Although drive-in sleeves are easier to install, they offer significantly less stability. Make sure that all metal parts are rustproof and check the connections regularly - especially after the winter.

Choose the right location for the horizontal bar

A well-chosen location not only ensures maximum safety, but also a long service life. Swiss garden owners should pay particular attention to the weather, slope and subsoil - whether in the Swiss Plateau or Valais.

3.1 Space requirements, safety and ground conditions

Allow around 2 x 3 meters of free space so that children can move freely on the pole. You should keep a safe distance of at least 1.5 meters from walls, trees or fences to the sides and front/rear.

A pole height of around 120 cm is suitable for smaller children. Taller children or several children require a height of 140-160 cm and, if necessary, a longer pole (up to 180 cm). The longer and higher the pole, the more stable the foundation needs to be. A shock-absorbing surface is essential:

• Wood chips or bark mulch
• Fine sand with drainage
• Grass pavers with grass filling

Avoid hard surfaces such as concrete or paving stones at all costs - the risk of injury is much higher there.

3.2 Choice of location for Swiss weather zones

The title "Build your own horizontal bar in Switzerland" obliges you to take local conditions into account: Choose a site with good ventilation, partial shade and a slight incline to prevent waterlogging - especially in regions with high precipitation such as the Bernese Oberland or the foothills of the Alps.

Ideally, the pole should be placed in daylight, but not in full sunlight: this prevents the metal from heating up too much in summer. Also make sure that there are snow-free, easily accessible areas - this way the gym pole can be used almost all year round.

Building your own horizontal bar is child's play: Instructions & ideas

The good news: with a little time, tools and motivation, you can easily build a gymnastic bar in the garden yourself. Anyone who wants to build safely and has already implemented DIY projects in the garden - such as a raised bed or a play tower - will find the ideal addition for active play at home here.

4.1 DIY building instructions for your own horizontal bar

You will need the following to build your own:

• 2 robinia posts (9 x 9 x 250 cm)
• 1 stainless steel tube, Ø 33 mm, length 130-180 cm
• 2 H-anchors + approx. 50 kg concrete
• Drill, set of bits, wrench
• Spade or auger, bucket for concrete mix

This is how you proceed:

1. Prepare the site, level the ground, remove the soil layer
2. Dig post holes approx. 80 cm deep
3. Set H-anchors in concrete, align precisely with spirit level, allow to harden for 24 hours
4. Cut posts to length and mark drill holes at the same height on both sides
5. Guide the tube through the drill holes and secure with stainless steel screws
6. Screw the posts together with anchors - done!

4.2 Creative design: Tips for integrating the garden

Make the horizontal bar an attractive part of your garden design:

• Paint the posts with colorful wood stain (e.g. in typical CH colors such as blue-green or natural wood)
• Combine with gymnastic rings, rope or children's swing
• Integration into a play structure or climbing course
• Planting boxes at the base - for example with herbs or strawberries for double the benefit
• Chalkboard or name plate for individual design by the child

How to look after the garden horizontal bar properly

Maintaining a self-built gymnastic bar in the garden is uncomplicated, but should be carried out regularly. Over the years, frost or intense sunlight can cause minor damage - but with a few tips, the system will remain safe and functional in the long term.

5.1 Maintenance and care tips for many years of use

Check all metal and wooden connections 1-2 times a year. Tighten any loose screws and check for deformations or cracks in the wood. Clean the stainless steel horizontal bar with a soft cloth and a little soapy water.

Wooden posts should be treated with a suitable wood protection paint every two to three years. Remove fallen leaves in the fall and avoid waterlogging at the base - otherwise fungi will quickly take hold here.

5.2 Avoid mistakes - for more safety in the garden

• Posts anchored too shallowly: At least 50 cm deep, 80 cm is ideal
• Post mounted too loosely: Always fix with screws or secure clamps
• Unsuitable materials: Do not use bare timber or rusting pipes
• Unevenness in the site: Pay attention to slight slopes, avoid waterlogging

How much does self-build cost - and where can you save?

A professional horizontal bar doesn't have to cost a fortune - DIY projects in particular offer an attractive price-performance ratio in Switzerland. You can find many materials in local DIY stores or even at gardening cooperatives in your region.

6.1 Current guide prices for materials in Switzerland

• Robinia posts: approx. CHF 80-120 per pair
• Stainless steel tube (horizontal bar): approx. CHF 80-140
• Anchoring & concrete: approx. CHF 40-70
• Small material & tool wear: approx. CHF 30-50

Total costs: approx. CHF 230-350, depending on quality and scope

6.2 Saving tips for your DIY garden project

• Buy locally: e.g. at Coop Bau+Hobby, Hornbach or OBI Switzerland
• Borrow tools from friends or organize them via sharing platforms
• Joint projects with neighbors reduce costs through volume discounts
• Take advantage of offers and remaining stock at DIY stores - smaller quantities are often enough

External resources: bafu.admin.ch (Information on sustainable garden design), garden.ch (Swiss garden ideas)

Start the horizontal bar project now - for more joie de vivre, exercise and family time together in your own garden!