How to Build a Spooky Working Drawbridge with Sounds and Light

Step 2 Assemble Frame

We took the dimensions of our door (51" x 82"), and used them for the inside dimensions of our frame. We added about 1.5" clearance on the top and sides. First we cut the 3" x 12" plate for the base 8' long. Then we cut a piece of 8" x 8" for the top 8' long, and two more pieces for the sides 88" long each. We pinned the top plate to the uprights using two pieces (one each side) of 1/2" rebar 18" long and ground to a point with an electric handheld grinder, leaving about 14" overhang on each side of the top plate (inside span between the two uprights should be 54"). We predrilled the top plate and drove the rebar into the uprights on each side using a sledge hammer. Instead of driving the rebar flush with the top plate, we left a little sticking up and drove it over to lock it in place. Then we attached the bottom to the sides using 6" lag bolts (we just used one per side) and leaving the same 14" overhang on each side of the bottom plate. We placed the upright posts in the center (front to back) of the 3" x 12" plate (about 2" of bottom plate should overhang on front and back edges). Finally, we cut a piece of 6" x 6" to fit between the two uprights. We attached it to the bottom plate flush with the front edge (it will be slightly ahead of the upright posts).