Introduction: Slackline Without Trees - How to Build an A-Frame
I have a large yard but no two trees are close enough to set up a slackline. I've always thought about doing a deadman's anchor and finally decided to do it. Here is how I did it:
Step 1: Pick Your Spot and Dig Out the Grass
Cut out the grass so you can replace it later.
Step 2: Start Digging
Dig about 3 or 4 feet across and a few feet down. If you live in southwest Missouri like I do than you will not enjoy this step. There are more rocks than dirt.
Step 3: Make It a "T"
Once you've dug the initial ditch, dig another one to make a "T." The second ditch won't be as deep and will get gradually shallower as it goes.
Step 4: Drop in Your 4x4 and Line
Put your line around the 4x4 and drop it in.
Step 5: Bury the 4x4.
Bury the 4x4 and fill the hole in. Pack it down as you go. It also helps to add water to get it nice and packed in.
Step 6: Replace Your Divots
Put your grass back!
Step 7: Plan the A-Frame
I've seen a few different ways to build the A-frame. This is what I did.
2x4x44" - 2 of these for the vertical pieces
2x4x48 - 1 for the base
4x4x5 - 2 for the middle spacers
4x4x10 - 1 for support between the vertical pieces
2x4x16 - 2 for the diagonal supports. - I actually don't know how long they are. I just cut them to where they'd fit.
1/2"x7" bolts - 2 for the varied heights.
Step 8: Build That Sucker
I used a ton of 2.5" wood screws.
Step 9: Now You're Ready to Slackline
Pick your height and start tightening. You'll have to adjust the A-Frame as you tighten. I've found that if it's leaning a bit backwards it works better.
24 Comments
Question 6 months ago
Working on a shorter version, but our slack line is almost 60 feet long. How do you manage all the extra without cutting the extra line?
3 years ago on Step 7
Hey I made one just for kids... 13.5” height
6 years ago
how long will the webbing last being it is bury in the soil?
Reply 3 years ago
It’s been 6 years and I still use it.
Question 5 years ago
What do you do with the line when you mow the grass?
Answer 3 years ago
Weed eater around it
Question 4 years ago on Step 9
Hello! I'm starting to think about making this kind of setup to put a jumpline in my garden and to have gym mattresses
But here is a question that might deserve to be raised, how do you backup your ratchet ? (Even of I know I should later consider about getting a better system)
4 years ago
Thank you man!
5 years ago
I used this design to make my a-frames. They are working well. Thanks!
Reply 5 years ago
Great! Mine is still working great after 3 years of use.
5 years ago
Hey! Thank you for the information!
What are the heights of the slackline strip bolts? Any recommendations?
Thanks! Nir.
Reply 5 years ago
The heights can be whatever you want or need. Mine are fairly high up because my line is pretty long, about 30-40 ft. I had to do it that way so the line wouldn't touch the ground when I bounce on it.
6 years ago
@yiucycle good question. Mine is still good. I dug it up a bit this past summer and all was well. It'll be 3 years buried this spring.
6 years ago
Hey, could I know what kind of wood you used, and what other kinds of wood might be suitable? I'm thinking about building my own A-frame soon.
6 years ago
Thanks for the post. I just got back from the store where I bought all of the materials. So FYI for anyone giving this a shot; it cost me about $85 for all the components.
7 years ago
I made it and it works perfectly and suits my needs thanks.
Reply 7 years ago
Awesome! Glad it worked out for you. I've been using mine for 2 years and it works as good now as it did when I first built it.
7 years ago
I'm a little confused by your shopping list for the A-Frame. The first line, "2x4x44 - 2 of these for the vertical pieces" is this a frame 4 feet tall? I don't think so, which means this would make 4 2x4x22s, enough for 2 A-Frames. The same seems to go for the base cut.
However, the next 4 lines seem to be for only one A-Frame.
Can you please clarify?
Reply 7 years ago
The frame is indeed that tall. If it was only 22" tall the line would hit the ground when you are on it.
7 years ago
If you're using two 2x4's side-on and one 4x4 in between doesn't that mean your bolts need to be at least 8"?