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How to Build a Lifeguard Tower

If you have a wooden bench that you want to use as a lifeguard chair, it can be attached to a wooden tower. You can build a the frame for the tower from two-by-four boards. The tower will need to be built in two stages. The first stage is the preparation of the framing; the second stage involves constructing the tower. To do this you will require building materials that you can find at your local home improvement store.

Things You'll Need

8-foot two-by-four boards
Tape measure
Circular saw
Miter saw
Screws
Power drill

Instructions

Prepare the Framing
- 1
  Measure two two-by-four boards to 88 inches with the tape measure. Cut the boards to this length using a circular saw. Cut a 20-degree angle on each end of the boards with the miter saw. These will be used for the back vertical frame.
- 2
  Measure two two-by-four boards to 76 inches and cut to size with the circular saw. Cut a 20-degree angle on each end with the miter saw. These will be used for the front vertical frame.
- 3
  Measure and cut two two-by-four boards to 58 1/2inches. These will be used for the front and back side framing.
- 4
  Measure and cut two two-by-four boards to 70 inches. Cut a 45-degree angle on each end. These will be used for the back supports.
- 5
  Measure and cut two 47 1/2-inch pieces from two two-by-four boards. These will be used as the steps for the lifeguard tower. Measure and cut a third two-by-four board to 47 1/2 inches for a bottom support.
Construct the Tower
- 6
  Place the two two-by-four boards cut to 88 inches parallel on the ground at a distance of 47 1/2 inches. Place the two two-by-four boards cut to 76 inches parallel on the ground at a distance of 47 1/2 inches.
- 7
  Measure up from the bottom of each board and make a mark at 3 1/2 inches with a pencil. Place two two-by-four boards cut to 47 1/2 inches on the pencil mark. Secure the boards with screws by using a power drill.
- 8
  Set both sections of framing upright. Separate the two sections by 58 1/2 inches. Measure up 3 1/2 inches from the bottom and make a mark with a pencil. Place a two-by-four board cut to 58 1/2 inches on the pencil marks and secure with screws.
- 9
  Place the two two-by-four boards that were cut to 70 inches across the back and across the inside of the back vertical frame. Align the edges of the boards and secure with screws.
- 10
  Measure up from the bottom step on the front of the frame on each side to 10 1/2 inches and mark with a pencil. Measure up from this mark another 10 1/2 inches and make another mark. Place the remaining two-by-four boards cut to 47 1/2 inches on the marks and secure with screws.

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