Geometric Dome Slide Platform

Hi, Everyone!

For the last two years, I have had a green slide tucked away under my back porch. Recently, my wife had the idea to attach the slide to the top of our geometric dome. I started this build with only an idea in my head, and I developed the final design as I went. However, I am very pleased with the result. I used a few 2x4s, 2x6s, and three-inch screws from my shed to create the basic platform to which I attached the slide and Bingo Bango...hours of backyard fun and physical fitness for my kids!

Unfortunately, I did not take pictures of the build process. But, hopefully, this brief Instructable will inspire and help you to build a similar setup. I also included a basic Sketchup model for your visualization and planning. Overall, this project cost less than $30 (minus the slide) and was an easy Saturday morning build.

It's a pleasure to share this idea with you, and I hope you create something even more fun from it! I wish you and yours the very best!

Thanks sincerely,

David

• 2"x4"x8' Wood Boards; Qty. 2
• 2"x6"x8' Wood Board; Qty. 1
• Box of 50 Three-Inch (3") Outdoor Construction Screws; Qty. 1
• 3/8"x3"x6" U-bolts (design-dependent); Qty. 2
• 3"x6" steel plates - 1/16" thick; Qty. 2 (typically found in roofing or lumber section of Home Depot)
• 1/4"x4" steel bolts with nuts (to attach slide); Qty. 3
• 1/4" steel washers; Qty. 6

Tools

• Hand drill with a Phillips or star bit (construction screw dependent)
• 3/8" and 1/2" drill bits (for U-bolts and slide)
• Adjustable wrench; Qty. 2

The basic platform dimensions will differ, pending the size of your geometric dome. However, the basic platform I built is 24" x 16" on top (see the Sketchup model for complete dimensions).

The horizontal brace distributes the platform load across a greater area, ensuring safety and stability.

Leveling the platform is very important so that your kids can safely transition from the dome to the surface of the platform.

The feet ensure that the platform does not move forward off the main supporting truss.

The horizontal brace allows for U-bolts to secure the platform to the dome and increases overall structural strength.

The U-bolts ensure that the platform stays firmly attached to the dome at all times.

Make sure you pick a slide that is the correct height for your dome.