HOW TO DIY AN AFFORDABLE PIKLER TRIANGLE: AN IKEA HACK

diy pikler climbing triangle

It’s not hard to see why climbing triangles, better known as Pikler Triangles, are becoming so popular nowadays.

Not only do they offer tons of fun, but they also help your little one develop motor skills, improve balance, and build confidence!

With Pikler Triangles, engaging in playtime becomes both entertaining and beneficial. You can even set up mini obstacle courses right at home if you have multiple climbers!

Today, I’m walking you through the steps of making budget-friendly climbing triangles with a simple guide on how to DIY an affordable Pikler Triangle.

WHAT IS A PIKLER TRIANGLE?

The Pikler Triangle was invented about 100 years ago by the Hungarian pediatrician Emmi Pikler. 

She believed that a child must be allowed freedom of movement to effectively promote the development of their gross motor skills. So, she designed a tool that would support her idea.

Like all good things that last, her concept of a toddler climbing toy has remained largely unchanged.

In fact, in the last few years, it has gained massive popularity and is probably on the wishlist of many new parents. This is especially true if you’re looking to create a Montessori-style environment for your kid.

There are many for sale on Amazon and there’s this beautiful transformable one on Etsy for almost $400.

They’re awesome, no argument here, but sadly not every parent has a few hundred dollars to spend on one.

Blaire showed a Pikler Triangle to her husband and he designed this IKEA hack version (picture below) for their kids — from a $79 IKEA crib! In the following section, you’ll learn how to do that too! 

DIY Pikler Triangle from IKEA SNIGLAR crib
Photo: Blaire Wilson / The Sereveries

MATERIALS AND TOOLS:

IKEA ITEM USED: 

OTHER MATERIALS:

TOOLS: 

  • Jigsaw
  • Set square
  • Measuring tape
  • Miter box
  • Drill and Drill bit
  • Orbital sander

STEPS FOR A DIY PIKLER TRIANGLE

A summary of the steps Blaire used to make a short and a tall climbing frame plus bridge.

Firstly, lay out the pieces of the SNIGLAR crib. The tall and short triangle pieces are hacked from the side panels of the crib, while the bridge is hacked from the crib base. 

diy pikler triangle from IKEA SNIGLAR crib
Photo: Blaire Wilson / The Sereveries

THE TRIANGLE CLIMBERS

Next, saw off the legs of the two short panels to make the short climber. Then, use a piano hinge to join the frames together. 

You’re now done with the short climber.

Left picture shows crib legs sawn off with handsaw. Right picture of piano hinge joining the frames
Photo: Blaire Wilson / The Sereveries

After that, get the two long side panels for the taller climbing triangle. You’ll need to reinforce the open ends with the plank for the crib front. 

Then, shorten the plank to fit between the frame and join these two new ends using a piano hinge.

Reinforcing the DIY pikler triangle, taller climbing triangle
Photo: Blaire Wilson / The Sereveries

Note that while the dowel spacing is great for a crib, it’s too close to serve as a ladder. Saw every other rod off for easier climbing. 

THE BRIDGE

Lastly, grab the crib base which forms the climbing ramp or bridge. Remove the mesh if you want, or keep it if your kid is a beginner climber.

DIY Pikler triangle with a tall and short triangle and bridge between
Photo: Blaire Wilson / The Sereveries

Don’t forget to sand down all cut and rough areas!

HOLDING OPTIONS

As for adjusting and holding the panels together, the Wilsons used ropes with the ends held together by a carabiner.

This allows them to easily remove the ropes and quickly tweak the angles of the climbers.

rope and carabiners used to secure the climbers in position
Photo: Blaire Wilson / The Sereveries

If you’re unsure of how to tie safe knots, consider using other holding options like chains or notched pieces of wood planks.

Head over to The Sereveries for a detailed step-by-step guide.

diy pikler climbing triangle
Photo: Blaire Wilson / The Sereveries

SAFETY NOTES FOR THIS DIY PIKLER TRIANGLE

One of Blaire’s Instagram followers asked the big question. “Are the rungs strong enough?”, she asked, “I have a big kid and I’m worried they may not be able to use this.” 

Well, the rungs do bend a little, but not much, as seen here with her 50-pound 8-year-old using the climber in real life. Blaire explains, “I’m sure if my 8-year-old were to jump up and down with all his might on one rung, it could crack over time. But we wouldn’t do that with an official climber either.”

“People still need to be smart. And people still need to supervise their kids if they don’t feel comfortable with it. But I have a 2, 5, and 8-year-old who use it constantly and have been using it over the last year. No injuries or concerns. I untie the knots every time I put it away and retie them. But I also tie safe knots,” she adds.

Replicate this DIY Pikler or Climbing Triangle at your own risk. While kids should be encouraged to climb independently, it doesn’t mean without adult supervision. Stay close, but far enough for a little risky play.

MORE IDEAS FOR DIY TODDLER CLIMBING TOYS

Here’s an extra DIY project you can do at home to give your kid more climbing toy options and boost their skills!

DIY CLIMBING RAMP

This impactful climbing toy is a breeze to build!

Start by finding a ¾-inch plywood blank and cutting it to a suitable width — I’d go about 24 inches.

Then, draw 3 lines about 6 inches apart down the length of the board. Mark each line at 6-inch intervals and square the lines across so you end up with a grid pattern.

Drill a hole at each point of intersection to insert the climbing holds. You’ll do that by installing ⅜-inch T-nuts from the backside with a hammer.

Sand down the edges or use edge banding for better protection and aesthetics. Wrap things up by attaching climbing holds on the front of the board.

Check out this YouTube tutorial for more details!