How to Install Bleachers

Anyone who has attended a Little League baseball game at an older field has experienced a moment of at least mild pain as they slide their posteriors across weathered and barely painted wood. It's an experience that emphasizes the veracity of the term, "splinter cushions," for third stringers. That's why any graduating class that decides to donate new bleachers to their school is always rewarded with an outsize plaque--"Thanks to the class of 2***--and WE REALLY MEAN IT!" No one enjoys sitting on splinter cushions.

Instructions

    • 1

      Match the numbers of people you are trying to seat to your budget when choosing what bleachers to install. Decide if the bleachers are to be permanent or portable.

    • 2

      Realize that a standard aluminum bleacher unit will be 15 feet long, have 4 rows of 10 inch seats, weigh 450 pounds and cost on average $1,600.00.

    • 3

      Check on the nature of specifications for your municipality. They vary from place to place. What you do NOT want is to install bleachers that are declared non-standard and have to be removed.

    • 4

      Pick an area that offers a good view of the field but does not interfere with play. Take into consideration the angle of sun during most games, trying to avoid making spectators look into the sun. Also, do not place bleachers in an area where water drains.

    • 5

      Scrape sod or dirt from the bleacher site to a depth of 6 inches. Level the area, which should extend beyond the bleachers by 4 feet in the front and 2 to 3 feet on its sides. Compact the base of this area as it is leveled.

    • 6

      Cover the flattened area with a 2 inch base of sand, covered by a 2 inch level of low cost river rock--for drainage. Decide whether you will cap with cement or pea gravel. Unless your field is surrounded by cement walkways, pea gravel should suffice.

    • 7

      Finish your surface by adding 2 inches of pea gravel. Clear areas of your coverings corresponding to the footings of the bleachers. Place 4 inch pvc pipe at the designated areas. Construct concrete footings--use at least a small amount of rebar. Allow the concrete to set. Attach the bleacher base and assemble the bleachers. PLAY BALL!