If you don't already own a snow sled, making your snow sled can be relatively simple and inexpensive. Find materials that glide smoothly over snow.
Wood shipping pallets make great backdrops, as does a baby tub (if there aren't any infant siblings needing bathtime that evening). Cushions from outdoor furniture or patio chairs also make great candidates.
Step 1: Cut the Wood
Snowstorms bring out the child in us all, and nothing makes the cold weather worthwhile like an old-fashioned sledding session. If you have access to a store-bought sled, all is set; but even without one handy-dandy DIY Snow Sled solutions can get the job done with this easy DIY sled project!
With your woodworking saw, cut the side boards for your sled with a rounded end on each piece. Next, run each piece through a belt sander to smooth out its edges and remove any splinters before painting or staining as desired.
Sled makers can repurpose various household items that may be lying around during a snowstorm into useful tools for sled making, such as Jody Mace from Charlotte on the Cheap suggested using an old wagon, while Ben Duval and Ben Crane decided to build theirs out of Legos.
Make the most out of every ride by donning a helmet, no matter the form your sled takes.
Step 2: Cut the Poles
Sleds are essential winter toys, but if you find yourself without one when the snow begins to fly, you don't have to panic: many common household materials can be turned into homemade sleds if necessary. A cardboard box provides a sturdy base, while you could also try turning something like a baby bathtub (preferably not one used for bathtime that night by mom), an outdoor furniture cushion or an inner tube (even an air mattress!).
PVC plumbing pipes make an excellent DIY sled, light, and easy to use. Paired with shipping pallets, these lightweight plumbing pipes create this ingenious toboggan that its maker claims steers better than its plastic counterpart.
Use a hacksaw to cut PVC plumbing pipes to length, then smooth away any burrs with 100-grit sandpaper. PVC pipe can usually be found in 10-foot lengths at most hardware stores; shorter pieces might be available from home centers or garden stores. To prevent confusion when assembling all your poles, mark each end with its unique identification number before connecting all your parts using star coupling nuts and pining with split pins. Now your homemade sled is ready to hit the hills!
Step 3: Attach the Poles
No matter if it's bunny hills or steep slopes, having a sled will add an enjoyable element to any ride. Unfortunately, not everyone has access to store-bought options or an extra cardboard box lying around so creating one yourself may seem limited - we have come up with some clever solutions on how you can create one using items already found around your home!
If you can't find a sturdy piece of wood to serve as the base for your sled, try using a plastic garbage bag instead. This plan shows how you can transform a large Rubbermaid storage container, trash bag, and (of course!) duct tape into an exciting fast sled for plenty of sliding fun!
Another option, building a simple platform out of boards that fit under your sled seat could be another viable approach. These should then be securely attached using glue for maximum safety during riding. This provides the chance to test its size.
Creative DIY sled ideas include using a cookie sheet, an old plastic station wagon, or even something meant for ocean use as a boogie board - anything will do! Be creative! Explore your home for items that could double as sleds on snow days!
Step 4: Attach the Seat
An easy, sturdy snow sled assembly is only steps away with this tutorial from MOTHER EARTH NEWS; kids love their version just as much as more expensive models on the market!
Start by laying out and cutting out your pattern pieces using a saw. Two patterns must be cut on the fold of a standard sheet of paper; so be sure to trim these as directed. Paint each sled piece for an aged, vintage appearance before assembling your masterpiece.
Make the seat. On a flat surface, align 1x4 slats with 1/4'' gaps between each for optimal seating comfort. Mark cut lines using a pencil and use either a circular saw or jigsaw to cut them out. Carpet tacks may be added at the base for additional grip as well as a finished appearance.
Attach the sled seat to the frame using wood glue. Make sure it's positioned so the front is lower than the back to facilitate foot-braking and steering and add a handle at the top of the seat so children can pull it up steep hills and mountains.
Step 5: Attach the Handle
Your sled should be strong enough to accommodate multiple riders, so adding a handle is necessary. Use rope, string or bungee cord to attach it securely at the front of the sled; ensure it reaches the ground when traveling at full speed.
If you don't own a store-bought sled or your children's old one can no longer keep up, or need one replaced, take inspiration from Jody Mace at Charlotte on the Cheap's 17 homemade snow sled ideas that all use items found around your house as raw material.
These sleds are meant for one or two users and not meant for racing, making them easy for beginners. Their comfortable padding absorbs bumps for a smooth ride; folding allows convenient transportation once sliding is over; lightweight materials ensure they won't break. When taking them on winter hikes make sure that waterproof items such as clothing and bags don't accumulate snow at the bottom.
Step 6: Attach the Skis
Chances are, this winter will find you looking for something to take out on the snow and be the envy of all. Cardboard makes an easy and inexpensive sled solution; just add duct tape! But Built by Kids has taken it one step further by creating their very own makeshift sled using scrap wood, hardware, and a wheelbarrow bucket with child-length skis - for something that looks primed to take the slopes by storm!
To build this sled, begin by mounting the bucket on its skis so they're level, aligning its back with that of the risers, and countersinking any of the 3-inch deck screws so as not to protrude through. Use three 3-inch deck screws with countersinking heads as fasteners.
Once the bucket is secured, drill holes into its front edge (seat), and thread a length of poly rope through each of these holes to form handles to pull downhill with. You may also cross this rope at its front to keep it from colliding with you as you turn corners or go around tight curves.
Last, lay out the seat braces and mark their cut lines with a pencil. Next, using a circular saw and jigsaw, cut along these lines until finished. When finished, line up seat slats with an interval of at least 3/4" between them on both braces before nailing them to them with a brad nailer.