How to Make a Lay Down Sled

Making a lay down sled requires basic materials and tools.

Sledding is one of the most popular and engaging winter activities. Even if you don't own a sled, you can make one using basic materials and tools around your house. Making a sled is a thrifty alternative to buying one and can be done even by those with little woodworking experience.

Things You'll Need

• Hand saw
• Sandpaper
• Nails
• Hammer
• Paint or finish
• Paint brush
• Plywood board
• Measuring tape
• 2 wood slats
• 2 wood beams

Instructions

1. Cut the plywood board to approximately four feet tall and three feet wide.

2. Cut the wood slats to about four feet tall and the wood beams to about four feet long as well. Use a measuring tape for precise measurements.

3. Round the top of the plywood board with a hand saw, making a slight curve as you go.

4. Smooth the edges of the plywood board with sandpaper.

5. Lay the plywood board on a flat surface. Place the wood beams along the edges of the board and hammer them in carefully.

6. Lay the wood slats on top of the beams and hammer them into the beams. Make sure these nails are far enough away from the nails used to hammer the beams into the plywood. Having them too close can weaken the wood.

7. Smooth the edges of the fronts of the slats with sandpaper.

8. Paint or use a coat of finish to cover the entire sled. Let the paint or finish dry before using.

Tips & Warnings

• Christmas and winter themes are popular when decorating your sled.

• If you plan to use finish on your sled, use marine grade finish.

• Always supervise children when they are sledding.

• Before using the sled, be sure no nails or splinters are sticking out.

References

• Inquiry: How to Build Sleds