How to Build Children's Wagons

Building a wagon for, or with, a child is a fun project. You can create a memorable personalized gift for the children in your life by building a homemade wagon. Whether you use a kit, design your own wagon or customize a plan you've ordered online, a wagon is a gift that children treasure for many years.

Instructions

1. Try designing your own wagon. Use graph paper to figure out how big each piece should be. A general rule of thumb is that the bottom is 18 to 24 inches by 3 feet, and the sides are 6 to 10 inches high. You'll need 5 pieces of wood for the body, and 4 wheels positioned on two axles. Once it's sketched out, make a list of supplies you'll need. Assemble the body first and then the wheels.

2. Order a wagon making kit. These can be purchased for a reasonable price. You may want to customize yours by adding a fancy paint job. Assembly for wagon kits usually involves a screwdriver, and the pieces come precut. Assemble the body and the wheel assembly separately and affix the handle last, unless the kit instructions request something different. Some kits come with a metal body, like Radio Flyer, and all you need to do is assemble the wheels and handle.

3. Download or print wagon blueprints. If you use this method, you won't need to figure out how big each piece needs to be, you'll just need to purchase the wood, cut each piece to the size specified by your plans and obtain all of the components of the wheel assembly on your own. Most hardware stores have everything you need.

Tips & Warnings

• A wider wheel diameter is easier to maneuver on grassy, sandy or rocky surfaces. For a special look, router the edges or otherwise decorate your wagon to make it unique.

• Be sure that all wooden surfaces are sanded down and sealed before presenting it to a child; splinters can spoil the fun.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish