How to Build a Base for a Slide

Use a drill to screw your slide base together.

Creating the base to construct a slide allows you to customize the size, length and strength of your slide. By building your own slide base, you'll turn your back yard into a land of adventure for your children and their neighborhood friends. Don't be surprised when your yard is the place to be and your neighbors ask you for help constructing their own slides.

Things You'll Need

• Saw
• 2-by-6 lumber
• Plywood
• Drill
• Galvanized screws
• Sheet metal
• Tin snips

Instructions

1. Cut the sides for your slide. Determine the length of your slide and cut two 2-by-6s to length. Cut the ends of each 2-by-6 to a 45 degree angle.

2. Attach a sheet of plywood to the bottom of the 2-by-6 sides. Screw through the plywood and into the 2-by-6s. Use a drill and galvanized screws.

3. Add several braces below your plywood. Use 2-by-6s for strength and evenly space your braces. Place one in the center and one near each end of the slide. Screw through the 2-by-6 braces and into the 2-by-6 sides.

4. Cover the slide with sheet metal. Cut the sheet metal large enough to extend all the way around the slide base, wrapping to the underneath part of the slide. Use tin snips to cut the sheet metal. Screw through the sheet metal and into the braces. Cover the bottom of the slide base with another sheet of plywood, hiding the sharp edges of the sheet metal.

Tips & Warnings

• Predrill your screw holes to help avoid splitting your lumber.

• Use joist hangers to attach your slide base.

• Position your slide in the shade. Metal slides get hot in direct sunlight.

References

• Extreme How To: Build a Playground Slide