$10 DIY Wooden Sled Tutorial
This $10 DIY Wooden Sled Tutorial is a perfect beginner project. You’ll just need a few basic tools-a jigsaw, drill and a nailer. You can make a super cute vintage-inspired wood sled!
I’ve been busy creating all kinds of Christmas projects, like these fun Stocking Hangers, photo ornaments, and handmade stockings.
We’ve all seen those oh so beautiful Vintage Sleds, but with a price tags in the $100-$300 range, no thank you!! I came up with my own DYI wooden sled for MUCH less!!
Did I mention MUCH less? How about $10?!! Follow along to see how you can make an easy DIY Wooden Sled too!
Watch this video to see how to build a vintage sled!
I doubt you’d get very far on this little toboggan, but it certainly makes a cute addition to your Christmas decorations!
DIY Wooden Sled
DIY Wooden Sled Supplies:
- 1- 1×10 knotty pine board 6′ long
- wood glue
- paint or stain colours of choice
- Brad Nailer + 1 1/4″ nails
- Jig Saw
- Drill
- Carpet tacks
- Metal U clamp
- Upholstery nails
- Twine or rope
How to Build a DIY Wooden Sled:
- First, you will need to download and print the pattern pieces at the bottom of this post. All the pattern pieces are made to fit standard size paper. Cut out pattern pieces as directed (** two of the pattern pieces must be cut on the fold of a larger piece of paper). Below is a diagram of how the pattern pieces will fit onto your pine board.
- Using the jigsaw, cut out pattern pieces.
- Paint the sled pieces prior to assembling. To achieve this weathered vintage look, I lightly painted all the surfaces, then sanded it down to make it look worn in spots.
How to Assemble the DIY Vintage Sled
- Assemble the sled pieces by placing the 3 braces 15″ apart between the skis (4″, 22″ and 36″ if measured from the back of the ski). Attach with wood glue on the angles of the braces and use the brad Nailer to fasten (two nails going from the outside of the ski into the brace at each brace).
- Line up the seat pieces with a 1/4″ gap between each slat. Attach with wood glue on the underside of the slats and use the nailer to fasten (two nails in each slat on the middle and back brace). Nail carpet tacks on the surface of the seat for appearance if desired.
- Attach the front headpiece in the same manner. Drill a small hole on each of the outer edges for the rope handle.
- Bend a stainless U clamp flat (hammer out flat) to create a piece to go from the header to the seat.
Dress this DIY wooden sled up in a bunch of ways to add a little vintage touch (without the vintage price tag) to your Christmas decorations either indoors or out!
This DIY Vintage Wood Sled makes the perfect backdrop for a natural swag or wreath. Learn how to make a Christmas swag here or a Christmas Wreath here.
Download the DIY Wooden Sled Pattern
Check out these Easy to Build Christmas Projects from my blogging friends
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Snowflake String Art– DIY on the Cheap
Instagram stocking holders– Frenchie Wraps
Wooden sign– Poofy Cheeks
Repurposed Gift Carry-All- Let’s Go Junking
Rustic Christmas Tree Decoration-Her Tool Belt
PB Inspired Wall Art– Create and Babble
Woodland Reindeer Ornaments-Whats Ur Home Story
Advent calendar– Carissa Miss
DIY Stackable Slatted Fruit Crates– Pink When
Joy wood slice sign– Dandelion Patina
Gold Reindeer Décor– Simply Designing
Wooden Christmas Tree Display– Lauras Crafty Life
Pallet Wood Christmas Tree– Roubinek Reality
Christmas countdown chalkboard- Dogs Don’t Eat Pizza
Caddy with Herb Infused Oils- 356 Days of Crafts
Wood gift tag– Being Spiffy Plus Check out this bonus Ryobi project from Suburble
More popular Christmas projects below
Do you have any questions I didn’t answer about this DIY wooden sled? Let me know in a comment below!
I love this sled! What an awesome project.
Thanks Amy!
Being a resident of the Chihuahuan desert, I can pretty much guarantee this is the ONLY way I’d ever get a sled, vintage or not! I’ve been seeing posts from people decorating sleds and I really want one. Too bad my handyman isn’t so handy anymore.
This is a great little project, sad your handyman has lost his handy 🙁 thanks for visiting
Impressive cutting skills!
This is amazing Virginia! Who knew you could rock a jig saw like that?! You are multi-talented my friend!
This is absolutely incredible, Virginia! You are so talented! I love it!
This is awesome Virginia!!
Oh, I love this sled. I love that it’s made from just one board. Going on my to-do list! Pinning, too! Thanks for putting this hop together – lots of great projects to inspire!
So glad you joined Jeanie! thanks for stopping by!
So stinking cute! And really not that difficult.
This is so cute!! I love it. Pinning it!
This is beautiful! Very creative and I love that you included a template too. Great job!
I am in love with with sled! I too have been wanting those large vintage sleds and this is just perfect and so easy with those Ryobi tools!
Thanks Lindsay! I wanted the real deal, but not the real deal price. This is the perfect compromise!
Wow, that’s some project. Pinning. Maybe one day I’ll overcome my wood cutting fears. Love it.
Give it a go, you’ll be great! The Ryobi tools are perfect for beginners!
Wow Virginia – I am so impressed! When I first saw the pic, I thought it was real! Way to go – great project!
Thanks Dani, I had fun creating it!
I so want a vintage sled for my front door
Great project!!! I would have never guessed it wasn’t real. Putting this in my to make pile. Thank you for the pattern and the easy instructions.
Thanks Tracey, I hope you get to your ‘make pile’ before winter is out. My MAKE pile is so large, ha. Happy Holidays
Amazing! It looks so authentic. I love it. I’d love it if you chose to share this at What We Accomplished Wednesdays. The party is up right now. Have a super week! Blessings ~Deborah
Can I just kind of say you are my hero? This is amazing! I’ve seen the cute sleds for sale before, but you’re right, the prices are awful! So pretty. I’m definitely following your ingenious blog.
Rebekah @ Charming Imperfections
Thanks Rebekah, welcome aboard!
Amazing! I have a vintage sled that I inherited but I always worry about something happening to it -this project is the perfect solution. Beautiful Virginia
Thanks Meagan! If this one gets hurt, you’re out $10!
I love this little sled! Thanks for linking up at the Thoughtful Spot Weekly Blog Hop! We hope you stop by again next week!
Woah, that turned out great – I’m impressed!! It looks lovely how you’ve arranged it too, very merry vintage!
I am totally smitten with this!!! I so wanted a vintage sled and couldn’t find one – nor do I want to pay several hundred dollars for one! You ROCK!!!
Thanks Shannon, Have Dean whip one of these right up for you, no one will ever know it’s not legit! 😉
This is absolutely gorgeous! Way beyond my skills, but I love it;)
This is the cutest!
That sled is gorgeous, Virginia!! Seriously, it looks like a $300 sled! We are on our way to Home Depot for wood this morning… I’ll be adding to our list! Thanks SO much for sharing, friend!
I DON’T SEE A LENGTH FOR SEAT SLATS ANYWHERE? I CAN GUESS AT IT WELL ENOUGH BUT FOR THOSE WHO CANNOT SHOULD YOU SUPPLY THIS INFO? nice project by the way! your sled looks great!
Hi Paul, if you download the pattern pieces the measurements are on there. The outside ones are 25.5″ long and the middle is 32″ long. Thanks for visiting
I have fond memories of my mom decorating at Christmas time with my grandfather’s childhood sled. I am a little intimidated with power tools but your sled looks amazing! You did an outstanding job and I love the different decorative stagings you created.
Maren, you should definitely get your hands on some Ryobi tools. I find they really take the intimidation out!
Very authentic looking vintage sled. You would never know that it was a recent project. Looks perfectly old! Love it and that price 🙂
I love this so much! I just showed my husband and am doing some heavy batting of my eyelashes, begging him to help me make it!
This is so perfect! I have been “fighting’ with my sister in law for the one she and my husband had as kids. Now I can make my own! Also now following your blog! Thanks!
Beautiful project and great tutorial. I’ve been seeing these vintage sleds and wondering where people found them. Ha! Now I can make my own. 🙂 Pinning and featuring you this Saturday at Show Me Saturday link party.
This sled is amazing. I must run (not walk) to go make it.
Very cute.
Awesome project….. I made one for a girlfriend and one for myself. Thanks so much for posting this…. Happy Holidays !
Dear Santa,
All I want for Christmas are Ryobi power tools!!! Oh, I have been a gooood girl.
Ha Ha Judyth! You should have some 😉
I LOVE this!! I do just a little woodworking and have been thinking about purchasing a jig saw. Now I have to purchase that jig saw because I have to have this sled!! You did an impressive job! Thank you so much for the instructions and pattern. Very generous of you!! Merry Christmas!!
Thanks Elaine, yes get yourself a jigsaw! I love mine, and use it ALL the time, so multi purpose!!
Okay, I’m off to scout out my hubby’s shop. I’m sure we have most everything I need other than picking up the wood. Thanks for such a great post, this is one of the best sleds I’ve seen! Great job!!
Thanks Linda! I’d love to see how it turns out, Thanks for visiting
Wow, this is incredible girl! Love, love, love
Hugs, Jamie
This was such an awesome project! Me and my husband made this together and it turned out GREAT! ! Thanks for such an awesome post. The measurements and downloads were so helpful! Thanks a bunch.
Yayyy Amy! So glad to hear you made it! Hope you have a happy Holiday Season
I saw this the other day on Pinterest and just had to make one. Thank you for the detailed tutorial. I posted the one I made to my blog and wanted to share with you my sled. All links to your awesome Vintage Sled have been shared 🙂 Thanks for such a fun project!
http://canadiannickelscrapn.blogspot.ca/2014/12/rustic-sled.html
Thank you SO much for these instructions. They were incredibly easy to follow and I made two sleds – one each for niece and nephew. They both love vintage anything. Yours is amazing!
Virginia, I just loooooove this sled!! I hope I can be able to try for this next Christmas.
Thanks for sharing!
Hugs,
Pili
What is the width on the sled braces? Or maybe the dimension on the cuts.
Everything is on the downloads! Happy crafting
I love this and can’t believe it only cost $10 to make! And I love your photos!
Hi, what paint did you use for the two colors? Thanks!
I used some outdoor paint I had on hand, and a bit of stain also on hand. Teh Red was bubble gum red from Voice of Color.
WOW!!! I can’t wait for winter, and that’s saying something!!
Thanks so much for showing me how to make something amazing 🙂
Thank you so much for this pattern! I have made 2 sleds! I had to modify it a bit to fit with our available wood. The 1×10 pine boards here are glued together and i had a real problem with the wood breaking on the skis and handlebar. So I used 1×6 pine fence boards. I also made one seat in cedar. I had to use my scroll saw to cut out my pieces as i have not found the right jig saw blade to make those cuts. I really found it so simple to follow the pattern and liked the printable template. The next one I make will be perfect!
I so happy you gave the pattern a go! Thanks for reporting back, really makes me smile!!
I do not see a link for the pattern at all. Im am really wanting to make this.
THere are 3 pdf links after right before the last photo. Tilted sled braces, skis, and seat. Good luck!
Thank you so much for providing the printouts! I modified the measurements for my needs and just cut out all the pieces, and it looks amazing! Quick question about your red paint and finish; how did you get the red to look “vintage”? Did you mis your paint with a stain or thinner? Did you do a thin coat and then sand to get the wood grain to show through a bit? I’d love any insight you could offer, thank you!!
nothing special, just let it dry and then give it a quick sand with light sandpaper
I cannot find the link to download the pattern.
its the words below the last photo, just click on each of the 3 parts
From Ron: Dec. 26, 2016 @)1:55 am
Thanks so much for the details and patterns. Can’t wait to get out in the garage to get started! I’m going to use pallet wood to make this sled. Thanks again
That will look great!
Seriously this is the BEST DIY I’ve come across on this particular project!! I kept finding the mini-version that would work as a table centerpiece but that’s NOT what I had in mind. Back up the truck a little because I actually started searching craigslist for the “real deal” and these days once you type vintage, expect to pay BIG $$. My goal was always to decorate and sell these at Christmas Craft Fairs so the idea of buying old sleds died right away. Thanks SO MUCH for creating and posting this project. I’m ecstatic!!! Can’t wait to bust out the power tools and get to work.
I’m so happy you found it! I’d love to see your finished project!
I love your sled! I had my husband put some old pickets from our fence to use. He built me a sled from your site and I just love it. I can’t wait to decorate it for Christmas. It will remind me of the sled I had as a kid. Thank you for the wonderful idea.
That is so nice, thank you Donna!
Wow! Adore this! Wanna make it this week. Are the links no longer available. I click. It highlights, but never downloads. Maybe 4 years is too long to expect these to work? LOL!
I’m sorry it works on our end!
OMG I am just about to nail the first Vintage Sled off my one-woman strong assembly line. I LOVE IT!!!! Seriously this is such an awesome set of instructions and while it wasn’t easy to cut all the curved pieces, I finally got the hang of it. Pictures will be sent once the decorations are attached. Thanks Virginia for posting this. I rose up to the challenge and I NAILED IT. (feeling so happy and satisfied this morning) : – D
I am SOOOOO happy you gave this a try!
I built two of these yesterday for my daughter’s Christmas gifts. Must say they turned out beautiful. I was a little sloppy with my patterns and measurements, which I discovered while assembling really mattered, so I had a little tweaking to do. The black on the patterns cannot show or it adds too much to the width. We painted parts of them red and lightly sanded them down for the vintage look, and stained the rest with a “Weathered Oak” stain. Now my wife wants one too, lol. Thanks for the easy to follow idea!
I’m so happy you gave it a try! Hope you had a wonderful holiday, I appreciate your feedback!
I am trying to make this sled. I am not able to download the directions for some reason. Can you please email to me? I absolutely love it!!!
I found this post several years ago now, cut out my pieces…and then never put the sleigh together! A small piece had broken off one of the support slats, and I thought I would need to cut a new one…then we moved…and then THIS year, I took another look and realized the broken piece didn’t actually matter and could be hidden as the center support! SO…I also purchased a nail gun last year so now I have what I need to assemble…hoping to get it done this weekend! Thanks for the great plans.
I’m so happy to hear Andrea!