How to Build a Vintage Sled

Have you been craving your very own vintage sled, but need a more wallet-friendly version? Don’t miss out–full details right this way! Here’s how to make your own DIY sled – cheap. 

I Dreamed of Owning A Vintage Sled

I have been wanting/looking (ok, ok stalking!) all of the local shops/junkyards/antiques in town, the internet, and basically, anywhere I can think of that could possibly have a vintage sled. However, I have been known for being a little bit on the frugal side.

I’m not even sure if that’s the right word to describe myself though.

Why? Because I’m sort of in between being a cheapskate and “I’m not going to spend that much” if that even makes sense. I’m kind of like Barbie meets a budget. Only my measurements are a little more realistic. 😉

When I was much, much younger my mother used to tell me I had good taste because I always wanted everything that was super expensive. Now, I still have similar tastes, but I’ve just learned to make it all by myself instead. Win-win, right?

Moving on.

How to Make a DIY Vintage Sled

After seeing some incredible vintage sleds, but nowhere near my means to actually be able to afford one of those beauties, I decided to–yup, you know what’s coming next–create my own. Believe it or not, it wasn’t hard to make at all. Seriously. It took me one hour. That’s it!

Here’s how I made my sled. It’s so easy, I know you can make one too.

Tools Used

• Jigsaw
• Nail gun or hammer and nails
• Electric sander

Materials

• Scrap/reclaimed wood
• Twisted Rope
• Fort York Red Fusion Mineral Paint

Steps

1.) First, create your two sled runners.

Take one 1×6 and draw an inch line approximately 41″ in length.  

Then, using an one-gallon paint can draw out the arch of the rounded end. Use the same paint can to also draw out the other side of the arch and connect the two with a rounded end.  

Repeat on the other side of your 1×6 with the same design, and cut out with a jigsaw.

2.) Cut two 13″ long x 1.5″ wide pieces as your support for your top, and then nail them in place.

3.) Cut out two 32″ long x 4″ wide pieces for your exterior, and then one 35″ long x 4″ wide piece for the middle of your vintage sled.

How to Make a DIY Vintage Sled

4.) With this next step, there are a variety of ways you could proceed. What I did in order to get the rounded edges at the top of my boards is used a 32 fl oz can of stain that I had in the workshop. I just put it at the edge of my board (see pic below) and drew out my rounded edge with a marker.

5.) Then, I used the bandsaw (or you can use a jigsaw) to cut out these curves. However, I did not want as much of a curve on the bottom of my sled so I just used a sander to smooth them out.

6.) Then, nail your boards into your support pieces. I’m a huge fan of our brad nailer so I took this route.

7.) Sand down all of your boards so there aren’t any rough edges or potential splinters poking out.

8.) Paint your runners! I have a huge crush on Fusion Mineral Paint so of course, I used their Fort York Red paint to beautify my runners. All I needed was one coat. ONE. That’s it. AND, it dries so fast. Sigh. I really love this paint.

9.) Honestly, I started off wanting to add vintage writing or even my version of racing stripes to the front of this baby. However, the barn wood that I used was sooooo incredibly pretty I just couldn’t do it.

So instead I added a little bling with a rope pulley of sorts. I just drilled in a few holes and tied up my rope.

How to Build a Vintage Sled

Wasn’t that soooo easy? So simple!  

And I didn’t have to go out and buy a thing. Everything I used was bits and pieces that I already had.

Looking for even more DIY winter decor? Check out these 20 Incredible DIY Winter Decorations!

NOTE: Just to make sure we are all on the same page–this sled was designed for decorating purposes only. Please do not try to use this as a real sled. My abilities to construct a real and functional sled end here at the decorative level. 😉

Not only can you use your sled as is, but you could also add a wreath to it and make it really shine!  

Or, use it as a wreath on your door! However, I unfortunately will not be able to take this route. My daughter and dogs are wayyy to rough on that poor door as it is. Have a wonderful holiday season and until next time! – LZ

Pssttt…. Don’t forget to check out my Holiday page chocked full of DIY and decorating goodness like the posts below!

• Quick and Easy Rustic Holiday Table Idea
• Rustic Holiday Gift Wrapping Ideas
• Rustic Christmas Table Ideas

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This post was originally created in November 2015, and then updated in December 2020.