• About
  • Artist Resources
    • Classes
  • Blog
    • Crafts
    • Decor
    • Holidays
    • Living
    • SVG Files
  • Portfolio
    • Illustrations
    • Surface Pattern Designs
    • Typography
  • Work With Me
    • Disclosure & Privacy Policy
  • Contact

LZ Cathcart

Delightful designs and illustrations.

  • My Account
    • Shop Policies
  • Apparel
    • Baby & Kids
    • Women
  • Art Prints
  • Mugs
  • Phone Cases
  • Pillows
  • Stickers
  • Tote Bags
  • SVG Vector Art
  • Freebies
  • 0 items

Holidays Living

How to Build a Vintage Sled

This post may include affiliate links. If you purchase something through the link, I may receive a small commission at no extra charge to you. Please read my disclosure policy for more details.

Tweet
Pin12K
Share38
12K Shares

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. 

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/junk yards/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.

Learn how to create GORGEOUS signs with
my FREE guide!

    We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at anytime.

    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.

    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!

    How to Make a DIY Vintage Sled

    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.

    diy vintage sled

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

    wooden sled

    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.

    diy wooden 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.

    diy wooden sleed

    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.

    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.

    Need more DIY winter decor? Check out these 20 Incredible DIY Winter Decorations!

    Pssttt…. Don’t forget to check out my DIY projects page chocked full of DIY and decorating goodness!

    Linda Zahora-Cathcart The Summery Umbrella

    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. 😉

    Looking for other holiday inspiration?

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

    Let’s be Social

    • Instagram @thesummeryumbrella
    • Facebook The Summery Umbrella
    • Pinterest summeryumbrella 
    • DIY Flowers Quote Wood Sign
    • we still do svg
      We Still Do Wood Sign
    • funny laundry room sign
      DIY Laundry Sign
    • How to Paint Your Metal Front Door
    • how to paint metal bar stools
      How to Paint and Distress Metal Bar Stools
    • How to Create a Pretty and Functional Chicken Coop
    • Easy Hand Lettered DIY Wood Sign
    • diy mason jar pendant light
      DIY Mason Jar Pendant Light
    • DIY Nightstand

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


    22 Comments

    About LZ Cathcart

    LZ is an artist who loves creating illustrations, custom hand lettering and patterns for gifts, home decor, fabric, and wallpaper. She is also the creative mind behind The Summery Umbrella where she shows you how to make handmade signs, various DIY projects and gorgeous home decor.

    When she’s not dreaming up new projects and designs you can typically find her drinking her fair share of coffee, hanging out with her super handy husband and her sweet and sassy daughter. They all have a hard time sitting sit so this family is constantly on the go!

    Don’t Miss Out!

    Learn how to create GORGEOUS signs with my FREE guide. It's the perfect source for getting started and moving forward!

    « Drawing Practice: A 4-Day Challenge for the Anxious Creative
    NEW in the Shop: Sticker Designs »

    Comments

    1. Kristi says

      November 30, 2015 at 2:52 pm

      SO, SO cute!!! Can’t wait to give this a try!

      Reply
      • LZ Cathcart says

        November 30, 2015 at 10:46 pm

        Thank you so much, Kristi!! You will not be disappointed. It’s soooo easy 🙂

        Reply
    2. ananda says

      November 30, 2015 at 11:09 pm

      oh my!! this is totally stunning, LZ!!! i always feel that we miss so much of the fun if we buy stuff all the time, especially those things we enjoy creating, and can make better, such as this gorgeous sled! xoxo

      Reply
      • LZ Cathcart says

        December 8, 2015 at 5:29 pm

        I think that all the time! Plus, it is most DEFINITELY more fun to make it yourself 😉

        Reply
    3. Karen says

      December 2, 2015 at 9:24 am

      That is adorable, doesn’t even look too hard to do, but what a great way to dress up your entry. #WorthwhileWednesday

      Reply
      • LZ Cathcart says

        December 8, 2015 at 5:24 pm

        Thanks so much, Karen! It is veryyyy easy. You definitely will want to make this cutie-putie 🙂

        Reply
    4. Keri says

      December 3, 2015 at 3:58 pm

      LZ, this sled you built is awesome!! The wreath and the red rails really add some beautiful detail!! Thanks for the tutorial!! 🙂

      Reply
      • LZ Cathcart says

        December 8, 2015 at 5:28 pm

        Thank you so much, Keri! The red is definitely an amazing addition 🙂

        Reply
    5. shonee says

      December 8, 2015 at 1:33 am

      I love this! Thanks so much for sharing it Brag Worthy Thursday! Hope you will join us again this week!
      -Shonee
      http://www.hawthorneandmain.com

      Reply
      • LZ Cathcart says

        December 8, 2015 at 5:20 pm

        Thank you so much, Shonee! I most definitely will 🙂

        Reply
    6. Cory Pendleton says

      October 24, 2017 at 8:38 am

      Good morning!! I love the Vintage Sled that you posted. I was on my I phone and could have sworn that I saw a place in the body of the steps on how to build it that there was a printable template for the pieces of the sled. Is there a template for it that I am just missing? I would love to make this for my wife and surprise her with it. You have many great projects that I will be attempting.

      Thanks and hope you have a great day.

      Reply
      • Linda Zahora-Cathcart says

        November 8, 2017 at 1:21 pm

        Hi Cory and thank you! Unfortunately I do not at this time, but that is such a great idea. If only I had a clone so I could accomplish everything I wanted to 😉 I’ll pencil it in my calendar, and try to squeeze it in!

        Reply
    7. Pam Green says

      October 25, 2020 at 7:42 pm

      I love this sled! Where did you get the wreath that is pictured on it? Or did you make it?

      Reply
      • LZ Cathcart says

        October 27, 2020 at 3:44 pm

        Hi Pam and thank you!! I had so much fun making it, and so happy it is still around to share with everyone 🙂 I want to say that I got that wreath a few years back at Michael’s. They usually have amazingggg sales right after the season. Have a great day!

        Reply

    Trackbacks

    1. Insanely Cool and Easy DIY Project Tutorials – DIY Ideas Tips says:
      February 6, 2016 at 11:55 am

      […] DIY Tutorial Details […]

      Reply
    2. Un Bancale di Natale fai da te! Lasciatevi ispirare con queste 15 idee... says:
      November 8, 2017 at 7:13 am

      […] fonte foto (vai al tutorial) […]

      Reply
    3. DIY Cookies for Santa Plate with FREE SVG! | The Summery Umbrella says:
      December 3, 2018 at 6:00 am

      […] Create Your Own DIY Vintage Sled […]

      Reply
    4. Colorful and Festive DIY Christmas Signs | The Summery Umbrella says:
      December 10, 2018 at 6:01 am

      […] Create Your Own DIY Vintage Sled […]

      Reply
    5. How to Create Your Own Burlap Christmas Sign | Kenarry says:
      December 16, 2018 at 10:25 pm

      […] How to Build a Sled […]

      Reply
    6. How to Create DIY Christmas Ornaments Out of Wood Signs says:
      February 9, 2019 at 4:34 pm

      […] How to Build a Vintage Sled […]

      Reply
    7. DIY Burlap Christmas Signs | LZ Cathcart Designs and Illustrations says:
      January 1, 2020 at 11:05 am

      […] How to Build a Sled […]

      Reply
    8. My Christmas Home Tour (Featuring Our Dining Room) says:
      February 24, 2020 at 6:19 pm

      […] want to create your very own DIY vintage inspired sled with this tutorial! Super easy, and all I used was leftover wood from around the […]

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Hi! I'm LZ, and welcome to my humble abode! Don't be shy. Come on in! This is my happy place where I share my life, creativity as well as my quirky and country sense of humor on a daily basis. So, grab yourself a tall glass of something yummy, and let me introduce you to my realm. :)

    I want to find…

    Post Categories

    Featured On

    Let’s be social

    Don't worry, my friend. Just grow plants. ⁣—⁣Purchase one or many and ... get FREE shipping.⁣⁣#stickeraddict #stickers #decals #stickerlove #stickerart #watercolor #digitalart #homedecor #acrylic #canvas #mixedmedia #homedesign #interior #modernart #abstractpainting #painter #artstudio #abstractartist #interiors #acrylicpaint #decoration #floralpainting #creativeart #draw #instaart #instahome #homestyle #thesummeryumbrella #lzcathcart
    Stickers, stickers, and oh yea... more stickers! Y Stickers, stickers, and oh yea... more stickers! You could definitely say that I've caught sticker-fever. 🤒 ❤⁣—⁣Purchase one or many and ... get FREE shipping.
    I'm sooo loving on these summer-inspired fruit pop I'm sooo loving on these summer-inspired fruit popsicles. ❤⁣—⁣Purchase one or many and ... get FREE shipping.
    If you've been following me through my stories you If you've been following me through my stories you'll know that I very recently finished my greenhouse. I cannot even begin to explain how excited I am to have this beautiful space so close to my home, and how much I already enjoy using it to relax and .. duh... grow plants 🤣⁣—⁣Do you have a favorite place to go and relax?
    Last year (isn't that so weird to say?!) I created Last year (isn't that so weird to say?!) I created these two cuties and I always felt like they were talking to each other. Nothing too complicated or crazy, but talking nonetheless. With that being said, I decided to add in the "hi" and "hello" afterward to give it a little nerdy character! ⁣—⁣Do you ever make up stories for the animals in your life? Obviously, you already know that I do!! You should hear the stories I make up for the squirrels! 🤣
    Guess what?! My shop officially sells stickers wit Guess what?! My shop officially sells stickers with my own designs on them. ❤⁣—⁣ANDDDD... for a limited time I am offering free shipping on all sticker orders. Woo hoo, right?!
    Follow on Instagram

    Copyright © 2021 · LZ Cathcart of The Summery Umbrella, LLC

    Log in