How to Build a Vintage Sled

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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!

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 thing 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 cheap skate 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 no where 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!

Materials

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.

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.

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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.

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 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.

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

Linda Zahora-Cathcart The Summery Umbrella

P.S. 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. ;)

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16 Comments

Kristi says
November 30, 2015 at 2:52 pm
SO, SO cute!!! Can’t wait to give this a try!
- LZ Cathcart says
  November 30, 2015 at 10:46 pm
  Thank you so much, Kristi!! You will not be disappointed. It’s soooo easy :)
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
- 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 ;)
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
- 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 :)
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!! :)
- LZ Cathcart says
  December 8, 2015 at 5:28 pm
  Thank you so much, Keri! The red is definitely an amazing addition :)
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
- LZ Cathcart says
  December 8, 2015 at 5:20 pm
  Thank you so much, Shonee! I most definitely will :)
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.
- 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!

How to Build a Vintage Sled

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