How to Build a Wooden Snow Sled

Making a simple wooden snow sled for outdoor fun is not difficult and can be completed in a workshop in an afternoon. While a wooden sled can be made from lumber and plywood left over from another project, even purchasing the supplies needed will cost much less than buying a manufactured wood sled from a store or catalog.

Things You'll Need

  • 2 8-foot-long 2-by-4s
  • Table saw
  • Sander -- either handheld or belt
  • 4-by-8 sheet of treated 3/4 inch plywood
  • Galvanized wood screws 1 1/2 inches long
  • Drill with driver bit
  • 3-foot rope
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut the 2-by-4s to 60 inches in length. These will serve as the runners of your sled. Set aside the cutoffs as they will be used for the cross members of the sled.

    • 2

      Set up the table saw to cut 45-degree angles. Cut each runner to a 45-degree angle on one end.

    • 3

      Use a sander to round off the sharp edges of the angle cut.

    • 4

      Lay the two runners on edge, with the angle cuts on the bottom.

    • 5

      Attach the 30-inch cutoffs from the 2-by-4s between the two runners. Place the front cutoff approximately 2 inches behind the 45-degree angle, and the back cutoff approximately 2 inches from the end. Use at least three wood screws for each connection.

    • 6

      Cut a sheet of treated plywood to 38 inches wide and 56 inches long. This will fit over the surface of the sled and serve as the seat of the sled.

    • 7

      Attach the plywood to the sled runners using two 1/2-inch galvanized wood screws every 2 inches.

    • 8

      Use the drill to bore two holes into the plywood at the front of the sled approximately 2 feet apart.

    • 9

      Tie a knot in one end of the 3-foot-long rope. Thread the other end through one of the drilled holes.

    • 10

      Thread the end of the rope though the other hole and tie a knot in the end to secure it in place. This serves as the handle of your completed sled.