Notch- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- 2.5–4.5 hours
- Cost
- $$
About this build
This adorable wooden sled is the perfect scrap wood project to use as a Christmas centerpiece, or as décor next to the tree! Customize it with a logo, design, or monogram to add a festive touch. Hang it up, set it down, or simply lean it against the wall as your new favorite Christmas decoration!
Tools
Essential
- Brad Nailer
- Drill / Driver
- Jigsaw
- Miter Saw
- Pocket Hole Jig
Optional / nice to have
- Tape Measure
Materials
| Item | Qty |
|---|---|
| 1x12, 3/4" x 11 1/4" 2' long board | 1 board |
| 1x2, 3/4" x 1 1/2" 6' long board | 1 board |
| 1x3, 3/4" x 2 1/2" 6' long board | 1 board |
| 1 1/4" pan head pocket hole screws | 6 each |
| Wood Glue | 1 each |
| 1 1/4" long Brad nails (optional) | 6 each |
Overall cost: $$. Lumber prices vary by region, species, and season, so we give a band rather than a figure we would only be pretending to know.
Cut list
| Part | Qty | T × W × L |
|---|---|---|
| Sled Rails, 1x2 @ 30" long (ends mitered 45 degrees) | 2 | 3/4" × 1" × 30" |
| Sled Runners, 1x3 @ 12 3/4" long | 3 | 3/4" × 2" × 12" |
| Sled Front Brace, 1x3 @ 16" long | 1 | 3/4" × 2" × 16" |
| Sled Seat, 1x12 @ 22" long | 1 | 3/4" × 11" × 22" |
What to buy
Buy 3 boards at 8 ft.
3/4" × 11"
1 board
3/4" × 2"
1 board
3/4" × 1"
1 board
Assumes 8 ft stock, a 1/8" saw kerf, and buying each part at its own width. Change the board size or kerf on the full board plan →
Instructions
1Cut Sled Rails
- Cut two (2) pieces of 1x2 to 30" long. Note that both ends should be mitered 45 degrees NOT parallel to each other. These will be the sled rails.
- Sand and stain/paint as desired.
2Cut Sled Runners
- Cut three (3) pieces of 1x3 to 12 3/4" long. Use a jig saw to cut 3/4" x 1 1/2" notches as shown in the diagram on each piece.
- Then, cut an arch if desired (this is optional, but adds some extra character).
Tip: Cutting the Arch I marked in from each edge like shown about 1 1/2", then used the lid of a 5 gallon bucket to trace an arch between these lines. That lid seemed to be the perfect size for all the curves in this project. Feel free to freehand your arch or just leave the boards straight.
3Cut Sled Front Brace
- Cut a piece of 1x3 to 16" long.
- Mark the center of each edge (1 1/4" from the bottom), then mark the center along the top (8" from each edge). Draw lines between these marks and cut along them with a jig saw.
- Sand and stain/paint as desired.
4Cut Sled Seat
- Cut a piece of 1x12 to 22" long. If desired, draw an arch at the top and bottom like shown and cut with a jig saw.
- Sand and stain/paint as desired. I created and cut a vinyl stencil using my Cricut machine to apply to this piece and stained the design and lettering onto it. Feel free to customize your sled seat however you'd like.
- Check out the link below for more details on the stencil.
Tip: Cutting the Arches Just like for the sled runners, I used the lid to a 5 gallon bucket to trace these arches.
5Drill Pocket Holes in Sled Runners
Use a Kreg Micro Pocket Hole Jig to drill 3/4" pocket holes into the ends of the 3 sled runners like shown in the image. Note that these pocket holes are drilled onto the notched portion of the runners. Once the holes are drilled, sand and stain/paint these pieces as desired.
6Assemble Sled Rails
Space the runners between the rails like shown in the diagram and secure using 1 1/4" pan head pocket hole screws.
Tip: Rail Placement The rails should set inside the notches of each runner.
7Attach Sled Seat and Front Brace
- Apply wood glue to the tops of the sled runners, then place the sled seat and front brace onto them like shown below. Make sure both pieces are centered and space them approximately 2 1/2" apart (this doesn't have to be exact--feel free to space however you think looks best as long as they're on top of the runners).
- Clamp until the glue dries OR use a few brad nails through the top to secure.
Tip: Finish Once assembled, touch up any paint/stain as needed and apply a clear coat as desired. If you'd like, add a simple rope through the top brace for extra decoration.
Tags
- Holiday
- Beginner
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