How to Make a Fun DIY Stair Slide

How to Make a Fun DIY Stair Slide
5 min read
26 September 2023

How to Make a Fun DIY Stair Slide

Looking for a fun weekend project to liven up your home? Turn your staircase into an indoor slide with this easy DIY project! Making a DIY Stair Slide is a great way to add some excitement to your household, especially if you have kids. 

 What You'll Need

- A straight staircase with at least 10 steps 
- 1-2 sheets of smooth plywood or plastic, cut into slides that fit the width of your stairs
- Wood glue or construction adhesive
- Screws and a power drill
- Sandpaper
- Stain, paint and/or polyurethane sealant (optional)
- Soft blanket or rug to place at bottom of stairs 

Steps to Make a DIY Stair Slide

1. Measure the width and length of your staircase to determine the size slides you'll need. Cut plywood or plastic into slide pieces accordingly.

2. Starting at the top, glue and screw the slide pieces onto the stairs, making sure the pieces are secure and level. Leave enough space between pieces for steps.

3. Once glue is dry, sand down any rough edges. Apply stain, paint or polyurethane if desired. 

4. Place blankets or rugs at the bottom of the stairs to cushion the landing. Consider adding bumpers on the walls for extra safety. 

5. Test it out! Make sure the slide is smooth and secure before allowing kids to play. Establish rules like sliding feet first only.

6. Enjoy your homemade stair slide! Take turns sliding down and make a game out of who can get to the bottom fastest.

With some simple materials and tools, you can create a fun slide right in your own home. Customize your stair slide with paint, bumpers and decorations. Just use caution, set ground rules and always supervise young slid

Looking for a fun weekend project to liven up your home? Turn your staircase into an indoor slide with this easy DIY project! Making a stair slide is a great way to add some excitement to your household, especially if you have kids.

Gather the Necessary Supplies

Plywood or Plastic Sheets

  • 1-2 sheets of smooth plywood or plastic, cut into slides that fit the width of your stairs

Tools

  • Wood glue or construction adhesive
  • Screws and a power drill
  • Sandpaper

Decorative Supplies (Optional)

  • Stain, paint and/or polyurethane sealant
  • Bumpers, wall padding, or other safety materials

Cushioning

  • Soft blanket or rug to place at bottom of stairs

Step-by-Step Instructions

Measure and Cut Materials

  1. Measure the width and length of your staircase to determine the size slides you'll need. Cut plywood or plastic into slide pieces accordingly.

Install the Slide Pieces

  1. Starting at the top, glue and screw the slide pieces onto the stairs, making sure the pieces are secure and level. Leave enough space between pieces for steps.

Smooth and Finish the Slide Surface

  1. Once glue is dry, sand down any rough edges. Apply stain, paint or polyurethane if desired.

Add Cushioning

  1. Place blankets or rugs at the bottom of the stairs to cushion the landing. Consider adding bumpers on the walls for extra safety.

Test It Out and Establish Rules

  1. Test it out! Make sure the slide is smooth and secure before allowing kids to play. Establish rules like sliding feet first only.

Enjoy Your Creation!

  1. Enjoy your homemade stair slide! Take turns sliding down and make a game out of who can get to the bottom fastest.

The Goal: Transform Your Stairs into a Slide

  • Great weekend project, especially if you have kids
  • Adds excitement and fun to any home

Gather These Supplies

  • Plywood or plastic sheets
  • Tools like wood glue, screws, drill, sandpaper
  • Decorative options: paint, bumpers
  • Cushioning like blankets or rugs

Steps for Installing Your DIY Stair Slide

Measure and Cut the Slide Pieces

  • Measure width and length of your stairs
  • Cut materials to size to fit each step

Adhere the Slide Securely to the Stairs

  • Start at top and glue/screw slides to stairs
  • Leave space between for steps

Finish the Slide Surface

  • Once dry, sand down any rough edges
  • Apply stain, paint or polyurethane

Cushion the Landing Area

  • Use blankets or rugs at bottom for cushion
  • Consider adding bumpers to walls

Safety First!

  • Test slide fully before use
  • Establish rules like feet first only
  • Always supervise young kids

Enjoy Your Creation!

  • Take turns sliding down
  • Make a game out of timing slides

FAQ

How steep should the slide be?

For safety, the slide should remain fairly gradual, with a 10-15 degree slope. Make sure to test it thoroughly before use.

What type of staircase works best?

Straight stairs work best to allow sliding without any major gaps or bumps. Spiral or curved stairs would be more challenging.

How can I make the slide go faster?

Use a smooth, slick material like plastic instead of wood. You can also apply wax to create less friction.

What if my stairs are carpeted?

Remove the carpet and padding before installing the slide. Refinish the staircase afterward if needed.

Should I oil the slide?

Yes, applying a thin layer of vegetable oil can help increase speed and create a slick slide surface. Reapply occasionally.

How can I make the slide safer?

Add bumpers or padding on the walls and soft cushioning at the bottom. Make sure the slide is secure. Always supervise young children.

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Remodelations 2
Remodelations has been writing about home improvement, DIY projects, and interior design for over 5 years. He is passionate about empowering homeowners with the...
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