Do you have a collection of old snowboards or skis gathering dust in your garage? Rather than letting them go to waste, why not embark on a creative upcycling project? In this segment of the Weston Upcycle Series, we'll guide you through the step-by-step process of building a unique and eye-catching chair using your retired winter gear. Not only will you have a functional piece of furniture, but you'll also showcase your passion for winter sports in a whole new way. So, grab your tools and let's get started!
This is one way to repurpose your old gear or you can check out our Board Slayer Program to see how you can replace the gear you thrashed.
Materials You'll Need:
- Old snowboards or skis (2 snowboards or 4 skis for a basic chair)
- 2x4’s, or whatever scrap lumber you want to use
- Wood screws (2.5" - 3" in length)
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
- Saw (circular saw or miter saw)
- Sandpaper
- Drill
- Drill bits
- Wood glue (if you want)
- Clamps
- Protective gear (gloves, safety glasses)
Step 1: Planning and Design
Before diving into the project, sketch out your chair's design on paper. Decide how you want the snowboards or skis to be arranged to form the chair's backrest, seat, and legs. Consider the length and angles at which you'll need to cut the boards to achieve the desired shape. We’ve provided a general outline of the frame below to demonstrate the concept, but exact dimensions can vary based on what wood you have available or are going to use. Feel free to adjust the depth, lean, and angles of your chair to make it your own!
General layout of the wooden frame members
Side View depicting the relative cross-member locations
The general premise behind our design was to provide a frame to lay flat mid-sections of boards across to serve as the seat, and then use longer pieces of splits to serve as the backrest. Rounding it out would be sections of splits as arm rests. Skis can easily be substituted for all of these areas depending on what you have availability to. We used a mix of 2”x4” and 2”x6” lumber that was left over from an old board storage rack, but it really can be whatever you have access to.
Step 2: Cutting the Frame
With your design finalized, begin cutting the pieces to size. Remember to measure twice and cut once, otherwise it ends up being measure once and cut like three times (...is that just me?). Now can be a good time to stain the wood if you want to, as it can be easier to do individual pieces instead of the entire frame at once. This gives the wood more character and helps to protect your hard work from the elements.
Step 3: Preparing the Snowboards/Skis
Start by cleaning the snowboards or skis to remove any dirt, wax, or stickers. Use sandpaper to smooth out rough edges or scratches, giving them a clean and even surface. Or just leave them as is for more character, you do you.
Step 4: Cutting the Snowboards/Skis
Using the measurements from your design, carefully cut the snowboards or skis to the required lengths and angles. A miter saw or circular saw will help you achieve precise cuts, but a hand saw can work in a pinch. Be sure to follow all safety precautions when using power tools, the “safety squint” isn’t OSHA approved.
Step 5: Assembling the Frame
Lay out the pieces according to your design. Apply wood glue along the edges where the boards will connect. Use clamps to hold the pieces together tightly while the glue dries. This step is essential for creating a sturdy chair. Once the glue is dry, reinforce the joints with wood screws. Drill pilot holes to prevent the wood from splitting, and then insert the screws to secure the pieces together.
Step 6: Attaching the boards or skis
For the seat and backrest, you can either use additional snowboards or skis, or opt for a more traditional approach by attaching wooden planks. Whichever option you choose, make sure it's securely attached to the frame. We recommend pilot holes through these as well, since screws can be hard to drive through boards/skis if there isn’t a hole to start and guide them.
Step 7: Sanding and Finishing
Smooth out any rough edges or uneven surfaces with sandpaper. Sand the entire chair to create a uniform appearance. In particular, watch out for the metal edges on the boards/skis, as these can be particularly sharp and pointy after cutting them. If you want to preserve the snowboard or ski graphics, consider using a clear coat of varnish or sealant.
Step 8: Enjoy Your Upcycled Chair!
Congratulations! You've successfully transformed old snowboards or skis into a functional and visually striking chair. Place it in your living room, garage, porch, outside your camper van or any other space where it can be admired and used. Not only have you given new life to forgotten winter gear, but you've also created a conversation piece that showcases your love for the snow.
Remember, upcycling projects like this are limited only by your imagination. Don't be afraid to get creative and experiment with different designs and materials. Show off your handy work by posting your chair on the socials and tag @westonbackcounty with the #SlayPow hashtag. Happy crafting!
Pro Tip: Love riding hard but want to be sure you're covered with a backup when you thrash your gear? Check out our Board Slayer Program to learn how to replace the gear you destroyed.