Asked on May 21, 2019

How can I make a hillside slide?

Leah Michael
by Leah Michael

My fiance and I want to make a hillside slide going from our driveway down to the flat lot where the kids play. From the driveway to the bottom of the hill is 32 feet. I wouldn't want it to be really fast. We were think of building it out of wood and then coating it with something like what I have in the picture. Would that work? Or does anyone have any ideas? Thank you!

  7 answers
  • William William on May 21, 2019

    That is a lubricant primarily used on door hinges, patio door rollers, garage door hinges and rollers, etc. Build it out of plywood making sure seams and joints are flush. Cover it with 6 mil plastic or blue plastic tarps. Wet it down with water and squirt Dawn dish liquid, shampoo, all over. Sliding will spread it around. Kids have fun and get clean at the same time. Just hose it down for next time.

  • Karen Brunck Karen Brunck on May 22, 2019

    Please don't poison your kids. A plastic tarp and water are all you need.

  • Chubby58 Chubby58 on May 22, 2019

    Try using pool liner material. You just cut to size, lay it down and they're ready to slide. Just rinse it off, dry it and roll it up for next time.

  • Catherine Deirdre Rodden Catherine Deirdre Rodden on May 22, 2019

    slide and wood are not good combination - think splinters in uncomfortable places. You may want to consider concrete with the coating used for inground pools. With a 32 foot run, you can even add some twists.

  • Glen Glen on May 22, 2019

    Is the slide meant for water only, or just a simple slide? How about a lot of pine needles strewn down a path you prepare down that hill, then use slick snow sliders. Worked great for us and the idea came from my grandfather, who built one for us at their home in the hills. He then made wood sliders for us to sit on, with small seat and cross boards for feet.

  • William William on May 24, 2019

    For regular slide just the wood and 6 Mil plastic. Any lubricant would just be messy on the clothes and body.