How to Make a DIY Tiki Torch From Snow Skis

A pair of old skis from Habitat for Humanity ReStore is now a bold yellow tiki torch, ready for our next backyard party.

Mark and I were challenged by our friends at Krylon to make a tiki torch from something out-of-the-ordinary.

Using unusual materials in new ways is my favorite way to DIY, so I felt like a lucky duck ready to embark on a fun adventure. And we started our search for materials at Habitat for Humanity ReStore.

It was fun to scour the aisles looking for something to use as the stand. We were thinking about a newel post or a porch post or a shovel handle… something that was long, sturdy, and thin. And then I spotted the exercise equipment. At first the hockey sticks seemed promising, but then I saw the skis. Priced at just $1, the skis were an extremely affordable and fitting solution.

For the top part of the tiki torch, we needed materials that were made of metal or glass. The collection of kitchenware and household items had so many options. I decided on a coaster that has a metal side, a glass, and a metal chalice that fit perfectly inside the glass. Our supplies from Habitat ReStore were just $5.

For the pop of color, we went to our local Walmart to pick up Krylon’s SuperMaxx Gloss Yellow and Hammered Finish in Copper!

Mark starts building the base of the torch. The base is basically a wood box with a slit in the center, like a wood sleeve, so the skis can slide inside the slot and be supported vertically.

We hold the two skis together by using Gorilla Glue Construction Adhesive. And we attach the top to the skis by using Gorilla Glue Super Glue with brush and nozzle.

We trim a wick to size and get it ready to light.

After that we add a few finishing touches to dress it up a bit. This is something you could use to add your own personality to the project.

We used a copper screen.

The last thing to do is to light your new tiki torch and enjoy!

Making this summer yellow tiki torch from winter snow skis was a fun DIY afternoon with my husband.

Have you made a tiki torch or upcycled a pair of skis? We would love to know how to make a tiki torch your way, or other ski inspirations. Send us an email or tweet us right now.