How To Build Plastic Skateboard Ramps

If you're thinking of constructing your own skateboard ramps there are many reasons you should build them with plastic as a contact surface. Outdoor skateboard ramps - traditionally made of wood or concrete - experience general signs of destruction from unavoidable factors such as harsh weather conditions and direct sunlight. Concrete can fissure and wood can rot, leading to an unsafe skateboard ramp. But if you learn how to build plastic skateboard ramps you are constructing something that is generally lightweight enough to be portable, sturdy enough to anchor into the ground, and resistant against all different types of wear and tear. In just six easy steps you can ditch the shoddy wood and cement construction and make your own plastic skate ramp from scratch.

You will need the following to complete this project:

• Medium grade lumber
• Multi-ply acrylic sheets
• Circular saw
• Power drill
• Blueprints

1. Create or download blueprints. This is often the most overlooked step in the DIY process but it is absolutely crucial for a stable build. You want a skateboard ramp that is safe and accessible, not something that will bust apart on you in a week. If you're familiar with ramp construction using a wood or concrete base, draft your own blueprints, making special note for a light frame and plastic casing. If you are uncomfortable with making your own blueprints, you can download many different designs for free online.
2. Construct the framework. Use a circular saw to cut medium-grade (or higher) lumber to the specifications of your blueprint. If you are making a trapezoidal frame you will want at least nine cuts set aside for the initial frame. Do not use low-quality or "throwaway" lumber to build the frame of your skate ramp or the supports!
3. Build the supports. Without strong supporting beams your ramp is likely to bow and eventually collapse under continual strain. Plan to include at least eight cross-beams in the design of a trapezoidal frame base when you're building your skateboard ramp: Three along the top, three to brace the bottom, and one to stabilize each side.
4. Design an acrylic casing. Obviously the whole point of building a plastic skateboard ramp yourself is to make cost-effective use of your time in an investment that will pay off due to a reduced burden on the wooden framework. You should cut your acrylic plastic sheeting to reflect this design, with at least four pieces to cover your base.
5. Affix the ramp. This step should be one of the easiest if you have properly reinforced the skateboard ramp's framework. Simply layer one piece of custom cut, multi-ply acrylic (or several pieces of lower grade material) atop your incline. Screws are still your best option but make certain you keep them concealed to prevent damaging your skateboard and causing accidents.
6. Test the ramp. Now that you've built your own plastic skateboard ramp, you need to test it. Always test without a skateboard at first to make certain the ramp can support your weight. When it is time to test with a board, roll up and down the incline at a slow pace, gradually increasing until you are confident the construction is solid. If you feel the skateboard ramp creaking or moving in any way, dismantle the acrylic casing and add more supports.