How To Build Ramps For Skateboarding

All right you little groms, listen up, because the great minds here at Break are going to teach you how to build ramps for skateboarding.  We know you all want to boost huge airs, but you can’t because mommy won’t drive you to the skate park. Fear not, once you know how to build ramps for skateboarding you can build your own park. What’s that? Mommy won’t let you use power tools either? Well, what mommy don’t know won’t hurt her. The following instructions will help you plan a kicker ramp for skateboarding.

Materials:

• 2 - 4×8, 3/4" plywood
• 1 - 4×8, 1/4" masonite
• 5 - 2×4's, 8' long
• 1 - 1lb box of 1 5/8" screws
• 1 - 1lb box of 2 1/2" screws
• 1 - 10 × 4', 3/16" steel
• Tape Measure
• Pencil
• Circular saw
• Drill w/ Philips bit
• 3/16" and 3/8" drill bit

1. Location. When building ramps for skateboarding you need to do a bit of planning. First decide where you will be using your ramp (street, driveway, etc), and then decide how you will be storing it. If you plan on storing ramps outside at all times, you may want to invest in a tarp or weatherproof materials.
2. Materials. You can get almost all of the materials at any lumberyard or home improvement store. If you can’t find the steel pole for the coping it might be worth looking up scrap metal yards.
3. Plan the ramp. When building ramps for skateboarding you need to do a bit of planning. You should draw up plans before cutting the wood. The above materials allow for a ramp that will be 5-6 feet long and between 1 and 5 feet high. Obviously, you want to decide on the dimensions of your ramp before building ramps for skateboarding. For this ramp, we will assume the ramp will be 5 feet long and 2 feet high.
4. Cut the sides. Cut two triangular pieces of plywood for the sides. The two sides of the right triangle should be 5’ long and 2’ long. The point between the 5’ side and the hypotenuse should actually be a 1.5” nub.
5. Frame the bottom. Attach the two triangles with 2x4s along the base (the 5’ side). You only need two 2x4s for the bottom.
6. Frame the top. Attach eight 2x4s across the top portion (hypotenuse) of the sides to frame the deck of the ramp.
7. Attach the plywood. Secure the plywood to the top of the frame.  A solid deck and base are both very important when building ramps for skateboarding.
8. Attach the masonite: Lay the masonite atop the plywood. They should both be the same dimensions. Secure the masonite to the ramp with screws. Make sure you screw into the studs. Use chalk lines if necessary.
9. Attach the steel sheet. You should have about 10 inches between the masonite and the ground. Attach the steel sheet to the edge of the masonite so that it makes a smooth transition to the ground. You wont be able to use your ramp without this steel.