How To Build Skateboards Ramps

Learning how to build skateboard ramps at home is easy. It makes a great DIY project, as there are many who make their own mini skateparks in the driveway or even in an empty parking lot. The very first project that a skater generally undertakes is making the ramp for skateboarding. There are several ways of doing this depending on the type of ramp you would like to build. All you need is some wood, a few basic tools and little bit of your creativity.

Things you will need to make a skateboard ramp:

• Plywood
• nails
• drill
• saw
• hammer
• building design plans
• measuring tape
• pencil

1. Download a good skateboard ramp design plan from the Internet. There are several websites which have these plans free to download and use. These have been provided free by people who have made the ramps themselves. The plan you download would depend on the type of ramp needed. For instance, you can search for plans to build a jump ramp, quarter pipe or even a mini pipe. You can also follow the links provided in the resources section at the end of this article.
2. Decide upon a place where you can store the ramp when not being used. In case the ramp you make is small it can easily be stored in your garage. However, if you are planning a larger ramp you may require a tarp to cover it to keep it dry as it will have to be kept outside.
3. Decide the base size of your ramp to be built. This will generally depend on the place where you are going to install the ramp. Take measurements of the area where you will keep the ramp and then decide its length, width and height of the base. The dimensions will also differ based on the type of ramp you have decided to build. Once you have decided the dimensions of the ramp add some inches to the top of the base of the ramp. This will provide extra depth to the base.
4. Sketch the curve you want for the ramp on the pieces of plywood. This will help decide the extent of curvature needed for the ramp.
5. Using the saw, and cut the plywood in three different panels in the dimension you sketched. Once the panels have been cut, decide as to where you would attach the 2 x 4 braces. These are to provide support while using the ramp.
6. Take the plywood panels, cut notches in them using the saw. The notches must be cut wherever you are going to fit the 2 x 4 braces. Fix them by nailing at the decided location on the plywood. Make sure that the slim side of the braces faces the curving side of the plywood. Attach the 2 x 4 braces using nails.
7. Attach a few 2 x 4 braces to the outer side of your ramp to make it more stable. Make sure the pieces attached are longer than those used to provide support to the curve of your ramp. Attach these braces with the shorter middle ones using nails.
8. Nail a thin section of plywood at the center to provide support to the braces. The curve of the ramp is now complete.
9. Attach one final section of plywood to your ramp in order to complete the surface. The ramp is now ready for skateboarding.