How To Build Small Skateboard Ramps

When practicing skateboard stunts, it is good to learn how to build a small skateboard ramp. This is not rocket science, but you do want a stable and secure skateboard ramp. It is not good when you hit the ramp and it collapses. Decide how much height and distance you want out of your ramp, then get an idea of how much ramp you will need to accomplish this. It would be a good Idea to sketch a small illustration of the skateboard ramp you want to build.

To build a small skateboard ramp, you will need:

• Plywood
• A two-by-four board
• A box of one-inch and three-inch screws
• A drill
• A skill saw

1. Draw out a small plan of what you want. Place your longest two-by-four at the peak of the skateboard ramp, reducing the length of the two-by-four as you come to the beginning of the ramp. You are ready to start construction.
2. Mark and cut. On the plywood, mark your sides and top. You want the top to be beveled to allow the end of the plywood to lay flat on the surface you're skating on. Cut out the boards and lay them out. Cut the two-by-fours so they are the height of the side boards. You're going to need one every eight to ten inches for support of the ramp. You want the two-by-fours to be cut with an angle equivalent to the angle of the side at the point you're going to install that particular board, leaving it about one-and-three-quarter inches short of the top surface.
3. Cut your top supports. You want to cut your supports the width of your top surface. Cut one for each vertical support. Toward the bottom of the skateboard ramp, you will only need one two-by-four cut at an angle along the edge to match the angle of the top surface. This is the last board on your ramp and will be installed as close to the bottom of the ramp as you can to add support where you first make contact with the ramp.
4. Cut your bottom supports. To tie the bottom of the ramp together, you need to cut bottom supports the width of the top. Cut one for each side support. These do not need to be angled.
5. Piece it together. First, using the three-inch screws, put each of the supports together. Use the angled top two-by-fours for the side supports. On the top, mount the top supports from the first side support to the second, making sure the supports you're using are equal in size. Take the bottom supports and flush them with the bottom of the side supports, and secure them using the three-inch screws.
6. Putting up the sides and top. You're ready to finish it off. Using the one-inch screws, mount the sides to the supports. Mark the plywood on the inside to make sure the supports are even and mounted in the proper order. The top of the support and the side sheet of plywood should be flush. Lay the top of the ramp in place and screw it to the top supports. Make sure the beveled edge is at the bottom of the ramp and facing down to give you a smooth entry to the ramp.

Using the plywood on the sides of this ramp creates a sturdy and strong skateboard ramp. It is time to take your ramp for a spin. Be sure that before you ever touch your board, you wear all your gear. It may be a small ramp, but the fall could still hurt if you miss your mark. You're ready to practice your stunts with your homemade ramp. Enjoy showing up your pals that have to wait till they go to the park!