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How to Build a Skateboard Ramp

by Samuel Wayne in Legacy Articles

If you’re ready to start “ramping” up your skateboarding skills, then it’s time to build your very own ramp. Sure, you could just go to the skatepark, but what if there isn’t one close by? Besides, how cool would a skateboard ramp look in your back yard? You’ll likely need to have a little bit of skill with tools, and a couple of friends to complete this weekend project.

The type of ramp you build will depend upon how much money you have for materials, and how much time you have to spend working on this project. We’ll list the basic steps and some material suggestions to get you started.

Materials and equipment may vary depending on the type of plan you follow, but you will likely need:

•Open space for jumping. 
•Blueprint/Plans for the ramp. 
•4-6 2X4’s.
•A couple sheets of plywood.
•Hammer and Nails (or preferably wood screws)
•Level.
•Pencil.
•Some friends to help out.

Decide if you want a ramp to place in a permanent location (like your yard) or if you want something smaller and more portable that you can put away when you’re done skateboarding. This will determine a round about size for your ramp.

Figure out what you want to build. Search online for plans that you can purchase or download for free. Free plans are usually just as good as paid ones. You should probably gather a few tools at this point as well (hammer and nails at least).

If you don’t want to buy or download a plan, follow these steps to build a simple mini ramp:

1.Lay a ¾” piece of plywood on a flat surface. Sketch a straight line upwards on the right hand side of the wood. This line should be about 25 to 30 inches tall.

2.Draw another straight line out to the left, but more towards the center of the plywood. This should be about 2 or 3 feet (this will be your deck).

3.Draw a line on the bottom of the skateboard ramp that’s about 5 feet or so. This will be the bottom of your mini-ramp.

4.Connect the top of the deck to the end of the bottom using a curved line (this is the ramp). Try to use a half-circle drawing tool or drafting compass if possible so the curve is perfect.

5.Cut along the lines using a saw. If you have access to a skilsaw, use it to make sure that the curves are smooth.

6.Repeat step 5 on the other piece of plywood for the other side of the ramp.

7.Connect both sides with 2x4’s. Make sure you have enough spacing between the 2x4’s to allow proper support.

8.Use a single sheet of 3/8” plywood for the mini-ramp section. You will have to bend it to make it fit over the curve.

9.Finish by finishing any rough edges with sandpaper. This may be a very simple plan for building your own skateboarding ramp, but it’s perfect if you are a first time builder with limited time, skills and money. To keep your new ramp in top shape, store it in your house or garage when not in use.

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