How to Build Your Own Skateboard Ramp
Build A Basic Skateboard Ramp
A Simple Start
Start off with a simple ramp that you build and place anywhere. You can use this in a driveway or flat surface then place this up against a wall and get some vert action if you have those skills. It also can be use as a launch ramp get some air and nail the landing. Cost in materials is about less than $100.00 depending on the materials used. You will basic 8' 2x4's and 3/4" and 3/8" plywood and deck screws and drywall screws. All stuff you can get at any supply house. It will have some weight to it but you can move it with a floor dolly or get your skatebuds to help you. General Skate Ramp Building Tips
Surfaces
Surfacing can be the most expensive part of the ramp, it is also the first part of the ramp that gets ruined by weather if not protected properly. You should plan ahead when surfacing the ramp, you would not want to let your ramp sit in the rain after putting down only the plywood or unpainted massonite (the massonite especially will begin to warp the first time it gets rained on). The first two layers of the surface should always be 3/8" untreated plywood. There are three main options for the top surface:Skatelite - the best skating surface, they use this in the X games. Its weather resistant, but costs around $150 per sheet.
Massonite - this is a tempered hardboard, it comes in 1/8" and 1/4" (use the 1/4") and is only about $10 per sheet. It makes the surface nice and smooth (not my opinion, but too slippery to some). Tempered hardboard is not, however, resistant to the sun and rain, and must be protected.
Skate the plywood - you can stick with the 2 layers of plywood and skate that. The untreated plywood is not resistant to sun and rain, so you will need to protect it. Keep in mind plywood hurts more to fall on. I recommend massonite over this option because you will likely find yourself replacing the surface at some point, and massonite is much easier to replace (it bends much easier, then ideally you will not need to replace the plywood underneath).
More Skate Ramp Building Tips
Other Considerations
If you use skatelite, you do not need to protect the surface, since skatelite is water and sun resistant. You might want to lay tar paper under the skatelite to protect the plywood from the water that seeps through the cracks.If you do not use skatelite (either massonite or no top surface), it is a good idea to use water resistant paint to protect it from sun and rain. Two types of paints that work well for this is Spar Urethane and Polyurethane Paint. In addition to painting the ramp, a giant tarp is also a good idea, the last thing you want is water pooling up on your ramp (painted or not).
My recommendation for surfacing an outdoor ramp is to use two layers of 3/8" untreated plywood, paint the top layer of plywood with polyurethane paint (maybe the underneath side as well), then use a layer of 1/4" massonite for the top surface (smooth side up), painted with spar urethane, and a giant tarp to cover when you are not skating the ramp.
Time to Skate the Ramp
Enjoy Your Work
It's time to Skate the Ramp and enjoy your hard work. Now this is just a brief explanation on some basic cost and building. It is important to know you should take your time in learning how to build skateboard ramps, half pipes, grind boxes, funboxes, Vert Ramps, Quarter pipes and so on. It's well worth the effort, and remember always think safety wear a helmet and pads when you are learning new tricks. And above all have FUN!!! Check out the additional information about Building Skateboard Ramps. Here's my favorite link:
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