Skateboard Ramp Plan

Ever seen those absolutely awesome and 'daredevilish' skateboarding antics on the show 'Xtreme Sports' that airs on ESPN? Well, if you haven't, you must watch them once. It is mind-blowing, the way the skateboarding professionals execute dangerous tricks and stunts, conquering the irregularities of the skateboard ramps and keeping their balance intact. 

But then, apart from them, those who do not pursue skateboarding professionally, are lesser mortals when it comes to skateboarding on ramps. But wait, this need not lead you to getting disappointed. So what, if they are the 'pros' and you are not? You can also make your own ramp and show off a few smart tricks. So what say, are you on BOARD? 

 What would you prefer, a fun box, a launch ramp, or a small land wave ramp? Or maybe a wedge ramp or a half pipe plan? This plan is a blueprint for a basic skateboard ramp construction, replete with all the dimensions, measurements, material needed, and so on. 

 A Simple Launch Ramp 

Materials 

• 4'x8' sheet of 3/4" plywood, 1 
• 2'x8' sheet of 3/4" plywood, 1 
• 4'x8.25' sheet of 3/8" plywood, 1 
• 2'x4' sheet of 3/4" plywood, 1 
• 4' 2x4 block lumber, 8 
• Paint 
• Varnish 

Tools 

• Saw (electric or manual) 
• Measuring scale or a tape 
• Hammer 
• Electric drill 
• Screws 

 Steps to Build the Ramp 

• The 4'x8' plywood will act as the base for the ramp. It is on this that the whole structure will stand. 
• The 2'x8' sheet of plywood will give slope to the ramp. This sheet has to be cut into half diagonally. You will then have two triangular pieces of plywood with the base measuring 8 feet, the height measuring 2 feet, and the hypotenuse measuring 8.25 feet. 
• The 4-feet long stock lumbers will provide support to the face piece or the sheet of plywood that you will skate on. 
• The 4'x8.25' sheet will act as the face piece. 
• The 2'x4' plywood sheet goes at the back, providing the ramp with upright support. 
• The two triangular sheets of plywood have to be attached to the longer sides of the base with the help of screws. 
• Make notches on the diagonal sides of the two pieces you just attached to the base. This is where the block lumbers will be attached. The pieces of lumber will provide additional support to the face piece. Make sure that the distance between the notches is not more than 1 foot. 
• Now attach the 2'x8' plank at the back. The ramp must now have four sides finished with the lumber pieces inserted into the notches. 
• The face piece will finally come on the lumber pieces. Take care to attach the face piece by attaching it to the lumber pieces at the edges. This will ensure that there are no screws protruding where the skateboarding is done. 

Additional Tips 

• Make sure that the screws are properly inserted and are not half out. This can prove to be very dangerous to you and your skateboard. 
• Drill some holes on the base so that, if water accumulates inside the ramp, it will be flushed through these holes. 
• Preferably, use pressure-treated wood, as it is relatively weather-proof. 
• Use galvanized screws. 
• Varnish the wooden pieces before construction, and paint the structure after the construction to prevent water seepage. 
• Use a tarp to cover the ramp during rains. 
• Always check the sturdiness of the structure before skateboarding on it. 

There you go. Have a ball of a time skateboarding!