Are you someone who enjoys skateboarding, but doesn’t have access to a ramp? Then this guide on how to make mini skateboard ramps will be just what you need! These ramps are easy to build and can be put together with inexpensive supplies from the hardware store. This article walks you through the entire process, from choosing your wood to attaching the ramp so it doesn’t budge under pressure.
Material:
- THICK PLYWOOD
- A LOT OF SCREWS
- DRILL
- JIG SAW
- TAPE MEASURE
- PENCIL
- LEVEL
- HAMMER
Step 1: Find the right wood
Because skateboarding is becoming more popular, many hardware stores are now carrying wood scraps. Start by asking at your local hardware store if they have any wood scrap for sale, or you can purchase it online if need be. It’s best to start with a light-colored piece of plywood so that you can paint over it in case there are any mistakes. The lighter color will also allow you to use water-based paints on it as opposed to oil-based ones, which will not stick as well. If you cannot find a suitable piece of wood, look around your neighborhood and see if anyone has an old board they are willing to give away. Before using old wood, though, make sure it doesn’t have any nails or other fasteners still attached otherwise those will end up going through the entire ramp and into someone’s foot!
Step 2: Cut the wood pieces
The design of your skateboard mini ramp is going to depend on how you cut and join wood pieces together. Cut plywood pieces a little longer than needed and then sanded them down so they’d fit better. After all, you don’t want a gap at one end where your boards will be rolling off. You also need to cut some small rails that run along each side. These rails will prevent splinters from ripping through your hands as you ride down your mini skateboard ramp! I suggest using a jigsaw for cutting out your pieces, because you could use too much force on a power saw or miter saw and damage your wood pieces. This will make getting an even grind very difficult later on when finished creating these board ramps!
Step 3: Arrange Small wood pieces to make Ramp
Small wood pieces can be arranged in different forms and shapes to form mini skateboard ramps. A long plank of wood with a flat surface at one end is all you need. You can make a platform using wooden planks and use it as a skating ramp or, if you want it to be higher, attach two such platforms together side by side. Another option is to simply arrange four small pieces of wood so that they stand on their ends. If these are placed at regular intervals, say 2 inches apart from each other, you will get a shape which looks similar to a ramp for skateboards. The piece that comes out from either side must have some space underneath so that it remains stable while someone uses it as a ramp for skateboarding or rollerblading.
Step 4: Drill holes
For smaller ramps, you can drill holes into your boards using a drill press or hand-held power tool. You’ll want to drill just before your cut line so that all of your holes are along that line. The goal is for these holes to serve as an anchor and help prevent splintering at the ends of your ramp. Measure twice, then use a drill to make small holes for screws to insert easily.
Step 5: Screwing and paint
If you want your ramps to be safe, don’t make them out of stuff you can’t stand on. Safety is paramount! Be sure to use a drill and not just a screwdriver. Screw up all your plywood pieces together using long screws. Don’t screw too hard or else you will ruin your wood. Once they are screwed together it should feel like one solid piece again. Sand them down until there are no rough edges that can injure someone who uses it for skating. Put paint on top so that when you fall down you won’t hurt yourself as much. Let it dry for about three days before playing with them so that way you don’t slip and slide around in skates.