Skateboard ramps allow fledgling and veteran skaters alike to practice skating techniques in the comfort of their own training space. Most homemade skateboard ramps can be securely constructed of wood, masonite or steel and can add a significant boost to your ability to learn new tricks with your skateboard. The kicker ramp, one of the basic training ramps for skateboarders, is easy and relatively inexpensive to build. With patience, skill and the right materials, practically anyone can learn to make a skateboard ramp.
Step 1
Designate a clean working area with ample lighting to construct your skateboard ramp. Put on your safety goggles and gloves and use the tape measure to measure 10 separate cuts of 3 feet, 10 1/2-inch lengths of two-by-four plank lumber. Turn on the circular saw and make the required cuts.
Step 2
Place one sheet of 4-by-8-foot plywood on your working surface and draw out the length and width of your wedge-shaped kicker ramp. Draw an acute triangle at one end of the plywood sheet that is 1 foot, 6 inches in height and 5 feet, 6 inches in length. Use a tape measure to draw the straight line connecting the two points. Repeat the drawing on the same sheet of plywood so that you have penciled out both sides of your kicker ramp.
Step 3
Cut out the two triangles using the circular saw, and place both triangles upright as they will stand when the ramp is completed. Insert two of the 10 cut lengths of two-by-four plank lumber and position one at the rear of the triangle so that it rests vertically at the back of the triangle. Place the other cut two-by-four plank so that it rests horizontally at the narrowest tip of the kicker ramp. Fasten both two-by-four planks in place by drilling two 2 1/2-inch screws at each end, using eight screws total to finish the bottom ramp frame.
Step 4
Insert the eight remaining two-by-four lengths of lumber so that each plank is spaced 8 inches apart. Use the measuring tape to mark the eight points at 8-inch intervals. Place the planks inside the triangle in vertical positions and screw each two-by-four plank in place using two 2 1/2-inch screws at each end, using 32 screws in total.
Step 5
Use the circular saw to cut the final sheet until it is 4 feet wide and 6 feet, 2 inches in length. Lay the plywood on top of the ramp so that the top of the plywood rests against the top edge of the two ramp sides. The bottom of the plywood section should rest comfortably on the ground. Screw the plywood face onto all four sides of the ramp using 15 screws of 1 5/8-inch length on each side, or 60 total. Walk up your ramp and press your feet into the different areas and locations to determine the stability of your kicker ramp.
Tips and Warnings
- Skaters expecting to deliver serious punishment to their ramps and equipment might want to consider reinforcing the surface of their kicker ramp with masonite or stainless steel, available at most hardware stores.
- Always wear safety goggles and gloves when working with power tools such as the circular saw. Never leave the machine plugged in unattended, and always make sure to keep children or animals away from your working space. And never forget: Always wear a helmet when skateboarding.
Things You'll Need
- Safety goggles and gloves
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- 5 8-foot planks of two-by-four lumber
- Circular saw
- 2 sheets of 4-by-8-foot plywood, 3/4-inch thick
- Box of 2 1/2-inch screws
- Box of 1 5/8-inch screws
- Electric drill
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