Building a mini ramp in your backyard is a dream for many skateboarders. It’s a place to practice, learn new tricks, and have endless fun without the hassle of going to a skatepark. This article will guide you through the process, sharing valuable insights from personal experience and expert resources, to help you build a ramp that will last for years to come.
Why Build a Mini Ramp?
The desire to have a personal mini ramp is a common feeling among skateboarders. Many of us grew up without easy access to proper skate facilities. While skateparks have improved over the years, a simple mini ramp still holds a unique appeal for learning to pump and perform lip tricks. The rhythmic sound of wheels hitting the coping, the speed, and the physical challenge of it all can be incredibly rewarding. Having a mini ramp at home means you can skate whenever you want, without time constraints or travel. This was the motivation behind my project – finally creating the ramp I had always wanted.
finished DIY mini ramp
Assessing Your Construction Skills
Before starting your ramp build, it’s important to be realistic about your construction experience. If you’re someone who enjoys DIY projects and has some experience with tools and woodworking, building a mini ramp is achievable. However, if you’re new to construction, you might want to enlist the help of someone with more experience. Over the years, I’ve gained significant experience through various construction projects, ranging from sheds to houses. This experience was crucial in tackling the mini ramp build. Remember, understanding the importance of proper building techniques is key to a successful and safe ramp.
Ramp Engineering: Utilizing Reliable Resources
Unless you’re a civil engineer, you don’t need to reinvent the wheel when it comes to ramp design. There are numerous resources available online and in print to help you build a safe and skateable structure. It’s crucial to research thoroughly and not cut corners, as an improperly built ramp can be dangerous. Thrasher’s “How To Build Skateboard Ramps” remains a highly respected guide, and you can also find various ramp kits and plans online.
For my project, I spent several months researching mini ramp plans to find the right design. Ultimately, I chose to follow the 3-foot Mini Ramp plans from diyskate.com. Their website offers comprehensive plans, CAD drawings, and detailed instructions for various skate structures. The quality and amount of information available on diyskate.com are impressive and I highly recommend checking their resources as a starting point.
Is Building a Mini Ramp Difficult?
The difficulty of building a mini ramp depends largely on your comfort level with woodworking. If you have prior construction experience, the process is manageable but requires precision. It’s essential to avoid rushing and to double-check every step. For me, this project took about 30 hours to complete, and I’d rate the difficulty as medium. It was simpler than building a shed but more involved than building a patio. Having an extra pair of hands could make the process easier. The material costs for my ramp came to around $700, so taking the time to build correctly is a wise investment.
The Mini Ramp Building Process
While I won’t provide a step-by-step guide (diyskate.com already does a fantastic job with that), I’ll share the key stages and the lessons I learned during my build.
Choosing the Right Location
The location of your ramp is crucial. A mini ramp can occupy a significant area, so make sure you have sufficient space, including vertical clearance. I’m fortunate to have a large backyard, which provided the necessary space, but I still had to trim some tree branches. If you plan to build your ramp indoors, check the ceiling height to prevent any head injuries.
Footing or base of a mini ramp
Placing your ramp on a concrete pad is ideal but expensive. I chose to use concrete blocks as a footing which is a more cost-effective method. My ramp, measuring approximately 8 feet by 24 feet, is supported by 34 concrete blocks spaced roughly 4 feet apart.
Tracing the Ramp Transition
mini ramp tracing transition
Start by laying out two sheets of 3/4″ plywood and measuring for the transition height. Use a 2×4 and a pencil, like a compass, for a smooth, accurate line. Avoid using string, as it is less precise. Trace one side, then use it as a template for the other three transitions to guarantee identical shapes.
Cutting the Transitions and Lumber
Cut the mini ramp Transitions and Lumber
Use a circular saw to cut the deck portion of the transition for a nice straight cut. Use a jigsaw to cut the transition curve and the notch for the coping. Take your time with the jigsaw to ensure smooth, bump-free curves. Use the first piece as a template for the next three. You can get two transition pieces from a single 4×8 sheet of 3/4″ plywood.
cutting mini ramp with a Jigsaw
cut out mini ramp side wall
finished mini ramp transition side
Cut your 2×4 lumber to size, which will serve as the joists for framing the transitions, deck, and flat bottom. A chop saw or compound miter saw is ideal, but a table saw will also work.
2×4 lumber and a circular saw
Marking Support Points
marked flat bottom wooden boards
Mark where the joists will be screwed to the plywood sides, spacing them at 8-inch intervals for adequate support. Align all the side pieces together and mark them all at once for uniformity. Mark the two 8-foot 2x4s for the flat bottom by lining them up together, which will help ensure that the frame is square.
marked 2×4 for mini ramp frame
Framing the Transitions and Flat Bottom
mini ramp frame in progress
Screw four joists to the plywood sides. Assemble the flat bottom and screw the three sections together. I used eight bolts and nuts to attach the flat bottom to the transition sections.
Leveling the Ramp
If you’re building on a concrete pad, it should already be level. If using footings, you’ll need to level the ramp. There are two main methods for leveling: using a transit or using long pieces of wood and a level. I used the second method and the ramp frame itself as the long pieces of wood. I used a level and added dirt under the concrete blocks to bring them up to the correct level. Ensure all areas of the ramp are level in all directions.
mini ramp frame
A helpful tip is to frame the two sides and the flat bottom with just enough joists to keep them square and together before leveling the entire structure. Fully framed sections are difficult to move.
mini ramp frame levelled
After leveling the ramp, check for places to add additional concrete blocks to ensure full support. Make sure the additional footings are level.
Finishing the Frame
finished mini ramp frame
Add all the remaining joists to your ramp, and recheck that everything is level. Add shims under joists that need them to sit properly on the footing blocks.
Attaching Coping and Decking
attaching the coping to mini ramp
Pre-drill the coping and screw it into the notches. Use a screwdriver to finish if your screw gun bit is too short. Avoid dropping screws into the coping, as I did! Screw the 3/4″ plywood deck pieces onto the deck, tightly butting them to the coping.
Sheeting the Ramp
When sheeting, use two layers of plywood for a smooth, durable surface. Start by sheeting the top of the transition, placing the 3/8″ plywood against the coping. Sheet from each transition side towards the center and you will likely have to cut down the center sheet. Ensure that all screws are fastened into the joists using a chalk line to mark the positions. Clean the ramp surface to remove debris between layers.
mini ramp sheet attachment
mini ramp attaching surface plywood
For the second layer, use half sheets of plywood to stagger the joints. You may need to screw the edges that do not line up with the joists to the first layer.
finished diy mini ramp
For the final layer, choose a durable, smooth material. I used select grade fir plywood, which is more durable than masonite for outdoor use. Sheet your ramp as you did for the first layer.
Protecting Your Mini Ramp
If your ramp is outdoors, protect it from the elements by covering it with a tarp when not in use. While using treated lumber is recommended, it can be more expensive. As a cost-effective alternative, I plan to paint my ramp with barn paint.
Conclusion
Building a mini ramp is a rewarding experience. By taking your time and focusing on precision, you can create a skateable structure that will provide years of enjoyment. Remember, this process is a journey, and the result is well worth the effort.
Special thanks to diyskate.com for providing the plans for this project.
