How to Make Skateboarding Pads

Skateboard pads are often found at skateboarding practice parks.

Skateboarding pads --- also called manual pads by the skate community --- are essential pieces of equipment to own when it comes to practicing balance tricks. A skateboarding pad is essentially a flat platform that is raised 6 inches off the ground. This platform provides a place to practice everything from basic balance tricks to more advanced skateboarding moves. If you like to skateboard and have a bit of construction experience, you can easily make your own skate pad in a few hours.

Things You'll Need

• Saw
• 4 two-by-fours
• 3 two-by-sixes
• 2 1/2 inch screws
• Electric drill
• 1 4-by-8 sheet of plywood
• 1 5/8-inch screws
• 2 pieces of angle iron

Instructions

1. Cut all of your two-by-fours in half so they are all 3-by-9 inches in length. Put them aside and then cut your two-by-sixes. Cut one of them in half so you have two pieces of wood that are 3-by-9 inches in length. Don't cut the other remaining two-by-sixes, as they will be used for the sides of your skateboard pad.

2. Frame the outside of your skateboarding pad by creating a rectangle using the two uncut two-by-sixes and placing the two cut two-by-sixes on either end. Secure these pieces together using an electric drill. Make sure you predrill the holes so they boards don't split when you put the screws in. Attach two screws into the top and bottom of each joint to make the frame secure.

3. Place the eight cut pieces of two-by-four inside the frame you just assembled. Space them evenly inside the frame --- there should be 10 ½ inches between each piece with 11 ½ inches on either end. Attach two screws into the top and bottom of each joint to make sure the structure is secure.

4. Lay the plywood sheet on top of the frame and attach it in place using your 1 5/8-inch screws. Attach your angle iron to both lengthwise edges of the skateboard pad to complete the project.

References

• Skate Wave: Manual Pads
• DIY Skate: Manual Pad