How to Build a Small Half-Pipe

Building a small half pipe can be a challenging task, but if you follow a few simple steps and plan your design, your task will be much easier. This article will tell you exactly how to build a small half pipe for your backyard, or indoor skate park.Consider whether your pipe will need treated wood, and whether you want to use more expensive Skatelite material designed just for half pipes, Masonite or plywood.

Things You'll Need

• 2x6 boards
• 2x4 boards
• 4x4 posts
• Plywood sheets
• Skatelite, masonite or plywood
• Nails and screws
• Bracing
• Hammer
• Measuring tools
• Power saw, jig saw, sawsall
• Pipe or slide rail (optional)

Instructions

How to Build a Small Halfpipe

1. First measure and plan your half pipe. Decide how tall you want the ramp to be, how high and how steep you want the transition to be. With a small half pipe, you should consider using a smooth transition with no "vert" or vertical at the lip of the half pipe.

2. Build the flat section of the ramp, by cutting enough 2x6 boards to the width of the ramp and aligning them with two more 2x6 boards cut to the width of the flat section, as if you were building a wall. Nail the boards together. This section will go between the two curved sections.

3. Cut four curve sections from large plywood sheets using a large jig saw or Sawsall. Use the same curve for each cut. Allow plenty of room at the top of the curves for the skate platform.

4. Cut more 2x6 boards to the width of the ramp and nail them along the curve about six inches apart to form the structure or skeleton of your ramp. Mark the location of each 2x6 on the outside of the plywood. Attach the two ends to the flat section and secure with strong bolts or large nails and bracing.

5. Construct your half pipe platform on each end of the ramp using 4x4 posts and 2x6 boards. It should be at least three feet wide, if not wider.

6. Apply the plywood or other material to the surface of the ramp. Secure the plywood with screws or nails to the ramp skeleton, be careful not to break your plywood as you bend it to fit the curve.

Tips & Warnings

• For the best results, use Skatelite material. It will stand up to weather and provide a smooth, consistent surface.

• Using Masonite or plywood is also an option and much less expensive.

• Use concrete blocks or another strong support as a foundation and to anchor your ramp to the ground.

• Consider the effects of weather, age and the sun on your ramp. It can break down untreated wood.

• Make sure your ramp skeleton is strong enough to support a great deal of weight and use. Always secure your cross boards with strong nails, screws and bracing if necessary.

• Make your platform strong enough to support several skaters at once.

• Half pipes are heavy, so using a foundation like concrete blocks, or placing it on pavement is a good idea to prevent it from sinking into dirt and grass, and to prevent moisture from the ground from rotting your ramp skeleton.

Resources

• A helpful video and plans for building a small half pipe
• More plans from Rick Dahlen on building skate ramps