How to Build a Backyard Half-Pipe
Building a backyard half-pipe requires a little bit of knowledge of foundations and skate ramps. You want to be sure your half-pipe is strong enough to rest on your lawn and doesn't sink into your grass. You also want to preserve your grass, so keeping it up off the lawn itself is important. There are a few things you can do to achieve this. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Cinder blocks
- Several plywood sheets
- Skatelite or masonite
- 2-by-4s
- 2-by-8s
- Power saw
- Power drill
- Hammer
- Nails
- Wood screws
- Concrete screws
Instructions
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1
Cut four plywood sheets into the shape you want your half-pipe transition to be. Usually, a gradual curve with no vertical is good for a backyard half-pipe.
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2
Build a bottom framework for your ramp by cutting 2-by-8-foot boards in the length and width of your ramp. This frame work will be just like a wall, with horizontal supports and vertical or lengthwise pieces on all sides. Each support should be about 3 feet apart.
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3
Lay several cinder blocks on your lawn as a foundation for your ramp. Be sure these are strong enough to support the ramp, and space them every few feet. Lay your bottom framework onto of these cinder blocks and attach them to the framework with concrete screws.
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4
Attach your plywood sheets to the bottom framework to form the transition of the ramp, and then support the transition pieces by attaching 2-by-4-foot boards spaced about 18 inches apart, along each piece. The 2-by-4s should be cut off at the edge of the transition.
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5
Cut several 2-by-4s, and attach them between these vertical supports, using nails or long wood screws. These cross braces should be angled so the edge of the 2-by-4 is flush with the transition. Plywood sheets will be attached right to the cross braces.
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6
Lay 1/4-inch plywood sheets along the ramp on the cross braces, and secure them with wood screws. Lay another layer of plywood or skatelite material (or masonite) on top of this first layer, and secure with wood screws.
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7
Build a platform box with 2-by-4s, and attach to the back of the frame. This box should be built all the way to the ground for a sturdy backyard ramp. Cut 2-by-4 pieces to the height and width of the ramp. Then attach them as if building a wall. Build two of these walls, and then attach them with cross braces. This forms a box. Attach plywood to the top for a platform.
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