Things You'll Need:
- Ramp plans
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Power saw
- 2x4s or 2x6s
- Plywood or Skatelite
- Hammer or screwdriver
- Nails or wood screws
- Electric drill
- Metal or PVC railing
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Step 1
Check with your city's building codes to make sure a skate park in a backyard is allowed. You may have to apply for a building permit in some areas. There may also be local noise ordinances or regulations limiting the hours you can use your skate park.
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Step 2
Decide how the skate park will be laid out in the yard. Allow enough space between each of the ramps or rails to build up speed for the next obstacle. For large skateparks, you can leave 50-100 feet between obstacles to allow for maximum speed and height. Small skateparks will not have as much room, so smaller obstacles should be used and placed around 25 feet from each other. Grind rails can be placed next to or within a few feet of a ramp to create a continuous line from a ramp trick into a grind. If you have friends who also skate, let them look at the design before you start building. They may be able to spot areas that do not work together or have suggestions for additional obstacles.
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Step 3
Obtain a quality set of ramp plans. These can be purchased in books or found for free online or at the library. A good site for free ramp plans is available at the link below in the Resources section.
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Step 1
Use a thick pencil or permanent marker to draw the transition on each of the plywood side pieces. Make sure the curve is the same on each piece of plywood. If they are different, there will be gaps between the ramp's riding surface and one of the sides. Cut according to the markings with a power saw.
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Step 2
Measure and cut several pieces of 2x4 or 2x6 the desired width of the ramp. These pieces will become the framework that supports the riding surface. Use 2x6s if you are building a large ramp that needs strong support.
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Step 3
Connect the support beams to the curved plywood with nails or wood screws. Brace the ramp's frame by attaching a few support beams to the bottom of the plywood pieces. Depending on the size of your ramp, you may need to add a couple of crossing boards to solidify the framework.
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Step 4
Cover the 2x4 framework with the panels of your riding surface. Thin plywood or a material like Skatelite work well to create a smooth riding surface. Use wood screws or nails to attach the panels, then sand down any bumps in the surface so your wheels will not get caught.
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Step 1
Choose the material for the grind rails. Steel is the most expensive, but will last the longest. Plastic PVC pipe is a less expensive alternative that still works well for skate parks.
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Step 2
Measure and cut a few 10" long sections of 2x4. These pieces will become the feet that support the grind rail assembly. Measure and cut 2x4 several support legs that are the desired height for the grind rail. Depending on your skill level, a height of 8-12 inches is usually best. Use nails or wood screws to connect the feet to the bottom of each support piece.
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Step 3
Use an electric drill to make holes in the metal or PVC at each location where you will be attaching a support piece. The exact number of legs that are needed will depend on how long the rail is. Use nails or wood screws to attach the support legs to the rail. Sand the area surrounding each hole so there is nothing that will catch the board as you grind.
