How to Build a Box Ramp

A box ramp can provide hours of fun for skaters.

Skateboarding has rapidly grown in popularity in recent years and has become one of the world's most followed extreme sports. While professional competitions can now be watched on basic sports channels, youth can be found skateboarding in neighborhoods, schools and local skate parks all over the world. Building a box ramp --- commonly known by skaters as a "funbox" --- can be achieved using simple tools and inexpensive wood. Box ramps last for years and provide a great way to practice airs, grinds, nose and tail slides, and many other tricks.

Things You'll Need

• Plywood
• Masonite
• 2-by-6-inch boards
• Two-by-fours
• 4-by-4-inch boards
• Screws
• Power drill
• Skill saw

Instructions

1. Create a ramp design with exact measurements, based on the location where you will be using the ramp, such as a parking lot or as an addition to a skate park. Ramps are mobile and can be easily transported in the back of a pickup truck. A standard box ramp measures 4 feet wide by 8 feet long and 1 1/2 feet tall. The basic design for a box ramp is a flat-surfaced box with a slightly curved ramp attached to one end.

2. Cut the plywood into two equal-size wedge-shaped pieces with a skill saw. The pieces should be triangular with a slight concave curve on the longest edge. The concave edges will provide the surface of the ramp.

3. Place the two pieces of plywood upright so they are facing each other. Place cinder blocks on each side of the wood to hold them upright. Use screws to attach about eight to 10 two-by-fours along the inner surface of the curved part of the plywood, creating a ramp frame. Space the two-by-fours about a foot apart.

4. Build the box using the heavier wood. The box must be able to support being the weight of being landed upon. Set four 4-by-4-inch boards in an upright position to make the four corners of the box. Create a box-shaped frame using 4-by-6-inch boards. Screw the 4-by-6-inch boards into the 4-by-4-inch boards at each corner, and continue to attach the 4-by-6-inch boards to build a sturdy frame.

5. Place the ramp directly against the box frame. Attach the ramp to one of the shorter ends of the box, using screws spaced six inches apart.

6. Cover the entire box frame and ramp with sheets of Masonite. This slick, thin wood is used as the final surface for skateboard ramps. Attach the Masonite using screws, spaced every six inches, to cover the entire surface. Make sure to insert screws are deep as they can go without causing wood to split so that you do not catch the wheels of your skateboard on them.

Tips & Warnings

• You may line the edges of the funbox with metal trim to create a perfect "grinding" surface.

• Store your ramp in a covered area to prevent it from getting wet. Water can quickly warp the wood and make the ramp unrideable.

References

• Xtreme Skater: How to Build a Funbox