How to Build a 180 Skateboard Ramp

In skateboarding, the term "180" is used to describe a rotational jump in which the board turns 180 degrees midair. The skateboarder goes up the ramp, jumps, turns in the air and goes back down the ramp. These jumps are usually done on ramps specifically designed for skateboarding, including half-pipe, quarter-pipe and launch ramps. Skateboard ramps are primarily made of wood. With a blueprint and some carpentry skills, you can construct your own ramps suitable for 180 jumps.

Things You'll Need

  • Blueprint
  • Plywood
  • 2x4s
  • Electric drill
  • Electric saw
  • Screws
  • T-braces
  • Pipe
  • Sheet metal
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Instructions

    • 1

      Decide what kind of ramp you would like to construct and the desired radius. The radius of most launch ramps is 8 to 10 feet.

    • 2

      Obtain a blueprint or plan for your ramp. You can download them inexpensively or free online (see Resources). The basic principles for all ramps are the same, but the blueprints provide the exact specifications for the particular ramp you wish to build.

    • 3

      Cut the transitions. Using the template in your plan, cut the transitions out of a piece of plywood using a power saw. The transitions are essentially the sides of the ramp and they are identical.

    • 4

      Connect the transitions. Cut cross braces out of 2x4s according to your plan's specifications and use them to connect the transitions. Use a power drill to attach the braces to the plywood with screws and T-braces.

    • 5

      Lay the ramp surface with a flexible, but sturdy plywood. Lay the plywood across the transitions and cross braces and screw it in place. If you are making a pipe ramp, mount a piece of pipe on the top edge of the ramp. The pipe is usually 1.5 inches in diameter. To weatherproof your ramp, cover the surface with sheet metal.