How to Build a Drop-In Ramp

The phrase "dropping in" takes on a new meaning when it is the title of a ramp for snowboarding. However, it is one of the easiest ways to gain the momentum needed to start snowboarding without a downhill slope. So, when snow is plenteous, but slopes are not, set up the drop-in ramp and start the fun. Since it is an outdoor sport and the ramps are exposed to water on an ongoing basis, treated lumber and plywood is the best choice. In addition, use deck screws as they are coated with an adhesive that endures the wet weather as well.

Things You'll Need

  • 2- by 4- by 96-inch treated lumber, 2 pieces
  • Wood glue
  • 96- by 24- by 3/4-inch treated plywood, 1 piece
  • Variable speed drill
  • Philips head screw tip
  • Small box of 1 1/2-inch deck screws
  • 3/16-inch drill bit
  • 1- by 2- by 24-inch treated lumber, 5 pieces
  • 2- by 4- by 24-inch treated lumber, 8 pieces
  • 2- by 4- by 22-inch treated lumber, 8 pieces
  • Small box of 3-inch deck screws
  • 2- by 4- by 78-inch treated lumber, 4 pieces
  • Small box of 2 1/2-inch deck screws
  • 24- by 25- by 3/4-inch treated plywood, 1 piece
  • 2 pair of regular door hinges w/screws
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Instructions

    • 1

      Lay the two pieces of 2- by 4- by 96-inch treated lumber on a worktable, so the 3 1/2-inch sides are flat on the table. Space them 24 inches apart. Apply glue on the 3 1/2-inch sides of the 2- by 4- by 96-inch treated lumber.

    • 2

      Place the piece of 96- by 24- by 3/4-inch treated plywood on the 2- by 4- by 96-inch lumber pieces. Align the lumber and plywood sides to be even. Secure the plywood to the lumber with the 1 1/2-inch deck screws.

    • 3

      Drill three pilot holes on the 1 1/2-inch sides of the 1- by 2- by 24-inch treated lumber with the 3/16-inch drill bit. Drill one pilot hole 2 inches from the ends and one in the center. Put some glue on the 1 1/2-inch sides of the lumber.

    • 4

      Lay the lumber on the 96- by 24- by 3/4-inch treated plywood, so the ends are even with the 96-inch sides and secure them with the 1 1/2-inch deck screws. Secure the first one 16 inches from one of the 24-inch sides of the plywood and every 16-inches thereafter. This is the ramp.

    • 5

      Put the 2- by 4- by -24-inch treated lumber on the worktable on one of the 1 1/2-inch sides. Apply glue to the ends of the 2- by 4- by -22-inch treated lumber and set them on their 1 1/2-inch sides between the 24-inch pieces on either end. Secure them with the 3-inch deck screws.

    • 6

      Position the frames on the worktable, so they are on one of the 24-inch sides. Put two pieces of the 2- by 4- by 78-inch treated lumber inside the frames, so the 3 1/2-inch side is lying on the 24-inch pieces. Set one frame even with one end of the 78-inch lumber. Space the others out evenly, but keep the last one 6 inches away from the other end of the 78-inch lumber.

    • 7

      Secure the 78-inch lumber to the frames with the 2 1/2-inch deck screws. Turn the frames over and secure the other two 2- by 4- by 78-inch pieces to the frames. Put some glue on the frame that is even with the end of the 78-inch lumber and secure the 24- by 25- by 3/4-inch treated plywood to it with the 1 1/2-inch deck screws.

    • 8

      Install the door hinges on the 3 1/2-inch side of the 2- by 4- by 96-inch lumber on the back of the ramp with the screws provided. Set the ramp on one side and position the platform to install the other side to of the door hinge on top of the 3/4-inch plywood that is on top of the platform. This allows the ramp and the platform to fold together for transport.