How to Make a Concrete Ledge

Skateboarding is a popular sport among young people, but it takes a lot of practice to become really good at it. Skateboard parks are built to provide ideal space for this purpose. Not all communities have skate parks and those that do often place time restrictions on the parks. If you love to skateboard, you can build a concrete ledge to practice your skills on whenever you want.

Things You'll Need

  • Broom
  • Marker
  • 22 cinder blocks
  • 6 bags of premixed mortar
  • Bucket
  • Water
  • Stir stick
  • Trowel
  • Level
  • 2 bags of cement
  • Wooden float tool
  • Galvanized steel angle iron
  • Paint (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Sweep the chosen location to remove loose dirt and debris from the area. Set the cinder blocks down where you want to build the ledge. Outline the blocks with a marker. Stagger the blocks to add strength to the structure. Begin at one end and position the first block sideways.

    • 2

      Arrange the rest of the blocks for the first layer so they are 2 blocks wide and 5 blocks long. Use more blocks for a longer ledge, but the length of the blocks should match the length of the angle iron. Lay the second layer of blocks down offset to the first layer to form the staggered pattern. Construct the ledge frame to measure 5 1/2 blocks long, 2 blocks wide and 2 blocks high.

    • 3

      Mix the mortar for the first layer of cinder blocks. Pour the pre-mixed mortar into the bucket, add water and mix it until the consistency is thick, but wet. Follow the directions on the package to accomplish this. Mix smaller quantities rather than all at once as it will harden quickly.

    • 4

      Spread an even layer of mortar on the outlined area of the ground for your first block. Add a layer of mortar between each brick and spread it over the top. Fill in any cracks or chips in the blocks as you work. Leave 20 millimeters between each block. Build the second layer of blocks the same way as the first. Make sure the blocks and mortar are level as you build the ledge.

    • 5

      Mix the cement in the bucket according to the directions on the bag. Fill each of the holes in the cinder blocks until the cement is level with the top. Place leftover blocks, rocks, stones or old bricks into the holes before you fill them with concrete to help fill them. Pour concrete over the ledge. Level it out with the wooden float tool to make the surface flat and smooth.

    • 6

      Place the angle iron onto the ledge while it is still wet. Push it in slightly to make it almost level with the surface. Add another thin coat of concrete to complete the ledge. Allow 24 to 48 hours for the concrete to dry completely.