How to Build a Half Quarter Pipe

Skateparks allow riders, particularly skateboard, BMX and aggressive inline enthusiasts, to move through a series of ramps to perform tricks. Each ramp is built and positioned to create a fast line for riders; therefore, each piece is crucial in the park setup. A quarterpipe is a single ramp piece that features a curved transition. This ramp is literally the quarter-size of a large circular pipe. While these ramps are typically 8 feet wide or larger, you may wish to build a ramp half the width, to fit into tight spaces.

Things You'll Need

  • 6, 3/4-inch plywood sheets
  • 7 8-foot, 2-by-4-inch beams
  • 2, 1/4-inch Masonite
  • 8-foot, 1 1/2-inch diameter black metal pipe
  • String
  • Pencil
  • Jigsaw
  • Electric drill
  • Screws
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure and cut a 4 1/2-by-4 1/2-inch square out of the corner of one piece of the 3/4-inch plywood sheet. This square removes a notch from the rear portion of the quarterpipe, allowing you to attach a platform if desired.

    • 2

      Draw a dot approximately 5 inches from the top of the square you cut out of the plywood sheet. This begins the very top of your quarterpipe's transition.

    • 3

      Create the curved transition of the quarterpipe using the basic string and compass method, as you need this piece mathematically accurate; this method helps you quickly create the transition. Measure 6 to 8 feet from the top of the transition, where you previously placed the dot, and place a second mark. The shorter your transition, the steeper the ramp.

    • 4

      Cut a piece of string that equals the length for your transition. Screw this string into the second mark you created, then attach a pencil to the end of this string. This string and pencil combination should reach the top of your transition when stretched out. Move the pencil down to create the curved transition, continuing on with this precise line until you reach the bottom of the plywood sheet.

    • 5

      Use your jigsaw to remove the excess plywood from this transition piece. Place the cutout transition on top of a secondary piece of 3/4-inch plywood and replicate this piece. These two equally-sized transition pieces are the basic framework to the quarterpipe.

    • 6

      Determine how wide you want your quarterpipe, then space these two cutout transitions apart. A half quarterpipe is generally about 4 feet wide, creating a small section for riders in tight spots.

    • 7

      Cut each of the 2-by-4-inch beams to about 4 feet, as these each space out to create the structure of your quarterpipe's framework. Mark out dots every 10 inches down each of the transition cutouts, representing the sections where each 2-by-4 is placed.

    • 8

      Use four screws on each side of the 2-by-4-inch beams to secure into place between the two transitional cutouts. For accuracy, use an electric drill and a second person to help stabilize these pieces. Each of these beams should be stacked to vertically align with the intended section of the curve.

    • 9

      Attach a 4-foot-long, 1 1/2-inch-thick metal pipe to the very top of the transition to act as the coping. Drill large holes every 6 inches to allow the heads of the screws to enter the metal piece. Additionally, turn the metal pipe over and drill small holes to allow the screws to attach themselves to the wooden transition. This hides the screws to allow for a smooth rolling from the transition to the coping.

    • 10

      Lie a 3/4-inch plywood sheet on a flat surface to create the measurements for the quarterpipe transition. Mark any excess areas that needs to be cut from the sheet. Continue cutting pieces so you have enough plywood for two layers of your quarterpipe. Use the electric drill to secure each of these pieces to the ramp.

    • 11

      Cut the 1/4-inch masonite piece so it fits perfectly over the surface of the newly-installed pieces of plywood. This creates a smooth rolling area for skaters on this half-sized quarterpipe. Screw this sheet into the ramp to install.