How to Build Skateboard Stairs

Skateboarding obstacles are a great way to practice new tricks and hone your skills anywhere you like, without the consequences of trespassing or accidental property damage. A portable set of three or four stairs is particularly useful for learning grinds and slides. You can start out on the bottom step, then move up to the higher ones as your get more proficient with a particular move. A set can be made at home for minimal expense, with just a basic set of tools and some simple materials.

Things You'll Need

  • 2 sheets of 1/2-inch thick plywood 3 by 4 feet
  • Long ruler
  • Marker
  • Jigsaw
  • Sander
  • Sandpaper
  • 3 1/2-inch planks 1 foot by 4 feet
  • Hammer
  • Nails
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure and rule a grid of 12 one-foot squares on one sheet of plywood. Highlight the line coming down between the third and fourth squares on the top row, then one square to the left. Continue this pattern, one down, one left, until you reach the bottom right corner. You'll notice that you have divided the board into two identical stepped shapes. Repeat this process with the other sheet.

    • 2

      Cut along the line on each of the boards using the jigsaw and you'll end up with four identical stepped shapes. Tidy up all of the edges using the sander. Lay them all on top of one another with their edges lined up to ensure they are exactly the same shape.

    • 3

      Stand one of the stepped pieces up on its base, the longer of the two flat sides. Lay one of the planks onto the bottom step. Tack it in position using one of the nails. Take another stepped piece and place it under the far end of the plank. Tack it in place with a nail, just the same way as you did the first one. You now have the beginnings of your portable steps.

    • 4

      Take the two remaining stepped pieces and slide them under the horizontal plank, parallel to the end pieces. Measure 16 inches from one end and move the first of pieces under the plank to support it. Tack it in place. Measure 16 inches from the opposite end and insert the other stepped piece, tacking it in place the same way.

    • 5

      Lay the remaining two planks on the middle and upper steps and secure them in place, just as you did with the first. Sand off any rough edges and apply as many additional nails as necessary to the joints to make the whole thing stable.