How to Build a PVC Skate Rail

Building a skate rail with PVC is easier than you would think. It's a fun thing to have for skating at home. One of the most convenient things about having a rail at home is that you can practice without the crowds that might be at your local skating spot. A skate rail is also relatively small, making it an easy item to store in a garage or driveway. While a PVC rail may not be as sturdy or as durable as a welded steel rail, it is easier to build and does not require many tools.

Things You'll Need

  • 2, 2-by-4 inch pieces of lumber
  • 1, 2-by-6 inch piece of lumber
  • Saw
  • 4 screws, 1/2 inch
  • 20 screws, 1 1/2 inch
  • 8-foot piece of PVC pipe
  • Sheet of 1/2-inch plywood
  • Drill with 3/8-inch bit and 3/16-inch bit
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Instructions

    • 1

      Stand one of the 2-by-4s on its side on top of the other 2-by-4, which should lay flat.

    • 2

      Using 2 1/2-inch screws, secure the 2-by-4s together from the bottom up, forming a T-shape. Center the attached 2-by-4s on top of the 2-by-6. Using 2-1/2 inch screws, screw the pieces together through the top of the horizontal 2-by-4 down into the 2-by-6.

    • 3

      Cut two 8 foot by 7 inch pieces from the plywood. Using 16 1-1/2 inch screws, eight on each side, secure these pieces to both sides of the base for stability.

    • 4

      Drill a 3/8-inch hole on the top of the rail on both sides about 3 inches from the end of the rail. If you make the hole too close to the end, the PVC will crack.

    • 5

      Drill a 3/16-inch hole on the inside of the rail below each of the 3/8-inch holes you have drilled, so that you can thread a screw down through both holes.

    • 6

      Attach the rail to the base using 1-1/2 inch screws. Put a screw into every foot; your 8-foot rail will have four screws holding the rail to the base.