How to Build Real X-Games Ramps

The X-games are considered the epitome of professional skateboarding. It's an event that showcases the true talent of the extreme sports community. While there are many designs of skateboard ramps available, X-games-style ramps offer the highest level of durability and stability. By making your own X-games-style kicker ramp, you will familiarize yourself with the typical framing style used by professional ramp manufacturers, and you'll be able to practice your tricks on an obstacle course that is similar to those that are favorite among professional skateboarders.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape Measure
  • Circular saw
  • 2 sheets of plywood, 4 x 8, 3/4 inches
  • 1 Masonite - 4---8, 1/4 inch
  • 5, 2 x 4 boards, 8 feet long
  • 1, 1-pound box of 1 5/8-inch screws
  • 1, 1-pound box of 2 1/2-inch screws
  • 1, 10 x 4-inch, 3/16-inch sheet metal
  • Drill with Philips bit
  • 3/16-inch drill bit
  • 3/8-inch drill bit
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut two triangles from the 3/4-inch plywood sheet. Measure the triangles to 1 feet, 6-inches tall and 5-feet, 6-inches long.

    • 2

      Install a 2 x 4 board between the two bottom ends of the triangles. Connect one with the ends touching the two right angles of the triangles, oriented so that it stands 4 inches tall. Lay the other 2 x 4 flat so that the 4-inch face is parallel to the ground, then tighten two screws through each end, connecting it between the corner opposite the right-angle.

    • 3

      Attach eight 2 x 4 beams in increments of 8 inches. Place the first one 8 inches from the beam lying flat on the ground. Make sure that the top of the 2 x 4 is flush with the top face of the plywood frame. Install the 2 x 4 boards so that the 4-inch face is nearly perpendicular to the ground. Orient all eight boards at a slight angle, to ensure that they are flush with the top face of the plywood frame. Secure each with four screws, two through each end.

    • 4

      Cover the frame with a slab of 3/4-inch thick plywood that measures 4 feet wide by 6 feet, 2 inches long. Orient the plywood so that it runs from the ground all the way to the top end of the ramp. Secure it with screws every 6 inches all around the perimeter of the frame.

    • 5

      Lay a slab of 1/4-inch Masonite measuring 4-feet wide by 5-feet, 8-inches long on top of the plywood. Orient it so that the Masonite touches the two high corners of the ramp; it should not cover the entire length of the ramp, but instead leave space for installing the sheet metal.

    • 6

      Install the 3/16-inch sheet of metal measuring 4-feet by 10-inches long. Press it flush against the bottom end of the Masonite, then drill three, 3/16-inch holes through it. Orient one hole 2 inches in from either side, and one then one in the center. Countersink the holes with a 3/8-inch drill bit, then secure the sheet metal with flat-headed, 1-inch long screws. Tighten the screws until they are flush with the sheet metal.