How to Build a Mini Vert Ramp

Skateboarding was invented in the 1960s and has slowly progressed to being one of the country's leading extreme sports. Competitions are held on 12-foot-high vert ramps and are extremely exciting to watch, with today's top skaters constantly pushing the limits. While you may not be the next Tony Hawk, building a smaller version (known as a mini vert ramp) will allow you to practice half pipe skating in the comfort of your own backyard until you are ready to tackle the real deal. Mini vert ramps are generally three to six feet tall by 12 feet long and can be constructed in one day.

Things You'll Need

  • 2-by-4 treated wood
  • 2-by-6 treated wood
  • 4-by-4 treated wood
  • Plywood
  • Metal pipe (coping)
  • Masonite
  • Screws
  • Skill saw
  • Electric Drill
  • Safety goggles
  • Gloves
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Instructions

    • 1

      Build the flat center base of the ramp. The base should be eight feet wide by eight feet long. Make a square by screwing four 2-by-4s together. Attach 2-by-4s across the length of the base, spaced out evenly every six inches. The 2-by-4s should be placed parallel to each other. Leave the base flat on the ground once assembled.

    • 2

      Build a quarter-pipe. Use a skill saw to cut out two triangular shaped pieces of plywood, with the longest edge slightly curved. The curved part will be needed to shape the part of the ramp used to "drop in." Set the two triangular pieces upright eight feet apart, facing each other. You will need a helper to assist you while assembling. Attach the two pieces at each corner of the triangle using 4-by-4s. Build the frame of the vert ramp by screwing 2-by-6s across the quarter pipe, spaced six inches apart. Place two additional 4-by-4s behind the metal coping facing outward, protruding by two feet.

    • 3

      Slightly dampen two sheets of plywood using a towel and a bucket of water. Cover the surface of the quarter pipe with the moistened plywood. Use your body weight to hold the plywood in place while you screw the plywood to the frame. Attach a piece of metal pipe as the coping using as the upper inner edge of the quarter pipe. Build a flat upper base of the quarter pipe using plywood to cover the protruding 4-by-4s.

    • 4

      Repeat steps 2 and 3 so that you have two identical quarter-pipes.

    • 5

      Place the center base against one of the quarter pipes. Cover the surface of the center base with plywood and screw tightly so it is attached to the quarter pipe. Attach the remaining quarter pipe with screws. Cover the surface of the entire ramp with masonite. This thin, flexible wood is used as the surface of the mini vert ramp.