How to Build a Tabletop Ramp

Skateboarders need places to practice the extreme sport of ramping and jumping. One way to provide a practice area is to build your own ramp. A tabletop ramp is usually used in conjunction with other ramps that take you up to the level of the tabletop--a needed piece of equipment for the skateboarder to practice. The wooden ramps are built from treated lumber and plywood, so as long as you have the correct set of plans and tools, you can build your own ramps.

Things You'll Need

  • 4 pieces of 2-by-4-by-24-inch treated lumber
  • Framing square
  • Variable speed drill
  • 3/16-inch drill bit
  • Wood glue
  • 5 pieces of 2-by-4-by-12 1/2-inch treated lumber
  • Philips head screw tip
  • Small box of 3-inch deck screws
  • 1 piece of 2-by-4-by-21-inch treated lumber
  • 4 pieces of 2-by-4-by-16-inch treated lumber
  • Small box of 2 1/2-inch deck screws
  • 1 piece of 14-by-26-by-3/4-inch treated plywood
  • Small box of 2-inch deck screws
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Instructions

    • 1

      Place the four pieces of 2-by-4-by-24-inch lumber on a worktable. Drill two pilot holes with a 3/16-inch drill bit 3/4-inch from the ends and the long edges.

    • 2

      Mark two of them at 11 1/4 and 12 3/4-inches. Place the framing square on the marks and draw lines across the two pieces. Drill two pilot holes between the lines and 3/4-inches from the long edges.

    • 3

      Apply glue to the ends of three pieces of 2-by-4-by-12 1/2-inch lumber. Set them between the two 24-inch pieces on either end and between the lines in the center. Secure them with the 3-inch deck screws. This is the top frame.

    • 4

      Measure from one end of the two remaining pieces of 2-by-4-by-12 1/2-inch lumber and make a mark at 5 1/2 and 7-inches. Put the framing square on the marks and draw lines across the lumber. Drill two pilot holes between the lines and 3/4-inches from the long edges with the 3/16-inch drill bit.

    • 5

      Set the two pieces between the two remaining 24-inch pieces on either end. Secure them with the 3-inch deck screws. Put some glue on the ends of the 2-by-4-by-21-inch lumber. Set it between the two 12 1/2-inch pieces and between the lines drawn. Secure it with the 3-inch deck screws. This is the bottom frame.

    • 6

      Stand both frames on their 24-inch sides. Place a 2-by-4-by-16-inch piece of lumber in each of the two corners of the frames so the 3 1/2-inch side is flat on the 24-inch pieces. Trace the edge of the 16-inch pieces onto the 24-inch pieces, removing them to apply glue in the area and then secure them with the 2 1/2-inch deck screws. Turn the frames over and repeat this action.

    • 7

      Turn the connected frames up so the top frame is on top. Place the 14-by-26-by-3/4-inch plywood on the frame. Note that the plywood is 2 inches longer than the frame. This means it needs to hang over both ends of the frame 1 inch.

    • 8

      Drill pilot holes over the frame pieces with the 3/16-inch drill bit. Drill them in the corners and then 3 inches apart everywhere else. Remove the plywood, apply glue to the top of the frame and secure the plywood with the 2-inch deck screws.