How to Make a Wedge for a Skate Ramp

A skate wedge is like a launch ramp, but it lacks any curvature, and is shaped much like a triangle. Many prefabricated wedges are available on the market but they can be rather expensive. If you're interested in skateboarding a wedge without paying the high price, consider building one yourself.

Things You'll Need

  • 1 3/4-inch sheet of plywood measuring 4 foot x 4 foot
  • Ruler
  • Marker
  • Saw
  • 7 2x4s each measuring 21 inches in length
  • 30 flat-head screws measuring 2" in length
  • 1 Screwdriver
  • 1 3/8 inch sheet of plywood measuring 40 foot x 22.5 inches
  • 1 toe plate of galvanized steel measuring 6 inches x 22.5 inches
  • 1 bucket of wood sealant
  • 1 large paintbrush
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Instructions

  1. Build Support

    • 1

      Draw one triangle on the plywood that measures three feet in length and one-and-a-half feet in height. Cut it out with the saw, and then trace its shape onto the remaining portion of the wood. Cut out the second triangle, and place them flush against one another. Trim any excess so that they are identical.

    • 2

      Cut off the smallest angle in both triangles; the cut will need to measure two inches in length, use the ruler to determine how much to trim.

    • 3

      Screw the triangles to one 2x4; line it up so that the long edge matches up with the two-inch edges of the triangles (the two you made in the previous step). The 2x4 should run perpendicularly, sandwiched between the two triangles, and affixed at the lowest point by two screws on either side.

    • 4

      Attach three more 2x4s along the hypotenuse (the longest edge) of the triangles; they should run parallel to the first 2x4, but the four-inch faces should be oriented vertically rather than horizontally. Two screws on each side of the boards will suffice.

    • 5

      Attach a fourth 2x4 between the two 90 degree angles with two screws on each end. The four-inch face should be vertically oriented, and flush with the shortest edge of the triangles. Attach the fifth 2x4 so that the four-inch face is flush with the hypotenuse; this board needs to stretch between the highest point of the ramp.

    Complete the Ramp

    • 6

      Attach the 3/8-inch piece of plywood to the ramp; it should lay on the face of the hypotenuse, running from the ground up to the top of the ramp. Drive a screw in at three points along each underlying 2x4; you should end up with three evenly spaced rows of five screws that lead up the length of the ramp.

    • 7

      Attach the toe plate so that it makes a smooth transition from the ground to the incline of the wedge. Drive a screw through each of the available holes in the steel.

    • 8

      Paint three coats of wood sealant over the entire surface of the ramp. This will prevent it from absorbing water, and ultimately rotting away.