How to Build a Skateboard Quarter Pipe

Building a skateboard quarter pipe will allow you to master tricks you just can't learn on the street. It is smaller than a half pipe, so it will fit in your driveway, and it's a lot of fun.

Things You'll Need

  • 8 2-by-4 pieces of wood
  • Several sheets of plywood, 1/4 and 1/2 inch
  • Wood screws 1 1/2 inches
  • Nails
  • Bracing
  • Hammer
  • Power saw
  • Pencil
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut two pieces of 1/2-inch plywood into the transition or curve you want your quarter pipe to have. Make it a smooth curve, and add "vert" (a section where the curve turns to a straight vertical line) for a more challenging ramp.

    • 2

      Line up two 2-by-4 pieces of wood horizontally and vertically along the back and bottom of each piece of plywood, starting where the transition is thick enough to cover the 2-by-4s completely (about 10 inches from the point of the curve), and cut. Then measure and cut vertical pieces 24 inches apart, and cut them so they are flush with the transition. Nail these to the ramp sides for bracing.

    • 3

      Cut several more 2-by-4 pieces to the width of the ramp (accounting for 3 inches for each 2-by-4 brace on the ramp). Connect these to the bottom of the ramp and to the top of the ramp braces. This connects both sides and forms the skeleton of the ramp. When you attach 2-by-4s to the top of the braces, align them so they are perpendicular to the curve of the ramp.

    • 4

      Build the skeleton of your platform (if you are building one), and attach it to the back of the quarter pipe. Use 2-by-4s to form a wall for the side and back, and then the top. Build this extra sturdy to hold several skaters.

    • 5

      Soak 1/4-inch plywood sheets in water using a garden hose, and then lay them on top of the ramp. Mark where the cross braces are. Press the wood to the curve, and screw it in using a power screwdriver and wood screws. Start at the bottom and work your way up, then cut off the excess.

    • 6

      Apply another sheet of 1/4-inch plywood and repeat the process, remarking the brace lines if necessary.

    • 7

      Cut a 1/2-inch plywood sheet to the size of your skate platform. Secure this to the platform skeleton.

    • 8

      Paint your ramp to protect the wood and to make the ramp faster.