How to Make a Skateboard Half Pipe

Ever wanted your own half pipe? Most skaters will say "yes," but they will also tell you that this is a pipe dream - only the pros get their own half pipes. Well, that's not true. This article will show you how to build your own half pipe with the same specs and dimensions the pros use - one that won't fall apart and can stand up to the stresses of wind, weather, and some seriously gnarly skating.

Building your own half pipe is a fairly straightforward process, but does require some time and preparation (and adult help if you are under 15). However, once you take that first ride it will be totally worth it!

Things You'll Need

  • At least 2 buddies - the more the merrier! Pencil String or twine Box of 2-inch screws 6 sheets of 4 by 8 feet plywood (1/2-inch thick) 9 sheets of 4 by 8 feet plywood (1/4-inch thick - make sure it's bendable) 36 to 40 planks of 2 by 4 inch wood (5 feet 11 inches long each) 9 sheets of 4 by 8 foot hardboard 2 pieces of 2-inch PVC pipe (12 feet long each) Jigsaw Drill Screwdriver
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Instructions

  1. Creating the Skeleton

    • 1

      Lay the 1/2-inch thick plywood out flat. Wrap one end of the string around a pencil. Hold the other end of the string midway up the left edge. Measure a few inches from the top right corner and adjust the string accordingly so that it is pulled straight. From the top edge, draw down to the left edge.
      Remember, you can adjust this to meet your requirements. You're using the string mainly to get a smooth curve.

    • 2

      Find the lower right corner on the same board. Hold the string midway up the right edge and draw a curve from the bottom edge to the right edge as you did in Step 1. When you are finished, you should have a shape like a football in the middle of your board and two squares in opposite corners.
      Please note, that you will have to trim the ends after cutting to make sure they are the same height.

    • 3

      Draw these lines on all of the 1/2-inch thick sheets of plywood. Using the jigsaw, cut along the lines you just made so that you have 6 pieces of equal size and shape. These will be the main frame of your half pipe.

    • 4

      Cut another board into straight rectangles to make the middle part of your half pipe. Simply measure from the bottom edge to the cut you've made on the frame pieces and transfer that measurement to another board to make 3 equal size rectangles.

    • 5

      Ensure that your 2 by 4 inch boards are 5 feet 11 inches long. If you have bought boards that are 6 feet long, you will have to cut an inch off each one before beginning. It may sound tedious, but this is important. If the 2 by 4 boards are too long you will have awkward (and potentially dangerous) edges on either side of the half pipe.

    • 6

      Hold two of the frame pieces upright facing each other. Take one of the 2 by 4 boards and place it in between the frame pieces on the flat edge approximately 2 feet from the top. From the outside of the frame pieces, screw the 2 by 4 boards and the frame pieces together. Repeat this another 2 to 3 feet further down.
      Add another frame piece in the same way so that you have 3 frame pieces for each side. This is simply to make it sturdy.

    • 7

      Place one 2 by 4 inch board between two of the frame pieces along the top edge of the curved side, with the flat 4-inch side facing out. Please note, that the 2 by 4 and the edges of the plywood frame piece should be flush so that you have a smooth, flat joint. Screw the plywood and the 2 by 4 together as you did in Step 6.
      Repeat this on the other side. You will want to make sure that the two boards on the top edge are even. This might require a bit of creativity to screw the middle section - try it at an angle.
      This should give you 3 frame pieces attached by two boards on the flat edges and one board at the top of the curve.

    • 8

      Continue placing 2 by 4 inch boards down the length of the curve, about 6-inches apart. These do not have to be level like they did for the top edge. In fact, it will be easier to screw them in if you space them differently.

    • 9

      Follow the procedures outlined in the three previous steps for the other side of your half pipe, and use step 8 to form the middle base using the 3 rectangles you cut out.
      It is easiest if you attach the middle and two sides while you are finishing step 6, as they may be too heavy to move very far after completed.
      Once you are done with this step, you should have a complete half pipe skeleton.

    Complete the Skating Surface

    • 10

      Lay one sheet of the 1/4-inch plywood flat on the skeleton at one of the top edges so that it covers the plywood and creates a skating surface. Screw this firmly to the wood beneath. Continue with the other sheets until you have created an entire skating surface.

    • 11

      Cover the plywood with the hardboard sheets, but use only one screw in each corner to attach it. Because the solid structure is already in place, these boards only need to be secured in order to provide a smooth surface for skateboarding.

    • 12

      Using some of the leftover wood, create a flat platform at the top edges on either side of the half pipe. When securing these, be sure to create a little bit of space between the joint so that you have a place to add the coping.

    • 13

      Prepare the PVC pipe for the final step. Drill holes through one side of the pipe, in a row about 6-inches apart. Do this for both pieces of 12 foot pipe.

    • 14

      Place one piece of pipe on the top edge of one side of the ramp. It should sort of sit inside the joint with the holes facing downward as close to being covered as you can get without actually covering them. Going through the holes, screw the pipe into the wood beneath. This will keep the coping from having screwheads sticking up that you can snag on, and since the holes are not on top, you won't need to cover them to avoid snagging.

    • 15

      Enjoy skating on your new half pipe!