Backyard skateboard ramp project - needs better plans

Dec 141 min read

Built a basic quarter pipe last summer from YouTube instructions. It's... okay? My 10yo uses it but says it's boring.

I want to upgrade it but I'm not dropping $800 on a pre-made one. Has anyone successfully built something more complex? I can use a drill, saw, basic stuff. Looking at adding a grind rail or something.

Are there actually good free plans online or is that just asking for a safety hazard?

10 comments364 views

Comments(10)

MMax R.RegularDec 14

Quarter pipes are actually pretty easy to level up without spending crazy money. Have you thought about adding a down rail or a different transition angle? My kid got bored with mine until I added a 4ft section with a steeper drop - cost like $40 in wood and made it feel like a totally different ramp.

RRyan G.RegularDec 15

I built a 6ft mini half pipe with my neighbor for under $400. We pooled resources and split the cost. Might be worth finding another dad with a kid into skating - makes the whole project easier too

LLarry P.RegularDec 15

lol same, my 9yo said my ramp was 'mid' after 3 weeks. Added a manual pad next to it and suddenly he's back on it every day. Sometimes it's not about upgrading the whole thing, just adding ONE thing they can't do yet

MMiles B.New DadDec 15

I did something similar - looked up DIY transition plans on Silverado Skate or local skate shop forums instead of YouTube. The plans were way more detailed and the ramp actually works. Cost me like $150 in lumber.

EEric V.RegularDec 16

Yeah you could also just ask him what would make it fun again before you start hammering. My daughter said the same thing about hers and turns out she just wanted to paint it different colors lol. Sometimes it's not about the mechanics.

CChris R.RegularDec 16

How sturdy is your current one? If the foundation is solid you could build a grind box or ledge next to it for like $50 in materials. Keeps him engaged without a full rebuild.

FFred J.RegularDec 17

What kind of features is your kid asking for? Like rails, boxes, or just a bigger/steeper ramp? That'll help you figure out what to actually build before you sink time into new plans.

DDustin P.New DadDec 17

lol the "it's boring" comment from a 10yo is actually valuable feedback. What tricks is he trying? If he's progressed past just dropping in, maybe he needs a feature that challenges him differently rather than just making it taller.

MMack G.New DadDec 15

Did you get the transition angle right? Like a 45 degree angle is way different from what most YT tutorials show and it affects everything about how it rides. Could be that's why he's bored - wrong radius makes progression feel stuck.

JJared C.RegularDec 17

I built mine from a Dreamland ramp plan (free PDF) and honestly way better than the YouTube garbage. The plans actually account for transitions that don't mess up your ankles. DM me if you want the link, saved me from rebuilding that thing three times.