How to Build a Quarterpipe
Eager to master new skateboarding skills, but you don’t want to build something that’s too big and space-consuming? You’re better of constructing a quarterpipe then, because it’s smaller than a halfpipe. it fits well in your driveway, and you can have a good time learning new tricks. Here’s how to build a quarterpipe.
What You’ll Need:
Eight pieces of 2×4 wood
A few plywood sheets, 1/2 and 1/4 inch thick
Bracing
Hammer
Nails
Power saw
Power screwdriver
wood screws
Garden hose
Pencil
Paint
Procedure:
Get the two pieces of 1/2 inch plywood, and cut them in the curve or transition you want for your quarterpipe. Make sure the curve is smooth, and add a “vert”, the part where the curve becomes a straight vertical line. This makes your ramp more challenging.
Line up two 2×4 wood pieces vertically and horizontally along the bottom and back of every plywood piece, beginning where the transition is thick enough so the 2×4 wood pieces are covered completely, at least 10 inches away from the curve’s point. Cut.
Measure some vertical pieces at least 24 inches apart, and cut them, making sure they are flush with the transition. Fix them to the ramp sides with nails, as bracing.
Cut a few more 2×4 pieces according to the ramp’s width (3 inches for every 2×4 brace found on the ramp. Connect these to the top of the braces and the bottom. This will form the ramp’s skeleton, connecting both sides. Make sure that when you attach the 2×4 to the brace’s top, they are aligned perpendicularly to the ramp’s curve.
Create the skeleton of your platform and fix it to the back of your quarterpipe. Form a wall to the back and side, then to the top, using 2×4s. make sure it’s extra sturdy, so it’ll be able to hold several skaters.
Using a garden hose, soak the 1/4 inch plywood sheets in water, and lay them on top of the ramp. Use a pencil and mark the cross braces. Using a power screwdriver and wood screws, screw the wood to the curve, pressing it as you do. Start from the bottom, working your way upwards. Cut off the excess.
Add another sheet of 1/4 inch plywood and start the process again. If necessary, remark the brace lines.
Cut a 1/2 inch plywood sheet according to the size of the skateboard platform. Secure it to the platform skeleton.
To make the ramp faster and to protect the wood, paint the ramp.
Follow these steps, and you’ll end up with an awesome ramp to practice your skateboarding skills. One last tip: A quarterpipe is heavy, so you must build it where you’re planning to use it, so you won’t have to lug it around.