Build a Ramp for X-Treme Fun

One of the fastest growing trends among kids today is skateboarding and with the construction of skate parks and plazas all across America, the trend is showing no signs of slowing. Unlike the past generations of skater kids, today’s group does not want to remain on the ground. Skateboarding is an extreme sport with participants longing for air. If you or someone you know enjoys this sport, consider building a ramp to make it even more fun.

You can build a ramp even if you’re not interested in skating. Ramps are great for kids to jump their bikes off of and kids who roller blade will enjoy it as well. You’ve probably even driven through your own neighborhood and seen kids dragging a ramp out onto the sidewalks or driveways for any number of uses. Why be left out of the fun, you can build a ramp with a few simple supplies.

To build a ramp, you basically only need some lumber and screws. Depending on what size you want your finished ramp to be, you should only need one sheet of plywood, some 2 x4 pieces of lumber, and the ability to measure and cut wood. There are a variety of ramp designs varying in complexity and size. Research the different styles and consider whether you want the finished ramp to be portable or not.

When you’ve decided on a design, you will use the 2 x4s to construct the ramp frame. You want to be sure to you measure and cut accurately and check for level since the frame is the most important part of the ramp. With your frame solid and level, you will attach your plywood top. For most curved designs, plywood is flexible enough to screw down tightly to the frame, but if your plan is more complex, you may need to soak the wood to give it more flexibility before attaching.

By carefully following any plan, you can build a ramp that every neighborhood kid will want to try out at least once. For ideas and plans to build a ramp, search on line as you can locate many good ones for free or check your local library for books.