Draw Chalk Linesīe sure to measure and snap chalk lines to make sure your screws are hitting studs and so everything looks even and uniform. It looks nice (available in several colors like dark green, black, etc.) and will help keep the kids and boards from going between the deck cross-braces. I added some heavy-duty plastic fencing on the rails of my decks. I recommend 3'' screws for framing and 1 3/4'' to 2'' screws for sheeting. Cheap screws also break and strip out when installing or removing. Nails loosen over time and are much harder to remove. If possible, don't use any nails instead, purchase only good-quality outdoor decking screws. You just need to keep the surface clean, dry and swept, and it's all good. I researched and found Skate Paint to be the gnarliest for protection and providing a skateable surface - not too slick or tacky, basically like a gymnasium floor. While you're spending the time and money on building your mini ramp, make sure to allow for enough cash to waterproof the surface and to purchase a large, super-heavy-duty tarp. Lumber is expensive, and you want tight seams all across the flat, tranny, and on the top next to the coping. As the old saying goes, ''measure twice and cut once.'' Your ramp's sheeting in relation to the coping is also important. The obvious reason is for safety, but also to protect windows and keep kids and boards from going into the neighbors' yards.Ī critical part of the whole process is setting the coping.ĭepending on how much you want it exposed for pop on the front edge and locking onto grinds from the top will help you decide.Ī little bit goes a long way, so fine-tune it closely and ride it a few times before permanently securing the decks. The majority of the ramp is 3' high with an 8' wide section at 4' high.Įven though it is just a mini ramp, I chose to put rails on the back and one end of the decks. My decks are about 4' deep all the way across both sides. Your desired height of the ramp and how much space you have for decks will help you determine what you really want.Īlso, who will be riding it - you and your hardcore friends or your young kids and mellow friends? I opted for a happy medium - a 6 1/2' radius and 9' of flat to go with it. Let's start with the radius of the transition. So my focus now is to help you with the gaps and missing information. Again, I found there are a variety of approaches and techniques.Īs Joey reminded me, there is more than one way to skin a cat. Study Your PlanĪt this point, referring to your chosen ramp plans is next. If you have the funds and ability to pour a concrete pad, that's even better. This includes clearing the area, leveling, and putting WeedGuard down if it is grass or dirt. Now that you have done your homework and are ready to get down to the build, you will want to prepare the ground. In the state of Washington, as long as you're not charging a fee, anyone injured using any recreational equipment or field is using it at their own risk, and the property owner is not responsible or liable. Talk to your insurance agent in advance and have an attorney draw up a liability waiver to protect you and your investment. My advice - the more you love and respect your neighbors, the more tolerant they will be. For example, are you renting, or do you own? How cool are your neighbors? You will also want to consider your local area. You will also need a few other friends to help whenever they can. Not unlike a home, half-pipes, bowls, etc., will cost more and take longer to make than you expect.Īlso, before starting construction, contact and gain full commitment from at least one good, reliable, and available friend. Next, make an extensive list of materials you will need, and start pricing before you start building. Define MeasurementsĪfter reviewing the recommended plans and/or books, start taking measurements for your desired ramp dimensions. In my case, it was Joey McGuire of The Revolution, where I live in Wenatchee, Washington. Find a Mini Ramp PlanĪsk your local skate shop owner what plans they have or recommend. This step-by-step guide is intended to fill in the gaps and point out some of the key areas Leeds found lacking in the plans and books. You can purchase ramp plans from your local skate shop or online from many sources. The result is the following condensed 20-point general guide. In an effort to help all of our fellow skaters out there accomplish their personal dream ramp, Concrete Wave publisher Michael Brooke deputized Mike Leeds to photograph and document the process.
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