How To Build A Quarter Pipe

Dec 27, 2006

Tired of jumping curbs and paying to use a [kwlink]skatepark[/kwlink]? Kidzworld gives you the goods on how to build your own backyard quarter pipe.

How To Build A Quarter Pipe - What You Need

Building a quarter pipe is a great way to start putting together your backyard skatepark. It's easy to do but you'll need the help of an adult and some friends. Here's the tools and supplies you'll need to build a quarter pipe:

Duct tape
8' 2x4's
Hammer and nails
Electric or hand held saw
Wood screws
3/8" X 4' X 8' sheets of plywood
Pen
Saw Horses
An adult, who knows what they're doing, to supervise and help so you don't amputate your hand, your leg or some other important [kwlink]body part[/kwlink]. (You won't beat any high scores on [kwlink]Tony Hawk's Underground[/kwlink] if you only have one hand!)

How To Build A Quarter Pipe - Get A Plan

You can buy ramp plans at your local skate shop or you can check out this set of ramp plans here.

Once you've got your quarter pipe plans and your tools and materials together, find a space to work (like a garage or backyard), and lay out your supplies. Do not attempt to build your quarter pipe inside your house. You'll make a mess and the 'rents will have very little enthusiasm for helping you with future do-it-yourself projects.

How To Build A Quarter Pipe - Start Building

Once you've cut your pieces to size, based on your plans, it's time to start putting your quarter pipe together.
Make sure your bracing is solid underneath your top sheet, so you don't fall through.
Once you've built the framework, you should prep the top pieces of the plywood by soaking them with cold water for about an hour. This will make the wood a litte soft and make it easier to curve at the angle of your framework.
When your top pieces have been nailed to the framework, sand and [kwlink]paint[/kwlink] them to make your quarter pipe faster.
For a smoother transition, sand the bottom edge of the top sheet at an angle even with the ground. Duct tape or electrical tape may be added to smooth the transition's bottom edge.

How To Build A Quarter Pipe - Helpful Hints

If you don't have a lot of cash, look around for scrap wood or see if you can get some friends to chip in, since they'll probably be using the quarter pipe to [kwlink]skateboard[/kwlink] or [kwlink]BMX[/kwlink] as well.
Reading about building a quarter pipe is much easier than actually building a quarter pipe - so try finding someone who's already built a quarter pipe or some other small construction project to help you out. If this is your first major construction project, keep it simple. You can always build another one, after learning your mistakes.
DO NOT USE ANY POWER TOOLS OR SAWS BY YOURSELF! GET AN ADULT TO HELP YOU!