Ramping is a huge trend right now, and it gives people the perfect place to ride their skateboard, scooter, or longboard and enjoy the ride. Both kids and adults can use the mini ramps easily.
Building a small ramp is a fun project that can be done in the backyard or in your child’s playroom. You can skateboard, ride a BMX, or just mess around on them.
Costs to build a mini ramp depend on the materials used and how hard it is to build. In this article, we’ll discuss the expense of building a mini ramp and briefly the process of building it.
How Much Does it Cost to Build a Mini Ramp?
The cost to build a mini ramp varies depending on your materials, size, and the complexity of the design. The average cost to build a mini ramp is around $500 to $3,000.
In 2024, the average DIY mini ramp building cost is around $500 to $1,000. If you wish to buy one, the price ranges from $800 to $3,000. It will 2 to 3 days to complete the project.
Mini Ramp Building Cost
Here is the cost summary of building a mini ramp in 2024.
| Total Cost | High | Low |
| Average Cost | $500 | $3,000 |
| DIY Cost | $500 | $1,000 |
| Purchased Cost | $800 | $3,000 |
What is the Average Size of a Mini Ramp?
These days, the mini ramp is getting increasingly widespread. Skate parks are the most common places to see mini ramps, but you may also find them in BMX riding and roller skating, all of which are outdoor hobbies.
In most cases, they are made of wood, metal, or plastic, and their dimensions might change. If you want to make or buy a mini you must know the average size of the ramp.
Mini ramps aren’t all alike. They range in size, shape, and substance. When it comes to dimensions, the average size of the mini ramp is usually 2 feet wide and 3 feet long.
10 Major Materials Required to Construct a Mini Ramp in 2024
Mini-ramp construction necessitates the acquisition of necessary materials. Whether you’re hiring a professional or doing a project on your own, you’ll need these things.
To create this tiny ramp, below is a list of the materials required.
- Wood or metal for ramps.
- Plastic or rubber for rails.
- Half-pipes, steel, and other metal objects for the support structure.
- Plywood or cardboard for ramp surface.
- Drill.
- Jig saw.
- Tape for measurement.
- Pencil.
- A lot of screws.
- Hammer.
How to Make a Mini Ramp: A Step-by-step DIY Process
A skate ramp may be lucrative and pleasurable if built appropriately, regardless of whether you are an experienced skateboarder or are trying to create one in your offspring.
If you want to make a mini ramp all by yourself then you need to know the overall process.
In this part, we’ll describe the overall process in several steps so that you can understand it easily and you can easily complete the project without any problem.
Our experts break down the whole process into 4 phases. They are:
- How to Design Your Ramp.
- How to Organize Supplies.
- How to Build Your Ramp.
- How to Surface Your Ramp.
We’ll discuss them one by one below.
Phase #1: How to Design Your Ramp
First comes the design phase. Here we divide the phase into 4 steps.
Step: 1
In the first step, we have to maximize all available space. Here we’ll make the decision about where we really want to build the ramp and what we’ll do when you don’t use it.
Here comes a simple thing do you wanna make a permanent mini ramp or o portable one? When you desire to make a portable ramp make sure you consider the storage issues.
If you don’t have enough space for other activities then it’s not a suitable place to build a ramp. Consider the surroundings;
For example, if there are any impediments and light or sound pollution. Depending on where you live, you may be subject to local regulations.
Step: 2
After locating the place you have to decide what kind of ramp you want to build. Most builders, new and old, prefer brick. We must utilize numerous approaches to build a little ramp as a woodworking project.
A micro ramp can be created in any shape to save space. A jump-only ramp is restricted, yet perfect for beginning skateboarders. Typical ramps include 10-foot transitions and a modest staircase. This ramp can help you in a million ways.
Step: 3
Next, we have to create a blueprint to customize the design. The easiest approach to acquiring a feel of the scope of this endeavor is to put your thoughts down on paper.
Measurement-related difficulties can also be addressed in this way. You can easily make your design online. You don’t need expensive software for that. You can outsource it online and they are very cheap.
Make sure you give accurate measurements and all the requirements perfectly. When customizing, experiment, but don’t act without purpose.
If you experiment and chop off several feet at once, you may have to start over. Especially with curving ramps. Don’t about the budget. You should make a plan according to your budget.
Phase #2: How to Organize Supply
This phase is very crucial for overall cost. For a better understanding of our readers, we broke the phase into 5 steps.
Step-1:
Make a list of all of the stuff you’re going to need. Use the plan as a guide when deciding what tools you need for the job. If you can find a better option at your local hardware store, that would be worth checking out.
While some woods may be better suited for skating than others, they may not be able to survive the rain as well in the fall. Then you have to purchase all the things before you start the work.
If you want to utilize steel instead of or in addition to wood, you’ll need to find a steel fabricator or scrap metal center. Because this may be hard to find in your area, start designing and modifying with the steel you have.
Step-2:
In the next step, you have to organize your lumber. You can easily hire a carpenter who can prepare your lumber into the shape according to your specifications.
Getting a pro will save you time and the trouble of power tools. Pressure-treated wood is recommended. A chemical treatment prevents the growth of mold, and the material is quite waterproof.
Step-3:
The third step is measuring and cutting. Make sure you measure the wood carefully and before cutting or shaping anything, remember the old adage. You must be sure about the measurement.
If there is any doubt about the design or the measurement don’t hesitate to ask the expert and fix the doubt. A mistake can occur so you have to buy extra pieces of wood. Don’t get frustrated about the mistakes.
Step-4:
Make sure you make the proper safety. Take everything you need for safety purposes.
Step-5:
You have to preserve the wood. This will ensure your ramp’s longevity. Wood won’t last forever. So we should have to take the wood to a safe place and protect it from rain. You can also paint the wood with skate-friendly paint.
Phase #3: How to Build Your Ramp
In this phase, we will build the ramp. It is the actual working phase. In this phase, there are 7 steps.
Step-1
Here is where we need to start the main process. In this situation, you’ll need all the help you can get. The first step is to cut the edges off of the wood. For the sides of the box, you’ll need to cut out two pieces of plywood.
These weak barriers will protect the edges of the ramp. As long as you haven’t had the wood cut at the hardware store, all you need is a pencil to draw the lines.
Step-2
In this part, you will be responsible for building the frame of the ramp. You have to start by nailing in the four supports shown on the plan, starting with the support in the back.
Be generous with your nails, because each one gives the ramp a little more strength. After making sure that each of the four supports is securely in place, you should line up the second side and fasten it to the bottom of the supports.
Step-3
You need to connect the side rails of the ramp to a front anchor. At this point, it is very important to make sure that the frame is level because if it isn’t level now, it won’t be level when the project is done.
Step-4
Put the ramp’s supports in place. Starting at the top, attach your 2×6 and 2×4 with the 2″ side facing up, eight inches apart. Attach the 2×6 first, because the length you cut off the 2×4 will help keep the ramp level with the ground.
You can also put two 2×6 boards next to each other about 4 inches from the top of the ramp to give it more support.
You can also put support (two longer 2x4s) under the 2x6s. It’s unlikely that the 2x6s will break, but the extra support will really make the structure stronger.
Step-5
Build up the rest of the plywood. Stack the two 4-by-6-inch pieces on top of the 2-by-6-inch piece. Your ramp will have a short, but secure, edge to stand on as a result of this.
Take your two plywood sheets, one on top of the other, and begin by attaching the upper one. Screw in the lower layer once the upper sheet is in place.
To ensure a seamless transition from the ramp to the pavement, the bottom sheet should be slightly overhanging. The screws should be drilled from the top down to avoid catching and making the ramp bumpy, so be careful.
To guarantee a seamless transition between panels, install screws starting at the top of each foot.
Step-6
Make the ramp’s surface. Place two masonite or skatelite sheets on top of the preceding plywood sheets. The ramp’s finished, exposed top will look like this.
Using screws every six to eight inches, attach them in place after careful alignment. Always begin at the apex of the ramp and tighten your screwdriver into it.
To make the ramp more sturdy, avoid placing the masonite or skatelite seam directly on top of the two plywood seams.
Step-7
First, use a drill bit to make a hole big enough for the screw. Drive the screw into the board. To guarantee that the screws are flush with the metal is a good idea.
Phase #4: How to Surface Your Ramp
Here you have to ready the surface of your ramp.
Step: 1
Select the topmost layer. 3/8″ untreated plywood should be used for the first two layers; however, the top layer can be Skatelite, Masonite, or even Plywood if you choose to skate straight on it.
Consider your budget and the climate before selecting the top layer. The most expensive surface is Skatelite, which is used by pros and is impervious to the elements.
Masonite is a smooth, affordable hardboard that must be protected from the sun and rain. Plywood isn’t weatherproof and isn’t forgiving when you fall, but it’s cheap.
Step: 2
You need sandpaper and smooth rough edges and corners. Especially when utilizing plywood. Plywood quality varies. Plywood quality indicates durability. Plywood layers are graded.
The first letter indicates the top layer grade, and the second letter is the bottom. There are several grades of plywood available in the market. All layers of grade A plywood are free of any defects such as knots, fracturing, or cracking.
Only a few knots and splits can be seen in Grade B wood, which is normally sound. However, there is a chance that you may need another round of sanding to get it to the desired smoothness.
A Grade C knot is defined by knots that are at least 12 inches long “in diameter and the presence of structurally compromised wood cracks and splits. Splits and fissures are common in D-quality work.
No matter how big a knot is, “there is no limit to its size.” Sanding will be required on the top layer as well. You should know that D is the lowest possible quality and also the cheapest option.
Step: 3
Your ramp’s surface needs to be completed. No matter how expensive or high-quality your skatelite or plywood is, you need always keep it covered from the elements.
You can protect your plywood base from any water that gets through the skatelite by spreading tar paper underneath. When painting on masonite or plywood, use water-resistant paint to protect the surface. Spar Urethane or Polyurethane Paint is the best option.
In terms of weight and cost, Spar Urethane is by far the most robust. A wide range of colors are available in polyurethane, but it does not offer the same level of protection as Spar Urethane.
Step: 4
Use a tarp to shield your ramp from the elements. Make sure to remove any snow that accumulates over the winter so that moisture does not penetrate into your wood and cause it to deform.
3 Skills Required to Construct a Mini Ramp in 2024
Building a mini ramp with the help of a neighbor or friends may be a lot of fun but you need some basic skills to finish the task smoothly.
Here are the skills you need to construct a mini ramp:
- Using a circular saw and jigsaw to cut wood.
- The ability to possess a great deal of experience in the fields of carpentry, welding, and construction.
- Using hacksaws, reciprocating saws, and saber saws to cut metals.
Carpentry, welding, and construction are my areas of expertise.
Note: The constant beginning and stopping of a process can quickly deplete your resources and lead to unnecessary irritation.
Safety measures to be taken when building a mini ramp
You are always concerned about the safety of those who work on the projects. Here are some precautions you should take.
- When constructing the ramp, make sure everyone is wearing safety jackets and helmets.
- Make sure they always wear gloves and are careful when they cut the wood.
- Make sure that things like trash, dust, loose nails, and water that haven’t moved aren’t just lying around the site.
- Check that there are no tools lying around, and make sure that the lights and any power equipment are unplugged.
- Check that none of the tools or pieces of equipment that are going to be used have any kind of flaw or damage before beginning the work.
Top 7 Tips for Building Mini Ramp in 2024
There’s something you may forget. Here we talk about some tips that are very important for the project.
These tips will help you build a mini ramp successfully.
- First, You have to make a proper plan for the mini ramp, and after reviewing the plan you must take the measurement for your desired ramp dimensions.
- Second, You must list all the materials you need for the ramp building.
- Third, Talk to your insurance agent in advance and have an attorney draft a liability waiver to protect you and your investment.
- Fourth, You have to keep yourself and the people who work for you safe.
- Fifth, While building your small ramp, set aside enough money to waterproof the surface and buy a large, extra-heavy-duty tarp.
- Sixth, Don’t compromise on the quality of your materials.
- Seventh, Particle board should be avoided in favor of plywood.
The following are some of the questions that are asked the most frequently about (the Mini Ramp Building): FAQs
What is a suitable radius for a mini ramp?
The sport’s tiny ramp is smaller. A flat between two-quarter pipes produces a ramp. Mini ramps are little, makeshift plywood ramps used where stairs won’t work. Most pillars are 28 to 36 inches tall and 4 to 6 inches wide.
How much wood is needed to build a mini ramp?
Wood is an important thing for building a mini ramp. Building a ramp requires knowing how much wood to use. The ramp can be made using just a single 2×4 piece of lumber. In order to construct a ramp with dimensions of 6 by 6, you will require ten pieces of material with dimensions of 2 by 4.
Can you build a skate ramp in your backyard?
It is possible to construct a ramp for skateboarding. But there is some difference between them. Mini ramps are an additional option to think about due to the fact that they are more compact and can be used in your own backyard.
What kind of plywood do you use for a skate ramp?
Plywood comes in a variety of varieties on the market. The ideal material to use is sanded and smooth plywood of any variety. Skate paint can be used to protect plywood halfpipes from rain and snow if they are set up outside. And the thickness of the plywood is about 1/4″ thick for my mini ramp.
How long do wooden ramps last?
It’s very difficult to say because several factors are related to it. Factors like wood quality, wood type, or the weather of the area. Wooden ramps typically survive between two and six years.
How do you cover a skate ramp?
There are several ways. Covering it with a tarp is the most effective method. A blanket and some duct tape are further options for covering it up.
What is a quarter pipe?
Each quarter of a small ramp is half. Quarter pipes are small ramp halves. They created the Big O’Quarter Pipe. Since it was discovered, skaters have used it to skate. In a quarter-hour, you can practice every transition and flat trick.
How tall should a mini ramp be?
Though it totally depends on you. Find a level spot, then do the rest. A three- to four-foot-tall, twenty-foot-long, eight-foot-wide building would be beautiful. If you have the space, this alternative may be worth it, but it costs more.
Final “Cost-Benefit Analysis” for Building a Mini Ramp in 2024
The addition of a ramp makes a backyard more unique. The process of building this little ramp was a lot of fun. Even though it wasn’t a very hard task, you must take your time to make sure that everything is done correctly and precisely.
The cost of the project will depend on how long it takes to build the ramp and if it has railings or stairs. We hope you’ll learn how to build a small ramp from this post.
If you have any questions about how much it costs to build a mini ramp in your area, please leave a comment below.
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