How To Build a 'DIY Skatepark' at Home
As skateboarders, when we think of what a skatepark is, a number of things can come to mind. Perhaps it’s a giant concrete paradise in the middle of nowhere, fully equipped with every obstacle imaginable. Maybe it’s a fun little spot on the edge of town with a few hips and quarter pipes or a prefab pop-up park in a community center with all the bells and whistles. It could be a unique DIY slab in an old rundown parking lot. Whatever! The list goes on.
With that said, it could also simply be a variety of movable obstacles in your front yard! Having a ‘DIY skatepark’ in your yard is a dream scenario for any skateboarder. Not only does it offer the convenience of skating whenever you want—minus the crowds—but it’s a place that can really cater to your personal preferences.
Hey, skateboarding has no rules, and remember, like I said, a “skatepark” can be anything—even if it’s just a few rails, boxes, quarter pipes and random obstacles set up in your yard! Let’s dig a little deeper and see just how possible it is to make this dream a reality.
Where Do I Start?
The best thing to do before starting a project like this is to have a plan. Do you have any of these obstacles already? Are you planning on building any yourself? Are you going to buy certain items from ramp-building companies? Is cement mixing going to be involved? Knowing your budget, how much space you have, and what you want to skate are the first few things you’ll want to figure out.
What Materials and Tools Do I Need?
Depending on the task at hand, you’ll probably need a variety of materials and tools to build your personal little skateboarding paradise. Items like plywood, angle iron, 2x4s, concrete, and screws are all you need to build a handful of obstacles like a kicker ramp or box, for example. You’ll also want to make sure you have a drill, screwdriver, hammer, measuring tape and other essential tools handy.
Again, it all depends on what you’re trying to build. But having a little box with angle iron and a kicker ramp is a great place to start! Lines for days.
Build or Buy a Box
In case you’re unaware, a “box” is basically just a ledge that you build out of wood. In my opinion, it’s an essential obstacle for any skatepark to have! They’re also super versatile. From grinds and slides to manuals and drops, a box can provide endless fun and really help you progress. And they’re honestly pretty easy and straightforward to make!
You’ll just need some plywood, 2x4s, metal coping and some screws. I could sit here and explain how to construct it, but if you’re a visual learner like myself, our friends at Empire do a great job providing plans here.
Gotta have a box in the mix!
Also, just keep in mind that ramp-building companies like Keen Ramps also sell a variety of boxes in different shapes and sizes. They provide all the materials and instructions as well. Easy-peasy!
Get a Rail or Flatbar
Rails or flatbars are another obstacle that I think every skatepark should have—especially one at home! Why? Well, they’re typically the easiest to move and store. They don’t take up a ton of space, and like boxes, they also provide endless fun and can really help you lock down your rail game. You can build them if you want, but I’d look around for used ones first. Someone out there is always selling a rail!
An essential obstacle at any skatepark!
Or you can buy pre-made ones from a variety of brands out there, depending on your preference and budget. Brands like Blunt Steel offer fun ride-on grind options as well—fun for all ages and skill levels! And like normal rails and flatbars, they’re super easy to move and store.
At any rate, if you have a ramp, box and a rail in your front yard … well, consider your skatepark open for business! But there’s always more you can do…
Do You Have Room for a Quarter Pipe?
Adding a quarter pipe to your home skatepark is a major upgrade—this is when things get serious. Whether you have space to pour some concrete and make a proper one somewhere at home or build/assemble your own out of wood, having a quarter pipe to practice your transition skills is a huge bonus. And let’s be real… it will start to make your setup truly look like a little skatepark!
Again, there are a ton of ramp-building companies out there who make building and owning a quarter pipe super convenient. Keen Ramps is a great example. Check these out! (They even have mini ramps, too.)
And aside from practicing your transition skills, quarter pipes are a convenient way to help piece together lines as you can simply kick turn and hit the obstacle again without skipping a beat. If you have room and budget for a quarter pipe, I’d highly recommend it!
Don’t Forget About Parking Blocks
Random little items like parking blocks can add variety to your skatepark as well. Endless fun awaits with one of these cement gems plopped in the mix! Get some of that good red curb paint and lather it up, or just keep it classic and have some wax on hand. Trust me, it’ll slide and grind one way or another! The best part is that a parking block has many uses—skate over it, practice no-complies, blunt stalls … the world is yours. I mean, seriously, who doesn’t love a good old parking block? Timeless.
Whatever You Do—Just Enjoy It!
Okay, so you built your own box and kicker ramp. You found a flatbar on Craigslist and decided to splurge a little on a quarter pipe. All of a sudden, your yard has become one of the best skate spots in town! Once your ‘DIY skatepark’ is complete, there’s only one thing left to do—invite your friends over for a session and enjoy the fruits of your labor!
One of the perks of having movable obstacles is that you can keep experimenting with different setups to keep things fresh and exciting. You also have the choice to just skate a few or all of them whenever you want. It’s a great way to progress, get creative and keep the sessions flowing at all times! Just keep in mind that safety should be your top priority when building and skating your new little spot. Make sure everything is stable and secure, watch for cars (and splinters), otherwise … let ‘er rip!
It Provides So Much Motivation
I had a little kicker ramp, two different boxes, rails, a parking block and even a plastic barrier in my front yard growing up, and it really did feel like my own little paradise. The sessions my friends and I had will stay with me forever. And it really did come in handy some mornings when we wanted to warm up or on days when the skatepark was flooded with scooters and skate camps. It’s rewarding, to say the least, and provides so much motivation. No excuses when all you have to do is walk outside and move a few things around!
So whether you’re crafting your own little pop-up park or diving deep into a cement project, the options are as endless as the fun they provide. Keep the fire burning and have some fun with it! And hey, get your friends to chip in. Sometimes you gotta pay to play!
💻 Don't miss another headline from TransWorld SKATEboarding! Subscribe to our newsletter and stay connected. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel for more quality skate content. 💻
