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Ramp building tips and advice

Here is a list of some things I think are important when it comes to building ramps. Most are tips and advice regarding general woodworking, though some of it is more ramp building specific.

Finding steel

This is mentioned on each article that requires steel to complete the project. However it is still the most frequently asked question I get. "Where do I get the steel?".

The phone book. Look up "Steel Fabricators", "Structural Steel", "Steel Warehouses", "Steel Scrap yards", "Steel Salvage Yards" and plain old "Steel". Believe me, it's in there.

You can also find some steel at home improvement stores. Their selection isn't great but it might be enough to get you by.

Safety

I'm not your mom and I have no place to tell you to wear safety glasses or to be extra careful when working with power tools. Especially since I refuse to wear a helmet when skating any ramp smaller than 12' tall. But there is a difference between having confidence in your ability and taunting the laws of physics. Use common sense when you're building and you'll be a happier person for it.

Lumber

Dimensional lumber, like a 2×4 for example is not actually 2 by 4 inches. This is referred to as Nominal (what they call it) and Actual (what it is) size. Most of you probably know this, but for those who don't or would like a cheat sheet, here's a breakdown of dimensional lumber and it's actual dimensions.

Most dimensional lumber outside of North America differs from what is listed here.


Dimensional Lumber Sizes


Approximate cost

The price of lumber fluctuates often and is never going to be the same price where I live compared to where you live.

With that said, the way I determine the approximate costs within these articles is, to go to the major lumber suppliers in my area, obtain the price of a common material and average it among the other suppliers. This provides me with a base cost which I add hardware cost and a margin of about 5 %.

Without further ado, here is that price list.

Dimensional Lumber

♠   2×4 @ 7' - $1.66

♠   2×4 @ 8' - $2.22

♠   2×4 @ 10' - $2.96

♠   2×4 @ 12' - $3.45

♠   2×4 @ 16' - $4.38

Dimensional Lumber

♠   2×6 @ 8' - $3.43

♠   2×6 @ 10' - $3.85

♠   2×6 @ 12' - $5.22

♠   2×6 @ 14' - $5.24

♠   2×6 @ 16' - $6.76

Misc. Dimensional Lumber

♠   2×8 @ 8' - $4.63

♠   2×8 @ 16' - $9.25

♠   2×10 @ 8' - $5.98

♠   2×10 @ 16' - $12.29

♠   2×12 @ 16' - $14.38

Plywood

♠   1/4" @ 4×8 - $10.00

♠   3/8" @ 4×8 - $11.50

♠   1/2" @ 4×8 - $14.00

♠   5/8" @ 4×8 - $18.00

♠   3/4" @ 4×8 - $22.00

Masonite

♠   1/8" @ 4×8 - $7.15

♠   1/4" @ 4×8 - $10.30

Composite Surfaces

♠   1/4" @ 4×8 - $125.00

♠   1/4" @ 4×10 - $160.00

Screws

♠   1 5/8" @ 5lbs - $9.00

♠   2 1/2" @ 5lbs - $12.00

Steel

♠   1/8" Thickness - $1.20 per ft.

♠   1/4" Thickness - $2.80 per ft.

These prices were obtained in Chicago, Illinois on July 20th 2008 and are only suggestions.

Choosing the right screw for the job

I use coarse drywall screws for indoor ramps and galvanized deck screws for outdoor ramps. Your more than welcome to use whatever suits you best but remember, if you plan on taking apart that structure nails simply won't cut it.

I've also seen some people swear by a particular brand of deck screw because of how well it lends itself to the construction of ramps. I have used this deck screw and yes it performs great but I don't think the results justify the cost of the screw. In my opinion coarse drywall screws are the only way to go.

Now on to the size chart.


Screw Sizes


If your attaching plywood to plywood or plywood to 2×4's, 1 5/8" screws work best. If your attaching 2×4's to 2×4's, coping or transition sides to 2×4's, 2 1/2" screws work best.

Figure out a radius

So you want to build a ramp like the one at your local skatepark but don't know the radius (transition). It's easier than you think.


Figuring Out an Unknown Radius


To do this you want a piece of wood like a 2×4 at 36" long. Place it on the transition of the ramp as shown and measure from the center of the 2×4 to the transition. This is the height or h.

The formula looks difficult, but just break it down. Here's an example. I measured a 6'-0 tall ramp at Warp Skatepark in Woodstock, Illinois to have an h of 2". Which, by using the formula is 2 times itself plus 324. This equals 328. Then solve the bottom equation of 24 times 2 which equals 48. Finish this off by dividing 328 by 48 and you get, 6.833. This is about 6'-10. So there you have it, that ramp has a transition radius of 6'-10. Not too hard right?

Standards suggestions

When you build, it's best to build in sizes that are the same as common wood dimensions. For example, plywood is purchased in 4×8 sheets (for the most part). So these plans will reflect that. This makes it much easier to build, saves a lot of wood waste and conserves money, which is always good.

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