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How to make a Bank Ramp
So you want to know how to make a bank ramp?
Similar to a kicker ramp but it's use is often different, a bank ramp is great for learning flip tricks on. This bank ramp is 8' wide by about 3'-6 tall and 7'-9 in length. It has a 30° slope.
As with all structures here on DIYskate, you can build this bank ramp any size you want. However, for the material list to be accurate you will need to follow the plans as listed below.
How to make a Bank Ramp - Preparation
The plywood, lumber and screws can be found at most home improvement stores. However, the steel threshold can be a little more tricky to obtain.
First try "Steel Yards", "Steel Fabricators" or "Structural Steel" in the phone book. If these aren't available, try a home improvement store, such as Menards, Home Depot or Lowes. Finally, if you're still having difficulty, try "Scrap Yards", "Junk Yards" or "Salvage Yards" in the phone book or online.
If you plan on leaving this structure outside, you will want to use pressure treated wood, water sealant or paint and a tarp.
Lumber cut list
Gather your materials. Start with the 2×4's and 2×6's. Using the cut list below, cut all lumber and set them aside. It's a good idea to mark them so you don't get confused.
♠ 11 - 2×6's @ 7'-10 1/2
♠ 4 - 2×4's @ 7'-10 1/2
♠ 2 - 2×4's @ 5'-4 1/2 - (Cut one end of each at a 30° angle, more on that later)
♠ 4 - 2×4's @ 3'-2 1/4
Plywood cut list
Cut the 3/4" plywood for the sides by following the cut list below. Both sides are identical. Also cut two 4' × 6" pieces for the top of the bank as shown.
I like to radius the bottom of the bank ramp for a less abrupt transition from flat to bank. Using a 2×4 with a screw and pencil as your compass, draw the radius as shown in the illustration below.
Once drawn and cut, use this side as your template to draw and cut the other side.
Build it
Start by building the frame with one 2×4 @ 7'-10 1/2, one 2×6 @ 7'-10 1/2 and four 2×4's @ 3'-2 1/4, as shown below.
Framing the sides
Take both of the sides you cut earlier and attach the frame you just built to it, with the 2×6 on top.
Also attach the front 2×4 at this time.
Framing the sides continued
Now attach the ten 2×6's and two 2×4's to the sides spacing them 8" apart, on center except where noted below.
You will also want to double up the 2×6 about 4'-0 down from the top. This is where the 3/8" plywood seam will will meet and the double 2×6's allow a larger surface area for attaching the two sheets.
Placing the support
Take the remaining two 5'-4 1/2 long 2×4's and attach them to the plywood sides under the 2×6's. These bank ramps take an enormous amount of abuse and need extra support to cope with that abuse.
The supports relieve stress from the screws holding up the 2×6's and the 2×6's are less likely to break than 2×4's, although I have seen it happen.
Attach the plywood - Top
You're done with the framing. The next step is to take the two 4'-0 × 6" × 3/4" strips you cut earlier and place them on the top, 2×6 support.
Attach the plywood - Bottom layer
Take a sheet of 3/8" and attach it to the framed bank, pushing it flush against the 3/4" strips on top. You want to screw from the top down placing a screw every foot or so making sure you screw into the 2×6's.
Next, take another 3/8" sheet, cut it to 3'-9 1/2 × 8' and push it flush against the previous 3/8" sheet to finish the bottom layer. Again screw from the top down, placing the screws about a foot apart.
Attaching the plywood - Middle layer & Masonite
Next take two more sheets of the 3/8" plywood, lay them cross grain to the bottom layers and screw them in place using the same screw pattern as before.
Once the 3/8" plys are attached, cut a strip of masonite 6" × 8'-0 and cover the 3/4" ply on the top.
Now lay a full 4' × 8' sheet of masonite on the 3/8" ply surface, pushing it flush against the masonite stip on top. Unlike the 3/8", you'll need to countersink the masonite with a 3/8" drill bit or a countersink bit.
Then, just like the screws in the previous plys, you will want to start at the top and work your way down, except this time put the screws about 6" to 8" apart instead of a foot.
Finally, cut and place a 2'-10 1/4 × 8'-0 sheet of masonite flush against the other sheet using the same countersink, screw pattern.
Finish and Skate it
Last, drill a 3/16" hole about 2 inches in from each end on both sides and two in the middle about 2'-8 apart. After the holes are drilled, countersink each by using the 3/8" drill bit or countersink bit to ensure the screw heads are flush with the steel.
And that's how to make a bank ramp. Good luck!
If you catch a mistake or feel something needs further explanation, please let me know.
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