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Approximate Cost: $60 Easy | | | | | Difficult

Materials needed ♠   1 - 4×8, 3/4" plywood ♠   8 - 2×4's, 8' long ♠   Box of 2 1/2" screws ♠   1 - 2×2, 1/4" angle iron

Tools needed ♠   Tape Measure & Pencil ♠   Circular saw ♠   Jig saw ♠   Drill w/ philips bit ♠   3/16" & 3/8" drill bits

How to make a Grind Ledge

A skateboard grind box/ledge is easy to build and doesn't take much wood. This box is 8' long, 2' wide and a 1' tall.

As with all structures here on DIYskate, you can build this grind ledge 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 Grind Ledge - Preparation

The plywood, lumber and screws can be found at most home improvement stores. However, the steel angle iron 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.

Framing the bottom

Gather your materials. Start with the 2×4's. Cut 12 pieces 1'-9 in length (you will get 4 out of each 8' long 2×4). Set them aside. Cut 6 pieces at 1'-0. These determine the height of the box. Now build the bottom of the box to look like this below.

You will use the last two 2×4's at 8'-0 for the sides and three of the 1'-9 pieces for the framing. The one in the middle is centered.

It's a good idea to pre-drill the screw locations near the ends with a 3/16" drill bit to keep the wood from splitting.

Framing the top

Build the top to look like this. Using two of the uncut 2×4's for the sides and nine of the 1'-9 pieces placed every 1'-0 on center as shown. If your trying to make the box lighter, you can use just 5 of the 1'-9 long pieces here. Just remember, these are what hold the top up. If you plan on skating the crap out of this box, 9 might be a better option.

Attaching the sides

Attach the 6 pieces that are 1'-0 in length to the bottom of the box like shown here. Put four screws in each piece, 2 through each side or cross member.

Attaching the top

Place the top on the newly attached sides. This is much easier if you flip the bottom over or lay it on its side. Put 4 screws in each just like the bottom. Make sure the box is level and square. If you don't the box will rock on the ground like a wobbly table.

Attaching the plywood

Your done framing the box. Now you want to attach the plywood as shown in the picture. Cut the top layer 2'-0 wide and the side plywood at 1-0 3/4". If you changed the height of the box just cut the side plywood 3/4" taller than your box so you can cover the top sheet of plywood.

Attaching the coping

Place the angle iron on the edge of box like shown. Drill a 3/16" hole on each end on both sides where shown. The top and bottom dimensions are offset so the screws won't hit each other. On a box this length you need to place a couple more screws about 2'-6 apart on each side.

After the holes are drilled, countersink each by using the 3/8" drill bit to drill down just enough so the screw heads are flush with the coping. This will keep your trucks and board from hitting them when you grind or slide.

Skate it

Congratulations, you have just finished building a solid grind box that will last. Now it's time to get your kickflip backside smiths on lock. Good luck.

If you catch a mistake or feel something needs further explanation, please let me know.

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