FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Half-Pipe Construction

JerraldHayes | Posted in General Discussion on September 13, 2006 01:30am

So has anyone ever built a skateboarding half-pipe for a client?

Surfing around the net I found plenty of free plans for half-pipe construction but in reading them so far I notice they all use plywood for the halfpipe surface. Looking at the X Games on TV it seems to me the surface is a lot smoother and better looking than plywood so I’m thinking the pros use MDO (medium Density Overlay) for the surfacing. Anyone know for sure or have any kids that might be really up on this?


View Image
Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. Hiker | Sep 13, 2006 02:00am | #1

    Jerrald,

    One of my guys is a skateboarder.  The ramps he skates on are use hardboard-Usually multiple layers of 1/4".  The City of Austin recently constructed a skate park.  Basically the same techniques used in pool construction except all corners get covered angle iron or pipe cut in half and the finish is ultra smooth.

    Bruce

     

  2. Phat | Sep 13, 2006 02:18am | #2

    What is used is a product known as Skatelite . It's a paper and phenolic resin product. It's made by Richlite, and good luck getting any. I've never dealt with a company before who was so proud of their product that they refused to sell it…

    Fortunately, they have a competitor, Paper Stone.

    Phat

    Never underestimate your ability to overestimate your ability



    Edited 9/12/2006 7:20 pm by Phat

  3. User avater
    Timuhler | Sep 13, 2006 02:49am | #3

    I built a quarter pipe when I was 17.  My brother (15 at the time) and I were into inline skating ( I could jump over a garbage can) so we got the plans from at skate magazine (skateboarding).  It  was simple.  We built it in a day and its been outside every since.  That was 11 years ago.

     

    I don't have any pictures, but if I remember correctly, we used 3/4" ply for the sides, 2x4 purlins between and then 2 layers of 1/4" ply.  2" or 3" pipe at the top to slide, and a metal plate at the bottom. 

    I never did learn to drop in on that thing.  My brother did though. 

  4. PASSIN | Sep 13, 2006 07:52am | #4

    I built one for a clients daughter, used 2 layers of 1/4 ply wood offseting the seams and then a layer of 1/4 masonite. works realy good and is super smooth. Price if i remember correctly was about 12.00 apiece for the masonite but that was 3? years ago. I even had my designer draw up the plans cost her 75.00 and she thought they were so cool she framed them and put them in her daughters room.

  5. darrel | Sep 13, 2006 05:46pm | #5

    Another product to look into is one made by TrueRide:

    http://www.trueride.com/

    It looks like a great material. I haven't contacted them yet to see if they sell the material direct. Seems to have a lot of uses outside of skateboard ramps (the company also uses the material for outdoor furniture and cutting boards).

  6. davidmeiland | Sep 13, 2006 05:57pm | #6

    Jerrald, I'm shocked. YOU were watching the X Games?? You're going to build a ramp? Gnarly, dude. I would definitely spin this off as a separate business, the high-end stair clients will not understand.

  7. User avater
    draftguy | Sep 13, 2006 06:19pm | #7

    have a brother who's built a large number of these.

    Have heard of Skatelite, but i think he always used off-the-shelf plywood. Just a word of caution: if you use regular ply, treat the edges. He hit the side on a spill once and got a trip to the emergency room with a nice 6" splinter jammed into his hip.

  8. robertsander08 | Aug 03, 2022 10:59pm | #8

    For several reasons, some skaters don’t prefer crowding in skate parks. Often, they use spots like rails, stairs, and ledges as skating obstacles. Others create their own ramps in the comfort of their homes.

  9. robertsander08 | Aug 09, 2022 10:58pm | #9

    If you’re one of them, stop the worry. Let’s take the thrill of skating to your homes by learning how to build a quarter pipe, a common skatepark obstacle.

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

FHB Podcast Segment: Are Single-Room ERVs the Answer?

Learn more about the pros and cons of single-room ERVs.

Featured Video

How to Install Cable Rail Around Wood-Post Corners

Use these tips to keep cables tight and straight for a professional-looking deck-railing job.

Related Stories

  • Design and Build a Pergola
  • Podcast Episode 689: Basement Garages, Compact ERVs, and Safer Paint Stripper
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Are Single-Room ERVs the Answer?
  • Fire-Resistant Landscaping and Home Design Details

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data