10 Essential Steps to Design and Build Your Own Backyard Skate Park

Skate parks are custom-built havens for skateboarders, inline skaters, and BMX riders. These spaces are equipped with ramps, rails, benches, and other structures where athletes can practice and perfect their skills. Many communities invest in public skate parks to provide safe, accessible areas for enthusiasts of all ages.

While skateboarding is considered an extreme sport, skate parks are remarkably safe environments. Although there are numerous skating and biking-related deaths annually, almost none occur within skate parks. Most fatalities result from collisions with vehicles on public roads [source: Waters]. If your area lacks a public skate park and you want a secure space for your kids to ride, consider building one yourself.

Skateboarding has always embraced a DIY spirit. In the 1950s, early skateboards were crafted by surfers during their off-season using wooden crates and roller skate wheels [source: Hamm]. Even today, skaters worldwide create their own ramps and obstacles from materials like wood, metal, dirt, and whatever else they can find. Skate parks essentially replicate street skating environments, utilizing urban features such as curbs, benches, staircases, and railings as the basis for tricks.

A quick browse through YouTube showcases the creativity of backyard skate park builders. You could join their ranks. Continue reading to explore our 10-step guide to constructing your own backyard skate park. First step: Contact your insurance provider.

10: Know Your Zoning Laws

Before you start envisioning your backyard skate park, ensure it complies with local regulations. Each city, town, or municipality has specific zoning laws governing the construction of structures like fences, gazebos, sheds, wheelchair ramps, and skateboard ramps [source: City of Berkeley].

Zoning laws often dictate the height, purpose, and placement of backyard structures relative to neighboring properties. If your skate park plans violate these rules, you may need special permits, which can incur additional costs. For example, a father in Fairfax, Va., spent $1,800 on permits and fees to build a $1,400 tree house for his children [source: Starnes].

If you’ve considered charging a small fee to local kids for using your backyard skate park to offset costs, reconsider. This would turn your family recreation space into a business, subjecting it to strict regulations [source: Gilje]. Additionally, you’d need a commercial zoning permit, which is often unattainable in residential areas.

If the local zoning board approves your plans, consult your homeowner's insurance agent. If the skate park is solely for family use and safety gear like helmets and pads are mandatory, you’ll likely face no issues. However, admitting plans to open it to the neighborhood could lead to higher premiums or even loss of coverage [source: Fernandez].

Once all legal concerns are addressed, you can begin searching for the ideal spot to build your backyard skate park.

9: Find the Perfect Location

Not all backyards are the same. What one person sees as a small, overgrown patch, another views as a sprawling, well-maintained lawn. The available space will heavily influence the size and ambition of your backyard skate park project, second only to budget constraints.

This is an ideal moment to involve your spouse in the planning. While it’s a generalization, backyard skate park projects are often spearheaded by men, who may overlook the broader impact of installing a 12-foot by 16-foot (3.66-meter by 4.88-meter) halfpipe near the rose garden or garage. Your spouse can offer practical, if not grounding, insights on how much space can realistically be dedicated to ramps and rails.

Keep in mind the importance of flat and level ground. The difficulty and expense of constructing a backyard skate park rise with the slope and unevenness of the terrain. Starting with a flat surface simplifies the process, avoiding the need for gravel, fill, or cement to level the area. Unless, of course, your backyard features a large, empty, bowl-shaped concrete swimming pool, in which case you’re already set.

The next step is determining how much you can afford to invest in this skate park dream.

8: Figure Out How Much You'll Spend

If only pre-cut 2x4s and wood screws grew on trees ... well, that would make things much easier. Unless you have a wealthy relative in the lumber industry, constructing a backyard skate park will require a significant financial investment. The exact amount depends on who you consult.

Rick Dahlen, a Minnesota father, offers free online halfpipe plans that have attracted millions of DIY enthusiasts. Dahlen estimates that his basic halfpipe design costs around $700 in materials and takes approximately 20 hours to build [source: Dahlen]. This assumes you already own or can borrow a jigsaw, which typically costs between $50 and $150.

EasyHalfPipe.com provides plans for a smaller version of Dahlen’s halfpipe, with material costs ranging from $250 to $450, depending on lumber prices and your location [source: EasyHalfPipe.com]. The plans, manual, and instructional DVD are an additional $30.

If your dream skate park includes concrete, be prepared for higher costs. A full cement truck carries 10 cubic yards (7.65 cubic meters) of concrete, priced between $1,200 and $1,500, according to a San Diego skate park manager [source: Hamm]. For context, municipalities typically spend at least $350,000 to construct a 10,000 square foot (929 square meter) public skate park [source: Balcom].

Before diving into designing your backyard skate park and indulging in grand ideas, sit down with your spouse to determine a realistic budget. Unless your child is the next Tony Hawk, taking out a loan might not be wise. Consider this project a long-term investment in your kids’ physical fitness and social appeal. If $1,000 feels reasonable to you, that’s fantastic. Ultimately, the decision lies with your family. Setting a clear budget beforehand will help manage both expenses and expectations.

Now, it’s time to move on to the planning phase!

7: Plan Your Park

To kick off the planning for your backyard skate park, start by addressing five key questions:

We’ve covered the first three questions earlier, but what about the fourth? Deciding whether your skate park will be permanent or temporary is crucial. If you live in a region with harsh winters, consider building a single halfpipe or modular wooden elements that can be stored during colder months. In warmer climates where winter temperatures rarely drop below 73 degrees Fahrenheit (22.8 degrees Celsius), a permanent setup might be more feasible.

Now, let’s tackle the fifth question: Who will use the skate park, and how dedicated are they to skating? If you’re introducing a young child to the sport, start with something small and straightforward. However, if you’re creating a skate park for a passionate teenage skater, like a sixteenth birthday gift, it’s worth going all-in with a more elaborate design.

Next, decide on the components. The wooden halfpipe is a timeless choice for backyard skate parks due to its self-contained nature. You won’t need to lay down extensive blacktop or concrete surfaces—simply place the halfpipe on your lawn, and it’s ready to provide endless skating enjoyment.

If space is limited, consider starting with a basic quarterpipe placed in a driveway corner. For those with ample paved areas, such as an unused tennis court, the possibilities are endless: banks, spines (essentially two quarterpipes joined back-to-back), rails, staircases with rails, benches, picnic tables, and more.

Create a scaled drawing of your available space and the features you want to include. Ensure there’s enough distance between elements and sufficient ramps or quarterpipes to build speed for grinding rails, benches, and other obstacles. In skateboarding terms, this is referred to as "flow," which involves mapping out the various routes skaters will take through the park.

Next, focus on sourcing reliable construction plans and purchasing the necessary materials for your backyard skate park.

6: Gather Construction Plans and Materials

The Internet offers a wealth of resources for affordable or even free skate park construction plans. In a 2009 article, Popular Mechanics highlighted Rick Dahlen’s free halfpipe designs and step-by-step building guides. Dahlen, the DIY enthusiast mentioned earlier, provides plans for a 3-foot (91-centimeter) high skateboard halfpipe or a 4-foot (1.22-meter) high inline skating halfpipe, which you can download here. We’ll delve deeper into ramp and halfpipe construction later.

If you’re willing to invest in professional skate park construction plans, consider websites like EasyHalfPipe.com, where you can purchase detailed blueprints for a four-foot halfpipe. For a modest fee, you’ll receive a DVD tutorial, large blueprints, and a comprehensive instruction manual. Another option is RampHelp.com, which offers affordable plans for halfpipes, fun boxes (raised wooden structures for grinding), and launch ramps (perfect for big air tricks).

When purchasing materials for your backyard skate park, prioritize quality. Spend a little extra on high-grade 2x4s, screws, concrete, and other supplies. For plywood, ensure the sheets are free of large knots, as these are prone to cracking. If your halfpipe will sit on grass or another damp surface, opt for treated wood for the base to prevent rot.

If hardware store prices seem overwhelming, explore alternative options. Check if any friends in the construction industry can help you secure materials at a bulk discount. Alternatively, ask local contractors if they’re willing to sell spare 2x4s at a reduced rate.

If the skate park is for your kids and their friends, involve them in fundraising efforts. One group of kids raised money by designing and selling T-shirts for their neighborhood skate park. Your kids could mow lawns, wash cars, or organize other activities to gather donations for the project.

Now, it’s time to start building! More details are coming up on the next page.

5: Gather Tools and Labor

The good news is that constructing a backyard skate park doesn’t require many specialized tools, especially for wooden structures. For a standard halfpipe or ramp, the most costly tool you’ll need is a jigsaw. Other tasks can be accomplished with a drill, hammer, or screwdriver. Before purchasing a new jigsaw, check with neighbors—many are willing to lend tools for a few days. Just remember, if you damage it, you’ll need to replace it.

Constructing a backyard skate park is best done as a team project. Unless you’re an experienced builder with ample free time, avoid tackling this alone. Rick Dahlen’s basic three-foot (91-centimeter) halfpipe design takes roughly 20 hours to complete, but this is just an estimate. If the skate park is for your kids, involve them in the process. Even without experience, they can help with tasks like hammering nails, and you’ll appreciate the extra hands when aligning joists or shaping plywood.

If your kids plan to invite many skater friends to enjoy the finished backyard skate park, involve the entire group in the construction process. Dedicate a few consecutive Saturdays to building. By including the kids, they’ll feel a sense of ownership and pride in the final product. This connection will encourage them to take better care of "their" skate park.

In the next step, we’ll provide tips on constructing halfpipes and other wooden ramps.

4: Start Building Ramps

Ramps are the foundation of any backyard skate park, offering speed, air, grindable surfaces, and an overall cool aesthetic. Whether you’re constructing a halfpipe, quarterpipe, or standalone launch ramp, you’ll need four key components:

The curved side pieces of the ramp demand the highest level of mathematical accuracy. Rick Dahlen suggests cutting one board first and using it as a template to ensure uniformity. To achieve a flawless curve, use a string and a thumbtack. For a three-foot-high halfpipe ramp, you’ll need a string exactly 7.5 feet (2.28 meters) long.

To ensure the horizontal joists are aligned properly, measure, mark, and pre-drill holes in the curved side pieces. This method is simpler than holding the 2x4 foot (0.61 to 1.22 meter) joists in place while measuring and screwing simultaneously. Another key tip is to install a double joist at the midpoint of the curved slope. The ramp surface consists of two 4x8 plywood sheets laid lengthwise, creating an 8-foot surface with a seam in the middle. A double joist at this seam makes it easier to secure both plywood sheets. See the halfpipe instructions for more details.

A useful trick for bending plywood sheets to form the ramp surface is to wet the rough side thoroughly. While the smooth side faces up, wetting the rough side causes the board to warp inward naturally, making it easier to shape.

Coping refers to the smooth, rounded edge on pool lips that skaters replicate on halfpipe ramps. Use an 8-foot (2.44-meter) piece of 2.5-inch (6.35-centimeter) diameter PVC or metal pipe. Drill holes through both sides of the pipe, enlarging the top hole to fit a screwdriver. Attach the pipe to the ramp’s lip to create a smooth, grindable surface for tricks.

To protect your wooden ramps from weather damage, apply a waterproof sealant or paint. For smaller ramps, consider covering them with a tarp when not in use to shield them from rain.

Next, we’ll discuss constructing grindable features such as rails, fun boxes, and benches.

3: Build Grindable Components

Grind rails are essential for any skate park. They come in various heights and lengths, helping skaters perfect basic tricks like ollies and toe grinds. While you can purchase a basic grind rail for under $200, having access to welding tools—or a neighbor who does—makes it simple and cost-effective to build your own.

A grind rail consists of three main components: a long metal rail, two short metal legs, and two stabilizing bases. DIY Skate provides free, detailed blueprints and instructions for constructing different types of steel grind rails. For the steel, you may need to visit local steel yards or fabricators rather than standard hardware stores. You can use either round or square steel pipes, with exact dimensions available in the DIY Skate instructions.

Constructing these steel grind rails requires cutting and welding, which isn’t beginner-friendly. You can take the plans to a fabrication shop or a neighbor with welding experience, but it’s not recommended for novices.

If welding isn’t an option, there are alternatives. Both DIY Skate and Rick Dahlen’s halfpipe instructions include plans for grind rails made from a single metal or PVC pipe attached to a wooden base. This is an excellent option for those without welding tools.

Beyond grind rails, you can add other grindable elements like boxes, ledges, stairs, and benches. DIY Skate offers a wide range of free plans for affordable and straightforward grinding surfaces, such as a cinder block ledge that requires no nails, screws, or welding. Simply arrange four cinder blocks side by side, secure them with construction adhesive, and attach a plywood top with more adhesive. Add angle iron along the edges for a smooth grinding surface.

For more inspiration and detailed plans for grind boxes, benches, stairs, and advanced projects like funboxes with integrated ledges, check out DIY Skate.

Next, we’ll explore the world of concrete bowls.

2: Build Concrete Bowls

Some of the most impressive skate parks are concrete masterpieces, featuring ramps, bowls, and unexpected curves. Early skateboarders often practiced in empty swimming pools, using the smooth, rounded surfaces to mimic endless waves. While a few daring individuals have built backyard concrete bowls, this is typically a job for professionals. If you already have a pool, draining it could save you the effort.

Concrete is a challenging material to work with. It sets quickly, leaving no room for errors. If you’re considering a backyard concrete bowl, start with smaller concrete projects to gain experience. Familiarize yourself with rebar, gravel, wooden forms, and the concrete mixing process. Once you’re confident in your skills, you can move on to planning your bowl.

Unlike building a wooden skate park component, building a concrete bowl requires lots of planning. To create the bowl, will you be digging down or piling up? Digging down requires a backhoe or lots of energetic friends with shovels. Piling up requires a few truckloads of soil and gravel, a bulldozer, or lots of energetic friends with pickup trucks and shovels.

The wooden frames for the concrete bowl will be made in small sections, with each board cut to precision lengths and nailed together at exact angles. Rebar must be bent and welded together leaving no more than 12 inches (30.48 centimeters) between each bar [source: SkateParkGuide.com]. When it's time to pour the concrete, you can either rent a small mixer or buy a whole truckload, depending on the size of your project. If you think a small concrete bowl wouldn't be fun, take a look at what these guys made.

For more details, SkateParkGuide.com has an excellent and in-depth introduction to concrete bowl construction and working with concrete in general.

Visit the next page for safety tips when building a backyard skate park.

1: Remember Safety

Safety should be the top priority throughout every stage of designing, constructing, and using a backyard skate park. It begins with the planning phase. While a 20-foot (6.1-meter) halfpipe might sound impressive, consider if you or your friends have ever skated on one. Avoid building structures that could lead to injuries requiring hospital visits. Ensure ample space between skate park features and avoid areas with overhead hazards like tree branches or power lines.

While building your backyard skate park, make sure everyone involved understands basic safety measures. Inexperienced or younger helpers should not operate the jigsaw, as it’s the most hazardous tool needed for wooden components. Always wear safety goggles when using the jigsaw, and disconnect it from power or remove the battery before adjusting or replacing the blade.

When using concrete for your backyard skate park, wear long sleeves, pants, gloves, and safety goggles to protect against skin and eye irritation caused by wet concrete [source: SkateParkGuide.com].

After completing the backyard skate park, it’s essential to enforce a strict rule requiring helmets and protective gear for your children and their friends. Helmets play a vital role in skateboarding safety. While broken bones or cuts can heal, a brain injury is permanent and life-altering.