"The kidney pool (Ramp House, Carolina Beach, NC) was a labor of love built by local surf/skater Jim Rees that could set a new standard for ramp construction."
THRASHER magazine, October 1990

Jim Rees personally custom builds each ramp in every skatepark on site to ensure quality with the utmost attention to detail. Quality construction means safety and durability. On site construction allows for limitless design variations and extremely low project cost. Attention to details (such as the smoothest transition from concrete to ramp, radiused transitions at bottom of steeper banks, coping set out properly, etc) make for an extremely functional skating surface. Construction details are based on function, not just economy or ease of construction.

above: north wall of ramps at Jacksonville, NC
left: hip in 5' bowl, Skate Barn, Hampstead, NC

Ramp Structure Outdoor ramps are constructed on site of treated wood with galvanized, coated, and stainless fasteners. Indoor ramps my be built of untreated plywood, lumber and uncoated fasteners. Transition templates are of 3/4" plywood spaced at 4' to 6'. Ribs are

either 2x4, maximum 4' length or 2x6, maximum 6' length. Generally ribs are spaced 6" on center. Framing is sheathed with two layers of 1/2" plywood fastened with screws.

Skating Surface Skatelite or painted galvanized steel are used for the smoothest skate surface and platforms. Surface is countersunk and fastened with screws. 10" or 12' long sheets of Skatelite are used virtually eliminating horizontal seams which cause a slight kink on curved ramps. Tempered hardboard or Skatelite may be used indoors.

Bottom Edges For outdoor ramps, painted 11g galvanized steel is used where skating surface meets concrete. 16" wide steel set at the lowest possible angle makes the transition from concrete to ramp the smoothest possible, especially important for smaller wheeled skateboards. Black steel may be used for indoor ramps.

Coping and Rails Full size galvanized pipe is used for coping outdoors (top met edge of ramp). Round edge square tube is used for ledge edges and rails. Galvanized coating keeps outdoor ramps looking good longer. Black steel may be used for indoor ramps.

Platforms and Railings 4' deep platforms are framed with 2x6 joists, with 4x4posts. Framing is covered with 3/4" plywood and surfaced with Skatelite or galvanized steel. Indoors plywood is usually left bare. Hand railing can be minimal or built to local code if necessary. Decorative rail designs and enclosed ramp backs also available. Staining all exposed wood outdoors is reccommended

Construction Cost Cost varies greatly from project to project. Variables may be Indoor or outdoor, height of ramps, quantity and complexity of ramps. Contact Jim Rees for more detailed cost information on your project.

5' Bowl, Skate Barn, Hampstead, NC

(point mouse at bowl)