Ramp making

shortys94

Making a new ramp and I was wondering whats the best thickness of plywood to get?

THanks

expn

probably depends on whether you'll be on a bmx or skateboard ,for skating we always use

two layers of 1/2 inch ply , with 1/4 inch marine ply as the surface . and for building the sides of each quater pipe and deck try 3/4 inch ply .......

Goodluck with it man , there's nothing like having your own......
I miss mine so much......! it died of rain disease........!

shortys94

yea its for skateboard, you need two layer of 1/2 inch and a layer of 1/4 ? i thought id do just one layer, would it not lasyt?

shagman

Allthough ply is still sold in 8ft by 4ft sizes thickness is generally/weirdly quoted in metric sizes 6mm 9mm 12mm and 18mm. Cheapest way to ply a ramp is using two layers of 9mm WBP (water + boil proof) ply on the transitions and 18mm WBP on the flat and platforms.Using 18mm shutering ply for the transition plates will save you some money too as it's cheaper than WBP just rougher so no good for surface. A top surface of 6mm birch on top of all that is a good idea if you can afford it. Theres a lot of crap chinese ply on the market now which deteriorates preety quickly so birch might be cheaper in the long run for the top surface. Check out www.rampplans.org for more info. PM me where you are and if I can lend a hand I will.
And no one layer of 9mm wont last and if it's any thicker than that you won't bend it onto the transition .

shortys94

its for a bank ramp, so there wont be really any bending, just a tiny bit of give

shagman

Well in that case use either 12mm or 18mm depending on how closely you're gonna space the struts.