HOW TO MAKE A CINDER BLOCK LEDGE
Want to know how to make a quick and easy grind ledge for almost nothing? Make a cinder block ledge. They are probably the easiest thing on this site to make and the quickest too.
As with all structures here on DIYskate, you can build this ledge any size you want (just take a look at the different variations found in the gallery). But for the material list to be accurate you will need to follow the plans as listed below.
WHERE TO GET SUPPLIES
The wood and hardware can be found at most home improvement stores. Sometimes you can find the steel there as well, I know my local Home Depot carries the coping and threshold material.
If not, you can search the internet for steel fabricators or salvage steel. Personally, I've begun buying my steel from MetalsDepot.com because of their very quick shipping and good prices. I'm not affiliated with them in any way, I just like them and their product.
If this ramp is going to stay outside, it needs to be protected from the elements. A good place to start is with pressure treated lumber, paint and a tarp. You may want to invest in a composite material for the surface too. Such as Skate Lite or Ramp Armor.
Be extra careful when working with treated lumber though, the chemicals used to treat the wood contain a poisonous pesticide.
GATHER YOUR MATERIALS
Gather the materials. You should easily be able to find this stuff by asking around at local construction sites or by doing some scavenging of your own. If you have to buy it, most everything can be found at home improvement stores for cheap. Below is a cut list referencing what else you will need and it's size.
ASSEMBLING THE BLOCKS
Find a good spot for your cinder block ledge, one that you shouldn't have to move it again.
Start by applying a generous amount of Liquid Nails or similar construction adhesive to the end of each cinder block... probably more than I have shown.
Start by applying a generous amount of Liquid Nails or similar construction adhesive to the end of each cinder block... probably more than I have shown.
PLACING THE PLYWOOD
Now that the cinder blocks are in place, apply a generous amount of the adhesive to the top of the blocks as shown.
Place a 3/4" thick, 5'-5 x 7 1/2" piece of plywood on the top of the cinder blocks with adhesive. The size of the plywood may vary depending on your cinder blocks.
The plywood not only covers the holes in the cinder blocks but also strengthens the cinder block ledge as a whole. You'll want to put some weight on top of the plywood while the glue dries for a better bond.
ATTACH THE ANGLE IRON
Take the angle iron and cut it to size. Once again, apply a decent amount of construction adhesive to both legs of the angle iron and place each angle iron firmly onto the covered cinder block ledge.
You'll want to put some weight on top of the angle iron while the glue dries for a better bond.
Depending on the construction adhesive you use, it should be strong enough to allow you to move the ledge. However a ledge like this will weigh about 130 pounds, which is good for keeping it in place while skating but kind of bad for moving it around.
SKATE IT
That's it, you're done my friend. Make sure you allow the glue to dry before you skate the cinder block ledge, but that's all there is to it. Good luck and have fun!