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What is the best plywood for skate ramps?

Author

James Craig

Published Jan 21, 2026

The quality of wood dictates how strong and durable the plywood is. For instance, birch has phenomenal surface hardness, therefore birch plywood is one of the best. And a great choice as the riding surface for many indoor ramps.

What kind of plywood do you use for skateboard ramps?

CDX, ACX, Burch, particle board, etc. We recommend using any type of smooth and sanded plywood. Particle board is quite possibly the worst type of wood you could use! A halfpipe outdoors with plywood will need something such as Skatepaint to help protect the wood from rain/snow.

How thick should plywood be for skate ramp?

For covering the ramp face, we're going to use two layers of 3/8" thick plywood and then a final layer of 1/8" on top. Start by pushing a sheet of 3/8" tight against the coping and screwing it down to the 2x4s below. Repeat it all the way across the ramp, making cuts as needed until the entire thing is covered.

Can you use plywood for a ramp?

Q. Can I use plywood for a wheelchair ramp? For an indoor ramp, plywood might work, but when building a wheelchair ramp outdoors, use pressure-treated lumber.

What wood are skate ramps made of?

Skatelite has been used for more than 20 years to clad everything from backyard ramps, mini ramps, street parks, training grounds, half pipes and vert ramps all the way up to mega ramps.

27 related questions found

Can I use OSB for ramp?

Using two thin layers allows the tight radiuses to be formed easily. “The 18mm OSB takes screws very well and very close to the edge of the board while the 9mm beds extremely well,” says David. A 6mm birchwood ply is fixed over the 9mm OSB to create a dead-smooth wearing surface for the ramps, says David.

How do you waterproof a skate ramp?

The standard way to waterproof your ramp is to paint it using a paint designed specifically for use on skate ramps. Coating your deck with paint protects it from various weather conditions such as heat, humidity and sunlight, as well as rain.

What wood is good for ramps?

The quality of wood dictates how strong and durable the plywood is. For instance, birch has phenomenal surface hardness, therefore birch plywood is one of the best. And a great choice as the riding surface for many indoor ramps.

What is CDX plywood?

CDX Plywood is used primarily by contractors to build exterior walls and roofs. CDX plywood has one side veneer grade “C” and one side veneer grade “D”. The two are bonded together with glue which can withstand a little moisture. The APA would recognize CDX Grade Plywood as C-D Exposure 1 plywood.

How many layers of plywood do you need for a skate ramp?

I would recommend going with two layers of plywood. Check out the General Ramp Building Tips for more updated information about surfacing a ramp.

What should I paint my skate ramp with?

Two types of paints that work well for this is Spar Urethane and Polyurethane Paint. In addition to painting the ramp, a giant tarp is also a good idea, the last thing you want is water pooling up on your ramp (painted or not).

Is Skatelite waterproof?

Fast and super strong, professional grade Skatelite Pro is the supreme riding surface for outdoor skateparks and backyard ramps. The solid material is weatherproof and withstands the constant punishment inflicted by determined riders.

How long does Skatelite last outdoors?

Skatelite that has been in place at some parks for over three years and is still in good shape. It has weathered severe winters in a several locations without any ill- effects. If properly installed with sufficient substrate, five to ten years seems reasonable.

Is CDX or OSB better?

Although some people will ultimately choose CDX, many experts argue that OSB is better overall for roofing. OSB is far less likely to expand and contract when exposed to humidity and moisture, even though it will take longer to dry. With wrapping, though, it can withstand the elements without issue.

What is marine grade plywood?

Marine Grade Plywood is an exterior structural panel, sanded on both sides, most commonly made from Douglas fir or Pine. Other species of hardwood may also be used for marine plywood, usually in the Marine (boating) industry.

What is the difference between CDX and ACX plywood?

Since ACX plywood is a higher grade material than say CDX plywood, it is specifically used in cases that require good appearance or a smooth finish, along with durability. Because this plywood is more expensive than other grades of softwood plywood, it is only used where needed, not in all situations.

How do you build a wooden ramp for a deck?

HOW TO BUILD A RAMP FOR A DECK

  1. Step 1) Plan the Access Ramp Design and Layout. ...
  2. Step 2) Prep the Ramp Site. ...
  3. Step 3) Cut and Mount Joists and Stringer Boards. ...
  4. Step 4) Attach Decking. ...
  5. Step 5) Install Railing Along Deck Ramp. ...
  6. Step 6) Add Slip Resistance to Top and Bottom of Ramp.

How long should my shed ramp be?

For use by the general public many building codes recommend a maximum slope of 1:8 (that is one inch rise for every eight inches horizontally.) With a 1:8 slope, if the floor is nine inches above the ground, the ramp will be 72 inches long (1.83m long).

Is Masonite waterproof?

Masonite composite hardboard has a natural moisture resistance. When you install Masonite, the area of the hardboard penetrated by a fastener can absorb moisture. Moisture causes the area around the penetration to expand. This expansion causes the fibers around the penetration to loosen, weakening the Masonite.

What is Skatelite made of?

Skatelite products are made from a super-durable paper-composite material that is designed to stand up to the daily punishment inflicted by skateboards and BMX bikes.

Can you paint over Skatepaint?

If you'd like, you can apply a colored (flat) latex paint over the Skatepaint after its cured. This you can buy from any hardware store.