boardroom tech

How to make a Funbox

This funbox is 1'-6 tall, 4ft. wide and about 18ft. long. You will want to make sure you build it is where it is going to stay.

Also, this page is for the funbox only. You can choose to add a rail or ledge from the options at the bottom of the page.

As with all structures here on DIYskate, you can build this funbox any size you want. However, for the material list to be accurate, you will need to follow the plans as listed below.

Where to get your 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, check the phone book. Look up Steel, Steel Yards, Steel Fabricators, Scrap Steel & anything else with Steel in the title.

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.

Building the Kickers

Gather your Materials

Now that you have your two kickers built, you are ready to make the middle box.

Gather your materials. Start with the 2×4's. Cut thirteen pieces at 3'-9 in length (you will get two out of each 8' long 2×4). Set them aside. Cut six pieces at 1'-6, these determine the height of the box. Last, take four more 2×4's and cut them down to 6'-0 in length, these determine the length of the box. Below is a cut list referencing what else you will need and it's size.

Frame the Bottom

Place three 3'-9 long 2×4's between two 6'-0 long 2×4's as shown above. The one in the middle is centered. Pre-drill the screw locations near the ends with a 1/16" drill bit to keep them from splitting.

Framing the Top

Now frame the top of the ledge as shown in the image above. Using two of the 6'-0 long 2×4's for the sides and ten of the 3'-9 long pieces placed every 8" on center as shown. Set this aside for now.

Placing the Sides

Take the botom that you made earlier and attach the six 1'-9 long pieces to the bottom of the box as shown above. Put four screws in each piece, two through each side.

Attaching the Top

Place the top on the newly attached sides. This is much easier if you flip it upside down or lay the assembly on it's side. Put four screws in each, just like the bottom.

Make sure the box is square. This keeps the structure from rocking from side to side and allows the kickers to line up with the box when the time comes to attach them.

Attaching the plywood

Cover the framed box with a piece of 3/4" thick plywood that is 4' wide by 6'-0 long.

Assembling the Funbox

Take both kickers and attach them to the box you just assembled with either four 1/2" bolts and washers per side (8 total) or a bunch of screws to make sure it is connected together very secure.

Attaching the Masonite

Once the kickers have been secured, add a layer of 4' wide 1/4" thick masonite to the surface. You may want to cut the Masonite a little longer than 6'-0. Do this by measuring the top and cutting it to fit.

Choosing an Obstacle

Due to the many different options you have as far as what you can add to the funbox... such as a rail or ledge, I am going to write separate articles on each.

The rail option should be available mid summer.