Backyard Skatepark Ideas | Build a Setup That Grows With You
Author: WA Skate Ramps
You don't need a massive backyard and a concrete bowl to have a seriously fun home skate setup.
Some of the best backyard skateparks start with one good obstacle.
The trick is choosing pieces that work well individually but can also be combined as your riding, available space and budget grow.
Here's how we'd approach it.
Setup 1: Start With a Quarter Pipe
If you're starting from scratch, a quarter pipe is hard to beat.
You can practise:
- Kickturns
- Fakies
- Transition tricks
- Stalls
- Coping tricks
- Pumping and speed control
Better still, it doesn't have to remain a standalone ramp forever.
Add another obstacle later and suddenly you've got lines instead of a single trick spot.
Not sure which size to start with? Read our Skate Ramp Size Guide.
Setup 2: Quarter Pipe + Grind Rail
This is where things start getting interesting.
Put a portable grind rail between your starting point and quarter pipe and you've now got street and transition skating in the same space.
Move the rail around and you've got different lines without rebuilding anything.
It's simple, flexible and doesn't require turning the entire backyard into a skatepark.
Your lawn may also appreciate that.
Setup 3: Quarter Pipe + Box or Ledge
A skate box or ledge adds another heap of possibilities.
Depending on the design, you can use it for grinds, slides, manuals and linking tricks between ramps.
Portable obstacles are especially useful because the layout can change as riders progress.
One day it's a simple line.
Six months later the same equipment can be arranged completely differently.
Setup 4: Two Quarter Pipes
Put two suitable quarter pipes opposite each other and you've created a completely different riding experience.
Instead of pushing between tricks, riders can start using transition to maintain speed and link runs together.
It's also a good example of why thinking ahead when choosing your first ramp can pay off.
Setup 5: Go for a Mini Ramp
If transition is your thing, sometimes you should skip the collection of separate obstacles and go straight for the mini ramp.
A mini ramp gives you a dedicated setup for pumping, kickturns, dropping in, coping tricks and linking tricks together.
And there's something pretty special about walking outside your back door and having a mini ramp sitting there waiting for you.
No opening hours.
No drive to the skatepark.
Just grab the board and go.
How Much Space Do You Need?
Start by measuring the usable riding area, not the total size of the backyard.
Consider:
- Fences
- Garden beds
- Sheds
- Pools
- Gates
- Slopes
- Drainage
- Trees
- Access around the ramp
- Run-up and roll-away space
A smaller setup with good flow will usually be more fun than cramming too many obstacles into the area.
Leave yourself room to ride.
Concrete Makes Life Easier
For many modular backyard setups, a flat concrete area gives you the most flexibility.
Portable rails, boxes and ramps can be repositioned, and the space between obstacles becomes part of the skatepark.
If you're planning a new slab specifically for skating, think about the whole future layout before deciding its size.
That extra bit of concrete might not seem important today.
It can become very valuable when another ramp mysteriously appears in the backyard later.
Planning an Outdoor Setup?
If the ramps will live outdoors, material protection, drainage, ventilation and ongoing maintenance all matter.
Read our Outdoor Skate Ramp Guide before planning your setup.
For timber skate ramp surfaces, check out SkateSeal for additional protection against the elements.
Build in Stages
You don't need to buy the whole setup at once.
A simple progression might be:
- Stage 1: Quarter pipe
- Stage 2: Add a grind rail
- Stage 3: Add a box or ledge
- Stage 4: Add another transition
- Stage 5: Start pretending you've definitely finished buying ramps
Building in stages lets riders discover what they actually enjoy before committing to a larger setup.
Designing Something Bigger?
Sometimes standard ramps won't quite do it.
Maybe you've got an unusual space.
Maybe you're trying to create a private skatepark.
Maybe you've already filled every sensible part of the backyard and you're now eyeing off the side access.
That's where a custom setup starts making sense.
WA Skate Ramps designs and manufactures custom skate ramps and skateparks in Perth for projects around Australia.
We can work with your available space, riding goals and intended setup to develop something specifically for the project.
Built by Skaters
WA Skate Ramps is an Australian, skater-owned ramp manufacturer.
We've been building ramps since 2013 because we reckon more people should have somewhere good to ride.
Whether that's one quarter pipe beside the shed or the backyard skate setup you've wanted since you were twelve, the basic idea hasn't changed.
Create somewhere you actually want to spend time.
Then skate the hell out of it.
Build & Skate Your Happy Place.
Backyard Skatepark FAQs
What skate ramp should I buy first for a backyard setup?
A quarter pipe is one of the most versatile first ramps because it works well on its own and can later be combined with rails, boxes, ledges or another quarter pipe as the setup grows.
How much room do I need for a backyard skatepark?
The space required depends on the ramps and obstacles you choose. Measure the usable riding area and allow enough room for the equipment, run-up, roll-away and safe movement between obstacles.
What is the best surface for a backyard skatepark?
A smooth, flat concrete surface is generally the most practical option for modular backyard skateparks. It provides a good riding surface, supports portable obstacles and makes it easier to change the layout over time.
Can I build a backyard skatepark in stages?
Yes. Building in stages is often the best approach. You can start with a quarter pipe or another versatile obstacle, then add rails, boxes, ledges or extra transition as the rider progresses and the budget allows.
Is a mini ramp better than separate skate obstacles?
A mini ramp is ideal if transition skating is the main goal. Separate quarter pipes, rails, boxes and ledges provide more flexibility and allow you to create different lines and change the layout over time.
Can WA Skate Ramps design a custom backyard skatepark?
Yes. WA Skate Ramps designs and manufactures custom skate ramps and skate setups for projects around Australia. Custom designs can take into account the available space, rider ability, intended use and overall layout.
