Can You Leave a Skate Ramp Outside?
Author: WA Skate Ramps
Yep. A skate ramp can live outdoors, but there's a big difference between putting a ramp outside and properly setting one up for outdoor use.
Australian weather can be brutal.
Sun, rain, heat and moisture all take their toll on materials, particularly timber.
A little preparation and maintenance can make a massive difference to how your ramp performs and ages.
Water Is the Big One
Timber and trapped moisture aren't best mates.
If water continually gets into exposed timber, edges, screw holes or between layers, the material can eventually swell, deteriorate or delaminate.
The goal isn't just keeping rain off the top.
It's helping stop water getting into the structure while also allowing the ramp to drain and dry properly.
Protect Exposed Timber
Any timber that's going to live outdoors should be properly protected.
Pay particular attention to:
- Cut edges
- Drilled holes
- Joints
- Exposed plywood
- Areas close to the ground
- Places where water can collect
These areas can be more vulnerable than the broad face of a sheet.
What About SkateSeal?
WA Skate Ramps' SkateSeal is designed for protecting timber skate ramp surfaces.
It's a practical option for ramps where timber riding surfaces or exposed timber components need additional protection from the elements.
As a general guide, SkateSeal covers around 12 m² per litre per coat, and we recommend a minimum of two coats.
Make sure you calculate your coverage for multiple coats rather than just the physical surface area of the ramp.
View SkateSeal and work out how much you need.
Keep the Ramp Off Wet Ground
Where possible, avoid sitting a timber ramp directly in soil, grass or areas that stay wet.
A firm, well-drained surface is much better.
Concrete is ideal in many backyard installations because it provides a flat riding area and helps keep the ramp structure away from damp ground.
Whatever surface you use, make sure the ramp sits securely and doesn't rock or move during use.
Don't Forget Ventilation
Sealing everything into a completely airtight box can create another problem: trapped moisture.
Good outdoor ramp design needs to consider how water drains and how the structure can dry after wet weather.
Regularly check underneath and around the ramp, especially after extended rain.
Sun Matters Too
Australia doesn't exactly struggle for sunshine.
UV exposure and repeated heating and cooling can affect coatings, timber, plastics and other materials over time.
Dark surfaces can also get seriously hot in direct summer sun.
Check your ramp regularly rather than assuming that because the top still looks good, everything underneath is perfect.
Give Your Ramp a Quick Inspection
You don't need a clipboard and a high-vis vest every Saturday morning.
Just make a quick visual inspection part of owning the ramp.
- Loose or damaged fasteners
- Raised screw heads
- Damaged riding surfaces
- Exposed timber
- Swelling or movement
- Water collecting around or underneath the ramp
- Damaged edges
- Anything that feels different while riding
If something starts changing, fixing it early is usually much easier than waiting until it becomes a bigger problem.
What About Covering the Ramp?
A suitable cover can reduce direct exposure to rain and sun, particularly during periods when the ramp isn't being used.
Just be careful about trapping moisture underneath a cover for long periods.
The ramp should be dry before being covered, and airflow is still important.
Outdoor Ramps Need Maintenance
There's no magic outdoor material that makes maintenance disappear forever.
Skate ramps get ridden, jumped on, landed on, left in the sun and occasionally introduced to tricks that didn't quite go according to plan.
That's part of their job.
Regular inspection and basic maintenance help keep your setup performing the way it should.
Building an Outdoor Setup?
WA Skate Ramps has been designing and manufacturing skate ramps in Perth since 2013, with ramps shipped to homes and projects around Australia.
From backyard quarter pipes to full mini ramps and custom skate setups, we can help you work out what makes sense for your space, riding and environment.
If you're still deciding what ramp will suit your rider, read our Skate Ramp Size Guide.
Or if you're planning the whole backyard, check out our Backyard Skatepark Ideas.
Because the goal isn't just owning a ramp.
It's getting out there and skating it.
Build & Skate Your Happy Place.
Outdoor Skate Ramp FAQs
Can a skate ramp be left outside permanently?
Yes, a skate ramp can be kept outside, but outdoor ramps need suitable materials, protection, drainage, ventilation and ongoing maintenance. Timber components in particular should be protected from repeated moisture exposure.
How do I waterproof a timber skate ramp?
Protect exposed timber, cut edges, drilled holes and joints with a suitable coating, and make sure water cannot sit underneath or become trapped inside the ramp. WA Skate Ramps' SkateSeal is designed to help protect timber skate ramp surfaces.
How many coats of SkateSeal should I use?
We recommend a minimum of two coats of SkateSeal. As a general guide, coverage is around 12 square metres per litre per coat, so allow enough product for the total surface area multiplied by the number of coats.
Should I cover my skate ramp when it rains?
A suitable cover can help reduce direct exposure to rain, but the ramp should be dry before covering and still needs airflow. Leaving a wet ramp tightly covered can trap moisture and create its own problems.
What is the best surface to put a backyard skate ramp on?
A flat, firm and well-drained surface is best. Concrete is often ideal because it provides a stable riding surface and helps keep timber ramp components away from wet soil or grass.
How often should I inspect an outdoor skate ramp?
Inspect the ramp regularly and after extended wet weather or heavy use. Check for loose fasteners, raised screw heads, damaged surfaces, swelling, exposed timber and water collecting around or underneath the structure.
