How To Build A Grind Box For Skateboarding

Building a grind box is actually easier than you think and not only is it easy, it’s also much cheaper than buying one. This article will show you exactly how to build your own grind box in the easiest manner possible with the least amount of materials.

So why build a grind box? A grind box or “skate ledge” is a staple obstacle in street skating. Almost every skatepark you go to has a ledge and usually it is the most popular obstacle being skated. Learning ledge tricks like a 50/50 grind is a great way to improve your skills and build up confidence on a skateboard, and having a grind box at home gives you the freedom to practice whenever you like.

The instructions provided below are for a grind box or skate ledge that is 6 feet long by 16 inches wide and 12 inches high. This is a good all-round size for learning new tricks and because it is only 6 feet long, it is easy to store in your garage or backyard.

How To Build A D.I.Y Skateboard Grind Box

Material’s Needed For Grind Box

6 foot 2×4’s – quantity, 5
6 foot x 16 inch 3/4 inch plywood
6 foot piece of angle iron
2 inch screws – quantity, 28
1 inch screws – quantity, 12

Tools Needed To Build Grind Box

Drill & Driver
Chop saw/circular saw
Drill bits
Tape measure
Pencil

Step By Step Guide To Building Your Grind Box

STEP 1: CUTTING THE LEGS

The first step is to take one of your 2×4’s and begin cutting the legs. You will need to measure 9 inches on the 2×4 as this will be the height needed for your legs. A total of 6 legs will need to be cut at 9 inches. Once the legs are cut, it is time to start putting the frame together.

*Always wear the proper safety equipment such as safety glasses and earmuffs when using power tools.

How To Build A Grind Box For Skateboarding

STEP 2: PUTTING THE FRAME TOGETHER

To put the frame together you need to lay two of the 2×4’s in parallel and place a leg in between at each end. This allows you to line everything up before pre-drilling.

Once you have the frame all lined up, start by pre-drilling two holes through the 2×4 into the leg. After it is pre-drilled, add the screws to hold it in place. Move to the other end and repeat this process.

You now should have two legs attached to each end of the 2×4. This will be the bottom of your frame. Now it is time to attach the top piece of the frame.

Use the same process as above to pre-drill and screw another 2×4 to the top.

Now it’s time to add the middle leg to complete the grind box frame. First measure to the center of your frame. Then pre-drill and screw your middle leg at the center of your frame at both top and bottom ends. You now have one side of the frame. Repeat the above process for the second frame. It should look like the picture below.

Once all the legs are screwed on, you will have two frames that are completely identical and ready for the plywood to be screwed on the top.

*Pre-drilling holes ensures that the wood doesn’t split.

STEP 3: ADDING THE TOP PIECE

The plywood will need to be cut to the size of 6 feet long and 16 inches wide. Once the plywood has been cut, place it on top of the frame and line it up at both ends.

Once the plywood is lined up, begin screwing it to the top of the frame in all four corners and to the middle legs. Add additional screws if needed.

STEP 4: ADDING BRACES TO YOUR GRIND BOX FRAME

Now it’s time to add two braces to the bottom of the frame. These braces need to be cut at 16 inches and then placed accordingly on the bottom at each end of the frame (see the photo’s on where to place braces). Once the braces are screwed in, the frame will be nice and strong.

*Remember to pre-drill all holes to ensure you don’t split the wood.

STEP 5: PAINTING YOUR GRIND BOX

Now your grind box should be looking like a grind box! Painting is optional but highly recommended as it acts as a protection barrier from the elements and also, it looks cool. Use whatever paint you can find lying around the house or you can buy some from the hardware store.

While the paint is drying it is time to prepare the last piece of your grind box.

STEP 6: CUTTING & INSTALLING ANGLE IRON

You may need to cut the angle iron to size so it fits perfectly on the ledge. If it does need to be cut, it will have to be done so with a grinder and cutting wheel. This process can be quite dangerous and will produce a lot of sparks so make sure you are outside and away from any flammable material.

If you can get the angle iron cut to size from where you buy it, I would highly recommend it as it will save you time and money if you don’t already own a grinder.

The angle iron needs to be fastened to the the ledge, but first the screw holes must be pre-drilled. Take a smaller drillbit to make a pilot hole and then use a larger drill bit that is the same size as the head of the screw you are using.

Make sure not to drill all the way through the angle iron with the larger drill bit as the idea is to just countersink the screw so it is flush with the angle iron. This will ensure skateboard trucks can grind over and not get hung up on the head of the screw.

Drill a total of three screw holes in on the top side and two on the side of the angle iron. This should be enough to hold the angle iron that is being used here as it is heavy duty 1/4 inch thick by 3 inches wide however, you can always add more screws if you want to.

Place the angle iron on the ledge and line it up at each end to make sure it is flush. The last step is to screw the angle iron on and then its time to shred!