What should be the base of the floor of a Skatepark?

Before starting construction, it is necessary to choose the type of foundation and lining for the site, because the quality of the entire project as a whole will depend on this. 

A properly selected surface is perhaps 50-60% successful, and if your goal is to build a really good Skatepark, then you need to carefully understand this issue.

Next, we will look at three main options, taking into account their advantages and disadvantages.

laminated plywood 

It is the best option in a situation where there is no money to prepare a site for a Skatepark. In some cases, it can serve as a cover and as part of the construction of a skateboard site. 

An example of such "versatility" is a skating rink, bowl, mini ramp, etc., as they can be installed directly on the ground. In general, plywood is an acceptable option on a small budget, and as a temporary solution, the service life of such a coating does not exceed 4-5 years.

Asphalt on the floor of the Skatepark

It is perhaps the most common type of base used in skate parks and for a reason: it is really a very decent solution in terms of quality / price ratio. 

However, with all the advantages, asphalt pavement has a number of disadvantages:

• Poor installation during laying leads to deformation of the flooring and, as a result, the appearance of cracks, pits, etc. 
• Asphalt is also sensitive to ambient temperature and loses its stiffness when heated, for this reason skateboard wheels begin to wear out, making riding extremely uncomfortable and again leading to deformation and damage to the integrity of the skateboard. surface.

The concrete 

It is not the most popular, but perhaps the optimal solution when choosing a base for a Skatepark, although it will cost more than other options. The concrete pavement retains its properties for dozens of years, in contact with water; it only gains strength and allows you to achieve a perfectly flat surface, and also maintains it throughout the entire service life, which cannot be said about asphalt.

The main advantages of a concrete lining are durability, ease of maintenance and respect for the environment; in some cases, it is possible to apply an additional finishing layer - a top layer, according to cyclists, this type of coating is the least traumatic.

Indoor skate parks use a self-leveling concrete floor with a polymer coating.

Let's say you're choosing between asphalt and concrete, in which case it's helpful to know the following:

• The area for the Skatepark must be smooth and level!
• Precipitation: Rain and snow can have a negative effect on any type of surface, therefore, drainage funnels are made in the plywood surface, and in asphalt and concrete areas, they are You should provide a 1-2 degree slope for natural water flow.
• Asphalt will cost a little less than concrete at the site preparation stage. However, self-applied asphalt without the use of special machinery and equipment is impossible, despite the fact that the construction of a concrete pad with your own hands is quite feasible.
• Asphalt quickly gains strength and retains its operational properties for 4-5 years, but it is practically not repairable. Concrete base gains maximum strength in 28 days, but will last 10-20 times longer (depending on grade of concrete)
• Asphalt is partly composed of oil, therefore, when heated, the surface softens and deforms even with a slight physical impact, and a specific odor is also emitted. The crushed stone that is part of the asphalt must be fine-grained, otherwise it will not be possible to achieve proper smoothness of the surface, which will inevitably lead to discomfort during driving and affect the active wear of wheels, and brakes, etc.

General requirements for a skatepark site

1. The following are not allowed on the site:

• Irregularities, holes, bumps, etc.
• Melting of asphalt under the influence of high temperatures.
• Accumulation of water, puddles on the surface of the site
• Tilt more than 2 degrees
• Non-traumatic coating (granulated rubber / tiles)

2. The site must provide:

• Entry of emergency vehicles, ambulances and evacuation routes for visitors and spectators in case of emergency
• Unhindered access to and egress of visitors, spectators and staff.
• El área de instalación del Skatepark debe estar libre de escombros, vegetación y objetos afilados ubicados en la superficie o que sobresalgan del suelo.

3. During the entire period of operation of the Skatepark, the adjacent territory must be kept clean.

4. Foreign objects that could cause harm to visitors and spectators must be removed immediately.

5. The bearing capacity of the site must support the load of the Skatepark during the entire period of operation.

Whatever your choice, it is worth remembering that even the most expensive, modern and sophisticated equipment for a Skatepark cannot compensate for the poor quality of the foundation lining, so it is better to entrust the development of the project to professionals, in this way we are your orders, as Osso Skate we offer you all the technology and advice you need to create these parks. 

This will allow not only to avoid unnecessary expenses, but also to get a decent result, as a result - a high-quality Skatepark that will make visitors happy for more than a year!

Do not forget to visit our Skatepark offers and designs, we have a catalog with many models for your tastes and needs.