How to Build a Backyard Skatepark for Under $200

Got a child who would spend every afternoon at the skatepark if they could?

We love that enthusiasm! But there's only so much you can fit between homework, dinner, and everything else on the calendar.

The good news? You might already have a suitable spot at home for a small backyard skate setup. You don't need to build ramps or pour concrete, either. Start with a few pieces of equipment, like a basic grind rail, then add more when your child's ready for a new challenge.

One thing worth saying up front: a couple of rails on the driveway is not a skatepark, and we won't pretend otherwise. There are no ramps, no bowls, no transitions. What it is, is somewhere your child can practice one thing properly, every day, without anyone having to get in the car.

To help you start skating at home, we've put together three equipment setups, each totaling less than $200. We'll walk you through what to buy, where to set it up, and how to make the most of your available space.

Ready to turn your backyard into a skatepark? Let's get to it!

First, Find a Space That Works

You might already be thinking about rails and other equipment, but before putting together your shopping list, head outside and check where your child will ride. In addition to a suitable paved surface, they'll also need room to build momentum, land their tricks, and come to a stop.

Here's what to look for.

Flat, Hard, Dry Ground

If you have a concrete patio or paved area in mind, check that it's level, dry, and in good condition. Wheels can catch on cracks and uneven edges, and a grind rail needs to sit firmly on all its feet.

Grass, dirt, gravel, loose pavers, and slippery decking won't work. Even on a suitable surface, give the area a quick sweep before each session to clear away leaves, sand, and small stones.

Take a closer look at any slope, too. You might barely notice the angle of your driveway until your child starts rolling toward the street. If the space slopes toward traffic, steps, or another hazard, you'll need to find somewhere else.

If you don't have a suitable surface at home, you'll want to work that out before ordering equipment.

Know How Much Rail You're Fitting

It helps to know the actual numbers before you start pacing out the driveway. Here's what each of our rails measures:

Setup	Rail length	Adjustable heights
55" Grind Rail	4ft 7in	3
55" Grind Rail + Extension Kit	7ft 7in	3
99" Grind Rail	8ft 3in	3

The Extension Kit is a 36" section that connects to either rail, so you can start short and add length later.

Room to Approach, Land, and Stop

The rail itself is only part of the space you need. Your child needs a clear run-up to build speed, and clear ground past the rail to land and roll out.

As a rough guide, we'd allow at least twice the rail's length of clear space at each end — so around ten feet either side of the 55" rail — plus three or four feet of clear ground along each side, in case they step off mid-attempt.

Then test it properly. Move cars, planters, and furniture out of the proposed riding area and have your child ride through it on their scooter or skateboard and stop. If they're squeezing past something or braking hard, the space is probably too tight.

Before ordering anything, always check the equipment's dimensions and any space requirements listed in its instructions.

Setup 1: Start With the Essentials — $89.97

Found a spot that works? Let's put together your first home skate setup!

We're keeping this one simple with a practice rail, a helmet, and somewhere for your child to park their scooter when it's time to head inside.

Here's your shopping list:

Item	Price	Running total
55" Grind Rail — Black/Blue	$59.99	$59.99
Certified EPS Helmet	$19.99	$79.98
Pro Scooter Stand	$9.99	$89.97

You might be surprised how much practice your child can get out of one grind rail. They can practice lining up their approach, placing their board or scooter deck on the rail, and rolling away after a grind. Repeating the same obstacle gives them a chance to notice what worked and what they'd like to try differently next time.

When it's time to put the rail together, follow the instructions and start at the lowest permitted height. Your child should already be happy riding and stopping on flat ground. Give them a few rides through the clear space first, and don't worry if they're not ready to try the rail that day.

Helmets are sized by head measurement, not age, so measure before you buy. Our Certified EPS Helmet has a dial-fit system that adjusts to 20.4–22.8" (52–58cm) and is certified to both CPSC bicycle and ASTM F-1492 skate standards. Check that measurement against your child's head before you choose — you want one that fits snugly now, so avoid sizing up to leave room to grow.

If you'd like a little help checking the fit, check out this helmet-fitting guide from the UC Davis Children's Hospital.

Setup 2: Add More Rail to Work With — $129.96

Once your child is comfortable on the shorter rail, adding an extension can give them a new challenge. And the best part is you won't have to buy a whole new rail!

Here's what that adds to your shopping list:

Item	Price	Running total
55" Grind Rail — Black/Blue	$59.99	$59.99
Certified EPS Helmet	$19.99	$79.98
Pro Scooter Stand	$9.99	$89.97
Grind Rail Extension Kit — Black/Gray	$39.99	$129.96

If your child is regularly lining up their approach, getting onto the shorter rail, and rolling away comfortably, they might enjoy having a little more rail to work with. The Extension Kit adds 36 inches, and it's rated for riders aged 7 and up, up to 220lb.

Before adding it to your cart, though, take another look at your space. The 55" rail becomes 7ft 7in with the extension on — will there still be enough room to approach, land, and stop? Get the tape measure out and check how the extra length will fit before you buy.

If your child is still happily practicing on the shorter rail, stick with it! You can always add the extension later when they're ready, and when you have the room.

Want a closer look at how the rails and extensions work? Check out our Madd Gear Multi-Sport Grind Rails guide.

Setup 3: Give Them a Choice of Rails — $189.96

Have a child who's always keen to practice their next trick? This setup gives them two rail lengths to choose from, with a helmet and scooter stand still bringing the total in under $200.

Here's your shopping list:

Item	Price	Running total
55" Grind Rail — Black/Blue	$59.99	$59.99
99" Grind Rail — Black/Green	$99.99	$159.98
Certified EPS Helmet	$19.99	$179.97
Pro Scooter Stand	$9.99	$189.96

Your child might warm up with a few familiar tricks on the shorter rail, then have a go on the longer one. The extra length gives them more distance to hold a grind, work on controlling their speed, and eventually link tricks together.

Having both gives them a choice. If something isn't quite clicking on the longer rail, they can go back to a trick they enjoy on the shorter one and try again another day. There's no rush just because it's there!

You don't need to put both rails out at once, either. Each needs a clear approach and enough room to land and stop, so bring out one at a time if that leaves more room to ride.

Let Their Skills Set the Pace

There's plenty to learn on one low rail, so give your child time to enjoy it. Both rails have three height settings, so you can raise it or add an extension later when they're looking for a new challenge.

Here's what they can work on at each stage:

• Start low to build confidence and control. A low rail gives them a chance to commit to getting onto it, learn where to place their board or scooter deck, and practice rolling away.
• Add length when they're ready to hold a grind longer. An extension gives them more distance to balance and manage their speed. As their skills develop, they can work toward linking movements during a longer attempt.
• Try more height when the basics feel comfortable. A higher setting asks for more control getting onto the rail and managing momentum through the landing.

You'll probably hear when they're ready for something new! Until then, there's no need to change a setup they're still enjoying. If they start rushing or losing control, go back to the lower or shorter rail and let them settle into it again.

Want some help with those first attempts? Take a look at our guide to grinding on a scooter.

Don't Forget, Safety First!

Once the rail is ready, your child will probably be keen to get straight to the fun. But before their first run, take a quick look over the equipment and clear the riding area.

Is the ground dry? Are there leaves or little stones to sweep away? Check that the rail sits firmly on all its feet and that the fasteners and locking parts are secure. Give their scooter or skateboard a quick look for damage, too.

Then it's helmet on, every time, along with any other protective gear recommended for the activity. Move parked scooters out of the way and make sure pets and anyone watching are clear of the riding space.

An adult should put the rail together and make any adjustments, and younger riders need someone nearby to supervise. If the rail moves or anything comes loose, stop and sort it out before the next attempt.

If you still need a helmet, take a look at our protective gear and check the head measurement listed on each one before you choose.

And if it's too wet to ride outside, our scooter board activities have plenty of ideas for keeping kids moving indoors!

Looking After Their New Skate Setup

After the last run of the day, give the rails a wipe and put them away somewhere dry indoors if you can. If they need to stay outside temporarily, use a suitable cover that keeps rain off without trapping moisture underneath. Follow the care instructions supplied with your rail, too.

When you bring a rail out again, check that the rubber feet aren't split or badly worn and that the bolts and connecting parts are secure.

Both rails are covered by a full two-year Madd Gear manufacturer's warranty, so if something isn't right, get in touch.

One More for the Backyard Skatepark Wish List

If you already have a trampoline at home, our Bounce Trampoline Pro Scooter is also worth a look.

You'll need to allow another $69.99 for it at the price listed here, but if a birthday is coming up, you might already have your next gift idea!

Curious how it works? Check out our trampoline scooter guide, or browse our trampoline scooter collection.

Bring the Fun Home With a DIY Skate Setup

You might not be able to fit in a skatepark trip every afternoon, but a small home setup gives your child another chance to grab their scooter or skateboard and head outside.

Start small with what fits your space and budget. There's plenty of time to add more once they've had a chance to enjoy it!

Ready to get things rolling? Take a look at our Madd Gear rails and extension kit and make a start on that backyard skatepark wish list.