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How to Build a Snowboard Rail

How to Build a Snowboard Rail
A grind rail is used in snowboarding for basic and advanced tricks, the most common being the grind slide. Building your own snowboard rail can cost you less than $40 and also be transportable, as a box grind rail. Try to make your grind rail about 14 to 16 feet long, in two separate pieces so you can either set up short or long grind rails.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:
  • Gloves
  • Drill and screwdriving bit
  • Sandpaper
  • Two wooden boards, 8 feet long, 10 inches wide, 1 inch thick
  • Two wooden boards, 8 feet long, 2 inches wide, 4 inches thick
  • Screws, 2 inches long, at least 16
  • Paint, if desired
Step 1
Figure out where you want to set up the grind rail. You need an even surface out of the way of pedestrians and traffic, and is at least 16 feet long. An ideal place is a driveway, garage, etc. If there's no snow and you are building this in preparation, start first in an area to practice skateboarding on it, as that is good practice for snowboarding.
Step 2
Put on the protective gloves if desired. Set down the four wooden boards in a pile. Pick up one of the 8-foot-by-2-inch-by-4-inch boards, and lay it flat on the ground. Then place one of the 8-foot-by 10-inch-by-1-inch boards on top of it. Center this board so that the bottom board is in the middle with even space on all sides.
Step 3
Use the drill bit and screws to drill through the top board straight through to the bottom one, securing them together. You will probably use about eight screws, but use more if necessary. You want them to firmly stuck together. Repeat this procedure with the other two wooden boards exactly.
Step 4
Flip both sets of the attached wooden boards upside down, so the wider board is now on flat the ground with the smaller board facing up. Sand any uneven or rough edges if necessary.
Step 5
Paint the box grind rails if desired with a solid color, pattern or design. Let dry thoroughly before attempting to use.
Step 6
Set up the grind rails where you choose. Keep in mind that the thinner wooden board needs to face up because this is where you grind on, while the larger board is flat against the ground providing stability.

Article Written By Lauren Wise

Lauren Wise has more than eight years' experience as a writer, editor, copywriter and columnist. She specializes in food, wine, music and pop culture. Her writing has appeared in various magazines, including "Runway," "A2Z," "Scottsdale Luxury Living" and "True West." Wise holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Arizona State University.

Write for Trails.com

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