This idea comes from a post originally found on SkatersForPublicSkateparks.org. As usual, we thought we’d poach it and see if we could squeeze a little extra info out in case anyone wanted to try it themselves. Basically, the idea is to make granite coping from leftover pieces of granite used in countertops, or really any place you can find it. You need to cut it to size first, glue them together with masonary glue if you need extra width, cut 45 degree angles off the corners to make shaping it easier, then grind away. Granted, (not granite) that’s not a lot of information, but it’s a start. The following information comes from Thomas who put the ramp together and Carmen Castaldo of Castaldo Stone & Tile, who was also involved in the project. Carmen also provided pictures.Thanks to Dan Hughes for the original post, some pictures, and facilitating this page here.
From Thomas:
If you google “granite coping” you’ll find a plethora of sites with prices in the $100 per block range. Carmen figures his blocks cost close to that in labor/materials (mostly labor).
For DIY here is what you need:
Granite scraps (like what’s left over from doing a sink cut out) SkilSaw with masonry blade (ideally with waterfeed) for cutting initial 45 degree angles on face of coping.
Large, variable speed grinder (variable being the key word/10,000rpm+ grinders are too fast and will burn up/also will mar surface) Diamond wheel for grinder ($100 approx.) masonry glue and clamps (we used 2 ea. of 1 1/8″ slabs to create 2 1/4″ coping) (optional if you can find bigger slabs).
Kinda spendy and laborious stuff but its sure got da kine grind!
Carmen chips in:
From what I read it looks like Thomas gave a brief description of what it takes to do it yourself. I don’t think I would recommend this to anyone who hasn’t worked with granite before. It is something that requires some skill and experience to be able to do it right. If anyone is interested I can make anything from straight to curved to pretty much anything you can think of. If I haven’t done it before I sure enjoy figuring out how to do new applications. Our web site isn’t up yet, we are still working on it. We are located in Walla Walla, Washington. Our business number is 509-527-0400.
So there you have it. Don’t forget to check out Dan Hughes’ web site for more skate related action. And Carmen’s Castaldo Stone web site (once it goes live) for more stone action.
