A funbox is a standard element of a skatepark. Its main characteristic is the table component in the middle which varies by height and surface area and is usually surrounded by ramps and transitions. There are many possible compositions, with the simplest form being a table followed by a ramp. Modern funboxes can be sophisticated constructions offering features such as ledges, rails, spines or copings.
Utilizer
The funbox can be used by skateboarders, inline-skaters or BMX-riders.
Position within the skatepark
Because air jumps above the funbox are popular, the funbox is commonly placed in line with the outlet of a larger ramp. A higher the central table requires more space around the funbox. If there are ramps or transitions on all sides of the table, the funbox should be placed in the middle of the park.
standard funbox (jump box)
The table is positioned between two ramps (here tabbed as first and second ramp). The rider can ascend the first ramp while performing a trick and leave the table by jumping to the ground, or use the second ramp to accelerate again. To enable jumps from one ramp to the other, the table should be no longer than 1.5 m. In general the table height is about 30-40 inches, and a good ramp angle is 20°.
Funbox with ledge
In many cases the ledge extends from the beginning of the first ramp to the end of the second. The ledge offers the possibility to perform grinds and slides. The edges of the ledge are usually fitted with coping tubes, the space between the tubes is paneled with plywood or steel making it easy to perform 50-50 tricks. The relative height of the ledge to the table is usually less than 15 inches.
Funbox with rail
The rail provides benefits similar to the ledge, but it is easier to upgrade an exciting standard funbox to a rail-box.
Funboxes with special features
Boxes made of concrete may deviate from the described structure and offer more kind of forms. For example, the box is connected to a wall making wallrides possible.
The construction must resist dynamic loads resulting from air jumps onto the funbox. It must be assumed that a rider lands on the table's center causing high bending moments, while the arising tension level is dependent on variables like the rider's weight or the altitude of the jump. The constructor must overbuild, so that the material's yield point is not reached. Elastic materials can soften rider impact, but the surface may be the most significant factor. It must withstand many bounce cycles without splintering. In outdoor parks the environmental conditions must be considered. It is important that moisture does not make the surface slick. Weather resistant materials are concrete, special plywoods and galvanized steel for copings and rails. Noise caused by funbox use should be limited. Some fabricators offer surfacing with sound-deadening properties.
Construction requirements
Screw heads should be hidden to minimize vandalism. The table should have adjustments for leveling on uneven ground to reduce sliding during use.