Pros and Cons of Various Ramp Materials 

1. Wood ramps are the great and they are have a relatively low initial cost, however,  they may require high maintenance unless you use something like Skatelite or Skatelite Pro on the surface.  Marine plywood is good for the surface material, but it is expensive; masonite or hardboard are in most cases more than adequate for low traffic ramps that are indoor or in a dry climate.  However, if you can afford to buy Skatelite you will save yourself a lot of maintenance.
    

2. Fasteners - Long screws are good, staples and nails are bad because they tend to come up and snag unwary skaters.
    

3. SkateLite and Skatelite Pro enables ramp builders, park & recreation directors, park operators and every rider to maximize the potential of their skate facility. Unlike other surfacing material, Skatelite® withstands the test of time without killing your budget.
    

4. Vert Manufacturing Precision Ramp Technology
   2940 Grace Lane #F - Costa Mesa, CA 92626
   P:714.557.5130 - F:714.557-5148
   Email  Vert Manufacturing

   Vert Manufacturing is one of the best places we have found for portable and stationary wood parks, rails, and fun boxes.  They design and build skate parks all over the country.  They will also build and ship ramps and rails.  Vert Manufacturing is run by Rick Hawthorne (Rick is a Christian and he is working with us to help build and promote YSCA -- he is awesome).
    

5. Steel - Low maintenance, but it gets hot, it's heavy and hard to move. 
    

6. Concrete - Low maintenance, less likelihood of dilapidation (not portable).  There are a few awesome skatepark builders, however, we personally think that if you want a concrete Skatepark contact Dreamland Skateparks: they design and build the Best Concrete Skateparks on Earth.
    

In general, if we build it right the first time it will require less maintenance. (Some ramps and rails can be permanent in certain locations.)