Concrete parking blocks can be amazing DIY spots if prepared correctly. They’re low, accessible, and great for grinds, slides, and technical tricks. Here’s a complete deep dive into prepping one properly for skating.

Step 1: Inspect the Parking Block

• Check for large cracks, missing chunks, or super rough sections.
• Inspect how stable it is. If it’s loose or moves when pushed, address that first (anchoring it or placing shims underneath).

Step 2: Clean the Surface Thoroughly

Skate wax and debris don’t mix. A clean surface ensures the wax sticks properly and reduces chances of unwanted bumps when sliding.

• Use a stiff wire brush to scrub dirt, moss, paint, or grime off the block.
• Use water and a heavy-duty cleaner (like TSP or simple degreaser) for stubborn buildup.
• Rinse thoroughly and allow it to dry completely — ideally overnight in dry conditions.

Step 3: Repair Rough Spots

Even with cleaning, many parking blocks are chipped or rough. Minor repairs can go a long way:

• For minor cracks or chips, use rapid-set concrete patch or bonding cement.
• Smooth out the patch immediately with a trowel — you want a flush, seamless finish.
• Let the repairs cure per the product instructions (often 2-6 hours for patching compounds).

Step 4: Smoothing Out the Edge (Optional)

If you want an ultra-smooth curb for nose/tail slides or technical tricks:

• Use a masonry rubbing stone or angle grinder with a diamond cup wheel to sand down the edge gently.
• Focus on taking down sharp or rough edges without flattening the shape too much.
• Be sure to wear safety glasses and gloves if using power tools.

Step 5: Wax the Curb

Now you’re ready for the final step: waxing.

• Use skate-specific curb wax or standard paraffin wax blocks (a cheap candle also works).
• Rub it aggressively along the edge you plan to skate — apply it evenly and liberally at first.
• Focus especially on transition points (where you pop in and pop out of grinds/slides).
• After initial application, use your board trucks to "grind it in" — literally grind or slide the wax into the curb.

Optional: Torch the Wax

For an even slicker setup:

• Use a propane torch to lightly melt the wax into the surface.
• Hold the flame several inches away and sweep it across the surface rapidly.
• This method creates a very thin, very durable layer that lasts much longer.

Best Materials for Prepping a Parking Block

Extra Pro Tips

• Always "break in" a freshly waxed curb with boardslides and grinds before going full-send.
• Don’t over-wax — too much wax becomes dangerous fast, especially in the heat.
• If it’s an area visible to pedestrians or cars, be respectful — keep it neat and reapply minimal wax as needed over time.

Popular Tricks to Try on a Parking Block

Once your parking block is ready, here are some great tricks to try:

• Boardslide: Approach the block and ollie onto it, sliding across the block on the center of your board.
• Noseslide: Ollie up and land with your nose sliding along the block.
• Tailslide: Ollie up and pivot into a slide on your board's tail.
• 50-50 Grind: Ollie onto the block with both trucks locked onto the edge grinding simultaneously.
• 5-0 Grind: Similar to a 50-50, but only your back truck grinds along the block.
• Smith Grind: Grind on the back truck while the front truck dips below the block.
• Feeble Grind: The front truck crosses over the block while the back truck grinds.
• Crook Grind: Grind on the front truck with the board angled slightly across the block.
• Slappy Grind: Approach without an ollie, turning sharply and grinding directly into the block.
• Slappy Nose Slide: Same idea as a slappy grind, but you slide on your board’s nose without popping an ollie.

The Wrap

Parking blocks are some of the most fun and accessible DIY spots you can create. With just a few hours of prep, you can turn a rough, dirty chunk of concrete into a slick, buttery ledge ready for endless sessions. Take your time prepping it right — your board, trucks, and shins will thank you later.

— Brought to you by the crew at Phyzics Skateboards.