How to bend hardboard

Hardboard is a thin sheet of board that comes in 10 by 20 cm (4 by 8 foot) sections. It comes in 3 mm or 4.5 mm (1/8 or 3/16 inch) thicknesses. Hardboard is used for many applications including walls and fascia boards. It is also used as a skateboard ramp. When using it as a skateboard ramp, it is sometimes necessary to bend the hardboard. Bending hardboard can be a time-consuming task, but with the proper instructions, it can be completed and your ramp can be built.

Hold the hardboard face up. Spread out C-clamps throughout the hardboard every 60 cm (2 feet) down the 2.4 m (8 foot) section on each side. Attach five clamps at the top and five at the bottom.

Tie a rope to one of the C-clamps and thread it through to the clamp directly underneath. Move to the next clamp above and continue around the hardboard until the end. Move back to the other side and continue back and forth to tighten the rope down. Push on the centre of the hardboard from the back to start the curve.

Spray the rough side of the hardboard with a pump sprayer until it is completely wet. Wait for 30 minutes for the water to soak in. Push down on the top of the hardboard to tighten up the rope.

Untie and loosen the rope. Remove it from all of the clamps. Loosen the clamps and check the bend of the hardboard. Tighten the clamps back into place in the same spot and replace the ropes.

Spray the back of the hardboard again and wait 30 minutes. Loosen the rope and clamps. Check to see the hardboard has reached the desired bend. Repeat the process until the desired bend has been achieved.