Concrete vs Prefab
Prefabricated ramps or poured-in-place concrete... which is the best value? Many cities and towns struggle with this question. Here are some common misconceptions about prefabricated skatepark equipment. Also read about Concrete Skate Plazas and Safer Skate Environment to learn more.
Myth: Prefab is cheaper.
A well designed, poured on-site concrete park is incredibly affordable and can be implemented in your town starting at $15 per square foot. When an existing slab, such as an old tennis court or parking lot, can be repurposed for a site, costs can fall below $10 per square foot. Also, prefab suffers from wear and tear and will have many more long-term costs than concrete in repairs, maintenance and eventual replacement.
Myth: We already have a site that is paved so we can save money by installing prefab.
It is a misconception that prefab can save money over concrete in any instance, let alone when you have an existing slab. Our EPS foam and concrete method of construction can be implemented on any existing slab in a matter of days, saving money in time over prefab. For 35 years, this method of construction has been proven to be extraordinarliy stable and cost effective. Who Skates is a fully self-contained concrete specialist. With our extreme efficiency and experience in concrete construction, prefab can't come close in quality and savings!
Myth: Prefab has a warranty and concrete does not.
Concrete has a warranty when a reputable company provides construction services. Who Skates offers comprehensive warranty packages for up to 10 years with no fine print AND will also match the warranty of ANY prefab vendor.
Myth: Concrete is permanent and if the sport changes we are "stuck" with the park.
A well thought-out skate park designed by Who Skates will not go out of style, period. Skaters have been telling the world for decades what they want in skatepark design... they want the same obstacles they skate downtown
Myth: Concrete cannot be repaired.
In the event of damage or vandalism, repairs can VERY easily be facilitated by local contractors in a timely and cost effective manner. As a matter of fact, prefab ramps are FAR more costly to repair and generally the warranty is VOID on any equipment not repaired by the vendor.
Myth: The newspaper claims, "The kids are skating downtown and getting into trouble. The skatepark will give them a place to go."
Not if the park isn't fun and challenging. The kids are skating downtown because the concrete stairs, ledges, rails and gaps are what they want to skate! If your skatepark doesn't look like downtown, then it isn't a skatepark they will want to use. Prefab cannot provide these obstacles nearly as well as our concrete skateparks can.
Myth: Concrete skatepark companies only build huge pools and bowls that are impractical.
Not all do. Sure, we include concrete pools and bowls in our parks but our staff is comprised of some of the best skaters you can imagine. Having strong skate skills is what gives us the knowledge to design fun and challenging parks, putting us in a league all our own.
Myth: Prefab will get the kids skating in a new park sooner.
When a pre-exisiting base can be used, such as repurposing an old tennis court or parking lot, Who Skates can build a 5,000 square foot concrete park in only 15 days!
Call us today for more information about the advantages of concrete over prefab.
207-632-7602
tom@whoskates.com
Myth: Prefab is cheaper.
A well designed, poured on-site concrete park is incredibly affordable and can be implemented in your town starting at $15 per square foot. When an existing slab, such as an old tennis court or parking lot, can be repurposed for a site, costs can fall below $10 per square foot. Also, prefab suffers from wear and tear and will have many more long-term costs than concrete in repairs, maintenance and eventual replacement.
Myth: We already have a site that is paved so we can save money by installing prefab.
It is a misconception that prefab can save money over concrete in any instance, let alone when you have an existing slab. Our EPS foam and concrete method of construction can be implemented on any existing slab in a matter of days, saving money in time over prefab. For 35 years, this method of construction has been proven to be extraordinarliy stable and cost effective. Who Skates is a fully self-contained concrete specialist. With our extreme efficiency and experience in concrete construction, prefab can't come close in quality and savings!
Myth: Prefab has a warranty and concrete does not.
Concrete has a warranty when a reputable company provides construction services. Who Skates offers comprehensive warranty packages for up to 10 years with no fine print AND will also match the warranty of ANY prefab vendor.
Myth: Concrete is permanent and if the sport changes we are "stuck" with the park.
A well thought-out skate park designed by Who Skates will not go out of style, period. Skaters have been telling the world for decades what they want in skatepark design... they want the same obstacles they skate downtown
Myth: Concrete cannot be repaired.
In the event of damage or vandalism, repairs can VERY easily be facilitated by local contractors in a timely and cost effective manner. As a matter of fact, prefab ramps are FAR more costly to repair and generally the warranty is VOID on any equipment not repaired by the vendor.
Myth: The newspaper claims, "The kids are skating downtown and getting into trouble. The skatepark will give them a place to go."
Not if the park isn't fun and challenging. The kids are skating downtown because the concrete stairs, ledges, rails and gaps are what they want to skate! If your skatepark doesn't look like downtown, then it isn't a skatepark they will want to use. Prefab cannot provide these obstacles nearly as well as our concrete skateparks can.
Myth: Concrete skatepark companies only build huge pools and bowls that are impractical.
Not all do. Sure, we include concrete pools and bowls in our parks but our staff is comprised of some of the best skaters you can imagine. Having strong skate skills is what gives us the knowledge to design fun and challenging parks, putting us in a league all our own.
Myth: Prefab will get the kids skating in a new park sooner.
When a pre-exisiting base can be used, such as repurposing an old tennis court or parking lot, Who Skates can build a 5,000 square foot concrete park in only 15 days!
Call us today for more information about the advantages of concrete over prefab.
207-632-7602
tom@whoskates.com