How to Build a Skateboard: A Step-by-Step Guide
Whether you're upgrading from a pre-assembled board, piecing together a hand-me-down setup, or diving into skateboarding for the first time, building your own skateboard is a rewarding experience. Putting it together yourself allows you to customize the board to match your style and preferences while learning how each component works.
This guide covers everything you need to know to build a skateboard from start to finish.
What You'll Need to Build a Skateboard
Skateboard Components:
Deck: The wooden platform that forms the base of your skateboard. Choose a deck size that suits your riding style.
Trucks (2): The metal T-shaped parts that attach to the deck and hold the wheels and bearings in place.
Wheels (4): Skateboard wheels come in various sizes and durometers (hardness). Choose based on your skating style (street, park, or cruising).
Bearings (8): Small metal components that fit inside the wheels, allowing them to spin smoothly.
Grip tape: A gritty, sandpaper-like sheet applied to the top of the deck for traction.
Riser pads (optional): Small rubber or plastic pads that sit between the deck and trucks to increase clearance and reduce vibrations.
Hardware (8 nuts and bolts): Used to secure the trucks to the deck. Hardware length varies:
7/8” for setups without risers.
1” - 1 1/8” for setups with risers.
Tools You'll Need:
Grip tape provides traction and control, so applying it correctly is crucial.
Steps to apply grip tape:
Peel off the backing: Save the backing paper; you'll use it later to smooth out air bubbles.
Align the grip tape: Position it evenly over the deck with the sticky side facing down.
Press down: Start pressing from the center and work outward to avoid air bubbles. Use the backing paper over the tape to smooth it down with your hand or fist.
File the edges: Run a file along the perimeter of the deck to create a visible outline on the grip tape. This makes trimming easier and more precise.
Trim the excess: Use a razor blade to cut along the outline in a continuous motion.
Smooth the edges: Rub a small piece of grip tape scrap along the edges to seal them down.
Poke holes for the hardware: Use a screwdriver to puncture the grip tape through the pre-drilled holes in the deck for the trucks. Push the excess grip tape back through for a clean finish.
Step 2: Installing the Skateboard Bearings
Bearings are essential for smooth wheel rotation and overall performance.
How to install bearings:
Press the bearings into the wheels:
If you have a skate tool with a bearing press, use body weight to push the bearings into place.
Alternatively, place a bearing onto the truck axle, position the wheel over it, and press down firmly until it clicks into place. Repeat for all wheels.
Add washers: Place one washer onto the truck axle before sliding on the wheel, then add another washer on the outside.
Secure with axle nuts: Tighten the nut using your skate tool, ensuring a slight wiggle room for the wheels to spin freely without being too loose.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L02nY73dKOU
Step 3: Attaching the Trucks
Your trucks determine turning ability and stability, so proper installation is key.
Steps to attach trucks:
Position the trucks correctly: Both kingpins (the large central bolt on the truck) should face each other toward the center of the board.
Insert hardware: Push the bolts through the pre-drilled holes from the top of the deck.
Align the trucks: Hold the trucks in place while threading the nuts onto the bolts by hand.
Tighten the hardware: Use a screwdriver to hold the bolts steady from the top while tightening the nuts with a skate tool or wrench underneath. Be careful not to over-tighten, as it may damage the deck.
Pro Tip: If using riser pads, place them between the deck and trucks before securing the bolts. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YPmoRfLEiT0
Step 4: Adjusting the Trucks
Truck tightness affects how your skateboard turns and handles.
How to adjust truck tightness:
Use your skate tool to tighten or loosen the kingpin (the large central bolt).
Tighter trucks: Provide more stability but less turning ability. Ideal for downhill and technical tricks.
Looser trucks: Offer better maneuverability and smoother turns, great for cruising and carving.
Check for wheel bite, which happens when loose trucks allow the wheels to touch the deck, potentially causing a sudden stop. If you experience wheel bite, tighten your trucks or add riser pads for clearance.
Step 5: Testing Your Skateboard
Now that your skateboard is fully assembled, it's time for a test ride.
Key things to check:
Ensure the wheels spin freely without wobbling.
Make sure the trucks feel stable and responsive to your turning preference.
Confirm that all bolts are snug and the grip tape is secure.
Test the board on a smooth surface before hitting ramps or obstacles.
Step 6: Final Adjustments
After your test ride, fine-tune your board for optimal performance:
Adjust truck tightness to match your riding style.
Check wheel spin and loosen axle nuts slightly if needed for better rotation.
Inspect grip tape edges to ensure they are securely stuck to the deck.
Skateboarding Safety and Etiquette
Before hitting the streets or skatepark, keep these tips in mind:
Wear protective gear: Always wear a helmet and, depending on your riding style, consider knee, elbow, and wrist pads.
Respect skate spots: Follow local rules and respect pedestrians in shared spaces.
Skating with friends: It’s more fun and safer to skate with others; they can offer tips and encouragement.
Know your limits: Start slow and progress gradually to avoid injuries.
Keep your board maintained: Regularly check for loose hardware, worn-out grip tape, and dirty bearings.
Building your skateboard is a straightforward and rewarding process that allows you to customize your ride to match your style and needs. With the right components and tools, you can assemble a board that’s ready to tackle skateparks, streets, or cruising around town.
Ride On!
