How to Build a Skateboard
Whether you're stepping up from a pre-assembled deck, tinkering with a hand-me-down, or new to the skate scene, we've got the info you need to build a skateboard.
Everything You Need to Build a Skateboard:
- Skateboard deck
- Trucks
- 4 Wheels
- 8 Bearings
- Riser pads (optional)
- 8 Nuts and bolts
- 7/8" hardware for use without risers
- 1" - 1 1/8" hardware for use with risers
- Skate tool or adjustable wrench
- Phillips screwdriver (if your skate tool doesn't have one)
- Allen wrench
- Grip tape (some decks come pre-gripped)
- Razor blade
Building your own skateboard is easy and can be done in just a few steps. If you're starting fresh and buying everything new, expect to spend around $90 - $150, depending on your choices.
Apply Grip Tape
Peel the backing off of the grip. Hang on to the backing as you’ll need it later.
Line up the grip, sticky side down, so it’s centered over the board.
Lay it on the board and press down, Start in the center and work your way to each end of the board. This method helps remove air bubbles.
Use the backing that you peeled off earlier to lay over the grip while running your fist down the length of the board to press out any remaining bubbles. That’s it for the backing.
Run a file along the perimeter of the deck, pressing hard, so that you see an outline of the board on the un-trimmed grip tape. Hold the file at the same angle all the way around the deck..
Hold the razor blade at one angle, and starting at the tip of the board, make a continuous cut along the perimeter of the deck to remove the excess grip.
Use a small piece of grip scrap to sand the edge of the board.
Use a screwdriver to poke holes through the grip (from the bottom side) for the trucks.
Turn the board over and push excess grip back through the holes.
Install Skateboard Bearings
If your skate tool has a handy bearing popper, use your body weight to press the bearings into the wheels until they're snug. Or, use your trucks by placing the bearing on the truck, the wheel on top, and pushing down until it pops in. Repeat for all four wheels.
Leave one washer inside, slide on the wheel, add the other washer outside, then pop on the nut. Use your skate tool to tighten it up. Keep a little play in the wheels - not too snug; a bit of wiggle room is good.
Attach the Trucks
Both truck kingpins should face in towards each other. Run your mounting hardware through the deck, flip it on its side, and use one hand on top to keep the bolts in while aligning the trucks below. Use your hands to thread the nuts on and hold them in place.
Use a screwdriver to hold the Phillips head bolts from the top while using the skate tool or allen wrench to tighten from below. Don't over-tighten or suck the bolts too deep into the deck.
Adjust the Trucks
Tightening or loosening trucks is a breeze. Use your skate tool to adjust the kingpin, affecting the skateboard's turning ability. Watch out for wheel bite. That’s if your trucks are too loose, and the edge of the board hits the wheels.
Test Ride
Take your newly assembled skateboard for a quick spin to make sure everything is secure and feels right.
Final Adjustments
Fine-tune the trucks and wheels to ensure a smooth ride.
Remember safety first, and respect your local skate spots. If hitting the skatepark solo feels daunting, grab a friend or check online for local skate groups.
Now hit the skatepark or street with confidence!
