SOLSK8S Notes from the work bench

Complete Skateboard Builder Guide

How to Build a Complete Skateboard: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Choose Your Deck The deck is the base of your skateboard. Decks are measured by width: 7.75”–8.0” → Best for kids, smaller riders, or those who like a lighter board. 8.25” → The most popular size for street and park skating. 8.5” → Great for ramps, bowls, and transition skating. 8.75” and up → Wide decks for tall riders, cruisers, or old-school setups with soft wheels.

Step 2: Match Your Trucks Trucks are the metal parts that attach wheels to your deck. They’re sold in pairs, and the width should match your deck. Use our Truck Sizing Chart to pick the right set.

Step 3: Pick Your Wheels Wheels affect how your board rides. They vary by hardness and size: Hardness (Durometer) 75A–87A → Soft, smooth ride, best for cruising. 99A–101A → The most common, versatile for street and park. 104A → Very hard, slides easily, and fast on smooth skatepark surfaces. Shape Conical → Wide, square edges for stability (ramps & bowls). Radial → Slimmer, releases easily from rails/ledges (street skating). Size (Diameter in mm) 52–54mm → Smaller, quicker, better for technical street tricks. 56–60mm → Larger, faster, better for ramps, bowls, and vert.

Step 4: Bearings Bearings fit inside your wheels and help them spin. All skateboard bearings are the same size, but quality can vary.

Step 5: Grip Tape Grip tape is the sandpaper-like layer applied to the top of your deck. It keeps your feet locked in for tricks and control. Choose standard black or customise with colors and cutouts.

Step 6: Hardware & Riser Pads Hardware (nuts and bolts) holds trucks to the deck. Standard is 7/8"–1". Riser Pads go between deck and trucks if you’re using larger wheels (55mm+). They reduce wheel bite. Step 7: Assemble & Skate Put it all together (or let us do it for you), and you’ve got your custom complete skateboard ready to ride!