Have you ever wanted to ride a skateboard but couldn’t afford one? Or maybe you just enjoy building things with your own two hands. Whatever the reason, building your own skateboard at home is not only possible, but also a fun and rewarding experience.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Whether you are an experienced skateboarder or a complete beginner, there is something special about having a board that you have built yourself. It adds a personal touch and allows you to customize it to your own preferences.
But before we dive into the process of building a skateboard at home, let’s talk about the basics. A skateboard is made up of three main components: the deck, trucks, and wheels.
How to Build a Skateboard at Home
The deck is the flat surface that you stand on while riding, usually made out of wood. Trucks are the metal T-shaped pieces that hold the wheels in place and allow them to turn. And finally, the wheels are what make the skateboard move.
Now that we have a better understanding of what makes up a skateboard, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of building one at home.
Gathering Materials
Before you can start building your skateboard, you will need to gather all the necessary materials. The first and most important material is a sturdy piece of wood for the deck. You can purchase pre-cut skateboard decks at your local skate shop or online, or you can use a piece of plywood and cut it to size yourself.
Next, you will need trucks, which are available in various sizes and styles. Make sure to choose trucks that are compatible with the width of your deck. For wheels, you can choose from a variety of sizes and hardness levels depending on your personal preference.
Other materials you will need include grip tape to provide traction on the deck, bearings for the wheels to spin smoothly, bolts to attach the trucks to the deck, and risers if you want to raise your board off the ground.
Assembling the Skateboard
Once you’ve gathered all the necessary materials, it’s time to start assembling your skateboard. Begin by applying the grip tape to the top of the deck, ensuring it covers the entire surface. Next, fasten the trucks to the underside of the deck using the bolts. It’s crucial to ensure these are secured tightly, as they bear the weight of a skateboard and its rider. Then, add the bearings into the wheels before attaching them to the trucks. Ensure everything is securely fastened, but not overly tight, to allow for smooth movement. Lastly, if you opted for risers, attach them between the trucks and the deck. Now, you have a fully assembled skateboard ready for a test ride!
Building the Deck
The first step in building your skateboard is preparing the deck. If you purchased a pre-cut deck, you can skip this step. But if you are cutting your own deck, make sure to use a saw specifically designed for cutting wood and wear proper safety gear.
Once you have your deck cut to size, it’s time to apply grip tape. Grip tape is a type of sandpaper that provides traction and helps your feet stick to the board while riding. To apply grip tape, peel off the backing and carefully lay it on top of the deck, making sure there are no air bubbles or wrinkles.
After applying the grip tape, use a razor blade or skateboard tool to trim off any excess around the edges. Then, use a file or sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges.
Attaching Trucks and Wheels
Next, it’s time to attach the trucks to your deck. Place each truck on the underside of the deck and align them with the holes pre-drilled in the deck. Then, use bolts to secure the trucks in place.
Once the trucks are attached, it’s time to add the wheels. Slide bearings onto each wheel, making sure they are aligned correctly. Then, place the wheels onto the trucks and secure them with nuts.
Make sure to tighten all bolts and nuts securely to avoid any accidents while riding. You can also add risers between the truck and deck for a higher ride.
Personal Touches
Now that your skateboard is built and ready to ride, it’s time to add some personal touches. You can paint your deck or grip tape, add stickers, or even draw on the grip tape with markers. Get creative and make your skateboard unique to you.
Conclusion
Building a skateboard at home may seem like a daunting task, but with the right materials and tools, it can be a fun and rewarding experience. Whether you want to save money or add a personal touch to your skateboard, building one yourself is definitely worth considering. So why not give it a try and see what kind of skateboard you can create? Who knows, you may end up with the perfect board that fits your style and personality.
FAQs
Is it difficult to build a skateboard at home?
Building a skateboard at home can be challenging, but with the right materials and tools, it is definitely doable.
What type of wood should I use for the deck?
The most commonly used wood for skateboard decks is maple, but you can also use other types of hardwood like bamboo or birch.
Can I use any type of grip tape?
There are different types of grip tape available, but make sure to purchase one specifically made for skateboards to ensure the best quality and durability.