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Skateboard Decks

Skateboard decks are the surface that a skater puts their feet onto. This is where all the contact with the ground occurs and often has a layer of grip tape on to give the shoes extra stickiness. Depending on where the feet are placed on the deck and how they are weighted determines how the board will maneuver on the ground and in the air. Complex tricks can be performed by intricate foot positions and by kicking the board mid-air.

Skateboard decks are made from thin layers of maple closely pressed and laminated together. The different layers give the board extra strength and flex as opposed to a single block of wood. The board can also be much thinner for how strong they are. Maple is the preferred wood because of its strength and flex, but often many woods, even bamboo are layered together giving the board a unique flex.

Skateboard decks come in two basic sizes and configurations, the short board and the longboard. A short board is roughly 10 inches in width and averages about twice as long as the width. They are symmetrical in both directions and have upraised ends which are used for ollies. Longboards can be much longer and wider with the largest exceeding four feet long and wheels that are over 120mm wide and much softer, designed for maximum grip.

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