Skateboard Decks

Understanding Skateboard Decks

The skateboard deck is crucial to the equipment, serving as the base of the board and significantly influencing your skate experience and chosen style. Not only does it provide a surface for your feet and connect parts such as trucks and grip tape, but decks also offer a canvas for personal expression through a vast array of colours and designs, making it simple to select one that suits your taste.

Features of Skateboard Decks

Most contemporary skateboard decks are crafted from sturdy maple wood. It's essential to consider the strength variation across different maple types. Canadian maple is famed for its durability and break resistance, making it the ideal option for those seeking a long-lasting deck. Hard Rock Maple is another popular choice, known for its strength and hardness.

Typically, skateboard decks are constructed from 7-ply to 9-ply wood, with 7-ply being the norm. This refers to seven to nine layers of wood compressed into a deck, enhancing the board's resistance. Almost all skate decks possess double kicktails, which are the upward curves at both the nose and tail, aiding in popping and controlling the board during tricks.

Concave is another deck characteristic, describing the inward curve on the deck’s surface. Low concave allows for improved foot placement by providing more flat surface area. Conversely, a deep concave is advantageous for executing flip tricks. A medium concave strikes a balance between these features and is the most prevalent design.

How to Choose the Correct Skateboard Deck Size

Generally, the size of the deck should align with your shoe size. The primary size determiner is deck width; your shoe tips should extend slightly beyond the deck for optimal trick control.

Decks that are too narrow may destabilize you and heighten the risk of shoe bites, potentially damaging your shoes and disrupting your ride. Conversely, overly wide decks can complicate executing certain tricks and flips. Decks that are 8 to 7.75 inches wide are recommended as a versatile, balanced size to start with.

Still unsure about your choice? Our Skateboard Size Chart offers guidance on selecting the appropriate deck width for your riding style and shoe size. Additional insights can be found in our Guide To Skateboard Decks.