Skateboard Decks

Defining a Skateboard Deck

A skateboard deck ranks among the most crucial components of a skateboard. As the board's foundation, it significantly influences both your overall riding experience and skateboard style. It acts as a platform for your feet and connects elements such as trucks and grip tape, while also giving riders a chance to showcase their personal style and uniqueness. This is because decks are available in an extensive variety of colours and designs, making it simple to choose one that suits your tastes.

Identifying Skateboard Deck Attributes

Contemporary skateboard decks are almost exclusively crafted from resilient maple wood. It is important to understand, however, that different varieties of maple possess varying degrees of strength. Canadian maple is renowned for its remarkable durability and resistance to breaking, making it ideal for those seeking a robust deck. Hard Rock Maple is another popular choice, known for its hardness and strength.

Typically, skateboard decks feature a 7-ply to 9-ply wood construction, with 7-ply being the most common. This indicates that the deck comprises seven to nine layers of wood, compressed together to enhance the board’s resilience. Furthermore, most skateboard decks are designed with double kicktails, meaning the nose and tail have upward curves to aid in popping and controlling the board when performing tricks.

Concave is another feature of skateboard decks, referring to the inward curve of the deck’s surface. A low concave design offers better foot placement owing to a larger flat surface area, whereas a deeper concave makes flip tricks easier. Medium concave represents a balance between these extremes and is the most prevalent design.

Choosing the Appropriate Skateboard Deck Size

Generally, the size of your skateboard deck should align with your shoe size. The width of the deck is the principal factor determining size, and your shoe tips should just go past the edges of the deck. This will facilitate easier trick execution and better control.

A deck that is overly narrow could compromise your balance and heighten the likelihood of shoe bites, potentially damaging your shoes and causing you to lose balance. Conversely, an excessively wide deck might impede your ability to perform certain tricks and flips. Decks ranging from 8 to 7.75 inches are recommended as a balanced and versatile option.

Still uncertain about which option to select? Our Skateboard Size Chart provides a helpful guide to determine the appropriate deck width based on your riding style and shoe size. Additionally, further insights on selecting the perfect deck are available in our Guide To Skateboard Decks.