Skateboard Decks

Defining a Skateboard Deck

Among the essential components of a skateboard is the deck, serving as the basis of the board. It significantly influences your skating performance and style. Not only does it provide a surface for your feet and link elements like trucks and grip tape, but it also gives riders a chance to showcase their style and individuality. This is achievable due to the vast array of colour and design choices available, ensuring there's a deck to suit everyone’s taste.

Features of Skateboard Decks

The majority of today’s skateboard decks are crafted from robust maple wood. It's important to highlight that different types of maple vary in strength. Canadian maple is renowned for its durability and resistance to snapping, making it ideal for those seeking a long-lasting deck. Another popular choice is Hard Rock Maple, noted for its hardness and strength.

Typically, skateboard decks are produced using a 7-ply to 9-ply wood construction, with 7-ply being the most typical. This construction consists of seven to nine layers of wood pressed together to form a deck, enhancing the board's strength. Additionally, most skate decks feature double-kicktails—upward curves at the nose and tail—to aid in popping and controlling the board during tricks.

A further feature of skateboard decks is the concave, the inward curve on the deck’s surface. Decks with low concave enable better foot positioning due to a more extensive flat area. Conversely, a steeper concave facilitates easier execution of flip tricks. Medium concave designs are the most prevalent, striking a balance between the two.

Choosing the Right Skateboard Deck Size

Generally, the skateboard deck size should correspond to your shoe size. The deck width is primarily what determines the size, and it’s important that the tips of your shoes slightly overreach the deck. This allows for easier trick control.

A deck that's too narrow may impact your balance and heighten the chance of experiencing shoe bites, potentially damaging your shoes and destabilising your skateboard journey. Conversely, a deck that's overly wide may complicate the execution of tricks and flips. An 8 to 7.75-inch skateboard deck is a solid starting option, offering a well-rounded balance.

Do you still have uncertainties about what to choose? Our Skateboard Size Chart provides a useful guideline on the ideal deck width for your skating preference and shoe size. For further guidance on selecting the proper deck, check out our Guide To Skateboard Decks.