How to Buy a Skateboard Deck
What size skateboard deck should you skate?
Decks come in many different widths. If you are a beginner to skateboarding, choose your deck according to the width, not the length or wheelbase. The width you need depends on your size, skating style and personal preference. Here are some general guidelines.
7.5" to 8" - Standard board for adult riders skating streets or doing more technical tricks
8.0" to 8.25" - Skating pools, ramps and parks
8.25" and larger - Vert, pools, cruising and just going old school
What type of skateboard deck should you skate?
Let's get some of the skateboard lingo down first. The skateboard deck is the actual board itself. The skateboard deck is the flat, long board that you stand on when skateboarding. Warehouse Skateboards offer a huge selection of skateboard decks in a variety of shapes, sizes, weight and color patterns. Skateboard decks vary in size but most are between 7"-10", and are made of either seven-ply wood, bamboo, resin, carbon fiber or plastic. Deciding which skateboard deck is best for you depends on what you will be skating and, of course, your personal brand preference.
| Width |
The average width of a skateboard deck is 7.5"- 8.25". Width is influenced by the size of the rider and the type of riding. Bigger riders and those skating ramps and vert ramps typically prefer a wider deck. Street skaters usually choose a smaller deck. Choose your skateboard deck according to the width, not length. |
| Length |
The length of the skateboard is measured from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail. Average board length is 28"- 32" but length is only referred to by advanced skaters. |
| Wheelbase |
The wheelbase is the distance from one pair of inner mounting holes to the other inner pair. The average wheelbase is 13"-15", and again, the choice is influenced by the skill set of the rider. |
| Nose and Tail |
The nose and tail of a skateboard can be hard to tell apart, but most decks provide you with graphics to distinguish the two apart. Also, most skateboard decks have a bigger kick on the nose and mellower kick on the tail. |
| Mounting Holes |
Mounting holes are pre-drilled holes where the skateboard trucks are attached. Arranged as two sets of four holes; one set is near the nose, the other near the tail. |
| Ply |
When looking at the side of the skateboard deck, thin layers of maple veneer are visible. Layering the wood in a cross-grain pattern creates a stronger board than a single solid piece of wood. The typical skateboard is seven-ply. |
| Concave |
The section of the board between the nose and tail curves up slightly on the sides. The concave gives the rider more control and increases the skateboard's strength. |
|
 |
Check out our massive selection of skateboard decks.
If you still have questions about skateboard deck sizing, please contact Customer Service.
