What Are the Parts of a Skateboard?

Skateboards are fairly simple contraptions, but understanding the parts can be confusing. There are so many choices when it comes to buying a skateboard or skateboard accessories that it can become overwhelming. While experience is the best way to find out which skateboard companies will work best for you, it is important to have a basic understanding of the parts of a skateboard.

Deck

The deck is the actual "board." These are typically made of seven plies of thin maple wood. The general shape is a long rounded rectangle with slightly curved edges. Almost every skateboard is different in some way, whether it be the width, length, strength, weight or curvature.

Grip Tape

Grip tape is the sandpaper material that is on top of the deck. This rough surface makes it possible for your feet to get a better grip while riding. Grip tape is usually black, but it is alo available in colors for a slightly higher price. Since it is essentially sandpaper, there is a high risk of injury when it comes into contact with your skin.

Trucks

Trucks are the metal T-shaped pieces on the bottom of the board. They attach the wheels to the deck and are made up of four main pieces. The hangar is the large T-shaped piece that is typically made of soft metal. The axel runs through the hangar and attaches to the wheels. The kingpin goes through the bottom of the hangar and attaches to the baseplate. The baseplate is the hard metal piece that keeps the trucks attached to the deck.

Wheels

Skateboard wheels come in a seemingly endless variety of colors and designs. There is something called the "A-scale" that determines how soft a wheel is. A wheel that says "90a" is a soft wheel, while a "100a" wheel is a hard wheel. Although soft wheels grip to the ground better than hard wheels, they are more prone to damage. Hard wheels do not grip quite as well, but they generally last much longer.

Risers

Risers help prolong the life of the skateboard by adding cushioning. These are flat pads that are placed between the trucks and the deck. They work by reducing the stress placed on the deck from the trucks as well as reducing the risk of the wheels hitting the deck whenever a sharp turn is made. Risers are not a necessary part of a skateboard and many skateboarders do not use them.