Building a Longboard Skateboard

Example of longboard design.

Longboard skateboards are becoming more popular not only in surfing cities but in landlocked towns as well. Making your own longboard is not as difficult as one may think. Longboards are boards designed for speed and stability, to mimic surfboards. Boards can be made out of many types of wood and for a relatively low investment. The process is outlined in a few easy steps below.

Things You'll Need

• Hardwood lumber of your choice
• Skateboard trucks and hardware
• Skateboard wheels
• Grip tape

Instructions

1. Procure your hardwood lumber and then decide on the length and design of your longboard skateboard. Draw your pattern on poster board and cut it out.

2. Trace your pattern onto the hardwood lumber. Maple and oak make solid longboards, but whatever type of wood is available to you should work as long as it is at least 1 inch thick and 36 inches long.

3. Cut out your board using a band saw. Round the edges using sand paper or a router.

4. Attach the trucks to the board. Measure to find the middle of the board lengthwise. Measure 6 inches from each end of the longboard and use a pencil to mark this with an "X." Center the trucks on the "X" created by the pencil mark and screw them down.

5. Mount the wheels on the trucks, place the grip tape on the top of your new longboard, and get riding.

Resources

• Longboard Trucks
• Longboard Wheels
• Grip Tape