How to Make a Pro Skateboard

You can build your own skateboard.

Skateboards can come in many different sizes and shapes. Woodworking enthusiasts can make a pro skateboard of their own. One of the benefits of making your own skateboard is the ability to design it exactly the way you want it. The cost will be a meager portion of the price for a commercially made skateboard.

Things You'll Need

• Skateboard blank Drill Wood stain Sandpaper Paintbrush Trucks Bolts Risers Wheels Grip tape Polyurethane sealer

Instructions

1. Obtain a skateboard blank. This tool may be purchased at an online skateboard retailer or at a local skate shop.

2. Draw holes in the board where the trucks will go. Align the holes perfectly or you may be unable to skate straight. Drill the marked holes.

3. Sand down the surface of the skateboard until there are no rough edges. The process may be sped up using a hand sander, but sanding manually will suffice otherwise.

4. Stain the board. A natural wood stain will work, or you may opt to paint the blank any way you wish. Allow the skateboard to fully dry.

5. Paint a design beneath the board if you wish. This technique allows you to personalize your skateboard. Allow time for the paint to dry.

6. Paint sealer on the board, and allow it time to dry.

7. Assemble the wheels by following the instructions on the package. Align the truck holes to the drilled holes and screw them together tightly.

8. Remove the adhesive protector from the grip tape and carefully align it on the skateboard. Carefully stick the grip tape onto the skateboard when it is properly aligned.

References

• El Skate Shop: How to put griptape on a skateboard
• YouTube: How to Build a Skateboard
• "Thrasher Presents How to Build Skateboard Ramps, Halfpipes, Boxes, Bowls and More"; Thrasher Magazine; 2004