How Much Does It Cost To Build A Skateboard?
In the golden era of skateboarding, it was a cheap sport. However, with added costs to shipping and handling, less supply, and more demand, skateboarding has started to become a more expensive sport than it ever was. So, how much does it cost to build a skateboard?
Skateboards do not have to be expensive, but if you are on a certain budget, you will receive an inferior setup that is simply a pain to ride. So, how much does a decent skateboard cost?
On average, it cost $100 to $150 to build a professional-grade skateboard. Of course, you can really start increasing those prices by buying the best of the best of each skateboard component. Not to mention, you’ll want to get new skateboard shoes and apparel. To get a better idea, this is the average base price for pro-quality components:
- Deck – $40 to $80
- Trucks – $40 to $80
- Wheels – $20 to $50
- Bearings – $10 to $50
- Grip tape – $7 to $10
- Hardware – $5 to $10
Let’s take a deeper look into why skateboarding is an expensive sport and how to possibly save you some money. You’ll learn where to shop for a skateboard, what makes a good skateboard, and a couple of tips to help you care for your board.
How Much Does a Skateboard Deck Cost?
A skateboard deck costs between $40 to $80, on average. You can sometimes get lucky and get them in a sale for a little bit cheaper too. Try finding sales when you can.
What to Look for When Buying a Skateboard Deck
When looking for a new skateboard deck you need to consider the type of wood, width, and concave. For a durable and long-lasting skateboard, look for a deck that is made from 7-ply North American Maple. If possible, get a deck that has a ply of carbon fiber or reinforced truck mounts.
The best skateboard deck width depends on your height, weight and shoe size. Here is a full guide on finding the best skateboard deck width.
Concave is measured as being mellow or steep. Mellow concave is more flat whereas steep concave adds more flare on the edges, nose and tail. Steep concave creates more leverage that can help with learning and mastering flip tricks.
Best Decks For Your Skateboard
All of the skateboard decks below are made from 7-ply North American Maple. Some use Resin7, a glue or adhesive increases the integrity of the skateboard design. Resin7 quite literally makes each bond stronger than if it were to be made with regular wood glues.
| Deck | Size | Purchase |
|---|---|---|
| Element Skateboards Section | 7.75 | Get it here on Amazon |
| Almost Stripes | 7.75 | Get it here on Thank Supply |
| Baker Brand Logo | 8.00 | Get it here on Amazon |
| Monarch Project Fountain Logo R7 | 8.00 | Get it here on Thank Supply |
| Santa Cruz Classic Dot | 8.25 | Get it here on Amazon |
| Almost Greener Super Sap R7 | 8.25 | Get it here on Thank Supply |
| Madness Stressed White | 8.375 | Get it here on Amazon |
| Monarch Project Synapse Logo R7 | 8.375 | Get it here on Thank Supply |
How to Care for a Skateboard Deck
Similar to Mogwai from Gremlins, you should not get your skateboard deck wet. Moisture can cause the deck to warp. A warped deck is more prone to chipping, razor tail, and snapping.
One of the best ways to prevent snapping your skateboard is by learning how to land on your skateboard properly. Land on the trucks. Right above the trucks is the most stable and durable spot on a skateboard.
How Much Do Skateboard Trucks Cost?
A decent set of skateboard trucks cost around $40 to $70 for the pair. The most important part though is making sure that they match up to the width of your board. Aside from that, just make sure your trucks are mad from quality materials.
What to Look for When Buying Skateboard Trucks
Trucks’ size will be completely dependent on the size of your skateboard. Let’s take a deeper dive into this before we discuss the best trucks for your board. They will vary slightly from brand to brand, but this is an amazing start.
The size of trucks that you need depend on the width of your skateboard. Trucks are either measured from axle nut to axle nut (mm) or by their hangar (in). It all depends on the company. The best trucks are made from stainless steel, titanium, or carbon fiber. The price is a bit higher but it is worth it.
Best Trucks For Your Skateboard
| Brand | Truck Size | Deck Width | Purchase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tensor Alloys | 5.00 | 7.75 | Get it here on Thank You Supply |
| Venture | 5.25 | 8.00 | Get it here on Amazon |
| Tensor Alloys | 5.25 | 8.00 | Get it here on Thank You Supply |
| Tensor Alloys | 5.50 | 8.25 | Get it here on Amazon |
| Tensor Mag Light | 5.50 | 8.25 | Get it here on Thank You Supply |
| Tensor Alloys | 5.50 | 8.375 | Get it here on Amazon |
| Tensor Mag Light | 5.50 | 8.375 | Get it here on Thank You Supply |
How to Care for Skateboard Trucks
Similar to a deck, you should try not to get skateboard trucks wet. If your trucks get wet pat them dry with a rag or towel as soon as possible. Water can cause your trucks to rust. Trucks can last a long time if they’re cared for properly.
If the bushings within the trucks begin to squeak, chip, or crumble, replace them. New bushings could make your trucks feel like new again. Minus the damage that has created your grind marks.
How Much Do Skateboard Wheels Cost?
Skateboard wheels cost between $20 and $45 for a set. You might be able to find them slightly cheaper or for a bit more money. However, if you need wheels, expect to pay in between $20 and $45 for a set.
What to Look for When Buying Skateboard Wheels
The best wheels for your skateboard depend on what you plan on doing with your board. It all depends on whether you want to ride downhill, street, or in skateparks.
Essentially, the softer the wheel the faster and more grip it can get on whatever surface you’re riding. However, hard wheels are much better for skateparks.
Best Wheels For Your Skateboard
| Brand | Diameter | Durometer | Conditions | Purchase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enjoi Spectrum | 62mm | 83A | Downhill | Get it here at Thank You Supply |
| Spitfire Formula Four | 52mm | 99A | Concrete/ Street | Get it here at Amazon |
| Enjoi Bodyslam | 51mm | N/A | Outdoor Skatepark | Get it here at Thank You Supply |
| Bone STF | 54mm | 99A | Indoor Skatepark | Get it here at Amazon |
How to Care for Skateboard Wheels
Skateboard wheels are quite durable. However, as the polyurethane ages and weathers, it can degrade. The best thing to do to care for your wheels is to wipe them off after they’ve gotten wet.
Aside from that, you will need to replace your wheels whenever they wear down too much or begin to get flat spots. You’ll notice flat spots a lot sooner if you powerslide and revert a lot. Both tricks can be pretty bad for causing flat spots.
Another thing to note is that softer wheels (with lower durometer) break, chip, and flat spot a lot sooner than hard wheels.
How Much Do Skateboard Bearings Cost?
Bearings will usually run you around $10 to $20, but you could also upgrade to Bones Super Swiss 6 Bearings if you’re willing to dish out about $65. However, I don’t suggest spending that much for beginners.
What to Look for When Buying Skateboard Bearings
Every kind of skateboard bearings will fit into any skateboard wheel. But it’s so important to get tried and trusted bearings such as Bones, Bronson’s, or Andale.
They have a unique design with six larger ball bearings that increase speed, acceleration, and strength. With many features, including a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects, they are worth the money. But other bearings are much cheaper.
Best Skateboard Bearings?
| Bearings | Purchase |
|---|---|
| Bones Reds | Get it on Amazon |
| Bones Swiss | Get it on Amazon |
| Bronson Speed Co G2 | Get it on Amazon |
| Bronson Speed Co G3 | Get it on Amazon |
| Andale No Hate We Skate Bearings | Get it at Thank You Supply |
| Andale Daewon Song Donut Wax Bearings | Get it at Thank You Supply |
How to Care for Skateboard Bearings?
The best way to care for your skateboard bearings is to clean and lubricate them. You can purchase a bearing cleaning and lubrication kit online or from your local skate shop.
How to Clean Skateboard Bearings
To clean your bearings, first, remove the dust cap from each bearing. Next, use a bearing cleaner or solvent to remove any dirt or grime from the bearings. Be sure to wash the bearings thoroughly in an alcohol-based solvent to remove any cleaner residue. Finally, dry the bearings with a clean cloth.
How to Lubricate Skateboard Bearings
Once your bearings are clean, it’s time to lubricate them. You can use a variety of lubricants, but we recommend using a high-quality skateboard bearing oil or grease. Apply a small amount of lubricant to each bearing, being careful not to over-lubricate. Once the bearings are lubricated, replace the dust caps.
Your skateboard bearings should now be clean and properly lubricated. By taking care of your bearings, you can extend their lifespan and keep your skateboard running smoothly.
Odd’s And Ends (Grip Tape and Hardware)
Grip tape is usually pretty standard pricing (around $10) unless you’re purchasing grip with patterns or designs on them. Whatever you do, just make sure you purchase a reliable brand like Grizzly, Jessup, MOB Grip, etc.
Suppose it’s a brand you know, perfect! If not, I suggest getting this Jessup grip tape. Same as grip tape, your hardware should always be bought from a trusted brand. I suggest Independent, Bones, Shorty’s, or Mini Logo. This Bones 7/8″ hardware is probably the best bang for your buck.
One last thing you might need is a skate tool. It’s the only tool that you really need when assembling your skateboard. In my opinion, buy a cheap one. This BONA skate tool is cheap and will do the trick.
Is It Cheaper To Build Or Buy Your Skateboard?
It’s almost always cheaper to buy a complete skateboard. And if you’re a beginner, I highly recommend that you purchase a professional-grade complete. Pre-assembled boards are cheaper and usually the better option for new skaters.
As you get better at the sport and discover what you like and dislike, it is much better to build your own board. Keep upgrading your board, and find out exactly what kinds of wheels, trucks, bushings, and bearings you like to ride on.
So if you already own a skateboard, check if your bearings, wheels, trucks, and bushings are in good condition. If they are, then you’ll only need to get a new deck and some grip tape. If you need a tutorial to learn how to put your new board together, go check out this article by Red Bull. They’ve done a great job at teaching how to assemble a skateboard.
Added Costs to Consider
There are some other potential costs to consider with skateboarding. Such as protective gear, skatepark entry fees, and shoes. Skateboarders tend to go through a lot of shoes once they start ollieing and doing flip tricks.
You will only ever need to buy one good helmet and pads if you’re lucky so make sure to get something that’s really good and fits well. Here are some of the best skateboard helmets, complete with certifications.
You also need to set aside some money to get into indoor skateparks (if you’re interested in that) and you may need to purchase shoes two to three times per year. The price to enter a skate park can be free or cost up to $10. Sometimes skate parks will create loyalty programs or memberships, so make sure to ask about that.
Tip of the day: If you shop at discount stores or buy during sales you might be able to get shoes for as cheap as $30.
Conclusion
In conclusion, you will need to purchase a deck, grip tape, hardware, and if necessary, a skate tool. You might also want to buy shoes, a helmet, and pads. The cost of these items can really add up if you’re not careful.
If you’re just starting out, I recommend that you purchase a complete board. It’s cheaper and you’ll be able to get started skating right away. Once you get more experience, you can start building your own boards piece by piece.
