How Long Does A Skateboard Last? (Explained)

A skateboard can break within the first session and it can last you many years. The main factors that play into the lifespan of a skateboard include how aggressive you are, how often you skateboard, how advanced the tricks you’re doing are, and how well you take care of your skateboard. The life of a skateboard depends more on you than the skateboard, itself.

If you want to preserve the life of your skateboard you should be careful with it. Do not leave your skateboard out in the rain and make sure to clean and oil your bearings. You should also find out when it’s time to replace your deck, bearings, wheels, trucks, and bushings.

How Long Does A Skateboard Last?

A skateboard can last as long as its individual components. However, whenever one of those components breaks or starts compromising the integrity of your skateboard you can swap them out for new ones. For instance, if your bearings are slowing down or have a bad bearing, all you need to do is replace your bearings with new ones to make your skateboard feel like new again. That is true for nearly all parts of your skateboard.

How Long Does A Skateboard Deck Last?

A skateboard deck can last for years or it can last for a few hours. It all depends on your level of skateboarding, how you land on the deck, how often you skateboard, or simply if the deck is a dud.

A skateboard deck will usually last from three to six months for a skater dedicated to learning new skills. However, if they’re taken care of and you don’t abuse them too much, they can last for years. Some decks, on the other hand, can break within your first session.

Your best bet is to go with a deck brand that guarantees its product. Many brands of skateboard decks come with a 30-day guarantee, if the deck breaks within 30 days you get a brand new deck. Whenever you buy a skateboard go for a deck that has a 30-day guarantee.

Do Skateboards Break Easily?

It is normal to break skateboards. If you or your child is breaking a skateboard after a few months, that’s quite typical as long as you’re attempting to land ollies or flip tricks. However, if you’re just cruising around or using the skateboard as transport, it can last decades if it’s treated properly.

To make your skateboard last as long as possible, do not let it get wet or leave it in a humid environment. When you’re not using it be sure to store your skateboard in a cool and dry place. And if you’re planning on taking a break from skating for an extended period, disassemble your skateboard and store the parts in a cool and dry place as well.

With that said, if you’re looking for a durable skateboard that can withstand some serious abuse then you’ll want to go with a brand like Girl or Powell-Peralta. These brands make high-quality decks that are built to last.

When Should I Replace My Deck?

The obvious sign that you should replace your deck is when you’ve snapped it in half. How else would you know when to replace a skateboard deck? If your deck has a razor tail or is getting bad enough stress fractures at the truck mounts, it’s time to replace your board. That being said, if you don’t have the money to replace it immediately, ride it until it’s no longer rideable or you have the funds for a new deck.

How Long Do Skateboard Bearings Last?

How long skateboard bearings last depends on the quality of bearings you got, how often you clean them, how often you lubricate them, and how aggressive you are with them. That being said, it’s normal to go through bearings every couple of months or years.

Experienced and dedicated skaters, on the other hand, may need a new set of bearings every couple of months. Even then, they’ll need to be properly cleaning and lubricating their skateboard bearings to get the best life out of them.

To extend the life of your skateboard bearings, make sure to clean them regularly and lubricate them with bearing oil. And if you ever hear your bearings making noise, that’s a sign that they need to be replaced.

When Should I Replace My Bearings?

If you skate occasionally, you may usually get by with replacing your bearings every few years. Professional or dedicated skaters, on the other hand, might need to replace them every couple of weeks or months.

How Long Do Skateboard Wheels Last?

Skateboard wheels are made from polyurethane which degrades over time but slides like butter in its prime. Polyurethane wheels have been the best skateboard wheels since the early 1970s, and have remained the only skateboard wheel to use since then.

Skateboard wheels should last six months to multiple years. However, they lose their integrity if they get worn too thin or if they get flat spots.

When Should I Replace My Wheels?

It’s time to replace your skateboard wheels once they have prominent flat spots or when the polyurethane has deteriorated too much. You may also need to replace your wheels if they are so old that they have started to crumble. That usually only happens with wheels made from poor polyurethane. Either way, you should inspect your skateboard wheels every six months to see if it’s time to replace them.

How Long Do Skateboard Trucks Last?

Skateboard trucks are the most durable component of a skateboard. However, the more you attempt certain grinds, the more you’ll be replacing them. Essentially, any grind that involves the trucks grinding on the rail will cause damage to the trucks.

Steel trucks are much more durable than aluminum trucks and they will last much longer. If you’re not grinding much your steel trucks will last forever. However, if you do grind, you should look at replacing your trucks every 2 to 3 years or whenever they’re starting to look worn down.

Aluminum trucks, on the other hand, should only be used for transportation. They’re very light and not nearly as durable as the steel rails that you would be grinding on. If you grind with aluminum trucks you may need to replace them within 6 months to a year.

When Should I Replace My Trucks?

If you’re a street skater and do a lot of grinding, you should replace your trucks every 2 to 3 years. If you’re an aggressive skater that does big airs and lots of tricks, you may need to replace them yearly. For casual skating, your trucks could last 5 years or more. Just check them periodically to make sure they’re not getting too worn down.

How Long Do Skateboard Bushings Last?

Skateboard bushings are made from the same polyurethane that the wheels are made from. And just like the wheels, they will eventually begin to break apart or break down and need to be replaced. However, how long that takes depends on how often you skate and what types of skateboarding you do.

If you’re noticing issues with your trucks feeling loose, it’s probably time to look into new bushings. Bushings will cost $5 to $10, whereas new trucks can cost up to 10 times that. Still, new bushings are always the way to go unless the trucks have significant damage to them caused by grinding.

When Should I Replace My Bushings?

If your skateboard bushings are hard and crumbly or look like they’re starting to deteriorate, switch them out for new ones as soon as possible. New bushings can make your trucks feel brand new once you work them in. That being said, you should probably be replacing your bushings every six months to two years. If your bushings are over two years old, switch them out now to enjoy a smoother ride.

Conclusion

Skateboards are made up of many different parts, all of which have different lifespans. The lifespan of your skateboard will depend on how often you ride, what type of skating you do, and how well you take care of your board.

In general, though, you can expect a decent skateboard to last anywhere from six months to multiple years. With proper care and maintenance, some skateboards have been known to last over 10 years!

A skateboard is a lifetime investment. With the proper care, your skateboard can easily last for 10 years or more. The key is to inspect your board regularly and replace any worn parts as soon as possible. By doing so, you’ll be able to enjoy your skateboard for many years to come!