Custom Skateboard Guide
How to build your own skateboard
Building a custom skateboard lets you choose every part of your setup. This guide explains what you need, how to match compatible components and how to assemble everything correctly.
What you need to build a skateboard
Skateboard deck
The wooden platform you stand on. Width is the most important measurement and should suit your shoe size and riding style.
Grip tape
The adhesive, sandpaper-like sheet applied to the top of the deck to give your shoes grip and control.
Two trucks
Trucks connect the wheels to the deck and control how the skateboard turns. Their axle width should match the deck.
Four wheels
Choose the diameter and hardness according to the surfaces you ride and the type of skating you want to do.
Eight bearings
Each wheel uses two bearings. Standard skateboard bearings fit inside standard skateboard wheels.
Mounting hardware
A set of eight bolts and nuts secures the trucks to the deck. Longer hardware is needed when using riser pads.
Optional parts and tools
- Riser pads: Create additional clearance between larger wheels and the deck.
- Bearing spacers: Sit between the two bearings inside each wheel and can help keep them aligned.
- Speed rings: Small washers fitted on either side of each wheel bearing.
- Skate tool: Combines the common sockets and driver needed to assemble and adjust a skateboard.
- Grip-tape file and blade: Used to shape grip tape around the deck. Cutting grip tape involves a sharp blade and should be done carefully by a responsible adult.
Step 1: Choose your deck width
Deck width affects stability, weight and how quickly the board flips. Narrower decks are usually lighter and more responsive. Wider decks provide more standing and landing space.
| Deck width | Typical use | How it feels |
|---|---|---|
| 7.5–8.0″ | Technical street skating | Light and quick to flip |
| 8.0–8.25″ | Street, park and learning | Balanced all-round choice |
| 8.25–8.5″ | Street, park and transition | Stable with extra landing room |
| 8.5–9.0″+ | Bowls, ramps, cruising and shaped decks | Wide, stable and comfortable |
Most adults buying their first custom skateboard will be comfortable starting with an 8.0–8.25 inch deck.
Step 2: Match your trucks to the deck
Truck axle width should sit roughly flush with the edges of the deck. Trucks that are much narrower or wider may affect stability and wheel position.
| Deck width | Suggested axle width | Setup type |
|---|---|---|
| 7.5–7.875″ | Approximately 7.6–8.0″ | Narrow street setup |
| 8.0–8.25″ | Approximately 8.0–8.25″ | All-round setup |
| 8.25–8.5″ | Approximately 8.25–8.5″ | Street and transition |
| 8.5–9.0″ | Approximately 8.5–9.0″ | Bowl, ramp or cruiser setup |
Truck size labels vary between manufacturers. Always check the actual axle-width measurement on the product page.
Step 3: Choose your wheels
Wheel diameter determines how quickly the skateboard accelerates and how well it maintains speed. Hardness determines grip, comfort and how easily the wheels slide.
| Skating style | Wheel size | Wheel hardness |
|---|---|---|
| Technical street | 50–54 mm | 97A–101A+ |
| Street and park | 52–55 mm | 97A–101A |
| Bowls and transition | 54–58 mm | 97A–101A+ |
| Rough street spots | 54–58 mm | 87A–97A |
| Cruising | 56–65 mm | 78A–90A |
For a balanced street and park setup, 53–54 mm wheels around 97A–101A are a dependable starting point.
Step 4: Check wheel clearance
49–54 mm wheels
Suitable for most standard street setups. Riser pads are not normally required.
55–57 mm wheels
Mid or high trucks provide more clearance. Risers may help if you prefer loose trucks or deep turns.
58 mm+ wheels
High trucks or riser pads are often recommended to reduce the risk of wheel bite.
Step 5: Choose your bearings
A skateboard requires eight bearings—two inside each wheel. Standard skateboard bearings fit standard skateboard wheels and truck axles, so choosing bearings is mostly about construction, protection and maintenance.
Steel bearings
The usual choice for skateboarding. They offer a good balance of performance, durability and value.
Ceramic bearings
A premium option designed to reduce friction and resist corrosion, although they are considerably more expensive.
Removable shields
Make bearings easier to clean and lubricate, helping extend their useful life.
Step 6: Select grip tape and hardware
Grip tape
Choose a sheet that is wider and longer than your deck. Standard black grip provides dependable traction, while printed and transparent options let you customise the appearance.
Mounting hardware
Standard setups without risers usually use 7/8-inch or 1-inch bolts. Riser pads require longer bolts.
| Setup | Typical bolt length |
|---|---|
| No riser pads | 7/8″–1″ |
| 1/8″ riser pads | 1″–1 1/8″ |
| 1/4″ riser pads | Approximately 1 1/4″ |
| 1/2″ riser pads | Approximately 1 1/2″ |
Recommended custom setups
Technical street
Light and responsive
- 7.75–8.25″ deck
- Matching low or mid trucks
- 50–54 mm wheels
- 97A–101A+ hardness
All-round
Balanced and versatile
- 8.0–8.5″ deck
- Matching mid-height trucks
- 53–56 mm wheels
- 95A–101A hardness
Park and bowl
Fast and stable
- 8.25–9.0″ deck
- Matching mid or high trucks
- 54–58 mm wheels
- 97A–101A+ hardness
Cruiser
Smooth and comfortable
- 8.25–9.5″ deck
- Matching mid or high trucks
- 56–65 mm wheels
- 78A–90A hardness
- Riser pads where required
How to assemble your skateboard
Apply the grip tape
Centre the grip above the deck, remove the backing and press it down gradually from the middle towards the edges to reduce air bubbles.
Shape the grip tape
File around the deck edge and carefully trim away the excess. A sharp blade is required, so ask a responsible adult or skate shop for help when necessary.
Attach the trucks
Push the mounting bolts through the deck and grip tape. Position both kingpins towards the centre of the deck, then tighten the nuts evenly.
Install the bearings
Press one bearing into each side of every wheel. Install bearing spacers between the bearings if your setup uses them.
Fit the wheels
Place the wheels onto the axles with speed rings where supplied. Tighten each axle nut, then loosen it slightly so the wheel spins freely without excessive side-to-side movement.
Perform a final check
Confirm every nut is secure, both trucks face inwards, the wheels spin freely and there is enough clearance between the wheels and deck.
Custom skateboard checklist
- One skateboard deck
- One sheet of grip tape
- One pair of correctly sized trucks
- One set of four wheels
- One set of eight bearings
- One set of eight mounting bolts and nuts
- Riser pads and longer hardware if required
- A skate tool or suitable assembly tools
Custom skateboard FAQs
Is it better to build a skateboard or buy a complete?
A complete skateboard is convenient and often more affordable for beginners. A custom skateboard gives you greater control over component quality, dimensions and performance. Both are good options when correctly sized.
Do all skateboard parts fit together?
Most standard skateboard components use common mounting and bearing dimensions, but truck width, wheel clearance and hardware length must still be checked. Longboard, surfskate and specialist components may use different dimensions.
How much should a custom skateboard cost?
The total depends on the brands, materials and performance level selected. Trucks are usually the longest-lasting major component, while decks and wheels wear more quickly and may need replacing sooner.
Are trucks sold individually or as a pair?
Many trucks are sold as a pair, but some product listings are priced for a single truck. Check the product description carefully before placing your order.
Do wheels include bearings?
Bearings are normally sold separately unless the product description states otherwise. You need eight bearings for a complete skateboard.
Do decks include grip tape?
This varies between shops and products. Some decks include standard grip tape or an application service, while others require grip to be purchased separately.
How tight should the trucks be?
Truck tightness is personal. Beginners often prefer a stable medium setting. Make small adjustments to each kingpin nut and avoid tightening so far that the bushings become crushed.
What should I upgrade first?
Replace parts based on condition and performance. Fresh bearings can improve a slow setup, different wheels can transform how the board handles local ground, and quality trucks can remain part of your setup through several replacement decks.