Capsule Skateboard Deck - the best skateboard decks

13 Best Skateboard Decks in 2025

Written by Chris K

Looking for the best skateboard decks for your style of riding? Or are you a beginner and aren’t sure where to start?

Whether you are buying a new skateboard deck for a kid or an adult to a beginner looking to start skateboarding or what board suits a heavier rider best – I can help you pick the right deck for your needs.

Getting the perfect skateboard deck is one of the most important parts of skateboarding. The type of deck you buy will really matter if you want to do trick skateboarding or street skateboarding.

Let me take the confusion out of picking the top skateboard decks that offer comfort, balance, support and everything else involved in buying the best skateboard decks.

Capsule Skateboard Deck - the best skateboard decks
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The 13 Best Skateboard Decks

Capsule Skateboards Skateboard Deck

Capsule Skateboards | Space Cat Complete | 8" x 31"
  • Designed for Beginners with Optimal Flex and Indestructible Build Quality
  • IMPACT-ABSORBING FLEX | Specifically manufactured for beginners and children of weight between 20-50kgs (44-110lbs). This flex is designed to be more forgiving and impact-absorbing compared to other wooden skateboards. This makes them the go-to choice for entering the world of skateboarding. | FLEX 1.0
  • TOP-QUALITY MATERIALS | Constructed with materials that make it the MOST INDESTRUCTIBLE skateboard in the world. Made with materials that you can trust.
  • EXPRESSIVE DESIGN | Channel your individuality and personal taste with our unique deck artwork and designs.
  • SPECS | 8′′ width (20.32cm) This size is intended for riders with shoe sizes 40 and up. It depends on how much stability you want or how fast you want to flip the board (narrower = faster)

If you are looking for an indestructible skateboard deck, you need to get a Capsule Skateboards Skateboard deck. It can handle a lot of abuse and is not prone to chips or cracks, making it one of the best skateboard decks for beginners.

This deck is 8” x31” and can be purchased as a complete skateboard, including waterproof grip tape, aluminum trucks, water-resistant wheels and ABEC 9 bearings.

However, if you want to make this skateboard truly waterproof, I recommend pairing them with the practically waterproof zealous bearings.

What makes this one of the best skateboard decks on the market? They are long-lasting and have fantastic performance for trick skating. I slid faster, and the deck has the highest pop on any deck I’ve ridden. Also, it is not prone to razor tail, and the pop lasts a lot longer than on standard wooden decks.

This deck felt a bit heavy when I first held it, but it is incredibly agile and feels light to ride. In addition, it has maximum impact absorption, which saved my knees from getting sore after riding.

Capsule Skateboard Decks are unbreakable!

Capsule Skateboard’s deck is the perfect deck for trick skating. It slides so much faster than other decks I’ve tried. In addition, the board is super slippery, so if you forget to wax ledges and rails before slides, it’s not a big deal.

Capsule Skateboard decks are made with compostable recyclable materials rather than Canadian maple. This means the decks can be recycled into new boards repeatedly.

Hence, it’s a great company as it helps support the environmental issues raised by standard wooden decks. In addition, the deck is super durable and lasts six times as long as standard decks.

If you want a lasting pop, I recommend getting a deck from Capsule Skateboards. Whether you have been riding for years or want to learn how to ollie, kickflip or do shove-its, this is the deck for you.

After some seriously heavy riding, I have not broken this deck yet, but if you want to see how indestructible it truly is, you should watch Braille Skateboards destroy this board after a ton of abuse. 

Capsule Skateboards has the best skateboard decks for riding in the rain.

While I don’t recommend getting your skateboard intentionally wet, it’s not an issue with the flight deck. It is entirely waterproof and resistant to all kinds of weather. I haven’t left it in a hot car, but I have left it outside in colder weather, and it performs just as well as it did when I first started to ride it.

The deck I am currently linking is designed for a maximum weight of 110lbs, which means that it is one of the best skateboard decks for children.

There is a slight break-in period, which you should get out during your first session. The deck will feel better once you break it in than any other deck you’ve ridden.

Disclaimer: I was gifted this deck by Capsule Skateboards. They did not ask me to review their product, nor is this review sponsored. However, my views are unbiased, honest, and my own. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me on the contact page.

What We Like

  • Durable – Will last a very long time
  • Very poppy
  • Perfect for slides
  • It doesn’t chip, crack or get razor tail
  • Great for beginners and kids
  • Waterproof
  • Made from recycled material

What We Don’t Like

  • None

Powell-Peralta Skateboard Decks

The Powell-Peralta Flight Deck is an indestructible skate deck. If you are tired of breaking your boards, you should invest in the Powell-Peralta Flight Deck. The deck is long-lasting, and if you ride it normally, it will last forever.

The mellow concave board is made with 5-ply maple wood and 2-ply carbon fiber. As a result, the deck is thin, feels light, and super tough.

There is one carbon fiber layer between the bottom two wood plies and one carbon fiber layer on the top of the board. A reinforced layer is also around the trucks to prevent pressure cracks or the board breaking.

The lower layer of carbon fiber prevents the deck from cracking. In addition, it adds tensile strength, which allows the wood to flex due and prevents it from breaking.

The Powell-Peralta Flight Deck is super thin compared to the traditional boards.

Standard decks have a 7-ply layer versus the 5-ply on the Flight Deck.

One issue is that due to the thinness of the deck, you may get razor tail faster. If this happens, sand down the edge. This will help make the deck crisper.

The Flight Deck is a medium concave board, but I have noticed that the deck feels slightly soggy compared to other boards when brand new. Unlike other boards, they don’t feel stiff, but it is still a crisp and nice feeling.

Due to the board’s flex, it will take some time to get used to, but you will get used to it as you ride, and the board doesn’t get soggy – it stays consistent.

There is a slight taper on the nose compared to a traditional board, and you can feel the outside edges flex a bit when you ride. However, the Flight Deck works excellent on lower ledges due to a more mellow nose and tail.

This board is excellent for people who break decks and many who want long-lasting decks. It Will take time to get used to riding the deck’s shape, but you will get used to it.

The grip tape wears out way before the board on the flight decks. Just make sure you warm up the grip before taking it off to regrip it.

You will want this board if you do tons of lipslides on flat bars and rails.

The Flight Deck is solid and sturdy. It is similar to a downhill longboard with how much concave it has. In addition, the Flight Deck has a longer wheelbase making it more stable.

If you get the complete skateboard, know that the trucks, bearings, and wheels are well built. The deck has an awesome grip and rides amazing on smooth concrete, and you will have to push harder on a rougher surface.

One complaint is the bushings on the prebuilt aren’t great. However, they are really soft, so pick up a pair of Bones bushings.

  • Complete board Deck Size: 7.5″ x 31.38”
  • Flight Deck Size: 8.25″ x 31.95″

What We Like

  • Very durable
  • It doesn’t snap in half
  • Great for kids & adults (age 8+ at least due to size)
  • Great for heavy riders
  • Stiff
  • Great pop
  • Great for beginner riders
  • Super crispy
  • Amazing rebound and snap

What We Don’t Like

  • Easy to chip edges
  • Layers may start to come apart if the deck is chipped.
  • Wheels are hard and loud, and you will feel all the road vibrations.

Bamboo Skateboards Graphic Decks

Bamboo Skateboards Can't Skate Graphic Skateboard Deck, 7.75" x 31.5"
  • Bamboo skateboard decks are made from the highest quality bamboo resulting in longer lasting durability and performance
  • Built with 6 ply bamboo and maple wood which improves the board sustainability to become an ideal deck for any skill level
  • Affordable pro skateboard deck with a reverse psychology design and heavy duty build so riders can get the most pop while skating in style
  • Deep concave deck for premium control while riding, doing tricks, and taking hard turns that most decks can not handle
  • Comes in multiple sizes for all levels 7.75" x 31.5", 8" x 31.75", and 8.25" x 32"

Instead of the traditional Canadian maple, the Bamboo Skateboards are built with bamboo!

So, for the more environmentally friendly deck, pick Bamboo. The board is still made with 2 layers of bamboo and 4 layers of Canadian Maple – making it lighter than a full maple deck.

The Bamboo Decks have a short wheelbase, a medium concave and steep nose and tail, which pair well with venture lows trucks. It’s softer on your foot but has a big kick to get pop.

Bamboo may cause pressure cracks, have a dull feeling when you ride and isn’t as stiff as a full maple deck.

The shape of the deck might take a bit longer to get used to. The Bamboo Skateboard Decks seem a bit longer and more concave than normal decks.

You can feel the concave on the board; the nose and tail look similar, so maybe get grip tape to show you the tail.

Bamboo is more durable than maple ply decks.

The tail is pretty pointy, great for scooping, and the nose is steep and rounded.

The bamboo layers help make this board more durable than the maple ply. It is more flexible than a classic skate deck but with a little bit less pop but still great pop.

Available in multiple sizes for all levels 7.75″ x 31.5″, 8″ x 31.75″, and 8.25″ x 32″

Built with 6-ply bamboo and maple wood

Deep concave deck for premium control while riding, doing tricks, and taking hard turns that most decks cannot handle.

Keep yourself safe and pick up a set of the best skateboard pads.

What We Like

  • Lightweight
  • Great pop
  • Affordable
  • Durable
  • Snappy
  • It feels less fragile to land on than maple
  • Awesome designs

What We Don’t Like

  • The bamboo will scrape if you board ride on anything rough
  • Great for heavy riders
  • Weird shape
  • Longer than normal boards
  • Not suitable for wet conditions – it will get waterlogged and fracture

Enjoi Skateboard Decks

Enjoi Skateboard Decks are high-quality boards at a low price. The deck wears down evenly, feels lightweight, and is easy to maneuver.

With a steeper nose, mellow tail and decent mid-concave, the Enjoi Skateboard deck has tons of pop.

It feels great and makes skateboarding fun again. It feels similar to the old flip boards.

The deck is the perfect shape to ride at the skate park and is an excellent board for flip tricks.

The only downside is that you will lose pop fast due to the popsicle shape. Also, it will wear out faster than big shape boards. However, the popsicle shape is perfect for beginners.

Enjoy Skateboard decks are made of 7 ply hard rock maple. They are glued with epoxy resin rather than the standard PVA glues, so the board is stronger and holds together better than an average deck.

 Deck Size: 8 inches wide and 31.75 inches long

What We Like

  • Great for beginners
  • Amazing for tricks
  • Perfect skatepark deck
  • Great pop
  • Versatile
  • Strong

What We Don’t Like

  • Grip tape not included
  • It May break easily if landing on the tail a lot
  • Popsicle shape means you lose pop fast

Baker Brand Logo Deck

Baker Skateboard Complete Brand Logo White 8.25"
  • 8.25"
  • Core Trucks
  • 52mm TGM Wheels
  • Amphetamine Abec 5 Bearings
  • Black Diamond Griptape

The Baker Brand Skateboard deck is made from a 7-ply maple wood veneer press and comes in multiple sizes.

This skate deck has a mellow concave and a nice classic shape. If you find your feet get sore after skating, the Baker board’s classic shape will put an end to that.

Baker Brand Skateboard decks have a crisp pop and are super responsive, especially when paired with thunder trucks.

Baker Brand Skateboard decks are slightly wider than most skateboard decks, so you will love this board if you are a rider with larger feet.

You can do tons of tricks, like tre flips, without wearing down the board quickly.

Some people have easily had issues with the Baker board pressure cracking and chipping. However, I have slammed into a curb and walls, and the board has never chipped.

Baker Brand skateboard decks are pretty durable for those who skate heavily. However, if you find you are getting pressure cracks, your trucks might be screwed too tight to the board.

Skateboard decks make great gifts for skateboarders. I highly recommend gifting your favorite skater a Baker skateboard deck.

Deck Size – 8.25″ Width

What We Like

  • Durable
  • Great for heavy riders
  • Affordable
  • Wider board for larger feet
  • Great for beginners
  • Stiff
  • Long-lasting pop

What We Don’t Like

  • Paint chips off easily
  • It doesn’t come with grip tape

Santa Cruz Skateboard Deck Screaming Hand

Sale
SANTA CRUZ 8.6" x 31.95" Skateboard Deck - Screaming Hand, Black
  • Standard Popsicle Shape
  • Skateboard width: 8.60 inches
  • Board length: 31.95 inches
  • 7 ply construction

The Santa Cruz Screaming Hand Skateboard deck is a boat-shaped deck with a 14.25” wheelbase. The tail is 6.6” long, and the nose is 6.9”. The boat shape is super responsive when turning.

The deck comprises 7 ply North American Maple boards and comes with a medium concave.

The board is made for street skating so that you will rip down the streets like a pro.

You can easily take this board to the skate park and do tons of tricks and transitions.

The Santa Cruz Screaming Deck has a tapered nose. The kick on the nose and tail is a bit steeper than Creature Skateboard Decks, and it has great pop.

Deck Size: 8.6″ x 31.95″

What We Like

  • Inexpensive
  • Great pop
  • Made for Street Skating
  • Great graphics

What We Don’t Like

  • Nothing

Creature Skateboard Deck

CREATURE Skateboard Deck Logo Stumps Green 8.51" x 31.88"
  • Creatures of Leisure is premium surf Legropes, Boardbags, Tailpads, Fins and Travel accessories. Our rich history in surf accessories spans over 25 years.

Creature boards have a huge square tail with a large pointed tail. It has a ton of pop and steep concave, similar to Alien Workshop boards.

The deck is durable and heavy but great for flip tricks with the deep concave.

Creature boards are solid and are great for skatepark skating. With so much superb pop, you can easily ollie up onto higher ledges with no problems.

Creature Boards has the same distributor as Santa Cruz skateboards. The board is super responsive and flips well.

You can do street riding, but the deck is better for a skatepark than the street.

Creature Skateboard decks have a low tail, making it easier to flip and making flip tricks snappier.

The tail is short, which makes a faster pop. This board favors responsiveness over power. Expect a super crispy and snappy pop.

Creature skate decks have the best shapes. The amount of concave will make flip tricks a lot easier.

If you like blind or toy machine, boards with a mellower concave avoid the Creature boards. Mark Gonzales, one of the most influential skaters of all time, rides Blind Skateboards.

If you like a steep concave, you will love Creature Skateboard decks.

What blew me away about Creature boards is the design on the board. They are vibrant and have sick designs.

 Deck Size: 8.51” x31.88” with a 14.25” Wheelbase

What We Like

  • Super strong board
  • Responsive
  • Great pop
  • Incredible designs
  • Durable
  • Constructed very well

What We Don’t Like

  • Heavy
  • It will get soggy, and the pop will disappear if you ride daily

Element Section Black 7.75

Element Section #9 Skateboard Deck
  • Size 7.75" X 31.25"
  • Nose 6.875"
  • Tail - 6.25"
  • Wheel Base 14"
  • Thriftwood Construction

You might know Element boards if you are a big fan of pro skater Bam Margera. The Element Section Skateboard deck is made for intermediate skateboarders.

The deck has a super pointy nose and a very short tail, which is amazing for hard flips.

The Element is super poppy and receptive if you plan on doing many front-side flips, 360 flips, and backside flips.

The deck is light, snappy and crispy. It doesn’t feel soggy but softens up a bit after riding. I found that the Element deck doesn’t razor tail, and the pop stays strong.

This deck isn’t great for doing long slides as it’s just not possible with the pointy tail. Also, I found it hard to square up heel flip tricks with the super pointy nose and tail.

  • Deck Size: 7.75” x 31.25”
  • Nose: 6.875”
  • Tail: 6.25”
  • Wheel Base: 14”

What We Like

  • Light and snappy
  • Super Crisp deck
  • Durable
  • Strong boards
  • Pointy Nose and Tail is great for hard flips.

What We Don’t Like

  • Not good for long slides
  • Not suitable for beginners

Moose Blank Skateboard Deck

Moose Skateboard Decks are a great starter board. The board is made with 7 ply Canadian Maple wood.

Moose skate decks have good pop, great kick and a modern concave with a good flex to prevent the board from snapping.

The blank deck comes in multiple sizes, so you will find the right size for you if you are an adult or a child.

If you are starting and want an inexpensive deck to start, you need to pick up a Moose Skateboard Deck.

The board is prone to an intense razor tail and will crack if you do too many harder skating tricks – not the best board for advanced skaters.

One issue is that Moose Skateboard decks aren’t very durable and will break under intense use.

It is a great board for those looking to do more cruising and learn how to skate.

If you are looking for the best skateboard decks without breaking the bank for beginner riders or seeing if skateboarding is for you – start with a Moose Skateboard Deck.

I would pick a different deck if you are an experienced rider or want something a bit longer-lasting.

Many people use these decks as an art project to hang due to the blank canvas, making it a customizable skateboard deck.

If you are looking for a cruiser, I recommend checking out the post about the best skateboard wheels for cruising.

Deck Size: Ranging from 7.0” to 8.75” Modern Concave

What We Like

  • Good beginner board
  • Very affordable
  • Customizable

What We Don’t Like

  • Painted chips and scratches off easily
  • Heavier board
  • Pop wears out quickly
  • The board is sometimes warped upon shipping

Cal 7 Blank Skateboard Deck 

Cal 7 Blank Skateboard Deck with Grip Tape | 7.75, 8.0 and 8.25 Inch | Maple Board for Skating (7.75 inch, Black)
  • VARIOUS SIZES — Available in 7.75 inch, 8.0 inch, 8.25 inch, and 8.5 inch decks.
  • VARIOUS SIZES — Available in 7.75 inch, 8.0 inch, 8.25 inch, and 8.5 inch decks.
  • GRIP TAPE INCLUDED — Includes separate grip tape for manual application.
  • DURABLE — 7 layers of Chinese maple wood stands up to hardcore wear and tear.
  • NATURAL WOOD — Comes in 5 different color options that still show the natural grain of the maple.

If you are looking for another inexpensive, high-quality blank deck, the Cal 7 should be your choice. Cal 7 provides quality skateboards for affordable prices.

The Cal 7 is made with 7-ply Chinese maple wood layers, a medium concave popsicle shape board, and comes with grip tape.

Cal 7 Skateboard decks don’t stay as crispy and poppy as other boards, but it is an excellent replacement deck. It is sturdy, has great pop for the first few weeks and has a nice medium concave for comfort.

It is perfect for cruising and getting comfortable with riding a skateboard.

The CCS Skateboard Decks is another great deck that is low in price and rides similar to the Cal 7.

You can get a complete, fully assembled deck, which also comes with skateboard tools and stickers or just the deck alone. This is the perfect deck to add when picking a deck at reasonable skateboard prices.

  • Deck Size: 7.00″ – 8.50″ width and 27.75″ length
  • Classic Symmetrical Shape

What We Like

  • Affordable
  • Customizable
  • It comes in a large variety of colors
  • Perfect for beginners
  • It comes with grip tape

What We Don’t Like

  • Heavy
  • Not long-lasting

Ice Dragon Canadian Maple Skateboard Deck

An Amazon made board making the best skateboard decks list? Yep! The Ice Dragon Canadian Maple Skateboard Deck is actually incredibly decent.

The Ice Dragon is made with 7 ply Canadian Maple Wood. It has a mellow concave twin nose board that is stiff with great pockets.

The board is super strong and is perfect for heavy riders with a max limit of 280lbs.

It may take some time to get used to the double nose board, but overall it offers a smooth ride, is super affordable and great for learning tricks.

The Ice Dragon is 8” in width and 31” in length.

If you are looking for another great inexpensive skateboard deck, I highly recommend checking out Blank Decks Warning Skateboard decks.

  • Deck Size: 8.0” by 31”
  • Shape: Twin nose and medium concave skateboard deck
  • Weight Limit: 280lbs

What We Like

  • Strong board
  • Super stiff
  • Great for beginners
  • Good for heavy riders
  • Very affordable

What We Don’t Like

  • It doesn’t come with grip tape
  • Not name brand

Toy Machine Skateboard Monster FACE 8.0”

Toy Machine Skateboard Complete Monster FACE 8.0"
  • The Toy Machine Monster Face deck is constructed with 7-plys of Canadian Maple. This board measures 8.0". The board features a mellow concave which offers a comfortable and consistent ride while making for buttery snaps.
  • Core trucks are light weight and feature heavy duty aluminum with grade 8 steel kingpins and axles, as well as USA made bushings and pivot cups.
  • 52mm 99A are the perfect wheels for both street and park skating
  • Like the name states, Amphetamine bearings are stimulants for your wheels! Light synthetic oil, Delrin Crowns, and Rubber Serviceable Shields are a few of the things that makes these bearings one of the best Abec 5 rated bearings on the market.
  • Arrives un-assembled which allows for customization and a feeling of accomplishment. Skaters love building their boards! Easy to assemble!

Toy Machine is known for having a very mellow concave, which means it is a flat board. Made out of Canadian Maple, the Monster board is 7-ply.

Toy Machine decks are durable, sturdy and ride like a dream on smooth ground. The deck feels springy and gets poppy but not the same as what you would expect with a stiffer deck.

Toy Machine decks are all different shapes, but many boards have short and small tails, which isn’t great for foot placement. In addition, it can be a bit tricky to learn and has a broken-in feel, so it will take some time to learn to ride it.

These boards are great for cruising, but it is prone to razor tail if you use them for too many tricks. However, the board is great for low ledges as the board’s front and back feel light due to how flat it is.

The Toy Machine Skateboard decks are super strong and sturdy, do not chip easily and are great boards for skating transition and gaps.

Toy Machine is one of the best skateboard brands out there.

  • Deck Size: 8.0”
  • Mellow Concave

What We Like

  • Sturdy
  • Great for transitions

What We Don’t Like

  • The nose and tail flatten out quickly
  • It gets soggy at about four weeks
best skateboard decks

What is a Skateboard Deck?

The skateboard deck is the flat board you stand on when you skateboard.

It can be sorted into a few different categories, such as a shortboard is perfect for street and vert skating, whereas a cruiser is made for cruising the streets.

The size, shape, and concave of a board are also significant when choosing the best skateboard decks for you.

How to Choose a Skateboard Deck

When picking the best skateboard deck for you, your body size and weight are important when deciding the board’s best length, width, and shape and what will work best for you.

If you are looking at trying an e-skateboard, you should check out the best electric skateboards under 500 first.

Width

The width is the dimension of your skateboard from one side to the other. The best way to pick the correct width is based on your shoe size and the skating style you are looking to do.

Skate Deluxe made this table of shoe size to skateboard width to help you pick the right size of skateboard deck for you.

Shoe SizeDeck Width
US 7 (EU 40 & UK 6)7.875” to 8.125”
US 9 (EU 42.5 & UK 8)8.00” to 8.375”
US 10 (EU 44 & UK 9)8.125” to 8.5”
US 12 (EU 46 to UK 11)8.375” to 8.625”

Depending on the riding style you want to do, you will want to make some adjustments to the board width.

Wider boards are faster because you will have wider trucks, which are more stable at higher speeds.

Wider boards are a bit heavier, so you may feel it when you do flip tricks.

This will give you very safe catches and landings, perfect for transitions and gaps.

The thinner boards are best for flippy rotations, but it is harder to land and don’t provide good speed.

Get a thinner board if you are looking at more technical skating like taking curbs, wheelings and flat ground riding.

The most popular width size for skateboarders is 8.00.”

If you are looking to get new skate shoes or a new backpack, check out the post about the best cheap skate shoes and the best skateboard backpack here.

Length

A skateboard’s length is taken from the nose to the tail and averages around 28” up to 32.5”. Therefore, picking the correct length of a board is determined by your height.

The length of your board determines how stable it is. A longer board is harder to do tricks on but a lot more stable and easier to balance.

When looking for the right length, you should be able to spread your legs wide enough to stand on the wheelbase to remain balanced while standing on your skateboard.

The wheelbase is measured between the two first holes of your skateboard. Of course, this really is up to personal preference, but here is a guide that can help you decide what length to get based on your height.

Body HeightDeck Length
<140cm28” -30.5”
<150cm30.5” -31.5”
150-175cm31.5” – 31.875”
160-185cm31.75” -32.00”
170-195cm31.875” -32.25”
180-210cm32” – 32.5”
>190cm>32.5”

Again, depending on what style of riding you want to do, you may prefer a shorter board, which is a better size to use if you want to do shuvits or 180s.

Longer boards are heavier when doing those rotations, but if you have longer legs, you will have safer catches and more room to balance your body.

The longer the wheelbase, the heavier your tail will feel due to the leverage of the board.

What are the Best Skateboard Decks for Kids?

If you are buying a skateboard deck for a kid, the smaller skateboards are better for children as they are lighter and easier to control.

The width is generally narrower, allowing smaller feet to be placed correctly on the board’s rails.

Are you looking for the best skateboard helmet? Look no more! Check out my guide for the best skating helmets for your safety.

Wheel Base & Mounting Holes

The wheelbase is the distance between the two sets of mounting holes, the pre-drilled holes where your skateboard trucks are attached to your skateboard deck.

The wheelbase is how far your front wheels are from your back wheels, changing the comfort and how the skateboard performs.

Generally, the wheelbase range is between 13” -15”. The wheelbase will determine the comfort of your ride.

You will be more comfortable with a narrow board if you are a shorter rider. However, a wider wheelbase will offer more stability and balance for taller riders.

To change out your mounting hardware, pick up one of the best skate tools you can get.

If you need new hardware, check out the best skateboard hardware to help you find the right hardware.

Rails

The rails are the edges that run along the deck. The most common rail is rounded, which makes doing certain flip tricks a lot easier as you will land on the side of your deck.

Skateboard Construction

Classic skateboards are made with 7 plies of maple, glued and pressed hard into a mold.

If your deck is breaking a lot, some brands have created skateboard decks with carbon fiber layers, adding more strength.

Other boards are made with bamboo layers, which are more environmentally friendly and offer a stiffer, stronger board.

Concave

Concave is the curvature across the width of the board. The concave of a board allows a more controlled ride and a stronger skateboard.

The concave shape helps keep your shoe glued to the board, which helps with drifting, sliding and turning.

Skateboards also have a concave shape to prevent the wood from breaking when riding and doing tricks.

There are three main types of concave – mellow, medium and steep.

Mellow Concave

Mellow concave gives you a better board feel, more board control, more stability and comfortable as your foot will be able to rest flat on the board.

On the downside, mellow concave makes flip tricks will be a little bit harder; it will be hard to flick the board.

Plus, there will be less resistance to landing on the board, which means it will be more susceptible to breaking.

Medium Concave

Boards with medium concave are great for beginners or those not sure what kind of concave you like.

It is a great middle-ground between mellow and steep concave.

Steep Concave

Decks with a steep concave are easier to flip and ollie as the board is raised more around the edges.

It will catch your foot easier. In addition, it is less likely to break because your foot won’t land as flat on the surface of the board.

However, the steep concave may make you feel less comfortable as your foot won’t be able to rest as flat on the deck.

This is how many skateboarders talk about concave, but there are other terms for specific types of concaves that might help you choose the right concave for you.

Those are the three main types of concave you will hear being referenced when purchasing a new skateboard deck, but there are some specific types of concave if you are looking for something a bit more technical.

Radical Concave – This is the most common type of concave. It has a subtle U curve running down the middle of the deck. This is the best concave for better foot grip.

Flat Concave – This is when the board is completely flat, giving your feet much more room on the deck.

Skateboard Shape

There are several different shapes of skateboard decks to choose from.

The popsicle is the most popular and classic skateboard shape, which means the nose and tail are both round shapes. I highly recommend starting on a popsicle-shaped board if you are a beginner.

However, based on what riding style you are going for, you can pick from the following shapes.

Shortboard – The shortboard is the best board for doing skateboard tricks. They are best for street or park skaters.

Cruiser – Cruiser skateboard decks are designed for cruising around. They are mid-length boards with kicktails that are easy to maneuver and versatile.

Cruisers are the middle ground board between shortboards and longboards – and are easy to control and ride.

Old School – The oldschool decks have a flat nose, kicktails and asymmetrical shape, meaning the nose is wider. If you like skating ramps or carving, these boards are for you.

Longboard – Longboards are made for cruising and downhill racing.

Are you interested in longboarding? Check out the best longboard brands here.

Benefits of Using Different Skateboard Decks

If you are a beginner or want to ride in the street or skatepark, you should look for Street Decks.

This deck’s shape is a twin tip (popsicle deck) perfect for street and skatepark skating. The shape is the most common and is great for beginners. It allows you to ride switch easily.

If you are looking at doing more Transition Skating, I recommend a Bowl & Pool shaped Deck. The deck is wider than the average skate deck.

Shaped Decks will have a square tail and pointy nose. They are a combination of modern street decks and bowl deck shapes.

These shape decks are versatile, which is great for pool skating and street skating tricks.

Many skateboarders have multiple decks and skateboard setups, depending on what type of riding they feel like doing.

There are benefits to trying all different types of board shapes, concaves and construction.

Whether you are an adult rider, child rider, heavier rider or a pro, you should try out different boards as you need to and find the best one that suits you.

What Skateboard Should You Get As A Beginner

I advise you get a complete board like the ones below. (link complete boards here)

You won’t be doing a ton of tricks, so your board will last a long time and help you learn how to skateboard properly.

The most important thing for beginner skateboarders is a comfortable size for you – match that, and you are set.

What to Look for in a Good Skateboard Deck

When looking for a good skateboard deck, you should look for durability.

If you are a beginner, you won’t be putting too much stress on your board with ollies and board slides, so I wouldn’t worry too much about what board you choose.

If you are more advanced and are learning tricks, you should look for a durable board with more pop and boards that hold together better.

The 7-ply Canadian Maple boards have a lot of flex and are durable, but if you are heavier or are breaking boards, I suggest getting a board made with carbon or fiberglass. They are stiff and are almost impossible to break.

Getting the best grip tape can also add to your skateboard’s durability. Be sure to check out the post about picking the right grip tape for your style of riding.

How Often Should You Replace Your Skateboard Deck?

Depending on how frequently and how hard you are riding your board.

Many decks have common problems like the nose and tail chipping, pressure cracks around the trucks, the skateboard deck warping and razor tail, to name a few.

If your deck shows signs of wear and tear around the nose, tail or sides of the deck, it may be time for a replacement.

Keep your skateboard deck in a cool, dry area to prevent the board from getting too much humidity trapped inside the wood, causing the board to get soggy.

Skateboard Decks start to lose pop once they begin to age, making it harder to do tricks. If your board is losing pop, it is a sign to replace your board.

What is Pop?

Pop is the elasticity of the board and its rebound when it hits the ground.

If your board is dry and hits the tail against the concrete, it will sound dry, meaning it has good pop.

A soggy and humid board will not have a pop.

Pop essentially means the board can jump pretty high when doing tricks.

If you want the pop to last longer, the steep concave boards will keep pop longer.

Decks with mellower concave go soggy faster.

4 Ways to Make Your Skateboard Last Longer

How to Prevent Razor Tail

Razor Tail is when the tail of the skateboard deck wears down due to scraping your skateboard on the ground when you are slowing down or stopping.

My advice is to stop on the ground and slow down when you need to.

Many people will increase their boards’ longevity by sanding down the razor tail, which will shorten your board.

How to Avoid Pressure Cracks

Pressure cracks are small fractures, usually found around the skateboard trucks and hardware.

This is usually caused by hardware that is too tight (which may be caused by a waterlogged/soggy board), which causes the board to crack.

I recommend getting a board made with a fiberglass ply to help strengthen the area around the trucks.

How to Avoid Nose and Tail Chipping

Nose and tail chipping on your skateboard deck are inevitable, as it happens when your board slams into curbs and walls.

The best way to have a longer-lasting board is to use boards made with a carbon fiber layer, strengthening the board.

Keep Your Deck Clean

Keeping your deck, grip tape, wheels, and bearings clean will increase how long your board lasts.

Avoid skating in dirty, dusty, wet and muddy areas and clean your board often.

Check out the best skateboard bearings if you ride in muddy or rainy weather.

Conclusion

The skateboard deck you choose is dependent on personal preference. You can get the best board for your needs.

Like most things, the longer you ride, the more you will understand what style, deck, and board work best.

The best skateboard decks for beginners are the Creature Skateboard Decks and Capsule Skateboards; the most reasonably priced deck is the Cal 7 Blank Skateboard. It is perfect for a replacement board or for beginners who want to learn to skateboard.

If you are looking for a stellar board but want to stick to the 7-ply Canadian Maple, the board is more flexible. I highly recommend getting the Baker Brand Skateboard Deck. It has a classic shape and is perfect for beginners and heavier riders. They are super durable and won’t wear down quickly while doing a ton of tricks and flips.

The best overall deck is Powell-Peralta Skateboard Decks. They are great for beginner riders, amazing for doing tons of tricks, super long-lasting due to the carbon fiber ply layers, and an overall great board.

About SkateboardWiz

Chris

I'm Chris, and I've been skateboarding and longboarding since I was 10. I started SkateboardWiz to show my passion for boardsport while helping people new to the scene find the best boards to help take their skating to the next level.