Your First Custom Skateboard: Everything You Need to Know

Ready to build something that’s actually yours? Forget those cookie-cutter completes from the big box stores. Building your own skateboard is like creating your own signature – it’s going to be different from everyone else’s, and that’s exactly the point.

PERFORM, NEVER CONFORM – and your setup should be as unique as your style.

Why Build Your Own Board?

Think about it: would you rather ride the same setup as a thousand other people, or have something that fits you perfectly? When you build your own board, every component is chosen for a reason. You’re not just buying a skateboard – you’re creating your weapon of choice.

Plus, once you know how your board works, you can fix anything, upgrade what you want, and always keep it running exactly how you like it.

The Four Things That Make Your Board

1. Your Deck: The Canvas

This is where it all starts. Your deck isn’t just a piece of wood – it’s your canvas, your platform, your foundation for everything you’re going to do.

Size Actually Matters

• Narrow boards (7.5” - 7.75”): Perfect if you’ve got smaller feet or you’re all about those technical flip tricks

• Standard boards (8.0” - 8.25”): The sweet spot that works for most people

• Wide boards (8.5”+): Great for bigger feet or if you want that stable, locked-in feeling

What to Look For

Good boards are made from 7-ply maple. It’s strong enough to handle your abuse but still gives you that satisfying pop when you ollie. Cheaper boards feel dead and break easier – trust us, it’s worth spending a bit more here.

2. Trucks: Your Steering Wheel

Trucks are what let you turn, grind, and basically do anything that isn’t just rolling straight. They’re more important than most people realize.

The Golden Rule: Your truck width should match your deck width. It’s that simple. Wider trucks on narrow boards look weird and feel unstable. Narrow trucks on wide boards just don’t work.

Height Changes Everything

• Low trucks: Better for flip tricks, more stable

• High trucks: Better for bigger wheels and cruising

Brands That Actually Matter

• Independent: The gold standard. They’re everywhere for a reason

• Thunder: Super responsive, great for street skating

• Venture: Solid quality without the premium price

3. Wheels: Your Connection to the World

Wheels are where the magic happens. They’re what turns concrete into your playground.

Size Guide Made Simple

• 50-53mm: Street skating, flip tricks, technical stuff

• 54-56mm: All-around wheels that work everywhere

• 57mm+: Cruising, transportation, rough surfaces

Hard vs. Soft

• Hard wheels (99A-101A): Fast, good for tricks, slide easily

• Medium wheels (95A-99A): Good for everything

• Soft wheels (87A-95A): Smooth ride, great for rough surfaces

The Shape Thing

Most wheels are round, but the exact shape affects how they feel. Don’t stress about this too much – pick wheels that look cool and match your size needs.

4. Bearings: The Hidden Game Changer

Bearings are those little things inside your wheels that make them spin. Good bearings make everything better. Bad bearings make skating feel like work.

What You Need to Know

• Bones Reds: The most popular choice for a reason

• Bones Super Reds: Step up in quality

• Bones Swiss: Premium option if you want the best

Don’t get caught up in ABEC ratings – they don’t mean much for skateboarding. Stick with trusted brands and you’ll be fine.

Matching Your Setup to Your Style

Street Skating Setup

You’re hitting ledges, stairs, and anything else the city throws at you.

• Deck: 7.75” - 8.25”

• Trucks: Low to medium height

• Wheels: 50-54mm, hard wheels

• Why it works: Quick response, easy flip tricks, slides on everything

Park Skating Setup

You’re flowing bowls, hitting ramps, and going fast.

• Deck: 8.0” - 8.75”

• Trucks: Medium to high

• Wheels: 54-58mm, medium hardness

• Why it works: Stable at speed, good for carving

Cruising Setup

You just want to get around and look good doing it.

• Deck: 8.25” or wider

• Trucks: High trucks

• Wheels: 56mm+, soft wheels

• Why it works: Smooth ride, rolls over everything

Money-Saving Tips

• House brands often offer great value

• Take care of your stuff – it lasts way longer

• Upgrade one piece at a time instead of buying everything new

Common Mistakes That Kill Your Setup

The Mismatch

Don’t put narrow trucks on wide boards or vice versa. It looks weird and feels worse.

The Overtightener

If your trucks are so tight you can’t turn, you’re doing it wrong. You should be able to lean and carve.

The Bargain Hunter

Super cheap components usually cost more in the long run. Buy once, cry once.

The Copycat

Your friend’s setup might not work for you. What feels good to them might feel terrible to you.

What’s Next?

Now that you know what each part does, you can start thinking about what you actually want. Are you trying to learn flip tricks? Get around campus? Hit the skate park? Your goals should drive your choices.

The best part about building your own board is that you can always change it. Start with quality basics and upgrade as you figure out what you like.

PERFORM, NEVER CONFORM – your setup should be as individual as you are.

Ready to build your dream setup? Check out our selection of decks, trucks, wheels, and bearings. We’ve got everything you need to create something that’s actually yours.

Want to know how to put it all together? Read our step-by-step assembly guide next.