Skateboard Decks

Skateboard Deck Sizes: Deck dimensions are measured in inches. Most skateboarders concentrate on how wide the board is and we find the most popular widths are  8.25" for adults and 8" for younger/smaller skaters. The decks length from nose (front) to tail (back) is also worth consideration as these can vary by a couple of inches. An average deck length would be in the region of 32". The wheel base is the measurement between the holes drilled for front and back trucks and is usually around 14.25". To some degree you can select a deck based on a person's physical size but a skaters favourite deck size is often down to personal preference and type of skating they want to do. As a rule of thumb smaller boards are lighter and easier to flip for technical tricks and bigger boards are stronger, more stable and better at speed.

Skateboard Deck Shapes: The popsicle board is by far the best selling and most versatile shape for the skating in the streets or at the skatepark. Different popsicle decks have subtle differences but are characterised by a round tail, slightly bigger round nose, straight sides and a concave under foot. Symmetrical twin tail and twin nose popsicle decks which skate the same both directions have become increasingly popular in recent years. We also stock a variety of special shapes such as old school or pool boards which tend to be wider with more tail than nose and cruiser decks which are usually flatter and more pointy.

Skateboard Deck Material: Nearly all the skateboard decks we sell are made of 7 plys of Canadian or North American maple wood. This timber is considered the ideal balance of strength and flexibility to pop a deck in to the air. Some brands use cheaper Chinese maple or birch wood on their budget boards but in our experience these decks are not as strong and we would only recommend them for light use or a smaller skater. A few companies have experimented with carbon fibre inserts between wood plys to try and save weight and strengthen boards but these constructions have never gathered much popularity. Slick skateboards have an extra plastic layer on the bottom of the deck which some skaters prefer for sliding tricks.

Skateboard Deck Price: The main reason for price variations between decks is the country they come from and the place they are manufactured. The most expensive tend to be pressed by USA based woodshops such as BBS (Bareback/Generator) and PS Stix which have long reputations for manufacturing the best skateboards in the world. Slightly cheaper are boards pressed by DSM in China and HLC in Spain who have gained prominence for making high quality skateboards. The country that the skateboard company is based in also influences the price with UK and Europe based brands being good value for us in this country.

Skateboard Deck Brand: At NOTE we only sell skateboards from brands that put back in to skating and support the scene. By that we mean they sponsor teams, produce videos, go on tours, have an art direction and generally inspire and motivate us and keep skateboarding rad. Doing those things costs money so you should support the skateboard companies and professional skateboarders that you're fans of so they can keep doing what they do.

Skateboard Deck Graphics and Designs: Whether you're after loud DIY style graphics from the likes of Fucking Awesome, artistic concepts from Limosine Skateboards or simple illustrative designs from brands such Frog Skateboards, we've got graphics to suit every skater. 

Want more information about who makes you're favourite brand's decks? Check out our Woodshop Guide and Directory.