How To Make A Custom Skateboard Deck? A Beginner’s Guide

Making a custom deck from scratch is advanced (veneer pressing, shaping). Design your own? Totally doable! Grab a blank deck, paint, stencils, or grip tape to create a one-of-a-kind ride. It is a standard skateboard mode of transportation for shorter distances, and many people amaze others with the stunts they can perform on it. 

Skateboarding has unquestionably been successful in uniting a culture, as is seen by its widespread popularity. Even if it is challenging for novice players to gain control over it, it is not hard to make on your own. 

In this brief instruction, you’ll learn how to make a custom skateboard deck by staying at your home. We are going to make an effort to explain everything on how to make first skateboard to you in a way that is clear and uncomplicated!

How To Make A Custom Skateboard Deck?

Making the best custom skateboard decks is not as complicated as most people think. The deck, or hardwood board, can be crafted with a jigsaw, a skateboard mold, and a vacuum press, all of which can be created at home with a little time and effort.  

Building professional-looking boards is challenging without specialized equipment, but anybody can design a board and start riding after a couple of days of work. 
Are you still thinking about how to make a custom skateboard deck? No worries! To make your job easier, we have identified 7 steps in this guide;

Gather your Supplies

• Wood veneers: Skateboard decks are typically made from seven to nine layers of wood veneer, glued together and pressed into shape. The most common type of wood used for skateboard decks is Canadian maple, but other types of wood, such as bamboo and birch, are also used.
  
• Glue: You will need a strong wood glue to hold the layers of veneer together. Epoxy resin is a good choice, but you can also use a traditional wood glue.
  
• Skateboard press: A skateboard press is used to apply pressure to the layers of veneer while they are drying. This ensures that the glue bonds properly and that the deck is strong and durable.
  
• Tools for cutting and shaping the deck: You will need a saw to cut the wood veneers to size, and a rasp or sander to shape the deck. You may also want to use a jig to help you cut the deck into the correct shape.

In addition to the above supplies, you may also want to consider the following:

• Grip tape: Grip tape is the sandpaper-like material that goes on top of the skateboard deck. It provides traction and helps to keep your feet from slipping.
  
• Trucks: Trucks are the metal parts that attach the wheels to the deck. They come in different sizes and styles, so you will need to choose the right ones for your deck and riding style.
  
• Wheels: Skateboard wheels come in a variety of sizes and hardnesses. The size and hardness of the wheels you choose will depend on your riding style and the terrain you will be skating on.
  
• Bearings: Bearings are the metal balls that allow the wheels to spin smoothly. They come in different sizes and quality levels. It is important to choose good quality bearings to ensure that your wheels spin smoothly and for a long time.

Once you have gathered all of your supplies, you are ready to start building your skateboard deck!

Glue the Veneers Together

Gluing the veneers together is the most important step in building a veneer deck, as it will determine the strength and durability of your deck. It is important to follow the instructions carefully to ensure that the veneers are glued together properly.

Here is an in-depth guide on how to glue veneer together for a deck:

Tools and Materials:

• Veneer (typically 1/16″ or 1/8″ thick)
• Wood glue (Titebond III or similar)
• Paint roller or brush
• Clamps (enough to clamp the entire surface of the deck)
• Cauls (optional, but helpful for preventing the veneers from warping)
• Plastic sheeting (optional, but helpful for protecting your work surface)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the veneers. Make sure that the veneers are clean and dry. If you are using cauls, cut them to the same size as the veneers.
   
2. Apply glue to the veneers. Use the paint roller or brush to apply a thin, even coat of glue to one side of each veneer. Be sure to coat the entire surface of the veneer, including the edges.
   
3. Stack the veneers together. Start with the face veneer on the bottom, and stack the other veneers on top, alternating the grain direction of each veneer.
   
4. Clamp the veneers together. Place the clamped veneers on a flat surface, such as a workbench or sawhorses. Use enough clamps to clamp the entire surface of the deck. If you are using cauls, place them between the veneers and the clamps.
   
5. Allow the glue to dry. Follow the instructions on the wood glue label for drying time. Once the glue is dry, remove the clamps.

Tips:

• It is important to use a high-quality wood glue that is specifically designed for veneer.
• Be sure to apply a thin, even coat of glue to the veneers. Too much glue can cause the veneers to warp.
• If you are using cauls, make sure that they are the same size as the veneers and that they are placed between the veneers and the clamps.
• Follow the instructions on the wood glue label for drying time.

Once the veneers have been glued together, you can sand the deck smooth and apply a finish of your choice.

Press the Deck

Once the veneers are glued together, you need to press them into a mold to give them the desired shape. This can be done with a skateboard press or a homemade press made from plywood and clamps.

Skateboard press

A skateboard press is a specialized tool that is designed to press skateboard decks into shape. It typically consists of two metal plates that are connected by a hydraulic jack. The veneers are placed in the mold and the jack is used to apply pressure, which forces the veneers to conform to the shape of the mold.

Skateboard presses are available in a variety of sizes and prices. Some presses are designed for pressing a single deck at a time, while others can press multiple decks at once. If you are planning on pressing a lot of decks, it is worth investing in a good quality press.

Homemade Press

If you are on a budget, you can build your own skateboard press using plywood and clamps. To do this, you will need to build two plywood boxes that are the same size and shape as the skateboard deck you want to press. The boxes should be sturdy and have a smooth interior surface.

Once you have built the boxes, you will need to drill holes in the corners and attach the boxes together using bolts and nuts. You will also need to drill a hole in the center of one of the boxes and attach a hydraulic jack.

To press a deck, simply place the veneers in the mold and tighten the clamps. Then, use the hydraulic jack to apply pressure until the veneers are forced to conform to the shape of the mold.

Tips for Pressing a Skateboard Deck

• Use a mold release agent to prevent the veneers from sticking to the mold.
• Apply pressure evenly to the veneers.
• If you are using a homemade press, be sure to use enough clamps to hold the boxes together tightly.
• Allow the veneers to press for at least 12 hours.

Once the veneers have been pressed, you can remove them from the mold and trim the edges. You can then sand the deck and apply a finish.

Cutting Out the Deck

Once the deck is pressed, you need to cut it out to the desired shape. This can be done with a jigsaw or a bandsaw.

Jigsaw

A jigsaw is a versatile tool that can be used to make a variety of cuts, including straight cuts, curved cuts, and cutouts. It is a good choice for cutting out the deck if you need to make any complex cuts.

To cut out the deck with a jigsaw, you will need to:

1. Draw the desired shape of the deck on the plywood with a pencil.
2. Attach the jigsaw blade to the saw and adjust the settings to match the thickness of the plywood.
3. Start cutting at the edge of the plywood and follow the pencil line.
4. Use a steady hand and cut slowly to avoid making mistakes.
5. Be careful when cutting around corners and curves.
6. Once you have finished cutting, sand the edges of the deck to smooth them out.

Bandsaw

A bandsaw is another good option for cutting out the deck, especially if you need to make a lot of straight cuts. It is important to note that bandsaws can be dangerous, so it is important to use caution when using one.

To cut out the deck with a bandsaw, you will need to:

1. Draw the desired shape of the deck on the plywood with a pencil.
2. Clamp the plywood to the bandsaw table.
3. Turn on the bandsaw and adjust the speed to match the thickness of the plywood.
4. Guide the plywood through the bandsaw, following the pencil line.
5. Use a steady hand and cut slowly to avoid making mistakes.
6. Once you have finished cutting, sand the edges of the deck to smooth them out.

Tips for Cutting Out the Deck

Here are a few tips for cutting out the deck:

• Use a sharp blade. A dull blade will make it difficult to cut the plywood cleanly and could cause the blade to overheat.
• Cut slowly. Rushing through the cut will increase the risk of mistakes.
• Use a saw guide. A saw guide can help you make straight cuts and prevent the blade from wandering.
• Be careful when cutting around corners and curves. Slow down and use a light touch.
• Sand the edges of the deck after cutting to smooth them out.

Safety Precautions

Some safety precautions to keep in mind when cutting out the deck:

• Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from flying debris.
• Be aware of your surroundings and keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Make sure the saw is turned off before you adjust the blade or make any other changes to the saw.
• Be careful when handling the plywood to avoid cuts and splinters.

Cutting out the deck is an important step in building a skateboard. By following the tips above, you can cut out the deck safely and accurately.

Shaping the skateboard deck

Once you have cut out your skateboard deck, it is time to start shaping it to your liking. This includes sanding the edges smooth, drilling the truck holes, and shaping the nose and tail.

Sanding the edges

The first step is to sand the edges of the deck smooth. This will help to prevent splinters and make the deck more comfortable to grip. Use a medium-grit sandpaper to start, and then move to a finer-grit sandpaper to finish. Be sure to sand all of the edges of the deck, including the top, bottom, and sides.

Drilling the truck holes

Next, you need to drill the truck holes. The trucks are the metal brackets that attach the wheels to the deck. The truck holes should be drilled in the center of the wheelbase, which is the distance between the two trucks.

To drill the truck holes, mark the center of the wheelbase on the deck. Then, use a drill bit that is the same size as the truck bolts. Drill a hole at each mark, being careful not to drill all the way through the deck.

Shaping the nose and tail

The nose and tail of the skateboard deck are the two rounded ends. The shape of the nose and tail can affect the way the skateboard rides and performs.

For a more versatile deck, you can shape the nose and tail to be the same. However, if you plan on doing a lot of tricks, you may want to shape the nose and tail differently. For example, you may want to make the nose slightly wider and steeper than the tail. This will give you more pop for ollies and other tricks.

To shape the nose and tail, use a rasp or sandpaper. Be careful not to over-shape the nose and tail, as this can weaken the deck.

Tips for shaping the skateboard deck

• Use a sharp rasp or sandpaper to avoid tearing the wood.
• Be careful not to over-shape the nose and tail, as this can weaken the deck.
• If you are not sure how to shape the nose and tail, you can look at other skateboard decks for inspiration.
• Once you are finished shaping the deck, sand it smooth again.

Shaping the skateboard deck is an important step in building your own skateboard. By taking the time to shape the deck to your liking, you can create a skateboard that is both comfortable and performs well.

Apply your design

This is the fun part! This is where you can get creative and personalize your deck. You can use paint, markers, or stickers to apply your design.

Here are some tips:

• Start with a plan. What kind of design do you want? Do you want something simple and geometric, or something more complex and detailed? Once you have a general idea, start sketching out your design.
  
• Choose the right materials. If you’re using paint, make sure it’s exterior paint and that it’s rated for wood. If you’re using markers, make sure they’re permanent and that they won’t fade in the sun. If you’re using stickers, make sure they’re waterproof and weatherproof.
  
• Prepare the surface. Make sure the deck is clean and dry before you start painting or applying stickers. If you’re painting, you may want to sand the deck lightly to help the paint adhere.
  
• Take your time. Don’t rush the process. It’s better to take your time and get it right than to rush and make mistakes.

Here are some specific design ideas:

• Geometric patterns. Geometric patterns are a great way to add a modern and stylish touch to your deck. You can use paint or markers to create geometric designs on the floorboards, railings, or even the furniture.
  
• Floral designs. Floral designs are a classic way to add a touch of elegance and beauty to your deck. You can use paint or markers to create floral designs on the floorboards, railings, or even the furniture.
  
• Abstract designs. Abstract designs are a great way to express your creativity and individuality. You can use paint or markers to create abstract designs on the floorboards, railings, or even the furniture.
  
• Quotes and sayings. Paint or write quotes and sayings on your deck to add a personal touch. You can use quotes about nature, home, or family.
  
• Games and puzzles. Paint or write games and puzzles on your deck to keep your guests entertained. You can paint hopscotch or tic-tac-toe on the floorboards, or write riddles or trivia questions on the railings.

No matter what design you choose, make sure it’s something that you and your family will enjoy. Your deck should be a place where you can relax and have fun, so make sure your design reflects your personality and style.

Seal the Deck: Protecting Your Investment

Once you have finished building or refinishing your deck, it is important to seal it to protect it from the elements. This will help to keep your deck looking its best for years to come. There are two main types of sealants that you can use on your deck: polyurethane and lacquer.

Polyurethane

Polyurethane is a durable sealant that is ideal for outdoor use. It is resistant to water, UV rays, and abrasion. Polyurethane is available in both oil-based and water-based formulas. Oil-based polyurethane is more durable, but it is also more difficult to apply and takes longer to dry. Water-based polyurethane is easier to apply and dries faster, but it is not as durable as oil-based polyurethane.

Lacquer

Lacquer is a quick-drying sealant that gives wood a high-gloss finish. It is not as durable as polyurethane, but it is easier to apply and dries faster. Lacquer is not recommended for outdoor use, as it is not as resistant to the elements as polyurethane.

How to Seal Your Deck

To seal your deck, you will need the following supplies:

• Deck sealant (polyurethane or lacquer)
• Roller brush
• Stir stick
• Drop cloth

Instructions:

1. Clean the deck thoroughly to remove any dirt, dust, or debris.
2. Allow the deck to dry completely.
3. Stir the deck sealant thoroughly.
4. Apply the deck sealant to the deck with a roller brush. Be sure to apply a thin, even coat.
5. Allow the first coat of sealant to dry completely.
6. Apply a second coat of sealant to the deck.
7. Allow the second coat of sealant to dry completely.

Tips for Sealing Your Deck

• Apply the deck sealant on a cool, dry day.
• Avoid applying the deck sealant in direct sunlight.
• Be sure to apply a thin, even coat of sealant.
• Allow each coat of sealant to dry completely before applying the next coat.
• Reapply the deck sealant every few years to keep your deck looking its best.

Sealing your deck is an important step in protecting it from the elements and keeping it looking its best for years to come. By following the simple instructions above, you can easily seal your deck yourself.

Final Words

You asked us; how to make a custom -designed new skateboard deck, and we tried to answer the overall process in a brief discussion. You can now customize your skateboard deck using the knowledge you have gained. 

On the other hand, we do have an alternative that we can provide you. You can either get your hands a little filthy or hire a professional who will build a bespoke skateboard for you using the handy Designer tool. 

If you don’t feel like getting your hands dirty anymore, you have the option of hiring a professional. You may begin to build your own skateboard deck as soon as you decide.

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