What Are Skateboard Deck Rails For? Best Guide

Skateboard deck rails are thin plastic strips that stick on the bottom of your skateboard. They’re kind of like bumpers for your board!The sport of skateboarding is open to everyone. A few things come to mind when it comes to skateboarding equipment and An example of one of these items is a skateboard deck rail! But the question is- what are skateboard deck rails for?

Basically, rails on skateboards connect the deck to the wheels. Due to their hard plastic material, skate deck rails offer a smoother and easier slide well surface than skateboards. Even deck rails help you do many slide tricks , and you can skate on rough surfaces you cannot otherwise.

In this article, we’ll explore everything about skateboard deck rails, how they work, what are the best skateboard deck rails etc. Hope you’ll get all your desired answers after exploring the whole article.

What are skateboard deck rails for?

Skateboard decks can be incredibly dangerous if not properly secured. With heavy riders and sharp edges on the decks, it’s important to have a sturdy system in place to keep your board safe.

This is where skateboard deck rails come in!

Skateboard deck rails are typically made from metal or plastic and are designed to secure the deck to the frame of the skateboard. They provide a strong foundation for your board and help to prevent it from wobbling or moving around. 

In addition, they can also protect you from injury if your board falls off of the frame.If you’re looking for a way to keep your board safe and secure, consider investing in a set of skateboard deck rails. 

Infact, they’re an essential part of any Skater’s gear arsenal and will help keep you safe while you shred!

How to Put Rail on a Skateboard Deck

Skateboard decks are typically made from a single sheet of plywood that is then cut into the desired shape. Rail systems are then added to the underside of the deck to provide support and stability when skateboarding.

Infact, Rail systems can be simple, consisting of a single piece of metal that is attached to the bottom of the deck, or they can be more complex, consisting of multiple pieces that can move along the length of the deck.

However, there are a few different methods for attaching rail systems to a skateboard deck. The most common methods are-

1. Attach rail systems using screws- This method is easy to install but can be time-consuming, since it requires drilling holes in the deck and screwing in the rail system.

2. Use adhesive stickers-  which are easier to install but may not provide as much stability as a screw-based system.

Installing Process-

When installing skateboard deck rails-

•  The first step is to measure the distance between the edge of the deck and the edge of the rail. This will help determine the width of the rail. 

• The next step is to cut a piece of rail that matches that measurement. To do this, use a hacksaw or a jigsaw to cut a rectangular shaped groove out of the rail. 

• Then, using a file or sandpaper, remove any sharp edges from the groove.

•  Finally, use wood glue or a nail gun to attach the rail to the edge of your deck.

Essential tips-

Once you have chosen a method for attaching your rail system, it is important to ensure that your chosen system provides adequate support and stability for skateboarding. Some basic tips for choosing a rail system include-

• Choosing one that is wide enough for your width and height of board,
• Checking the reviews online so you know what other skaters have found to be effective,
• Making sure that the system you choose fits your style of skating.

Types of Skateboard Deck Rails

Considering that most deck rails are made of injection-molded plastic, there aren’t that many differences between them, except their appearance. In terms of size and quality, the two products are only slightly different from one another.

Infact, depending on the style you go with, some skateboard wheels are wider or longer than others, so find one that fits the wheelbase of your skateboard.

However, there are a few different types of skateboard deck rails that can be used on a board. The most common rails are–

• The vertical type rails
• The horizontal type rails

Vertical railings are found near the front and back of the board, while horizontal railings are found near the middle. They come in different sizes to fit any size deck. Some decks even have a built-in leveler so that the railing is always at the same height.

Apart from that, vertical railings keep your board more stable when you’re doing tricks, and they also keep you from sliding off the board when you’re landing on it after doing a trick.

On the contrary, horizontal railings guide your feet as you ride, making it easier to stay on the board and avoid obstacles. They also make it easier to perform tricks, since your feet will stay in one place while you do them.

What are skateboard deck rails made of

Usually, skateboard deck rails are made of a variety of materials, including-

• Wood, 
• Plastic,
• Metal, and composite.

Each has its own appeals and drawbacks, which can affect how well the deck performs in the skatepark. Even, the most important factor in determining whether or not a deck is worth your time and money is the material it is made of. 

However, the material choice can have a significant impact on the skateboard’s performance. Let’s check out the material and how they play a great role in skateboarding.

Wood

The most common type of skateboard deck is made out of wood, which is often treated with a sealant to make it resistant to water and corrosion.  In general, skateboard decks are made from many different types of wood, but some of the most common ones are oak, maple, and bamboo.

However, many skateboarders prefer wood decks because they feel that they offer a more stable ride than plastic decks. Actually, wood decks are typically the most durable and popular, but they can be expensive to produce. But, they offer a more stable ride than plastic decks.

Plastic

Plastic decks are more versatile and often come in a variety of colors and designs. 

Metal

Metal decks are strong but may not last as long as other materials, and they can be expensive to purchase.

What are Skateboard Rail do for a Skateboard Deck

Skateboard deck rails are a crucial part of your skateboard. There are many benefits to using skateboard deck rails.

• Skateboard deck rails keep your board from moving around and can help you stay on the board longer. 

• They also make it easier to do tricks because your feet will be more stable.

• They provide the foundation for your deck, helping it to stay in place while you skate.

•  Without them, your deck could easily fall off of your board and become a rolling hazard on the ground.

• Skateboarders have been using railings on their decks for years to give them some stability. 

• Some people also use it to make the deck more comfortable to ride.

• A rail on the bottom of a skateboard helps you stay in control as you turn, giving you an advantage over other skateboarders.

There are many pros and cons to skateboard deck rail-

On the pro side-

• Make the board more stable and prevent falls. 
• Increase grip and can help riders stay on their board longer. 
• They are not compatible with all types of boards.
• Give you an extra level of safety while skateboarding, 
• Make the experience more enjoyable.

On the con side-

• Deck rails can be difficult to install and remove,
• Railings can be disruptive to the flow of skateboarding and can cause accidents.
• They can damage boards if they come into contact with them while in use.
• A poor rail can cause you tons of problems when skating, and it’s not difficult to fix.

Are skateboard rail worth it?

As we know, skateboarding is a great way to get moving and have fun. But it can also be dangerous if you do not know how to properly use skateboard rails. 

Generally, there are various materials used in the manufacture of skateboard decks, including wood, metal, and plastic. One component of skateboarding that can be dangerous is the rail. 

A railing is designed to keep you firmly attached to your board while you are skating and to prevent you from sliding off.However, if they are not installed  correctly or if they are damaged, they can cause you to fall off the board.

So, Before buying a skateboard railing, it is important to ask yourself two questions:

-Do I need a rail?

-If so, what type of rail should I buy?

In that case, If you are not sure whether or not you need a rail, then it is probably not necessary. Even many experienced skaters do not use rails because they feel that they help them balance better on the board and prevent them from falling off.

But, if you are just starting out or learning how to skate properly, however, it may be worth purchasing a rail. 

However, rails come in different shapes and sizes depending on your needs. There are flat rails for beginner skaters and curved rails for more advanced skaters.

So, it is important to choose the right size for your needs as improper installation can cause injury.

 If you decide that you need a rail but cannot find one that meets your needs, there are many online retailers that sell custom made rails.

What are the best skateboard deck rails 

Usually, there are many different skateboard decks that are available on the market, and the best skateboard deck rail for your skateboard is the one that fits your skating style and preferences. 

So, If you are new to skating, the right skateboard deck rail may help you learn how to move around the board and enjoy your skateboarding experience. Let’s take a look at some best skateboard deck rails!

1. Power peralta rib bones
2. Pig rails
3. Welcome candy bar rails
4. H-street custom deck rails

DIY skateboard deck rails

Is there anything more exciting than improving your skateboarding skills at an inexpensive cost?

DIY skateboard deck rails may be just what you need! 

A variety of materials can be used to make these rails, including wood, metal, and plastic.It is essential that you cut the rail to the right length once you have chosen the material.

You will also want to make sure that the rail is the correct width for your deck. Finally, you will need to attach the rail to your deck using screws or nails.

Skateboard deck rail screws

Skateboard decks can be modified in many ways to make them more stable and secure. One common modification is to add screws at regular intervals along the rail to create a stronger structure.

Usually, the screws are often called deck rail screws, skateboard deck rail fasteners, or skateboard deck screw holes. They are typically made of stainless steel or aluminum, and come in different lengths and diameters for different applications.

Besides, skateboard deck rails screws can be used for several purposes-

• Increasing stability during tricks
• Preventing the board from wobbling, and
• Preventing the board from coming off the ground when someone falls on it.

What to consider when purchasing skateboard deck rails

When purchasing skateboard deck rails, there are a few things to consider.

Size

The first is the size of your skateboard. Most decks range in size from six and a half inches to seventy-two inches long, so it’s important to choose the rail that fits your board perfectly. 

Nevertheless, Rail sizes also vary according to brands, so get to know the different brands and their rail sizes.

Style

The second consideration is the style of your skateboard. There are two main styles of skating – freestyle and street – and each requires a different type of rail. Freestyle boards require rails that are flexible enough to take some abuse, while street boards need more durable rails that can handle heavier falls.

Mount

The final consideration is how you want to mount your rail. There are two main options – using screws or rivets – and both have their own benefits and drawbacks.

 Screws are cheaper but can be easier to remove if you want to change the rail configuration later on, while rivets provide more stability but can be harder to remove if you ever need to.

Overall, these three factors – size, style, and mounting – are essential when choosing a skateboard deck rail.

Conclusion

Hopefully, now you are clear about- what are skateboard deck rails for! We have emphasized every single detail about skateboard deck rails. We’ve already talked about how skateboard rails keep the center of your deck in place and level.

So, If you’re looking to add some extra safety features to your skating experience, invest in some skateboard deck rails! Overall, they are an important part of skateboarding and can make a huge difference in how the board performs.

FAQS-