What Skateboard Decks Are Made In USA? Authentic USA Made Deck

Skateboarding has exploded in popularity over the years. From the iconic beach vibes of California to the gritty street scenes worldwide, skateboarding has become a global phenomenon. But with this growth comes a shift in production. Many skateboard decks are now manufactured overseas.

However, for riders who value quality, craftsmanship, and supporting American businesses, USA-made decks remain the gold standard.

Finding a deck built in the USA can be a challenge, but fear not, shredders! This guide unveils some of the top American-made skateboard deck brands, each offering unique features and styles to match your riding preferences.

Top USA-Made Skateboard Deck Brands:

Here are a few more USA-made skateboard deck brands with detailed information:

1. Powell Peralta: Legends Never Die

Powell Peralta is a name synonymous with skateboarding royalty. Founded in the 1970s by Stacy Peralta and George Powell, the brand has a rich history deeply embedded in the sport’s evolution. Their legendary “Flight Decks” are renowned for their thin profile, exceptional strength, and long-lasting performance. Constructed from premium U.S. hard rock maple, these decks deliver a responsive pop and exceptional durability for even the most demanding skaters.

Beyond the technical specs, owning a Powell Peralta deck connects you to the legacy of skateboarding. Imagine carving lines and busting tricks with the same spirit that fueled the early days of the sport.

2. Arbor Skateboards: Cruising with Californian Comfort

Arbor Skateboards takes pride in their commitment to American-made quality. This California-based company doesn’t just manufacture their decks in the USA; they also source their wheels and grip tape domestically. Arbor specializes in cruiser skateboards, perfectly suited for carving smooth lines on sidewalks or commuting in style. Their decks boast beautiful wood finishes and innovative designs, making them as visually appealing as they are functionally sound.

3. Bustin Boards: Complete Package, American Made

Bustin Boards takes the USA-made philosophy a step further. Not only do they manufacture their decks in the US, but their wheels are also American-made. This dedication to domestic production ensures the highest quality materials and construction methods.

Bustin offers a diverse selection of complete skateboards and longboards, catering to a wide range of riding styles and skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a curious newcomer, Bustin has a USA-made board waiting to propel your shredding journey.

4. Treatment Skateboards: Boutique Quality, Arizona Grit

Hailing from Arizona, Treatment Skateboards is a smaller brand carving its niche in the world of USA-made decks. What they lack in size, they make up for in quality and individuality. Treatment decks utilize premium American materials and boast unique designs that stand out from the crowd. Owning a Treatment deck is a statement – a testament to your appreciation for handcrafted American quality and a touch of artistic flair.

5. Custom Skateboards: Unleash Your Inner Artist

For the truly creative skater, Custom Skateboards offers a unique opportunity. Their blank decks are proudly manufactured in the USA, providing the perfect canvas for your artistic vision. Unleash your inner artist and customize your deck with paint, graphics, or whatever your creative spirit desires.

A custom deck from Custom Skateboards allows you to own a piece of American-made craftsmanship personalized to your unique style.

6. Blind Skateboards:

• Founded in 1989 by the legendary Rodney Mullen, Blind Skateboards boasts a rich heritage in street skating.
• They are known for their focus on technical tricks and innovative board design.
• Blind uses high-quality U.S. maple for their decks, ensuring exceptional pop and durability for even the most aggressive street skating.
• While Blind doesn’t currently manufacture their own decks in the USA, they partner with established American manufacturers known for their commitment to quality.

7. Chocolate Skateboards:

• Established in 1994 by Girl Distribution Company, Chocolate Skateboards injects a healthy dose of fun and lightheartedness into the skateboarding world.
• Their decks are known for their playful graphics and signature mellow concave, perfect for comfortable cruising and technical tricks alike.
• Chocolate uses U.S.-made maple for their decks, ensuring quality construction without sacrificing the brand’s signature playful aesthetic.

8. Element Skateboards:

• Founded in 1992 by Johnny Schilereff, Element offers a diverse range of skateboard decks catering to various riding styles.
• Their commitment to sustainability sets them apart. Element utilizes eco-friendly practices in their manufacturing, including responsibly sourced U.S. maple and water-based stains.
• Whether you’re a street shredder, a park enthusiast, or a laid-back cruiser, Element offers a USA-made deck that aligns with your values and riding style.

9. Real Skateboards:

• Founded in 1991 by Tommy Guerrero and Jim Thiebaud, Real Skateboards is another legendary brand deeply rooted in street skating.
  
• Renowned for their focus on technical skills and raw talent, Real decks cater to skaters who push the boundaries of street skating.
  
• Real utilizes high-quality U.S. maple for their decks, ensuring the responsiveness and durability needed to handle the demands of aggressive street riding.

10. Birdhouse Skateboards:

• Established in 1992 by the iconic Tony Hawk, Birdhouse Skateboards carries the legacy of one of skateboarding’s greatest.
  
• Their decks cater to a wide range of riders, from beginners to seasoned veterans, offering a variety of sizes, shapes, and concaves.
  
• Birdhouse uses U.S.-made maple for their decks, ensuring quality construction that lives up to the high standards set by Tony Hawk himself.

Shred with American Pride: Benefits of Buying a USA-Made Skateboard Deck

There’s a certain satisfaction in knowing your skateboard deck was crafted right here in the USA. But beyond national pride, choosing a USA-made deck offers several tangible benefits for you, the rider, and the skateboarding community as a whole.

Let’s delve into the reasons why shredding with an American-made deck can elevate your skateboarding experience:

Unmatched Quality for Unforgettable Shredding:

American skateboard manufacturers have a well-deserved reputation for using top-shelf materials and meticulous construction techniques. This translates directly to your ride. Here’s how:

• Premium U.S. Maple: The foundation of a great deck is the wood. American manufacturers often use high-quality hard rock maple sourced from responsibly managed forests within the USA. This wood boasts exceptional strength, pop (the explosive jumping power), and overall responsiveness. You’ll feel the difference in your ollies, kickflips, and every other trick you throw down.
  
• Durable Construction: American factories often employ time-tested methods and rigorous quality control processes. This ensures your deck can handle the wear and tear of even the most aggressive skating styles. You won’t have to worry about unexpected cracks or delamination (when the wood layers separate) interrupting your shredding sessions.
  
• Consistent Feel: Many USA-made decks are known for their consistent feel across different batches. This means you can trust your board to react predictably, allowing you to focus on pushing your skills and mastering new tricks with confidence.

Supporting Local Businesses and American Jobs:

When you choose a USA-made deck, your purchase goes a long way. Here’s how it impacts the American economy:

• Strengthens American Manufacturing: You’re directly supporting American factories, skilled woodworkers, and other workers involved in the production process. This helps keep jobs local and contributes to the overall health of the American manufacturing industry.
  
• Boosts Local Economies: By supporting USA-made decks, you’re contributing to the economic vitality of the communities where these factories and businesses are located. This creates a ripple effect that benefits everyone involved.

Eco-Conscious Shredding for a Greener Future:

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important in the skateboarding world. Many USA-made brands are taking the lead in eco-friendly practices, including:

• Responsibly Sourced Maple: These manufacturers prioritize using wood harvested from responsibly managed forests in the USA. This ensures a sustainable supply chain that minimizes environmental impact.
  
• Water-Based Stains: Traditional stains can contain harmful chemicals. Many USA-made brands are switching to water-based alternatives, reducing their environmental footprint.
  
• Reduced Transportation Emissions: By choosing a deck manufactured domestically, you’re minimizing the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation from overseas factories.

Unveiling Unique Designs and Unleashing Your Creativity:

While some USA-made brands produce large quantities of decks, others cater to smaller production runs. This offers some unique advantages:

• Distinctive Deck Designs: Smaller production runs allow for more creativity in graphics and overall design. You might find one-of-a-kind artwork or limited-edition releases that truly stand out from the crowd.
  
• A Piece of Skateboarding History: Some USA-made brands are legendary names with a rich history in skateboarding. Owning a deck from such a company allows you to connect with the sport’s heritage and the iconic riders who came before you.
  
• Blank Canvas for Artistic Expression: Several USA-made brands offer blank decks, providing the perfect canvas for your artistic spirit. Unleash your inner artist and customize your board with paint, graphics, or whatever your creative vision desires. This allows you to own a piece of American-made craftsmanship personalized to your unique style.

Supporting Skateboarding History and the Future:

The American skateboarding scene has a rich history, and many USA-made brands played a pivotal role in shaping the sport. Here’s how your purchase contributes:

• Legacy Brands: Choosing a deck from a legendary American brand allows you to connect with the history of skateboarding and the iconic riders who pushed the boundaries of the sport.
  
• Supporting American Skateboarding: By supporting USA-made decks, you’re contributing to the continued growth and development of skateboarding within the United States. This can help nurture future generations of talented skaters and maintain America’s position as a leader in the skateboarding world.

By choosing a USA-made skateboard deck, you’re making a conscious decision that benefits you, the skateboarding community as a whole, and the environment. So next time you’re looking for a new board, consider exploring the fantastic options built right here in the USA. You might be surprised at the quality, variety, and rich history you discover under your feet.

How to Choose the Right Skateboard Deck for You

When choosing a skateboard deck, there are a few key factors to consider: your riding style, your skill level, and the size and shape of the deck. It’s also important to do your research and find a deck that is made from high-quality materials.

Riding style

The first thing to think about is what type of skateboarding you want to do. Are you interested in street skating, park skating, or vert skating? Different riding styles require different types of decks.

• Street skating: Street skaters typically prefer narrower decks (7.5″ to 8.0″) that are easier to flip and spin.
  
• Park skating: Park skaters often prefer wider decks (8.0″ to 8.5″) that provide more stability when skating ramps and bowls.
  
• Vert skating: Vert skaters typically prefer the widest decks (8.5″+) for maximum stability in the air.

Skill Level

If you’re a beginner, it’s a good idea to start with a wider deck (8.0″ to 8.5″). This will give you more stability and make it easier to learn basic tricks. As you progress, you can experiment with narrower decks if you prefer.

Size and Shape

The size and shape of the deck is also important to consider. Deck width ranges from 7.5″ to 8.5″, and deck length ranges from 31″ to 32″. Deck shape also varies, with different concave and rocker profiles.

• Width: The width of the deck affects how much stability you have. Wider decks are more stable, but narrower decks are easier to flip and spin.
  
• Length: The length of the deck affects how much pop you have. Longer decks have more pop, but shorter decks are easier to control.
  
• Concave: The concave of the deck is the curvature from side to side. More concave decks give you more grip and control, but less concave decks are more comfortable to stand on.
  
• Rocker: The rocker of the deck is the curvature from nose to tail. More rocker decks are easier to ollie and pop, but less rocker decks are more stable.

Tips for choosing a skateboard deck

Here are a few tips for choosing a skateboard deck:

• Consider your riding style and skill level. What type of skateboarding do you want to do? Are you a beginner or an experienced skater?
  
• Try out different decks. If possible, go to a skate shop and try out a few different decks before you buy one. This will help you find a deck that feels comfortable and fits your riding style.
  
• Choose a high-quality deck. A good skateboard deck should be made from high-quality materials, such as Canadian maple.
  
• Do your research. Read reviews of different decks online and talk to other skaters to get their recommendations.

Choosing the right skateboard deck is an important decision. By considering your riding style, skill level, and the size and shape of the deck, you can find a deck that will help you progress and have fun.

Consumer Considerations

Cost Comparison Between USA-made and Imported Decks:

When comparing the cost of USA-made skateboard decks with imported decks, there are several factors to consider. Generally, imported decks tend to have a lower price point due to factors like lower labor and manufacturing costs in certain countries.

On the other hand, USA-made decks often come with a higher price tag due to factors such as higher production standards, quality control measures, and potentially higher labor costs.

It’s important to note that while imported decks may be more affordable upfront, they may not always offer the same level of quality, durability, and craftsmanship as USA-made decks. USA-made decks often undergo rigorous quality control processes and are manufactured using high-quality materials, which can contribute to their higher cost.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Skateboard Deck

• Riding Style: Consider your preferred riding style, such as street, park, vert, or cruising. Different deck shapes, sizes, and concave profiles cater to specific styles, so choose a deck that aligns with your riding preferences.
  
• Deck Construction: Pay attention to the materials used in the deck’s construction. Maple wood is commonly used for its strength and durability. Additionally, some brands offer innovative constructions using carbon fiber, fiberglass, or composite materials for added performance benefits.
  
• Deck Size: Selecting the right deck size is crucial for comfort and maneuverability. Deck widths typically range from 7.5 inches to over 8.5 inches, with wider decks providing more stability and larger foot platforms.
  
• Graphics and Aesthetics: Consider the visual appeal of the deck. Many brands offer a variety of graphics, allowing you to choose a design that resonates with your personal style and preferences.
  
• Brand Reputation: Research the reputation and history of the brand. Established brands with a track record of producing high-quality decks may be a safer choice in terms of craftsmanship, durability, and customer support.
  
• Budget: Determine your budget and weigh it against the features, quality, and durability you desire. Remember that investing in a higher-quality deck can offer better performance and longevity in the long run.

By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision when choosing a skateboard deck that suits your riding style, preferences, and budget. Prioritizing quality, durability, and performance will contribute to a more satisfying skateboarding experience.

Skateboard Manufacturers List

Here is a list of skateboard deck brands that are known for manufacturing their products in the USA:

1. Powell Peralta
2. Santa Cruz Skateboards
3. Element Skateboards
4. Anti-Hero Skateboards
5. Alien Workshop
6. Welcome Skateboards
7. Habitat Skateboards
8. Birdhouse Skateboards
9. Chocolate Skateboards
10. Real Skateboards
11. Baker Skateboards
12. Girl Skateboards
13. Zero Skateboards
14. Toy Machine Skateboards
15. Foundation Skateboards

Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and there may be other skateboard deck brands made in the USA as well. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to verify the manufacturing location with the specific brand as production practices can change over time.

Final Though

Skateboards are becoming part and parcel of youth’s life. It does not only affect individuality but also supports the local economy. 

Where are most skateboards made? The answer is most skateboard made in China, whose products are not up to the mark. On the other hand, American skateboard companies are offering the best deal so far with the best quality in an affordable price range. So why not make the best use of them? An American made skateboard is sure to give you the ride of a lifetime.

You now know what skateboard decks are made in USA. So you can search for the best shapes, sizes, and designs that suit you. Don’t be afraid to switch your skateboard. Get the best while you can.

Happy enjoy Skateboarding!

Frequently Asked Questions About What Skateboard Decks Are Made In USA