How to Build a Skateboard: A Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
Building your own board lets you pick every part. Here's what you need, how to put it together and the checks to do before you ride.
What You'll Need
| Part | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | 1 | Choose width to suit your feet and style |
| Grip tape | 1 sheet | Covers the top of the deck |
| Trucks | 2 | Axle width matched to the deck |
| Wheels | 4 | Size and hardness for your terrain |
| Bearings | 8 | Two per wheel |
| Hardware | 8 bolts and nuts | 7/8" or 1"; longer with risers |
| Skate tool | 1 | Sockets and a hex or Phillips driver |
| Risers (optional) | 2 | For bigger wheels or to prevent wheel bite |
Step 1: Choose Your Parts
Pick a deck that fits your style (see skateboard decks), trucks whose axle width matches it, wheels for your terrain (see hard vs soft wheels) and bearings. Choose truck height with high vs low trucks.
Step 2: Apply Grip Tape
- Peel the backing and lay the grip on the deck, starting from one end.
- Smooth it from the center out to remove bubbles.
- Score the edges with a screwdriver or file.
- Trim with a sharp blade, cutting from the underside.
- Poke the bolt holes through from below.
Full guide: how to apply grip tape.
Step 3: Mount the Trucks
- Push bolts through from the top.
- Add risers if using them.
- Place each truck with the kingpin facing the center of the deck.
- Thread nuts on and tighten in a cross pattern until the bolt heads sit flush with the grip.
Step 4: Install Bearings in the Wheels
- Remove the axle nut and one speed ring from a truck axle.
- Place a bearing on the axle and press the wheel down onto it.
- Flip the wheel and press the second bearing in the same way.
- Or use a bearing press.
Step 5: Mount the Wheels
- Slide a speed ring onto the axle, then the wheel, then another speed ring.
- Thread the axle nut and tighten until the wheel spins freely without side-to-side play.
Step 6: Final Checks
- All bolts tight and flush.
- Wheels spin freely without wobble.
- Trucks adjusted to your liking; see how tight trucks should be.
- No wheel bite when leaning hard.
Prefer ready-made? See what a skateboard costs and beginner skateboards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What parts do I need to build a skateboard?
A deck, grip tape, two trucks, eight bearings, four wheels, mounting hardware (eight bolts and nuts) and a skate tool.
Is it hard to build a skateboard?
No. With a skate tool and a little patience, most people can assemble one in under an hour.
What size hardware do I need?
Commonly 7/8 inch or 1 inch bolts; use longer bolts if you add risers.
Which way do the trucks face?
The kingpins face toward the middle of the deck.
Do I need speed rings?
Yes, use the small washers (speed rings) on each side of the wheel to reduce friction.